Lily Auguste was created in 1867. I have decided. Since she’s a grand 29”, exhibition-size fashion doll on a luxury wooden body, I want to believe that she was created for the 1867 International Exposition in Paris. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I have collected books and magazine annuals (or archives) from that year for costume inspiration. So far, I have collected three annuals (bound compilations of … Continue reading
I’ve finished the 11-tuck skirt of Lily Auguste’s first dress. The tucks are not perfect. Looking back at my inspiration, a dress made by school girls for Rose Percy, I think they were driven to perfection by their instructors, used a very precise sewing machine or they were robots. I am not a robot. I am human and I can live with my wonky tucks. Whilst hand sewing 660 inches … Continue reading
I’m writing this post while sitting with DH uncomfortably on the top row of bleachers at a truck & tractor pull on a cool Saturday night. My butt hurts and I’m bored. So this final pair of Little and Large from the Fashion Museum of Bath is meant to distract me from my plight. I really like this doll. The Museum describes her as follows: Object number: BATMC VIII.01.70 Object: … Continue reading
This “Little and Large” pairing is dressed for an afternoon stroll. Here is how the Fashion Museum of Bath describes the doll and her dress: Object number: No NumberObject: Fashion doll, circa 1880s Description: Circa 1880s doll with bisque porcelain head, shoulders and arms. Purple silk skirt and bodice. A good quality fashion doll, popular 1860s to 1880s with realistic body shape designed to show off the latest fashion. Probably … Continue reading
The next “Little and Large” pair from the Fashion Museum of Bath’s Collection Stories exhibit features shades of plum silk. The Museum’s description of the doll tells the story of her journey to Bath: Object number: BATMC VIII.01.7 Object: Fashion doll, circa 1870s Description: Circa 1870s fashion doll with wax head in plum satin and cream lace dress. Original catalogue: Early 19th century. Wax head, arms and lower leg. Powdered … Continue reading
Yesterday, I shared a solitary doll from the Fashion Museum of Bath’s Little and Large exhibit. But the main focus of the exhibit is side-by-side comparisons of human-sized and doll fashions. The first doll/dress pair from the exhibit is beautiful in BLUE. I know, I’m obsessed with BLUE. I’m not ashamed to admit it and I’m not interested in a cure. Here’s the Museum’s description of the doll: Object number: … Continue reading
“We need to go back to Bath.” That’s what I told DH when I saw on Facebook that the Fashion Museum of Bath (England) was opening an exhibit called “Little and Large”, featuring people-sized 19th century fashion alongside dolls dressed in clothing from the same period. Of course he said, “okay”. But it’s really not possible for us right now. I truly wish it was. When we visited Bath in … Continue reading
Progress is slow, but Lily Auguste will finally get new clothes. Her first outfit will be in the enfantine style. In other words, dressed as a young teen/pre-teen. Before LA arrived, I pored over many of my doll books searching for inspiration. My criteria for choosing costumes for my dolls starts with finding a dress that appeals to me aesthetically and is from approximately the same time period as the … Continue reading
Lily Auguste now has her first set of underwear. If you expect fast-paced sewing, I will disappoint you. I’ve had her since early December and finally finished her simple undies in early April. Four months. I sew quickly, but don’t sit and sew very often. LA stays home when we travel to the mountains, so planning, pattern making and her fittings have to wait until we get home. DH, our … Continue reading
Did you say lee-lee oh-goosed out loud? That’s my phonetic interpretation of Lily Auguste’s name with a French accent. As promised, today I’m going to share more photos and information about Mademoiselle Lily Auguste. NOTE: If you click on the photos, you can zoom in on the images. I just fixed this on my blog and will hopefully find the time to go back and fix it in previous posts. … Continue reading
