Hi everyone,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend… (especially Marilyn, who is dealing with “light” snow, STILL in May!) :o)
I got quite a few things done but none more important to American Girl dolly lovers than the completion of the Regency dress I have been working on.
I’ll show you what’s new with the set, partly on Elizabeth and then on Rebecca. Let’s start with the lace on the front of the dress… There is a scalloped edge on both sides of the lace I used… but the wider edge I centered at the top. It was a no-brainer to fit it evenly between the open square neck area… anyone who sews would have done the same… but as you look at the embroidered design in the lace, the flowers are NOT centered below the scallops… they are slightly off center. Let me show you what I mean.
I put some orange pins in the places where I would normally do a little bit of silk ribbon embroidery or bead work.
See how the flowers are slightly shifted to the left? If I emphasized those areas, it would look off center when you looked at it… but there was one little section of the embroidery on the lace where a few leaves stuck up in the center of the scallops… look here… I moved my pins to this spot.
But I could only put one small bead or a pearl and after squinting my eyes and really looking at the design of the lace, I decided the fabric was busy and so was the lace, so I decided to leave it plain, and just let the lace look lovely all by itself! :o)
Okay, next… I made a pretty hairstyle for Elizabeth by braiding 2 long braids on each side of the back of her hair… leaving a small strand of hair hanging down in between… After you get the braids finished and have rubber bands holding them at the bottom, take the strand of hair (about the same thickness as one of the strands of your braids) and weave it back and forth from one braid to another working your way down the braid. Just take your fingers and make a hole in the braids and pull your strand through. Then use another rubber band to hold it all together. (I’m going to try this on Rebecca when she comes home in a few weeks.) I decided to turn my braided hair up under and pin it in place.
Then I added this fun coral colored bow. It has a snap clip on back and easily goes wherever you like. It’s a wired ribbon so you can make it fluffy or flat, wrapped around your doll’s head or just left flat.
Somehow in my pictures it just looks too big, but in person, it’s very pretty and I’ve got it fluffed out and wrapped toward her head, but it’s hard to see… (I need a 3D camera, I guess!)
Then I made a pair of cream fingerless gloves…
Here are some pictures of Elizabeth looking pretty glamourous!
When it comes to Regency dresses, I love fancy headbands and bonnets, so I decided to make a small day bonnet and Rebecca will show you this… It was just a piece of the coral ribbon, with the same lace as on her bodice, laid across and embellished with some beads and a few folded silk flowers. Then I added ties to the ends and tucked them inside.
Here are the rest of the pictures on Rebecca… doesn’t she look sweet?
Well, I hope you like it… I’ll do my best to get it listed on Ebay, but my Monday is looking awfully full…
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’m glad you left the lace unembellished, Jeanne. If it were against a solid fabric, that might be different, but here, it’s perfect as it is.
Now I have to say, if you look at the entire floral spray, it IS centered below the scallops. It’s just that the floral spray itself is asymmetrical, so it Looks like the flowers are off-center. However, there is a spray of leaves off to the other side, which helps fill up that space.
Wow, Elizabeth’s hair is Gorgeous, fixed like that!! But I have to say, trying to follow what you said about how you achieved it…. I have a headache. (smile) I may have a number of talents but hair is definitely Not one of them. I’ve always said, God knew what He was doing when He gave us a boy, because boys’ hair is easy–take them to the barber, get it cut fairly short, and comb it. Sometimes it was so short, you could shampoo it with a washcloth! (Laugh)
I do like the little bonnet you made, and Rebecca looks quite elegant modeling it!!
Thanks Charlotte,
I’m glad you agree with me about leaving the lace “unembellished!”
I am going to find the video I saw them doing the braided hair style and share it with everyone… it really is pretty simple… you just need a doll with long hair for it to work best.
I know the bonnet was very simple but I like it too… dainty, if you will…
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Both dolls are so pretty, all “dolled” up, Jeanne! I was a bit puzzled about what you were talking about with the lace, and I certainly didn’t notice anything amiss, but when you showed it and I really studied it, yes, I see! Take it from me, most people are not going to care or notice anything like that! It is not a glaring difference, but to a seamstress like you are, perfection is of utmost concern.
I do love those finishing touches, the gloves, bow and hat! They are what make your originals, “real” originals!
My weekend was half wet, make that VERY wet, and half dry! At least, no snow!
Thank you Linda,
I appreciate your kind compliments on the dress set. I just listed it on Ebay! Hallelujah! It’s done!
We were wet too, but today was glorious! and yes, NO SNOW!
Blessings, Jeanne
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a doll with more beautiful hair than Elizabeth. Such a lovely hairstyle for her. And Rebecca does look quite spiffy wearing that little hat. I wonder where the girls will wear this sweet outfit? I’m sure it will be a special event. 🙂
Not looking forward to the heat the next few days. Supposed to be 87 today and 97 tomorrow. Help, I’m wilting…
And we are freezing! Well, not exactly, but we are having a cool spell here! It was in the 40’s this morning!
I check St. Louis weather regularly. Glad it is cooling down a bit. 🙂
Thanks Joy,
My Elizabeth doll certainly does have wonderful hair. I can do anything and any style with it… just about… It’s really fun to style.
Oh, you’ll have to check out where Rebecca is heading in her new dress… I just listed the set on Ebay this evening. It’s called Watercolor Regency.
We had heat in the 90’s last week with heat index’s over 100! Ugh…that’a a bit too hot for May!
Thanks Joy,
blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, what a pretty ensemble. I think that any doll will be able to channel her “inner Jane Austen” in that dress. The bonnet is so sweet.
