I’m sorry again that I didn’t get to your comments. Once again I will read them when I get in bed. I did remember today was when Barbara’s hubby, David, was having his knee replacement surgery… I do hope that went well… and I know Ingrid is looking for a new and bigger house for her family’s needs. I hope she finds something just perfect for everyone!
My day was filled with returning a pair of curtains that didn’t quite make the cut, buying the 1 x 4 trim boards we need to do the trim work in the sitting room, buying a new curtain rod for my big picture window… and then I decided I wanted to sew as much as I could so you wouldn’t have to endure a post with just one shot of Addy in her bodice with a pin stuck in place…
I did get some sewing done and you can really see it’s coming along. It hasn’t been hemmed yet, and there are no snaps on the back, but I did get the snaps sewn on the cuffs of the sleeves. The pin has just been stuck in place… (I’m pretty sure I’m going to use it…)
I wish my pictures looked a little brighter than they do. The fabric is truly a gold color and the aqua trim is much prettier than it appears too. I might have to do some outside pictures… but then there won’t be the Christmas tree… maybe it’s just because it’s 11:45 at night when I took those pictures…
Well, I better get them shown and get to bed. I’m going to try and get ALL the painting in my sitting room finished Wednesday. I think I can do it. Then we can start on the trim. We are wanting to get the baseboard trim done so we can get the bookshelf back in place, so we can get the books back on the shelves and then get the blankets back in the big wardrobe so I can make the bed and get the guest room straightened up. My goodness that was a long run on sentence!
I’m discovering painting, and doing trim and sewing and making dinner and deciding on curtains and going to hayrides and phone calls are hard to do all at the same time… I LOVE all of those things, but just maybe not in the same week! :o)
Here are some pictures… Addy’s definitely going to need a crinoline with this dress… she wanted a LONG Christmas dress, so I said it was okay.
I sewed some baby vintage rick rack on the sleeve seam to give it a little pop of color… Of course I used my favorite white fabric for her collar. You can see the color the best in this picture… It’s really pretty!
I haven’t sewn her pin on yet, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to use it. It just goes wonderfully well and I don’t think it looks too big now that the rest of the dress is put together.
I’ll have to decide what I want to do about a bonnet for her dress…
Now I’m just going to need a name for this one… I haven’t even looked at my Christmas names I’ve collected, but there might be something that comes to your mind that would be perfect!
Well, that’s it for me…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Addy’s dress is just beautiful, Jeanne! I love that you added that rickrack for a pop of the aqua–it’s so pretty with the gold! And the pin is perfect, too, I think.
I would probably call it “gold elegance” or “Christmas elegance” or something like that.
Sally asked if it was helping now that I’m dispensing Ron’s meds to him, and I think it is, at least mentally. He seems quite a bit perkier since his Dilantin level has gotten better! He’s still getting those shakes at times, though, so I’m really glad he’s got doctors’ appts. coming up–the cardiologist on Friday and his GP on Tuesday. I hope they can figure something out–or maybe it will take a trip to his neurologist (not due for a month yet) to connect the dots on this particular puzzle.
I was so touched Sunday when two of the ladies at our church came to me with offers of help and encouragement, reminding me to take time for myself, not be afraid to ask for help with Ron, etc. We do have a wonderful church family! I have, this past couple of weeks, making a concerted effort to do something sewing-related at least 3 days of the week. Last week I finished a top for myself; tonight I cut out the pieces for a new purse. It’s therapeutic for me to sew!
Dear Charlotte, I am so glad to hear that you think Ron is perkier. It will be good, though, to have those future appointments. Sending you a hug.
Sally
Charlotte, Thank you for your kind words, to comment on your comment… I have spotted a house that has a one bedroom apartment over the garage. The main house is one story so no climbing stairs for me or Mom (yeah!) The rooms are large (3 bedrooms and a huge kitchen) and with a full basement there is plenty of space to get away if needed. The drawback is it was built in 1966. Yikes! I’m pretty sure it hasn’t been touched since. Well there is an AC unit and a gas generator that look fairly new but that’s it for updates. Who puts wall to wall carpet in a bathroom?? Maybe they never raised any boys… LOL Anyway the house has been on the market for a LONG time. We continue looking but keep coming back to this one because of the lay out. Praying God helps us make the right decision.
