Scallops, How I Loathe Thee!
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways. . . Seriously. First there's the design transfer, then you have to outline the top and bottom of each scallop, and add...
Projects
The drop-down menu above can take you directly to each doll’s wardrobe page, where there are only posts for that specific doll. On this page, you can read about all the wardrobes in progress, in whichever order I happen to add something.
Surprise! The Old Ways Still Work
When I decided to make Bernadette the LSDS 1912 Music Carrier, I knew I wanted to use leather. What I didn't know was how to transfer the complex design. This is what...
Bernadette’s Accoutrements
When Bernadette arrived in California, she brought a small wardrobe with her. This included the slip she's wearing in the photo above, as well as a corset and shoes with crocheted socks....
Edwardian Beauty Was Not Skin Deep
During a recent conversation, a friend commented on the beautiful simplicity of Edwardian fashion. She's very lucky we were on the telephone or I might have had to hit her. I said,...
Nothing Glamorous Happens on Picture Day
Maddie and I headed out to the garden this morning with high hopes of making something special happen. We had everything we needed - including a wonderful Manet poster to use for...
Desperately Seeking Frosting (and Sprinkles!)
Maddie's red sprigged summer dress has been nicknamed "the cupcake dress", for obvious reasons. I had to explain to the girls what cupcakes are. Now they all want me to stop sewing...
The Devil is NOT in the Details
You often hear the phrase, "the devil is in the details", which means imagining something wonderful is easier than actually making it happen. But - however benign this reference to satan may...
By the Skin of My Teeth
I need to get better at predicting how much fabric one of these enfantine dresses is going to take. Especially when ruffles are involved. Because what you see above is all that's...
Life at a Snail’s Pace
Yesterday I spent seven hours cutting out one piece of Maddie's next dress. Clearly, my expectations that it would be finished by Monday were way off base. C'est la Vie. Sometimes, drafting...
Maddie’s Cotton Play Dress
While I diligently stitched tucks into Felicity's drawers, Maddie harumphed around the sewing room grumbling about priorities. It's summer. She wants to run and play, and up until a week ago she...