New dress for a large China, Greiner or Covered Wagon Doll
So this is what I've been up to the last week, a new 1845-50 dress for a 25 inch China Doll. It would also be okay for a Greiner or Covered Wagon, but might be too fussy for one of them, as they are really better suited to dresses for younger girls. But hey, all adolescent girls want to dress older, don't they?
This dress is completely handsewn, in the old manner, of 100% cotton reproduction fabric. I love, love, love this print! If I was still doing living history, I'd have to have a matching dress! Unfortunately, I only found a yard and a half of this so I'd be out of luck. So I can't cry about it. I used another reproduction fabric to make the false hem. I really like how this dress turned out.
I listed this on ebay yesterday, so if anyone has a naked doll, or just one who's name is Flora McFlimsey and never has enough dresses, please visit me on ebay...my username is robinseggbleu. No caps, no separations between letters, it's sometimes confusing when people try to look me up. I guess I should look myself up and see if there are any problems. Never thought of doing that before.
This dress is being sold with a lovely 'antique' petticoat. The petticoat is made from an antique petticoat, but not an antique by it's own right, as it's never been a petticoat for a doll before. I know, I know, I shouldn't cut up antique garments...that's a pretty big 'no no' . But I only cut up a garment if it's no longer useable or displayable. In some cases, I feel that one 'wrong' can become a 'right', and this is one of those cases. I only turn a petticoat into a smaller version of itself, to continue to be appreciated for the workmanship that originally went into it, and the same with dress materials. I think of it as recycling. Rather than let it rot in a drawer unseen, it can be admired in a new version of it's original self. This poor petticoat, had many 'womanly' ghosts marking it, making it sort of 'iffy' for display. You girls know what I mean, right? No one wants their DNA displayed in such a fashion. So I sort of work around it. Whatever is left after I plunder a petticoat is used for little drawers and a chemise. I like making doll's clothes in this way because they really lend themselves to smaller cuts of fabric, and I love to give the items a new life.
So this is what I've been up to the last week, a new 1845-50 dress for a 25 inch China Doll. It would also be okay for a Greiner or Covered Wagon, but might be too fussy for one of them, as they are really better suited to dresses for younger girls. But hey, all adolescent girls want to dress older, don't they?
This dress is completely handsewn, in the old manner, of 100% cotton reproduction fabric. I love, love, love this print! If I was still doing living history, I'd have to have a matching dress! Unfortunately, I only found a yard and a half of this so I'd be out of luck. So I can't cry about it. I used another reproduction fabric to make the false hem. I really like how this dress turned out.
I listed this on ebay yesterday, so if anyone has a naked doll, or just one who's name is Flora McFlimsey and never has enough dresses, please visit me on ebay...my username is robinseggbleu. No caps, no separations between letters, it's sometimes confusing when people try to look me up. I guess I should look myself up and see if there are any problems. Never thought of doing that before.
This dress is being sold with a lovely 'antique' petticoat. The petticoat is made from an antique petticoat, but not an antique by it's own right, as it's never been a petticoat for a doll before. I know, I know, I shouldn't cut up antique garments...that's a pretty big 'no no' . But I only cut up a garment if it's no longer useable or displayable. In some cases, I feel that one 'wrong' can become a 'right', and this is one of those cases. I only turn a petticoat into a smaller version of itself, to continue to be appreciated for the workmanship that originally went into it, and the same with dress materials. I think of it as recycling. Rather than let it rot in a drawer unseen, it can be admired in a new version of it's original self. This poor petticoat, had many 'womanly' ghosts marking it, making it sort of 'iffy' for display. You girls know what I mean, right? No one wants their DNA displayed in such a fashion. So I sort of work around it. Whatever is left after I plunder a petticoat is used for little drawers and a chemise. I like making doll's clothes in this way because they really lend themselves to smaller cuts of fabric, and I love to give the items a new life.
The dress is gorgeous. Sigh, you make me want to practice my sewing. May I suggest adding a link to your ebay seller page on your blog? It may make it easier for your fans to find and will direct them to a page with all of your items for sale.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress Robin! You are a Master at this!~
ReplyDeleteExquisite Robin!! Wow I wish I could make dresses like that! Beautiful fabric too!
ReplyDeleteNan
Wow Robin!
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for a new post!
Just beautiful!
XO Deb
Your doll dresses are fantastic! BEST WISHES VICKY
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, I didn't clue in on all the work you do with China dolls! I have an antique Greiner, passed down from my family. Would you be willing to take a look at some photos? It needs some restoration, maybe a recreation of its silk dress, and I am at a loss for what to do. I would be so grateful for your expert advice! That dress is stunning, by the way!
ReplyDeleteRobin ~ The dress is just lovely! I admire you for your attention to detail and historical accuracy. I use old textiles in my doll clothing as well, and the fabric I find are usually at the bottom of a box or in the floor at a junk store. I'd rather rescue them from the trash and re-purpose them for someone else to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'd love to add your blog to my blog list if you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteHello, wonderful dress! May I ask for a copy of the pattern?? I'd be willing to pay :) haysc21@gmail.com Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCarmen