A Brief History of Hooks and Eyes
In all my years of sewing doll clothes, I've believed the common notion that hooks and thread eyes are the only "proper" way of closing up a dress. Well. I'm thrilled to...
Outside the Lines
The posts in this category are just what its label says, i.e., every single thing ever written without categorization. If you want to read straight through from the very beginning, go to the last page and work your way through backwards. The most recent posts are always added at the top of the first page.
Lavinia’s (First) Wool Dress
I might well have titled this post "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, because this project was a bit of everything. First the bad. Many dresses of the mid-1800's were made...
Lavinia’s Wool Morning Dress
The best laid plans . . . do often go astray. Lavinia's first dress was meant to be ready for fall (thus the short sleeves) but "life" got in the way. So...
Her Crowning Glory!
For many a woman (and many a doll) her hair is her crowning glory - unless time, overzealous styling, or genetically poor luck has rendered things otherwise. If your doll isn't blessed...
Squishing and Squashing and Eating Crow
As I attacked the next layer of Lavinia's underpinnings, I was forced to admit my strong opinions might not always be right. But before I confess my ignorance, let me show you...
First Things First
Before I could spoil Lavinia properly, I needed to put a few base elements in place. The first priority was anchoring her to her stand. I've always favored saddle stands to others,...
A Fine Collection
John Bright, a renowned historic costumer, amassed a large collection of antique clothing as part of his fashion research. You can see many of the highlights HERE.
Visions of Things to Come
My post today serves two purposes. I'm not ashamed to say the first reason for a quick update is that it allows me to press pause on the next step in slip...
Teeny-Weeny Shoes
As with all fashion, the footwear of a particular time provides insights about society as a whole. This article on the footwear of the early 1800's is an enlightening look at women's...
Hobbling Along
You won't be surprised to hear I intend to spoil Lavinia rotten - which immediately posed a problem. She was wearing a lovely pair of antique boots when I bought her, but...