I pray you and Ron get some encouraging news from the two upcoming doctor appointments. Having a good support system is so wonderful. I’m very happy that you have that. Please keep me posted on how things go at the doctors! And keep on sewing!!!
I LOVE the puffy sleeves, Jeanne! They certainly do add elegance to the dress! I too, think the brooch is sized just right and matches the dress so well. I also like that little rick rack trim along the sleeves, the perfect contrast that the dress needed! A crinoline will hold the dress out perfectly! As you can see, I’m “all in” with everything!
I’m wondering about a hat. She wouldn’t necessarily wear one inside the house, but it would make the dress more versatile, so that she could wear it with or without. Your Civil War dresses always look so complete with a hat! I’m wondering if a small capelet might be sweet, but with the collar and brooch, it might cause problems at the neckline in getting it to close, but certainly would give it a more “wintery” look. After all, it is a winter outfit!
A title? Well, since the dress is gold, maybe something with”glow” in the title, like “Christmas Glow”, or “Holiday Glow”. I’m sure others will help out with this!
It sounds like November is going to be plenty busy for you! Before you know it, one week of November will be gone, but we will get an extra hour added Saturday night! Think it will help? 🙂
I think those are some of your prettiest sleeves and the fall of the skirt is just lovely. My first thought was the this is one of your most graceful dresses, so I called it Christmas Grace. I do like Holiday or Christmas Glow a lot. What have you got in gold that would work for Felicity?
Addy is lovely in this. I’m sure she will ‘giggle’ with happiness over a crinoline!
Good morning,
Miss Addy has every right to look happy as a clam in this gown. I didn’t realize at first that you had used rick rack: I thought it was cloth piping. Still, it does add a super pop to the beautiful sleeves. Also, I like the idea of a long gown. Addy can carry it off in spades.
Hope you do get that painting and the baseboards done. Sure would be a big boon to get the bookcase with books back in business and the wardrobe holding its blankets. Good luck today, Jeanne.
Marilyn and Linda both had good name ideas. I’m drawing a blank. Too much distraction around here since late last night. Always something.
Have a good day. Barbara, hope David stays on top of the pain with meds these first many days. “Toughing it out” is a horribly misguided idea.
Sally
I somehow thought you had finished the painting in the “Never Sit Down Room.” Guess not. Well, hope you can finish it up and get the trim added because it will be so lovely when you’re done. I know it will all come together soon. And I hope you can do George’s office floor too. You are very fast on those floors now. I think you should become a consultant for the flooring company. 🙂
Seeing Addy’s dress from afar, the pin no longer seems to swallow the outfit. I love the color choice for the baby rickrack. Matches the lighter color of the flowers perfectly. I think Addy will be proud to show off her new frock at the Christmas bazaar and tea this year. It is perfect. I’m seeing lots of fun name ideas being tossed around. Maybe I’ll come up with something later. Need to think on that. 🙂
Joy, hubby and I have been casually looking for over a year. Our hope was we’d find something large enough and in a well rated school district, after having Danielle (my daughter) here for two years with our youngest grand we really missed them when she moved out. Our hopes were we would find something divided where she’d have privacy but we could still see Dominic every day. Now our search has become more imperative and even though ideally some privacy would be nice what’s needed is basically 3/4 bedroom house with rooms and hallways large enough to maneuver a walker/wheelchair around comfortably. Sadly Danielle and Dominic will be remaining in her very sweet but small two bedroom… unless I hit the lottery. LOL Also to answer your question yes we staying in the area. Hubby works in Niagara Falls so we are keeping our house searching to the Wilson NY, Lewiston NY and Youngstown NY areas.
Have you found a pattern that you love and can’t live without yet?
