Another day of painting and probably 1/2 a day more and I should be finished… the baseboard trim we put up years and years ago just underneath the big window and the computer area was taller than what we are putting up now. When we took that trim off, it left a ridge just above where our new trim comes to, so the area at the bottom of the walls had to be spackled and sanded, so that put me behind… UGH!
I just have the computer area to finish up tomorrow and then it’s onto priming those baseboard trim boards. They’ll have to be painted and then put in place… THEN we can move the computer desk back…(YAY… my hubby said we can find something smaller and WOOD, but not just yet.) I’m just happy that a new desk or table is down the road. I bought this big monstrosity particle board thing about 15 years ago for $79 on clearance, and while it’s been okay, it’s pretty beat up and really too huge. I’d like something smaller and “prettier” but don’t tell my hubby. He’s more a “practical” guy and I’m more a “pretty” gal…
I worked on a few things for Addy this evening… I finished her crinoline and while it’s not an authentic style of the Civil War era, it works very well for her dress, holding it out and not going flat.
I really didn’t have any fabric I wanted to use for her crinoline, so I opted to use my favorite white tulle that I make so many of my doll slips from.
I made the skirt part 2 layers and on the bottom one I added a casing with the boning run through. The upper layer is just finished off with a pretty white lace at the bottom.
You can see the boned section underneath but the nice thing about it is the skirt doesn’t get mashed flat…it stays nice and full all the time.
I’m hoping by the time I get ready to list this dress set, I’ll have the lighting figured out… it’s SUCH a pretty fabric in person.
I managed to get Addy’s dress hemmed and it sits just above the floor.
See how the crinoline holds her dress out perfectly? I had it REALLY big the first time… took it apart…cut the boning about 3″ shorter… put it back together… it was still too big… took it apart a second time and cut about 3″ more off it and it was STILL too big around. Finally the 3rd go around I got it right!
I love having the drop yoke on the top of my slips. It helps SO much with the bulkiness at the waist when you have one that ties and is made from a fabric that’s a bit thicker…
When I got the dress hemmed and put on with her crinoline, I turned my thoughts toward her hat or bonnet or hair accessory… and I looked over at my fabrics and saw this piece of aqua linen that might work. I haven’t decided on anything yet, but it’s a start…
I hope you’ll stay tuned as I try to get this dress set finished up…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Addy’s dress is beautiful, Jeanne, and the crinoline adds just the right amount of fullness. Now, that aqua linen…hm, I wonder what’s next? A cape, perhaps? (If Addy lives in a warmer clime, she may not need a truly warm cape, more of a summer-weight one.) Or some kind of hat or bonnet?
Ingrid, it sounds like you might have found the right house! Be sure to have a licensed inspector look it over to see if there are any major flaws, such as in foundation or wiring, and get those addressed before you make a decision, though.
I had to laugh about the carpeting in the bathroom–having raised one boy, I know just what you mean!! (And the same can be said for old men… Haha…)
I will be sure to update you all after each of Ron’s appts. Thank you all for your concern. Tonight I cut out a second purse, and also finally got the skirt cut (just two straight pieces, so I used the rotary cutter) for the summer nightie I started cutting out last Feb. I am planning to smock it, but it’s very lightweight fabric, so I will pleat and smock a swatch before I commit to smocking the skirt. It may be that a simple, gathered skirt will work better with this fabric.
HI Charlotte,
I’m a bit late today but decided to jump right in and get some comments answered. I haven’t decided anything with the aqua linen just yet… still trying to decide.
Boy, I have to give you a gold star for your efforts on your sewing, Charlotte… when you’ve sewn forever, you just HAVE to find time to sew, don’t you? I commend you on sewing even when things are happening around you!
Blessings, Jeanne
Very pretty slip, Jeanne, and it gives the added fullness to make the skirt stand out so daintily.I don’t think it matters one bit that the slip isn’t what they wore back in Civil War days! It’s the final appearance that makes it worthwhile.
At this point in time, I think a hair accessory would be better than a bonnet, unless she was also getting a capelet. That aqua piece of material seems a bit bright or something by itself, but I know you will do the right thing! You always do!
