I listened to several of you who wanted thigh highs for the Ruby Red Fashion Friend’s Christmas dresses. I dug through my stash of little girls tights (what I mostly make my thigh highs from) and found something for each girl… Sara got a pair of white knit thigh highs, as did Rozen… and Stella’s dress looked best with a pair of shimmery gold thigh highs.
I thought I’d show you…
I found a pair of shoes that fit my Nyssa doll that “sort of” work for Rozen… they are really huge on her, but you can’t tell it too much from looking at them from the front.
Everybody happy now? My girls are too.. now to get those presents wrapped! :o)
Now, onto the Swap items from the Dianna Effner Little Darlings… Every year the Little Darling forum has a Swap where you are given someone’s name and you secretly make them things for the Little Darling doll and send them your surprise box… Then you are the recipient of someone’s gifts too. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve participated in a few… It’s really hard to say which is more fun…to give or receive! :o)
Well, Charlotte sent me pictures of the Swap items she sent to the lady she was given. I’ll let her email tell you about her pictures…
Picture 1 –Maisie (left) in the sample outfit I made from the Simplicity pattern #8574. I made the tunic top and leggings, and made a couple of little adjustments to the garments as I made them. I was kind of going for a “Hanna Andersson” look with the print top and striped leggings, and I love how it turned out.
Cora (right) is wearing the outfit I sent to my swap partner. I had the heart print still in yardage (the others were scraps left from previous projects!), so first I cut out a summer top for myself, and then cut out the tunic top for the swap! Fortunately I had a big enough scrap of the pink interlock (and it was the Right pink!) for the leggings.
Picture 2 –I also made a little knapsack for each of the outfits. Maisie is modeling the test knapsack, and Cora the swap one (if you look closely, you will see it is a Tinkerbell print!) I started with some I had seen (in child size) at Build-a-Bear, and I knew that I had the directions for one in my Mary Mulary/Rita Farro book of gifts to make, so I followed those instructions but scaled it way way down! I stuffed a bit of tissue in each to make them look “full”.
Picture 3 –This is a closeup of the outfit with the shoes, tiny crayons, and pink hair clips I included with the outfit. Every girl needs accessories!
4–In this picture you see a couple of additional items–some truffles for the “mom” and a tiny Viewmaster with a reel!! I was thrilled to find it at SnapDoodle Toys (where I also got the tiny crayons). Years ago I got one of these tiny Viewmasters, but it was attached to a keychain, and I often wished it hadn’t been!! I guess they finally realized people weren’t using them as keychains but as toys! (However, I think mine came with two reels–I’ll have to check.) I used mine with my 8″ Madame Alexander travel dolls (I have three). You can also get a closer look at the little knapsack.
Now, wasn’t that fun to see? Thanks Charlotte…she told me she’d send pictures of the swap items she “received” in a few days…
But tomorrow, I’ll show you some Swap pictures from Kathie!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
The new thigh-highs look wonderful with the dresses, Jeanne. I agree, the glittery gold ones are just right for Stella’s dress–more shimmery than glittery, I’d say, from looking at it, but the right amount of glitz, anyway!!
Thanks for sharing my pictures tonight! If anyone is interested in trying that Wellie Wishers pattern for her Little Darling, I’ll be happy to share the changes I made.
In looking thru yesterday’s comments, I wanted to congratulate Anne on the addition of Sara to her collection. These are such fun dolls to sew for, Anne; I know you will enjoy Sara!
Would you mind sharing which AG pattern from Pixie Faire (with the smocking by machine) that you used? I’d be interested in taking a look. Not that I’d give up hand smocking, but it’s always nice to have another technique to add to one’s repertoire!