Thanks Dorothy,
I am so glad I saved this fabric for a Regency dress! I think it’s perfect and glad you like the bonnet! It might be tiny, but it’s sweet!
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a great way to start the week. I would not have noticed any issues with the bodice….it is just so pretty. The dress, pantaloons, hair band, pearls and gloves make another Jeanne awesome ensemble. Good luck with the auction!
Thank you Kathie,
And thanks again for that piece of vintage fabric I used for the pantalettes. I’m pretty sure it was you who sent it to me. I just love it! I’m glad you love the whole outfit!
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh, Jeanne. Perfect decisions and perfect execution, as ever. If I were starting out with my AGs and clothing collecting, I would bid on this with a vengeance. Yup.
I’m with Charlotte. I tried to follow your instructions but once you got the two side braids, I was flummoxed. Doesn’t matter but it is breathtaking.
Weather has been crazy everywhere. All last week we were pushing 80 then Friday night we got 9” of heavy snow and another 3” on Saturday. Still cold nights so the hanging plants are back inside for the nights. Tuesday or Wednesday it looks like Salida May normal….70’s and sun. But this moisture was desperately needed. The creek fairly near us had gone dry. Not good.
Getting excited that oldest son, DIL, and youngest grandson will be here a few days the end of this week for our oldest granddaughter’s HS graduation. This is the son we did the river cruise with in Europe recently (and my husband got to stay in Amsterdam an extra 10 days because he tested positive and I was negative and we both had had our 4th shot.)
Happy May 23 to all.
Hi Sally,
I just had to comment on the Happy May 23 because today is my BIRTHDAy! I plan on a fun day and the kitties will have a new toy and a treat/catnip party. That’s the way I’ve always been, my pets get a new toy and treats on my birthday. When my daughter was very young she received a small present as well 🙂
Did you see the Downton Abbey movie yet? I saw it Saturday. very good with a semi-sad ending.
Wow! Happy birthday, Laura, and I must say, I like your style for celebrating with the fur babies! 👏
No, I have not seen the movie yet. Our theater here in Salida closed a few years ago and isn’t due to open again for another year or two. I may have to wait for the dvd. So glad you liked it, but a wee bit sad ending?? 😔 I noticed Lady Mary’s hubby wasn’t listed in the cast.
Anyway, have a birthday blast, dear sofa sister! ❤️❤️
Happy Birthday, Laura! You are certainly a good furmommy to have a little party for your kitties! I hope both you and them have fun!💕🎂😽
HI Sally,
Well, sounds like you are moving on… or HAVE moved on already to new dolls and new adventures. We had fun dressing your AG dolls for a few years, didn’t we?
Sounds like there is some kind of weather for everyone right now… snow, heat, rain, dry, windy, take your pick! :o)
Have a wonderful weekend with your family! Sounds like it will be a full house!
Blessings, Jeanne
Both girls look very pretty and I love the little day bonnet Rebecca is wearing. I need a “hair play” doll besides my Milargros (fka Josefina) at some point. I love my Marie-Grace’s wig but refuse to take out her original braid crown. Thank you for the birthday wishes, Jeanne.
It’s in the low 60’s here, but the sun is out..
A big Happy Birthday to Laura! I’m sure the kitties are enjoying their treats. 🙂
Happy Birthday, Laura! Hope you have a good one.
Dear Laura, Happy May Birthday! I hope your day is filled with joy.
HI Laura,
Let me say it again… Happy Birthday to you! What a fun thing to do to celebrate your birthday with your kitties. I bet they wish you had a birthday more often! :o)
Thanks for the compliments on the dress set… I like the little bonnet too… dainty and feminine… just like girls should be! :o)
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday Laura! I hope you treat yourself today also!
Beautiful fabric for the Regency dress Jeanne. The lace and the fingerless gloves add just the right amount of period detail. Rebecca looks so perfect in these colors.
The rain just started lashing at the windows. This is the front that dropped your temperatures in the midwest. Going to shut her down before the power goes out!
Thank you Debbie,
I’m glad you like all the pieces for this Regency set. I had fun making it and Rebecca and Elizabeth sure had fun modeling it… Elizabeth may have gotten short changed a little bit on her modeling time, but she’s okay with it now…
I hope you aren’t getting too soaked with the rain or anything else. :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
What a totally lovely outfit and both girls looked perfect wearing it. I’m not much good with hair myself and probably won’t even try to emulate some of the styles you do, but I do love seeing them. I love Rebecca’s bonnet and Elizabeth’s hairbow is so sweet and perfect with the dress and pantalettes.
What Charlotte mentioned about the motif is something I run into often when placing a design for machine embroidery. What I think is the middle of the design is often not what the digitizer considers the middle and I have to look at the overall to see that the positioning point is in fact the middle of the design.
I want to thank all my sofa sisters to the north of me who have endured the snow and cold temperatures in May to bring us here in Texas some lovely days. Yesterday when David and I went to supper it was 78 degrees with a lovely northerly breeze. When we went to bed it was 72 and dropping. Tomorrow I think our high is around 77. Absolutely beautiful and unexpected weather.
HI Barbara,
I’m going to try and show the video I saw where they were doing the hair like I copied for Elizabeth. It’s very easy and you’ll be surprised. Watch it a couple of times and you’ll be a pro! :o)
Lace that isn’t centered can be as frustrating as an uneven plaid and trying to make it symmetrical when you are sewing with it.
Today we had a high of 68 I think and it was wonderful! Not too hot and not too cool… just right! I could live with this kind of weather a long time.. :o)
Thanks Barbara,
Blessings, Jeanne