Thank you Linda,
I thought the slip made from tulle would be okay with everyone… after all, it’s not even seen, so it just needs to make the dress stand out…and it does! :o)
I am rethinking the aqua linen…it seems too Eastery to me… so I might have to pass on it…at least for a bonnet… We’ll see…
Blessings, Jeanne
Her dress and crinoline look beautiful and her pin matches her dress very well. Well done!
Thank you Karen,
I’m glad you are liking it so far…
Blessings, Jeanne
Another beautiful civil war dress. I’d like to suggest that you sew the pin onto a little of the aqua fabric and ravel/fringe the edges (I loved that look you used to do). Since Addy always looks so sweet as a young lady with her hair pulled back by a large bow, using the aqua and dress fabric for a large hair bow with some pearls sewn on to match the pin is a suggestion. The aqua fabric accents the ric-rac and will pull it all together. Don’t suppose Rebecca left any turquoise crystal beads behind? Oh well maybe buttons? Can’t wait to see what you decide on. Love it so far.
Love your ideas, Dorothy! 🙂
Great thinking! I love these ideas, too, and have one of Jeanne’s Civil War gowns with that neckline treatment. It’s wonderful! Bow and beads for the hair, and a reticule. 👍😁
Hi Sally,
Yep, a reticule is just what I was thinking too! :o)
Thanks Sally,
blessings, Jeanne
Great ideas Dorothy! I love the big hair bows.
HI Dorothy,
You must have read my mind…that is exactly what I was planning on doing! The pin gets a little bit lost in the fabric and I thought a piece of fabric behind it might give a little pop of color. And I had pretty much decided against a bonnet, but a bow is just the thing for her hair…
Rebecca took all of her beads, but I have a few of my own I could use…
Thanks for your kind comments… and for being on the same wave length as me! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
So glad you’re taking the time to sand off that ridge. Unfortunately, some years ago when we replaced part of the baseboards, we didn’t bother to sand. Guess what? That ridge is still there. 🙁
Very happy to hear about the new desk of the future. I think it will look so nice in the alcove with maybe a lovely painting hanging above. 🙂
That aqua linen looks like it matches the rickrack perfectly. Cape? Not sure what you call it, but maybe a band type hat with ties? or maybe a little bag to carry? Looking forward to seeing what you decide.
Please don’t wear out Jeanne the painter. She’s needed to finish the flooring as well. I’ll bet your arms are pumped. Wish your energy would jump on over here for awhile. 🙂
Excitedly awaiting the introduction of a new RRFF doll here in the U.S. for a change. It was mentioned and partially shown by Ed of Happily, yesterday. 🙂
HI Joy,
I finished all the painting today…well, at least on the walls…now onto the baseboard trim.
I was excited about getting a new (er) desk for the computer… this one is pretty ugly and it’s so huge!
My arms ARE pooped… and tired… from that painting overhead…fortunately that area in the computer section of the room isn’t too big.
I did see that notice from Ed about 3 new dolls being introduced… exciting to even think about…
Thanks for the email too!
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, Jeanne, I am tempted to say, never mind that baseboard correction, or don’t get too carried away with perfection for that area. On the other hand, when so much love and sweat has gone into this entire remodel/renovation job, you would always notice it like a blunt stick in the eye. You would’ve regretted NOT taking the extra time. Oh, you and George are going to be some darn proud and pleased with your “new” home when it’s all done. It’s going to reflect all of your love for the house and each other. A very special home, indeed.
Now for Addy’s gown. Sigh. Wish I “needed” another, but I certainly don’t. That fabric is totally gorgeous and your slip certainly does its job perfectly. I love Dorothy’s suggestions above and added my two cents. No matter what, it’s going to be a perfect charmer.