Congrats on your new machine, Anne!! Considering how much sewing you do, and the problems you’ve been having with your old machine, it’s really not “bad” to buy a new one! I hope you’ll have many happy hours of sewing on it!! I have five sewing machines myself, and one serger. Although my Viking #1+ is truly #1 in my book, and I use it for Everything, my other machines have their places, too–well, my Viking 6430 does need some work before it’s usable again, but I hate to give it up because I sewed on it Almost Daily for about 25 years!! It’s a real workhorse. I also have a little Babylock 2300 (quilt n craft) from about 30 years ago (my “class” machine), the new version of the Elna Lotus from about 5 years ago (makes The Best buttonholes Ever!!!), and, my most recent addition (3 years ago), a Singer Featherweight from 1948!! (I also “have” grandma’s treadle machine but it’s down at my brother’s right now…lack of room!! LOL)
Dear Charlotte, the outfits are lovely. I am so happy you participated in the swap this year. I do think that each year they get better. We will have to work hard to top ourselves next year!
Charlotte, the pattern was “Originals by Gaby (OGB) Machine Smocked Dress”. I would make it slightly longer, maybe even two inches longer, if I made it again. I will send a photo to Jeanne when I get my Sara and photograph her as well
Your outfits are great I am sure they were very well received. Look forward to seeing what you got
Thank you, Anne!!
Left you a note earlier, but it has disappeared. Anyway, your swap was great. What fun with those crayons and view master as well as the outfit too. đ
Oh my word girlfriend … That is a LOT of sewing machinery! yikes confession time. I still have my sewing machine from 40 years ago (skips stitches and makes me so crazy… that finally a fews years back I bought a new machine. Each time I use it I need to crack open the instruction book because its digital and I can’t remember the setting I like to use. LOL Kudos to you. I can’t even remember the name of the machine I bought lol although if it had been the Bernina I wanted I’d remember : )
I’m a Bernina fan too, and my machine is older than yours — I was supposed to be going on a date, but my roommate burst in and said, “There’s a Bernina sale and this is the last day!” I had no car and she was ready to drive me. I never regretted my decision.
Love the thigh highs. They really finish off the wonderful dresses. All the girls look perfectly attired for that holiday party or Saturday brunch at Grandmother Jeanne’s. Ha ha. Just kidding about grandma. đ
Charlotte’s swap things turned out great. How fun for the receiver.
Went out to sprinkle the zinnias yesterday. They were so dry after our big winds. Coming back up the other way, I tripped on the step which is now covered by plants in pots that I’ve started, and of course grabbed the nearest thing which was a rosebush. Kind of felt sorry for the bush which survived quite well, unlike my palm which now has some new decorations. Guess I had better clear away the volunteers coming up so I can at least see that step. đ
Still sewing on the orange/black although, it is getting a little old. The pattern I reduced for my RRFF Siblie looks like a good fit. Maybe I’ll have time for more progress today. đ
Have a great middle of the week everyone!
Oh, no! Yes, clear the walkways, Joy. Have to break the bad news, but we are getting older and need all the clearance we can get. Hope youâre oK. I can send you the exercises I am learning for better balance so you, too, have a better chance at staying upright!! Sure, go ahead and poke me in the arm.
Seriously, do hope youâre all right but that hand must be wicked sore. Hope to see the Halloween outfit one of these days. Have a great day without a fall. đ
Dear Joy, I hope you are better now. Yes, do clear the way so you can safely navigate.
Good morning, all,
Jeanne, these sets really are gorgeously festive. The thigh highs are always welcome, and if you add little gifts, well, they will put these dresses over the top. They really are so, SO pretty! Hope you had a great time doing them, and it seems that we all think your cobbling skills have come a long, long way. Wow!
Charlotte, my goodness, little Maisie and Cora look so comfy in their tunic/legging sets. What extra fun to have the knapsacks with such darling goodies! Itâs probably a really good thing I donât live anywhere that has the sort of access to fun little accessories. Well, we do have a dollar store but I never go in. Your swap recipient truly scored with all your thoughtful touches and wonderful outfit. Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing what came your way.
Well, five sewing machines. Iâm impressed. I cannot imagine the space required, let alone the skills to use the various ones for specific purposes. God bless you.
Anne, sounds like your spring is acting like spring always acts everywhere. A little tease of super nice weather, and then a rap on the head for starting to dream about outdoors and gardens, with cold snaps. Spring is mercurial, but you know youâre headed in the right direction. Congratulations on the new sewing machine. May it perform as you wish it to, consistently, for years to come. Iâm sure if I had the right machine, I might be tempted, but I would rather buy dolls. Has Sara arrived? Oooh, we canât wait!!
