little sewies

Last weekend's distraction. The doll is a modern replica of a mold that first came out in 1926 or '27. I bought copies of vintage patterns from the era to make her a wardrobe. They really suit her; I'd love her to have a whole trunk of clothes! I made no attempt to find vintage prints, this outfit is created from stash, but it would be fun (if I ever have the money) to go looking for reproductions or old clothes that could be cut up. In the meantime, I enjoy creating quasi-old-fashioned looks with modern materials. Her hatband is tacked together on the side with an old mother-of-pearl button

and you can also see the bow in the back of her dress.

The doll is 14" tall, which is not particularly small. Creation of clothes no human will ever wear may seem frivolous (if I'm not going to be sewing for me, shouldn't I be making baby quilts for a shelter or something?) However, I find that it can hone one's sewing skills. Precision is a must; handsewing is almost always required. And recreating vintage things gives one a chance to practice techniques that may not be so common nowadays. This outfit was pretty easy, but try scaling it down to about half that size--you'll quickly see what I mean. It's harder than it looks to create something good-looking in miniature. I like to think of my doll creations as stretching the boundaries of my skills.

And now about me--the print collection for wardrobe summer '06:

YUM! Have I got plans for these! I'm going to try to wait until I've finished all my papers to cut into them. It will be my sweet reward for surviving this year. Only two more weeks... or so... but I don't know if I can hold off that long! I'm really excited about the bright colors (not unusual for me) and the large-scale blossoms (quite unusual for me). It's going to be a riot.

Comments

[grumperina]

Oh, what a sweet doll, what a sweet outfit! I completely understand that sewing in miniature can be quite a bit more challenging that sewing for an adult! You did a fabulous job :).

[June]

Awww, adorable! Are you going to make different era ensembles? (And she needs at least one "slutty" outfit!)

[wilbraham]

Carrie,

You don’t have to justify making clothes for the doll—the fact that you enjoy making them is more than sufficient justification by itself. Also, the prints look great.

[Emily]

I love the doll clothes! What a well-dressed little lady.

[diana]

Love the doll clothes. Not only are the sweet, but they are perfect! I am in awe of your skills. And look at those lovely fabrics. Does this mean you'll be more local this summer?