This is where I sit and sew. Just like the Emily in the HAVERTY’s commercial, I love my chair. Even though I got it at a different store, I picked the style, fabric and trim. It was supposed to have nail-head trim on the wings and arms, but I opted for velvet piping instead, much softer. I don’t love the pillow I made, it’s too soft. One day, I’ll make … Continue reading
Since my flip doll is currently for sale on eBay, it’s time to start another. I keep a box of potential flip dolls I’ve collected in my sewing room. This time, I’m going to do a triple flip. I’ve done this before and it’s not as daunting as it sounds. All three dolls stand between 3 3/4″ and 4″ tall and have similar bodies, so the same patterns will work for all … Continue reading
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Now it’s time to gather the top edge of the slip, attach a waistband, sew lace to the bottom edge (optional) and add a drawstring. To gather the top edge, I thread my needle with a length of thread that is longer than twice the circumference of my slip. I will be sewing two lines of gathering threads all the way around the top edge. Begin sewing just beyond the … Continue reading
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My flip doll is complete and is for sale on eBay. It is always nerve wracking to watch my stuff on eBay. Who knows if I’ll make a profit? I usually list my items at a low starting price to attract more bidders, but that means my doll may sell for far less than she’s worth. I’ve mostly been lucky, but it’s a crap shoot. Here she is before and after. … Continue reading
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One day, I’ll show you how to make shoes for your dolls. I know how, but it’s a bit fidgety. In the meantime, let’s look at some doll shoes made by other people. First, here is a pair of antique heeled boots. They are black leather, decorated with buckles and shiny metal buttons. They belong to this lovely lady. She is a German, painted-eye fashion with such a sweet face. Her … Continue reading
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Today, I am going to show you how to begin sewing your doll’s slip. We will sew the back seam, finish the open back edges and hem the slip. Next week, we’ll attach the waistband and sew on the lace. Read through the instructions before you begin. At the end, I’ve listed a few hints for easier, faster stitching. In the 19th century, undergarments, blouses and other garments that were … Continue reading
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If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve probably figured out that I have a lot to talk about. I do. The only problem is, writing my blog leaves me very little time to do other things, like sewing, reading, and playing with Supergirl. And I do have a regular, paying job, too. Even though I work at home, on my own schedule, it’s kind of important to spend some time … Continue reading
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This tiny, all-bisque doll stands just over 2 1/2″ (6.5 cm.) tall and I love her. She is not considered to be a Lilliputian, even though she’s the same size. She was made in Germany and her body, legs and head are all one piece. Only her peg-jointed arms move. This type of doll is often called “early” all bisque, but they probably weren’t made before 1880. Her cobalt blue … Continue reading
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Meet Mademoiselle Bru. She told me that she wants to dress in 17th century costumes. I think she wants to be a fairy. This is an early 17th century masque costume drawing by Inigo Jones (1573-1652). He was an architect, stage designer and theatrical masque designer. When I got hooked on 17th century embroidery, a good friend asked me how it applied to dolls. My first reaction was, why does … Continue reading
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I loved my dolls when I was small. There was nothing better than a new doll on Christmas morning. I played hard with my dolls, so few of them survived. As with most girls at the time, I started with baby dolls, moved on to girl dolls, then graduated to Barbie. The first doll I really remember was Marybel Gets Well. I loved making her sick or injured, then curing … Continue reading