Alina, I am thinking of you and your family. Debbie, I am glad you are getting a little break in NC. Packing up is such work. Love to you both.
OKâŠmy news. Hung Hung told me she needed a sister, so last night I obliged. It wasnât hard to do.
Have a super day. Hugs all around. Thanks for sharing, Charlotte. Looking forward to the auctions, Jeanne.
Thank you for the memory. I read the daily entries, I can’t start sewing, but I do knit for dolls. Maybe I’ll send Jeanne some photos to show them. Greetings to everyone, it’s good that you are here.
The thigh highs are awesome and really top off those superb dresses. I hope they do very well.đ€ Charlottes little outfits weâre well received tooâŠcan you believe that Viewmaster?
Sally..you must visit the dollar store..mine is the Dollar Tree. Gift bags, cookies, disposable foil pans with lids(3/100) knee highs to make Dolly tights, plastic containers,and of course âTotally Awesomeâ their brand of multi purpose cleanerâŠlike 409. Ok, so much for my commercial for the dollar store. What âsisterâ did you order?
Joy you were so lucky! Sorry your hand took the brunt of it but better than breaking something. I hope you got the thorns out and you should soak it in warm water and Epsom salts!
HummmâŠ.wonder who is going to get the next Jeanne creation?
Hi, Kathie. Dollar Store/Tree should be paying you for your promotion. OK, I will stop by this week and see what I canât do without! đđ
Ruby Red Galleria Girls of the Orient, Kadinana in red and black. đ„°
What pretty tights, Jeanne! Just what they needed! Each doll looks darling in her outfit and once you get them the presents to hold, they will look like a Christmas card if they stand in front of a Christmas tree!
Charlotte, the outfits you made are simply darling and who wouldnât want one of those? They look extra comfy and stylish too! All the little âextraâsâ make it so much fun! I love the little View master. I had one as a child and now my dolls need one too! I had no idea they existed in doll size!!
Dear Jeanne, your three girls, whom I think of as The Sew-premes, are stunning in their ensembles. They are definitely ready for their holiday debuts.
Charlotte’s outfits are lovely. I really loved the Viewmaster!
If any of the Sofa Sisters have Little Darlings and are interested in the group, please let me know.
Hi Dorothy,
The Sew-premes! I love that!
So sorry about your hand, Joy. Even if you had time to realize it was a rosebush it’s a reflexive mention to grab something.
The thigh highs are a wonderful addition and really complete the outfits
Your swap outfits are so cute. I loved and bought my share of Hanna Andersson clothes many years ago.. They had the cutest striped dresses with reverse color striped bike shorts underneath and little sailor tops with buttons on the shoulders. Even bought a matching mother/ daughter set once.
Those “World’s Smallest Toys” are so cute. I recently added a Rubik’s cube to an order for my dolls.
Hi Laura.. I agree the worlds smallest toys make such fun toys for our “girls” … Rubik’s cube! I may need to add one too. I recently bought a few Hallmark christmas ornaments for my girls, Hallmark’s house ornaments make sweet little dolly doll houses.
You lovely girls make me feel much better about buying a new machine. Sam and my friend Margaret said much the same things. I do a lot of sewing and it is my happy place. The stopping and starting and less than pristine finish (not that I am up to Jeanne’s standard!) was making it my unhappy place. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet though I did play with it a bit. It was just too cold, windy and miserable yesterday so I stayed inside and did some work on my hexie quilt. Unfortunately yesterday just happened to be bin collection day and my bin was thrown over in the wind and the lid smashed off. It is my Red bin too which is the one for landfill rubbish (and the one where I dispose of the doggy bags) so it really needs a lid. I will ring the council but I don’t think they will come until Red bin day which won’t be for another two weeks. It is still cold this morning but not raining and I don’t think it is windy either so an improvement. The dog might get a proper walk.
Hi Jeanne,
Happy Hump day! My word just when I thought your lovely ladies were ready to list you throw in another surprise! Your lovelies look ready for this years christmas party, what fun they’ll have!
