Doll Clothes and more by A Confederate Belle

New Fashions for 2012

2012-01-18T03:36:00.000-08:00

If you have the chance, please visit my Etsy shop. There have been a few updates, such as my new shop name. I am now called Dixie's Doll Emporium. I am hoping to bring a more array of doll items besides just doll clothes.
And speaking of doll clothes, I have listed some new outfits with more to come. One of my newest pieces is a sailor suit dress. Available in blue, pink and other colors. I also have a sailor dress in a cutesy form as well. Although this pattern I may tweek a bit.
Another item is a new style 1860s dress that is made with attention to detail. And I also have a Lil Bo Peep ensemble now available. I am also making "sets" in which one can buy a dress, hooped petticoat and/or other items in a set. My new 1860s style dress comes with a hooped petticoat.
One other item that will be coming to the shop is a turn of the century style bathing suit with bloomers.

Make sure to check out my new dolls on Etsy too. I should be listing my first repro Izzanah Walker doll soon as well.

Musings for August.....

2011-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I really do need to update more. Ive been completely swamped with sewing historical clothing,doll clothes and finally finished my reproduction Izzanah Walker doll. At some point I'll try to post a pic of her here.
I am in the process of designing a sailor suit for the American Girl doll as well making up some sleeping bags. As for dolls, Im going to create some new dolls with hand sculpted heads. So each one will be different.

One of my latest projects that I just finished was a doll dress that I upcycled from one of my daughter's dresses she outgrew. It was a lovely pink with white polka dots and the bottom of the skirt was of pink eyelet.
I acquired a nice Danbury Mint Shirley Temple "The Little Princess" doll off of ebay. Unfortunatly she came with no clothing, but the price was right!! And she is now wearing the upcycled dress. In time I am sure I will make some more for her.

Easy Peasy Medal and Award Ribbon Display....

2011-05-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

A little off beat here today. Since I have not been here in such a long time,I wanted to bring you something a little different.
First off, sewing dolls, doll clothes and historical clothing has been very BUSY for me lately!! Every time I seem to complete one order, another one comes in!
So, today I am going to tell you how you can make a simple and low cost display rack for your child's medals and award ribbons. Or perhaps even yours!!
We are a competative family, sort of. Comes from my days showing horses! Anyway, I no longer show or ride. But I do enter alot of my sewing goods into our local fair and its rather fun doing so.
My daughter is also a Special Olympian and over the last few years since she started competeing in Special Olympics she has been acquiring a good amount of medals. And since her mama and papa are proud parents, we like displaying them.

What you need:
wooden thread rack (or you can buy one new at Walmart for like $10)
hand saw
Phillips screwdriver
six small screw eyes
paint
paintbrush
sandpaper
various ribbon
spray gloss

1. Get yourself a thread rack. Either you may already have one or you can purchase one cheaply. I had one that I never use. I prefer keeping all my threads in a box.
Get the wooden kind, which has six rows of spindles that are about an inch long and 1/8 inch in diameter. It also had two legs that pull out, so the thread rack can sit nicely on a table top and hold up to 60 spools of thread.
2. With the screwdriver, unscrew the screws that hold the legs on and remove them.
3. Next with the handsaw, you'll make a cut on the uprights that the rows are attached to. Make one cut just above the top or first row on either side, and another cut just below the second row on either side.
4. Repeat step 3 with row 3 and 4, and then again with row 5 and 6. What you should have is three seperate racks with two rows each. See picture.
5. With sandpaper, sand down the top and bottom of the uprights where you cut them apart.
6. Paint your racks in your choice of color. You can also decorate as you choose too.
7. Once all the painting is done and dried, you can take them outside and give them a coat of spray gloss to shine them up.
8. Screw in a screw eye at the top of each upright.
9. Next measure out about two feet of ribbon and run one end through the screw eye and tie. then run the other end of the ribbon through the other end of the screw eye and tie.
10. Your display rack is now ready to hang and display medals and ribbons!!