Thanks for the house info. Hope you don’t have too much trouble finding something that will work. So many new homes are built with a second story now because of small lot sizes at least here anyway. We fortunately have a one level, so we’ll be okay for awhile anyway. It might also be necessary to remodel a bathroom too. I really like those that have a walk in shower so there is no step or trip area. If you find the ideal home, maybe you can add a granny unit for your daughter and grand. Lots of folks here are expanding with those. They sometimes even crane them over the top of the existing home. 🙂 Just a thought.
I did look again yesterday at patterns, but still haven’t found exactly what I want. Guess I’m too picky. I’ll keep looking. Now, I need to head over to Joann’s and pick up some fabric to make a mattress, pillow, and coverlet for grands new RRFF.
How about Golden Afternoon? It was a golden afternoon when sweet Addy, carrying some treats for the bazaar, stopped to admire the lovely Gingko Tree in front of the Larson’s house. It’s cascading array of yellow golden shimmering leaves perfectly matched her new ensemble made by the fashion expert, Miss Jeanne Marie…..
Beautiful idea!
This Christmas dress is absolutely beautiful. Graceful and elegant for Christmas. Addy looks lovely in it. The Walker’s must be planning a very special Christmas for Addy and her mother to create this beautiful dress. I love the stately pin and the added blue lace on the sleeves.
Perhaps Addy could be holding a gift? Something special in a basket or on a tray?
Jeanne, some of the offered names are really good.
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for Addy!
Charlotte, Glad to hear Ron is doing better and also hope Barbara’s David does well today.
Jeanne, hang in there, you’re almost done with your projects!
I’m calling today Ron and David day. Good news for Ron and hopefully a great outcome for David. At least it will be over… dreading it is almost worse than getting over it. Keep LOTS of ice on hand. Sometimes it is better than pain pills.
Addy’s dress is going to be outstanding. Is a bonnet type hat a style that would work? I can just see that pretty face surrounded by a brim of the fabric.
Good luck luck finishing up construction☺️
Addy’s dress is gorgeous! All the suggested names are great so it looks like you already have plenty of choices. The pin does work perfectly with the completed dress and I really like the rick rack embellishment.
Charlotte, I’m glad to hear that Ron is doing better and hope with the visits to his doctors he can be stabilized so you don’t have to worry. But he is sure blessed to have you watching out for him.
Ingrid, if you don’t mind moving to Sealy, TX, I have the perfect house for you. Look up 1031 Meyer St. in Sealy. One of my daughter’s friends lived in this house and it was getting kind of run down. It has been refurbished and is absolutely marvelous. And when I looked at the listing I found that it had a separate guest house. Very nice. It’s doubtful you want to move here but having another dolly enthusiast in town would be nice.
Yesterday was a very busy day so I never got to see the blog until bedtime last night. Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts for David. He’s doing better than expected. He had to have two visits from the physical therapist before we could leave the hospital yesterday and each time he was walking very well with his walker. He’s been around the house a couple times today. We were at the hospital from 10 a.m. until around 6:30 last evening so with a trip to the pharmacy we didn’t get home until about 7:30 p.m. Then there was getting everything situated and him comfortable. I got up this morning to get his coffee and found he had already done it himself. I’m not a “needs to be needed” kind of person so I’m big on encouraging do it yourself, but this was definitely not what I anticipated so soon. He’s kind of tied to his chair until Friday when the big bandage comes off and he no longer is tethered to his ice water system. He has a catheter with pain medication and he seemed to be having a little problem with that. He readjusted the tube thinking it might have gotten pinched some when he got dressed yesterday. We’ll know in a little while whether that was the problem. But he also has oral pain meds he’s taking. He’s not a big one for pain, so there is no problem with him staying on top of the pain. I’m the one that tends to test the pain limits because I don’t usually feel a lot of pain. I’ve been reminded often the idea is to get out in front of the pain rather than try to catch up with it. David has a daily shot to prevent blood clots Son Jason gives the dogs most of their shots and this was a no-brainer for him so he is doing that daily for 15 days.
When I had the grandkids Monday we were setting up to do some dolly photos when my camera died. I totally forget to plug it in before I intend to use it. All of that is on the counter in my kitchen and I hope to finish that today. It’s more of a fashion show with a classroom backdrop because some have asked to see some of the things I’ve done and some of the other girls have asked to show some of their new things. Maybe I can fill in the gap between Addy’s dress and the next.