I received Rebecca’s ty note. How sweet to get a handwritten note and something handmade and so pretty to boot. I honestly believe many young people don’t bother anymore, my grands for example. I did have a rule at my house when my kids were little. When they received a gift they were not allowed to spend or use their gifts until thank you notes were written. I know I’m such a mean mother! LOL
Speaking of sweet surprises… my my Charlotte but you went overboard! Your little darling outfit came out beautifully. All the extras put your gift over the top. I love the “Worlds Smallest” things they are the cutest. I have a few of the fisher price mini’s they offer they are the perfect size for my meadow dumplings.
Joy, I’m so sorry to hear you took a tumble. Ouch! Using a rose bush as a grab bar yikes! Not good. Hope your hand feels better soon. I agree and second it… soaking your hand in warm water and epsom salts will help. I too am in the soaking in epsom salts club only my issue is the result of a pedicure gone wrong. My poor big toe will survive … I hope! LOL
Hugs to all the sisters
Ingrid
I usually end up making tights for my girls because I have tights patterns but I have to admit that as far as dressing them I do like the thigh highs. The Christmas dress I bought from you for my Lissy has them and they are quicker than tights. The girls all look lovely in their completed ensembles. I like the idea of selling them separately but also showing them all together. Very tempting that way.
Charlotte, I love the swap items you sent and can’t wait to see the ones you received. All the clothes are so cute. My girls would love them. They are big on the casual look. The swap sounds like so much fun and I might do it next time. I think I belong to the Little Darling forum. I belong to so many dolly things I lose track. I need to be more committed to the cause.
Anne, congratulations on your new sewing machine. That is always an exciting event. Wishing you many hours of enjoyment with your new addition to your happy place.
I have three machines and a serger. I have a Pfaff David bought me in 1981. I had a Kenmore that was working well but he liked the Pfaffs and felt I should have one. I loved the feature that allowed me to set the speed so that when my daughter wanted to use it I could slow it down so it was more manageable for her. It was a wonderful machine for years, but then I started having trouble having it repaired. Some of the external parts were no longer available. The thread holder broke and could not be replaced. I solved that problem with a thread stand, but then the bobbin winder broke and couldn’t be fixed. I bought a stand-alone bobbin winder but that got to be a pain so I started looking at other options.
When the embroidery machines came out I wanted one but they were dedicated to embroidery only and I could not see spending the money for a machine that only did embroidery. I waited a few years and sure enough they came out with a machine I could use for sewing, embroidery and quilting. But they were so expensive. I decided to buy a Singer Futura that did it all and was not so costly. It had a serious problem with the tension from the start and I had to send it back to have it fixed. It worked for awhile and then the problem started again. With the tension being wonky it pulled up the bobbin thread on my embroidery designs so they looked awful. I decided to take it for repair to the place where my hubby had bought my Pfaff. I knew if it could be fixed they could do it. And they did.
But while I was there dropping off and picking up my Singer I started looking at the Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking all-in-one machines. The Pfaff was off the chart in price, but the Viking Ruby (the middle of the line at that time) was on sale and I felt I could manage that, since they were going to let me put it on layaway. After four months I picked it up and it has been my go-to machine for everything since. I want to get the Pfaff fixed because it has sentimental value, not to mention it was a great machine with it’s “walking” foot. I keep the Singer in case my granddaughter might want to sew some time so we can do it together. I have the machines facing each other in the middle of the floor and it would be fun to have her for a sewing buddy. I’m working on getting better with my serger but still tend to only use it when I have to. In addition to all these I also have a treadle machine.
All that said, I think I’ll go in and sew. I’m nearly finished with the RRFF blouse I’m working on. One more blouse to go and I can take pictures of some of the girls that I’ve been wanting to do since school started.
Like everyone else, I loved the tiny Viewmaster. I had a human sized one and we bought it new views on every vacation.
As one of the people who requested thigh-highs, I must agree with others and myself that we were absolutely right. They finish the outfits perfectly. The gold stockings with the gold shoes are especially perfect.
We had amazing, light up the whole yard lightning last night and first frost this morning. It’s definitely time for a fall dress with a bonnet and cape.