A Little Here and A Little There

2011-01-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

Oh I have been so bad about writing lately!! I've told myself I will do it more. But I've been so busy lately with sewing and such. Which I guess is a good thing!
So today I'm going to bring you a little here and a little there of what has been going on.
My current crunch project is my daughter's ballgown. I say crunch project because it needs to be done by this saturday. Yes! This saturday!! We'll be attending the Lee Jackson Dinner to celebrate the birthdays of General Robert E. Lee and General Stonewall Jackson. Always a good time, good food, and most importantly good friends!
Upon getting the bodice almost done, I discovered that after trying it on my daughter, it did not fit. UGH! Nothing more frustrating. I should have known better to do a muslin bodice first to test for sizing. I have found that Period Impressions are not always right on target when it comes to sizing. So if you acquire one of these patterns, please make your garmet first out of muslin. It will save you a tremendous amount of time, and fabric. When I made my husband's frock coat, I had to make it about two sizes bigger than what he actually wears. The strange thing is that I just finished making a girls paletote, also Period Impressions, and made that in her size and yet if fits beautifully!
I am now almost done with the bodice and then will have to construct the skirt which is fairly easy to do.
I've also been working on drafting a couple of new doll patterns for resale on my Etsy shop. One being a colonial riding habit. I still have to finish up my prototype which Im making out of a lovely fushcia wool. I've also came up with some cute little hats to compliment the riding hat. I hope to have some of these listed as well soon.
I hope to post some pictures of my daughter's bodice, as well as the riding habit in time for all to see.
Well, that is about it. Hope ya'll have a blessed day!! Back to the sewing machine.

Art Dolls Only......

2010-11-29T03:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I am officially a member of ADO (Art Dolls Only). This is pretty exciting for me. What is ADO? Art Dolls Only is an Etsy Team of much talented doll artists!
I have been gearing myself up to making more art dolls. After a whole year of researching different methods on making my repro china dolls, it has caused me to really take an interest in doll making as an art form. Most know me for always painting. I have not given up on painting. Just taken a different path. But doll making has allowed me to combine two loves, art and sewing!! And it can't get any better than that. So what have I been working on?
Currently I am still working on my second Catatonic Chloe. This one will be titled "Mice Krispies." In fact, I can't wait to get her finished to show her off!!
I've been working with sculpey clay and in trying to sculpt more realistic faces. This however, is not my expertise, and I still need plenty of practice there. But I plan on making some unusual doll creations with the sculpey. :)
For my first "event" at ADO, I am going to try the Jack Frost monthly challenge which starts in less than a week. I have already started my doll for this challenge. A snow fairy baby.

Meet Sara Jane......

2010-11-17T03:56:00.001-08:00

Sara Jane has arrived!! I seriously need to finish projects before starting a new one. But that is beside the point. The point is, Sara Jane is finished!!
Just like my Lizzie doll, Sara Jane sports the same model head just painted differently. She has lovely jet black hair and beautiful blue eyes. So naturally I wanted to give her a dress with a little blue in it to bring out her eyes!! She is such a lovely girl!
Her dress is made from a sunny yellow print with little blue flowers on it. When I saw this fabric I knew it was destined for a dress for one of the china dolls. Although it would make a cute apron dress for American Girl dolls too.
I wanted to try to do something on the lines with pagoda sleeves. But since the doll is much smaller that people, obviously. Doing pagoda sleeves with undersleeves was going to be a bit of a challenge.
So I drafted up a new sleeve pattern for my china doll dress bodice. The pagoda sleeves as well as the "undersleeve" are actually one sleeve sewn into the armsyce of the bodice. Her pagoda's are also lined with a dark blue fabric with gold flowers on it, as well the same fabric lines the bottom of the skirt hem.
I also have refashioned the bodice with darts in the back so that it fits the doll a little better. On Lizzie her bodice sticks out more from the waistband, and I knew I had to adjust the patttern to make it fit better.
Recently I had a lady request a custom bonnet for her china doll. Also about the same size as my Lizzie model. So I constructed one up and my prototype is the one that Sara Jane is now wearing.
That was done in a off white/cream colored poly/satin fabric. Lined with a cotton fabric and then I added a lovely lace gathered up inside of the bonnet. I trimmed it off with extra purple ribbons leftover from my own period repro bonnet I made. Then trimmed the bonnet in sweet little purple flowers.
Sara Jane is currently listed on my Etsy shop for sale.

A Thing About Sculpey Clay....

2010-10-26T03:21:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been wanting to do more at hand sculpting doll heads. Which is good. I need to extend my ability in that area.
Now that I have used my sculpey oven a few times, I'm really starting to like to use that thing. As well, I'm starting to get a feel for the sculpey clay. I think that is the thing about using or doing something new. You got to find your niche with it and harmonize with it. If you don't, its going to result in something not so good.
So I went and sculpted a realistic head. It took about three days of sculpting, smooshing, and re-sculpting, and re-smooshing until I came up with a head that was halfway decent. I need to work on noses.
I got a book last year on sculpting realistic figures from polymer clay and it is a very helpful source.
So today, since I'm kind of, sort of, caught up in doll couture for the moment, I figured I would spend some time on my crafting of dolls.
I did managed to sculpt a small doll head that will be in my creepy line. Her name will be Zelda. My next step is to formulate her cloth body, putting her together and clothing her.
I also need to finish up my un-named cloth fairy doll that I started about a month ago. She just needs another arm and her legs attached, her wings and her outfit as well. She's the one I used the Nuno doll pattern I got offline. And is the more realistic of cloth dolls. My goal there is to tone up my skills for making these type of cloth dolls.
Yesterday chatting with my cousin pinky, she is a artist too making lampwork beads, jewelry and works with PMC. We tend to go off and joke and laugh. In the process coming up with new ideas for dolls and other things. Somehow we got discussing our cat and his desire to catch and eat mice. Well, the front end of mice anyway. My next creepy cloth cat doll is going to be Chloe in pj's. I'm thinking since Halloween is near perhaps I could find a nice themed flannel with skulls on it maybe. But she'll be holding a box of Mice Krispies.
Now, back to sculpey clay. I've been working with it, and really starting to like the feel of it and how well it comes out in making dolls. My thing right now is spending more time sculpting and perfecting my skills at sculpting stuff out of it.
The flesh tones are nice. Especially since once a doll head is baked, you don't need to paint it and it also looks a little more realistic.
Once you get into the sculpey you find that you want to sculpt more and more with it. And that is the thing about sculpey clay, it can be addictive!!

A Little of This and A Little of That....

2010-10-12T03:22:00.001-07:00

Well, its been a bit of wired month for me so far. Remodeling our family room as well as my "studio" space has somewhat disrupted things. Some of my materials and that have been temporarily boxed up and shoved into a corner. I just haven't figured out which corner its in yet! But I know that once all this lovely ceramic tile is down and things rearranged that I will be back to my comfy self of creating once again!!
I did however, create some new things. Like a lovely little winter coat made out of some scrap wool left over from some period pants. Although the wool is nice, it was a bit heavy for a doll coat. But it came out just the same.
I've been sewing up more Minnie Mouse costumes as they seem to be quite popular! Which I can understand. They are adorable.
Anyway, the picture above is of a 1860's period ladies bonnet. I am now offering this as a Made to Order in my Etsy shop. Current price is $85 and I can handcraft the bonnet in your choice of poly/satin color and trims. Shown is a bonnet in a off white to cream colored poly/satin and trimmed in hues of purples along with a brown feather. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for completion as I do alot of the work by hand! But in the end you will have a period correct bonnet to wear to those reenactments!!
I have also been working on yet another soft sculptered doll in a unique pattern I came across on. She is going to be a fairy doll and I hope to have her finished soon. Pics too come!!
Yes, I've been doing a little of this and a little of that here and there.

Just A Busy Bee.......