Yup, I saw that RR will soon add a new doll to their basic line and three new limited editions that will tempt me and that I need like another hole in the head. I finally wrote the shop in Spain from which I purchased Marianella back in July and she was due in September. They replied with the good news that she is on her way to their warehouse and should be ready to ship at the end of this month. Hence, instead of September, I’m looking at early December. Ed also said that the By the Sea dolls are ready to ship and those who preordered, have the choice of having the dolls shopped to them directly from China or wait until he gets them, when he will ship them, but that is looking like adding another month. It appears Alice is sold out but Samantha’s has said nothing yet about when they are due. No word yet from Un Bonheur about Phanie and Victoria. I thought I would write Emmanuel next week. They are due this month. Uh-huh.
So, sunny day. When I washed the windows a few days ago, I thought they were pretty decent. Well, get that old sun coming through, and my eyebrows are up to the crown of my head. Guess the step ladder comes out again today or tomorrow. Boo! Hiss!
Have a lovely day, ladies. Hope David is still feeling like making coffee and Ron doing ok. Maybe you have found the house meant for you, Ingrid. Alina, how is Nanea today? Settling in with her new sisters? What a long, long trip she had to get to Krakow!
Hugs,
Sally
HI Sally,
I was so sick of painting and sanding imperfections, I just wanted to skip the ridges too and paint over them, but I knew I really should do the best job I could so it didn’t bother me later, if I happened to see it… or someone else did!
Thanks for the compliments on Addy’s dress. I might have to let Rebecca try it on too.. .I held it up to her and she looks pretty nice in the color the dress too…
I’m glad Marianella is a little bit closer to making it home to you! I looked at that Victoria gal, and she is so adorable!
Sorry about having to re-wash those windows… they get dirty so fast, don’t they?
Thanks for all your kind comments, Sally!
Blessings, Jeanne
Nanea got a floral dress, which I sewed in the summer while waiting for her. She wandered around the world for six months. She was driving from Ventura, California. Now she is waiting for the bag I crochet for her.
HI Alina,
Oh, my goodness, that is WAY too long to be trapped in a box! I hope she knows how much you love her!
Blessings, Jeanne
Hope David is still up to making coffee☺️ Glad it is over. Are you the “ice” person?
I admire your detail oriented pre painting sandingJeanne. All of those things make a difference. If you had not sanded off that ridge your eye would go to it every time you walked in the room🥴
this way it will look great.
Oh my….that slip ! It makes such a difference even though it seems quite small it makes the skirt just the perfect fullness. The two layers are so pretty.
Oh.. for those of you who use EBay. I am helping a lady sell her dolls and a couple weeks ago one sold for a good amount. …. But the buyer didn’t pay. eBay emailed them and I did too…so the auction was canceled. I relisted it but it didn’t sell…but the day the second listing ended I received an email that the the original payment was made. At first I was excited but how could a canceled order get paid for? Luckily ebay will actually answer the phone and help you☺️ The customer service person was soooo nice and he was baffled too. He consulted his mgr and neither one could figure it out…but could determine no money was paid. They made sure I wasn’t charged any fees. All the changes they are making may come back to bite them🥴so be careful😉
The petticoat is perfect after the alterations. Your patience in being willing to rework things is what makes your dresses so special. The ric rac really defines the drop shoulder. Love the pins you use on the dresses. Another real winner! 🥰
Thank you Susette,
Now if I could just get the dress totally finished and listed! Why do I always have so many interruptions? Oh well, I’ll get it done soon…thank you for your kind compliments!
Blessings, Jeanne
HI Kathie,
Yes, now as I look at the big picture of the room and all the stuff I did to make it better, that sanding was a piece of cake… but so glad I did it…
Thanks for your kind comments about Addy’s slip… it worked out perfectly as the first two I tried were WAY TOO FULL! I couldn’t even get her dress to meet in the back at the bottom of the skirt! Yikes!
I’m like you, not so sure some of the things Ebay is doing is working out like they hoped they would… I don’t like it when things get SO complicated and it takes you forever to figure things out! I don’t have time for all the time it takes to solve the problems!