Looks like you’re coming to the end of your to-do list so there is a light at the end of the tunnel where you can sew till your hearts content.
LOL you made me smile! Barbara I’d love to play dolls with you and a move to a refurbished home sounds like a dream! Sadly hubby still needs to work four years before he can retire so we are stuck here for the time being.
I’m happy to ready David is doing so well. How wonderful for him. Praying for a speedy complete recovery.
I guess early retirement is out of the question. Or maybe a long distance relationship? You can see how desperate I am for a playmate. I’m sure you will find something to meet your needs. I think your plans are wonderful and I’ll be praying for you to find just the right thing.
Well, this is great news about David and his recovery. Can’t believe that he is doing so well. I understand that those ice machine’s make a big difference so glad that he has one. And so glad you have a talented shot giver nearby.
Hi Jeanne,
Im happy to read someone reached out and the RRFF dress has found a home. I was going to say what a nice start on Addys dress but oh my it’s nearly completed wow!. The pin looks so pretty with the fabric you selected. What a lovely choice for a 1860’s Christmas dress!
Hope you get all your painting done and everything that you had planned for the day too. With your drive and determination everything will be ready when Rebecca and Karm visit. I’ve got a feeling Thanksgiving at you house will quite the party.
Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and prayers! Yes Sally, Marilyn said it all eloquently! I wouldn’t want anyone else to care for my Mom but me.
Hugs to you all
Ingrid
Jeanne I love the dress and I am with Joy on this, when I first saw the beginnings of the top I thought the pin/button was overwhelming but now it looks just right. I am totally useless at picking names so will wait to see what you choose from those offered. I love the drop shoulders very Victorian, she definitely needs a crinoline. I really hope you can get everything finished soon. You really aren’t Superwoman even though you give a good impression of it and it all may catch up with you if you don’t slow down a bit!!!!!!
Charlotte, I hope the doctors can sort Ron’s problems but glad you have taken over his meds. Barbara, I am glad David has come through his op OK. I’m not a natural carer so was very lucky that my Dad didn’t need a lot of hands on care though I did provide it when necessary.
It looks like Christchurch dodged a bullet, a woman (unvaccinated) was given permission to travel to Auckland (which has been in lockdown for 80 days) for childcare, presumably her grandchildren. When she came home she had a cold which she passed on to her partner and after two weeks decided to get tested and they both had covid! By this time they had passed it on to two other close contacts. However, so far they are the only cases here though someone passing through Christchurch on the way to Tonga landed in Tonga with it, their first case ever.
Our Government has given up on eradicating it again, they have accepted that now it’s here to stay. Had everyone done as they did in the beginning (last year) and isolated we might have had a chance to get rid of it again but too many people ignored the rules and unfortunately most of those were the younger ones who hadn’t been vaccinated yet. The goal now is 90% vaccinations before we will open up properly. A lot of positions now will require vaccination (like teaching) and they have till January to get vaccinated or lose their jobs.
Hi Anne,
I’m so sorry about the covid issues your country is facing. Like you said it’s a virus! Stopping it will be a ever ending job. I’m waiting for our government to do the same. It’s coming I’m sure of it. There are so many people quitting their jobs over the mandated vaccine here it’s disturbing. Stay safe!
Today is a big surprise. In May 2021 I purchased a used AG Nanea doll on eBay. Unfortunately, the parcel was lost. I have already come to terms with it and today the package arrived unexpectedly. My joy was great because after I disappeared I was angry on eBay. But I have no other source to source American dolls. Greetings to all the sisters from the sofa.
Dear Alina, I am so happy that your package arrived with Nanea. I am sure she is happy to be home.
I know what you mean about ordering dolls that have to travel a great distance. Sometimes I order dolls that come from outside of the US and I do kind of “hold my breathe” until they arrive.
I hope Nanea will give you much joy.
What a good story, Alina! We all love good stories, good endings, and new dollies! Hurrah for you and Nanea. I’ll bet she will have a lot to tell you about her trip!
👏❤️