'Lace in Combat' Outfit and Some Thoughts on New Projects

Hello all! Awhile since I have updated the blog but I have been very busy both costuming and acting in a play. I hope to have the pics from that up soon. In the meantime, here is my latest doll creation: the 'Lace in Combat' outfit, featuring an army jacket, dress, leggings, necklace and boots made by yours truly.

I have dozens of ideas and inspiration for new projects and new posts to revitalize my blog. I hope now that the play is over I'll have more time, but we'll see. There are so many things grabbing for my attention. I believe I forgot to mention that I snagged a Singer 4411 Heavy-Duty during the Labor Day sale at Joann's and I have been thoroughly enjoying it! It sews twice as fast as a normal machine and for a speed sewer like me, it's heaven. Easy to thread and use too--my first machine with a top-loading bobbin, if you can believe it. I promptly christened it 'George'.

Aaaaand with the new machine has come a new interest in sewing...I've been picking up half-yards of fabrics on sale for doll dresses since there is a Joann's now five minutes from my house (yay!) and a Hobby Lobby ten minutes away. I think it might probably turn out to be too much temptation in the long run, but I'm having fun for now! ;)

I've also been thinking about doing a 'cheap but nice looking college outfit of the day' series, lol...would any of you be interested in that? Most of my finds are from thrift stores and it's fun figuring out how to dress nicely on the cheap.

Also there is a list of sewing projects running through my head...I really want to make a winter coat, have purchased the fashion fabric for it in fact, so that is a major one...there's an infinity scarf or two....a drapey sweater thingy....an orange skirt and a teal sweater I want to refashion...and a whole bunch of doll dresses too. I guess we'll see what happens. ;)

Cecile's Summer Dress

Addy enjoys modeling.

This dress was a request from a client--she wanted one of higher quality than American Girl's version and more similar to the book illustration as well.

American Girl's cheaply made and sucky version...
//
(not my photo)

...vs. the book illustration!

I had so much fun making this dress! From the search for an appropriately yellow fabric and mint trim just the right shade,

I couldn't find yellow striped fabric, so I sewed down stripes of cream-colored ribbon instead.

 to the pretty lace on the petticoat and the pleating of all that tiny trim (it may seem tedious but I adore it) 

to the meticulous skirt gauging, I enjoyed every minute. I don't know, I just really enjoy the challenge of making something similar to a picture, finding the right fabrics and trims and deconstructing the pattern from mere clues. And this one was a bit of a doozy--look at those sleeves! And that yoke! 

I wish I had a cage crinoline to show off that full skirt!

The blouse pattern was one I modified (slashed & spread it as well as added a yoke) from the American Girl Kirsten patterns. The sleeves were from Josefina's patterns, again heavily modified. And then I just added a full & long skirt (to fit over a cage crinoline) and a high collar, and there you go! 

I don't know about you, but I think my version is vastly superior to American Girl's *sniffs*
;)

Yellow Fabric: thrift store blouse

Mint Trim: Hobby Lobby

Lining: a sheet my grandma gave me //  cotton lace from JoAnn's

Addy's Apple Picking Dress

Addy loves this pumpkin-colored paisley dress! It's trimmed in cheerful red, with puffed sleeves and a yoked/pleated bodice. It even has a white collar and cuffs, very accurate.

I took inspiration from several Civil War CDVs for this dress, and sewed it up with special details such as piping at the yoke line and a full gauged skirt. You can find it in the shop. 

I think Addy rather likes it, don't you?

Doll Clothes, Vintage Sewing Machines, and an Etsy Shop!

Lots of big news here! I have finally, after much deliberation, opened my own Etsy shop. At the moment I am primarily making doll clothes but am open to requests/commissions of another nature. (Email me at ladysresource (at) yahoo.com to discuss orders or if you have any questions.)

Anywhoo, on to the pretties!

'Caroline's Herb Gathering Dress'

The linen apron was made from a pair of pants I got off the 50 cent rack at Salvation Army!

This ensemble was inspired by the newest addition to American Girl's historical line, the regency-era Caroline. It features a cotton printed dress, linen apron, necklace, and a basket of accessories for tramping through the woods.