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a difference the slip makes. The dress is now pure perfection. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
David had a bit of a problem yesterday afternoon and evening but seems to be doing much better today. He’s the worst for wanting an immediate recovery. He was convinced he had an infection and was running a fever. He’s been on antibiotics since before surgery and has another day to take the prescription. I took his temperature and it was fine. Not even close to what they told me to look out for. I went through this with his bypass too. I tell everyone to pray for him for his surgery and then after to pray for me. Even with his bad knees he had more energy than me and sitting around does not suit him at all. Thankfully he has a Nook and loves to read. He has his first PT this afternoon. Thanks for everyone’s kind concerns.
I have not used ebay lately. I’m not sure what changes they made but it seems they should not have. More than a bit chllly here today. Our temps are not expected to get out of the 50s. Jason came over to give David his shot this morning and said he woke up in the night freezing. He lives in a mobile home and in Texas they are not well insulated. He had to turn on his heat. I haven’t had to put it on in the house just yet but I did dress warmer today.
I’m sure the physical therapist will wear him out. Hopefully, everything continues to improve as it should. Maybe you can get some rest here and there too. I’m sure you’ve been doing lots of running around.
And on to dollies. If you get a chance, on the Happily FB site, Ed posted a couple of photos of the soon to be announced new Special Edition RRFF kids. Only from the back, but looks like more of the wedding party. A red head boy and a brownish haired girl. Both in formal attire. Can’t wait to see them. 🙂
I definitely need to check out the Happily FB site to see the new Special Edition RRFF kids. Can I justify a new doll for being such a good caretaker? And yes, David was very much worn out when he came from PT this afternoon. I had dress rehearsal this evening for our concert Sunday and when I got home he seemed to be recovered. Tomorrow the big bandage comes off and the brace will no longer be needed. I think he will feel a whole better with just that.
Thank you Barbara,
I’m glad you like Addy’s slip! She does too! :o)
Your hubby sounds a bit like mine… not wanting to stay still because he has “things he just HAS to do!” I know a bit about what you are going through… my hubby has BOTH of his knees replaced at the same time… talk about brutal, but he wanted to get them done at the same time so he didn’t have to “recover” twice!
Silly man! But he did it!
I got cold last night too…and actually put the fleece blanket that I sometimes use on top of the blanket, under the covers on top of me…then I warmed up!
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne
The dress is beautiful and the slip is perfect. It may not be precisely period, but if they’d had what you have, this is what Addy’s mother would have chosen.
The dress is perfect — whatever goes in her hair need only not to distract from it. I like my name for it and Linda’s, but I’m tempted today to call it “Perfection.”
Thank you Marilyn,
I sometimes wonder if there were ladies like me back in Civil War times who wanted to go against the grain and do something unconventional? I bet there were…
Awww…thank you so much! You and Barbara both called Addy’s dress Perfection!
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, the dress looks lovely. I like those colors on Addy.
Your house restoration makes me think of the TV show Houses With History. I wonder if you or any of the Sofa Sisters watch it. I enjoy learning about house restoration and also about how houses were constructed a 100 plus years ago.
Thank you Dorothy,
I appreciate your kind words about Addy’s dress! I like these colors on Addy too!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen that program, “Houses with History” but I bet I’d like it. I bet Cindy has seen it! :o) I do like to watch the renovation shows that we can get and usually always learn something I didn’t know…
Thanks so much,
Blessings, Jeanne
So cute!
Thank you Joy!
Blessings, Jeanne
Lovely, just absolutely lovely! And the brooch is fantastic.
Thank you Conni,
I’m glad you like Addy’s dress and her “brooch!” Now to get it finished!
Conni, I think you were the one who commented that you might pick a gray color for your next painting project… I just wanted to tell you, I have lived with this Comfort Gray color for a few weeks now, and as much as I’d like to tell you it’s a pretty gray, I see the gray tones very infrequently… in my room, with the lighting I have, it pretty much stays the bluish green color most of the time… I do like it, and it’s such a pretty color, but I’m not sure it was exactly what I was hoping for. My son came over and he thought it was the same color as before… it’s a softer shade and more calming than what was up there before. I’m hoping when I get some furniture and things on the wall, it will seem a little less aqua-ish… and if not, I really do like it…
Blessings, Jeanne