Gathering basket, bandages, dried flowers and real glass bottles!

'When Wishes Come True' dress

And here we have Kit modeling the "When Wishes Come True" dress...it comes with a tiny 'Wish Dust' necklace! Both ensembles are for sale in my Etsy shop. Plus more to come ;)

The most challenging part of all of this is opening a shop without any sewing supplies! All of my sewing stuff is still packed away in storage and I am making do with what my grandmother has lying around....which means I get to sew everything on her 1963 Singer Featherweight!!

This machine is a dream. It's an absolute dream. At 50 years old, it sews better than either of my modern (name-brand) sewing machines--although it only does one stitch. It takes heavy fabrics very well. It's lovely and adorable and tiny and quirky and very, very quiet. My grandma bought it in 1963 to patch my grandpa's Navy jeans and paid $3 a month on it. (!) I think I shall christen it 'Betsy'.

My grandma also graciously donated the use of her dining room and dining room table, haha...here you can see all of my various upcoming projects. ;) I've never had a room specifically devoted to sewing, nor a large enough surface (besides the floor) to cut on so I'm very grateful.

A Marie-Grace Christmas

Since Marie-Grace is the newest addition to the doll family here at home, I thought some Christmas presents might be appropriate.

replica of Caroline's Birthday Dress

antique book and candleholder

pearl-and-cameo necklace

Game of Graces

red silk taffeta Christmas dress, 1850s style

sleeve detail

Isn't she a beautiful doll?

She even got a new room, courtesy of some foam board and floral fabric from the stash.

(That's Great Aunt Edna over the fireplace. Great Aunt Edna is very stern.)

Methinks a background for the window is in order!

And what would Christmas be without a friend to share it with?

Addy has become our new Cecile!

Dress and necklace made by me.

chemise and lace-trimmed drawers

Skirts for Little Girls

This was a fun project. :) The owl print fabric is from JoAnn's and is a nice lightweight twill weave. I didn't use a pattern, just the little girl's measurements, and accented it with a pretty pink ribbon at the waist.

The skirt is box pleated to a wide waistband in front; the back features three rows of elastic. I used this tutorial to achieve that half-elastic waistband style. It was my first time attempting it and it went pretty well, considering. It seems a lot more confusing than it really is. ;)
 

The other skirt is a pretty cotton paisley print, also from JoAnn's.  This was made up in the simplest of styles (good for beginner lessons!), with an elastic waistband. Very quick, it took only an hour. :) The multicolored prints hide stains and expand the wardrobe to go with a variety of blouses, and the skirts can be worn with or without the flannel slip, prolonging the outfit's use.

Matching doll-sized versions...

 And of course, one must do something with all that scrap fabric...

...and girl-and-doll purses!

Matching Girl-and-Doll Flannel Slips

A smaller version of the flannel slip for little girls! This one is gathered to a comfy elastic waistband and trimmed with pretty pink and cream lace.

It can be worn under skirts and dresses or as a skirt-and-legging combo itself, as the flannel is quite thick. And of course, no young lady's ensemble would be complete without the matching doll version!

Regency Lady and Gentleman--Doll Outfits

 
I made these for a client a couple of years ago. She wanted a set of outfits for her daughters' dolls to mimic Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy from their favorite movie, BBC's Pride and Prejudice. Pictures and screencaps from the Costumer's Guide were an immense help in getting this order done.

I chose to remake Lizzie's gold-striped gown. The fabric is actually a curtain set from Wal-Mart. Underneath her dress she wears a tucked, bodiced petticoat; split-legged drawers, and stays. Her dress comes with a matching drawstring bag. I wanted to make opera gloves but hadn't time.

Mr. Darcy is appropriately attired in breeches, a shirt and tailcoat. I drafted all of his garments and I think they turned out pretty well, considering I've never done men's clothing of any kind (or any size!) although his outfit does look rather like a bullfighter's costume from far away! I don't remember where the wool and lining came from; probably a thrifted skirt or something.

Thanks to Ruthie for modeling and Rosemary for her willingness to assume gentleman's attire. ;)