2010-09-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Well, its been awhile since I posted. So I figured I am well overdue to post something!
I have been a busy bee as of late. Which is good!! I am finally catching up on a backlog of sewing projects that I absolutly needed to get done. On top of having new projects coming up.
The picture above is a new item Ive created. Gingerbread Bear cookies for your dolls! Just don't eat them, cause they are not edible for humans, or pets! I had a chefs set made up with a oven mit, chef's hat and a cute little rolling pin, and thought it needed some type of "baked good" to go with it. I found a cute little bear shaped cutter just the right size of a doll cookie. The bigger bear measures about one inch in length. And I made them out of sculpey clay and decorated them with "icing" of fabric paint.
I'm currently finishing up some more items for my Etsy shop
I also had our local fair where I entered five of my items. One of my portraits for the professional art, which took second place. And four items that I entered into the doll show. My rag doll took a fourth place, where my doll outfit, doll quilt, and my Lizzie doll all took first place!! Very pleased with this!

I am currently planning out and starting my next doll quilt. Quilting is something that I don't usually do. But I always wanted to do a quilt. I started two years ago cutting out octogons to create a quilt in the Grandmother's Flower Garden pattern for my daughter's bed. It required about 2000 octogons and so far I have about 1200. So making the doll quilt was a good start. As it was small in size, and not so overwhelming to finish up. So now I can say I actually have sewn one quilt. At some point I plan on posting pics of the new doll quilt that I am making along with the pattern and directions for ya'll to download and try out.
Another thing I finished up is my first doll dress pattern. And I hope to have that soon listed in my Etsy shop. Got to keep my hobby going and supplied with fabric. Not to mention keep my daughter supplied in dolls!! I will also have a free zonal waist pattern for dolls that I will post up here too!

My current doll project is another rag doll that I am making for a friend of mine in Norway. She is a secretary for the Norweigan Police, and so the doll is going to being wearing a Norweigan police uniform.
The next doll I am going to try, is a new pattern I found online that consists of two bodies. And inner doll body, and the outer which basically becomes the doll's "skin" and directions to create a more realistic looking doll. I am eager to try this new doll out, and she is going to be a entry for next year's fair.

Gothic Raggedy Ann and Andy....

2010-08-13T03:59:00.000-07:00

Since Halloween is just around the corner. Yes, just around the corner hard to believe! I've been starting to work on Halloween, Fall and Christmas lines. It's been a little difficult at first getting started on them with all this heat! I believe we are in day 55 of a heat wave, with today's heat index bringing us to 100-105. Oh my!!
Anyway, I've started in on the Gothic Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. I've got thier dismal faces painted. And their bodies basically sewn together. Today they get stuffed, and thier hair done. Who doesn't like having thier hair done?! Ann's hair will not be traditional. I have decided to give her more of the Wednesday Addams look and have her have long black braids.
And hopefully I can start in on thier clothing. Not quite sure where to go with that at the moment. I think they will wear thier traditional outfits, but just in black and grays and whites. Andy will have black trousers, and probably the white shirt, along with a black hat. Ann, of course will have a black dress, her bloomers perhaps white, and a pinafore of black lace.
These I hope to post on the website Pushing Up Daizies soon, as well as my Etsy shop.

New Items......

2010-08-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

I've been busy creating and sewing up some new things. One is the Chef's set. Which you can see Felicity is modeling off. The set comes complete with the twill fabric white chef's coat, chef's hat, oven mit and rolling pin for $30. Also available, is the chef's accessories. Basically the set minus the jacket for $18.
I'm also working on some new outfits for the DoodleBugs line. Cutsie and whimsy dresses in Christmas prints. Found this fab chrismtas fabric in green with little candycanes all over it. I'll be making that in Kirsten's apron dress with a changed look on the apron.

Doll Clothing Storage Options.......

2010-07-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

So, I've been busy sewing away making more doll clothes. When I realized that the plastic tote I had to store all the finished pieces in were getting a little to crowded. With that said, I went to thinking various ways of displaying or storing doll clothes. Without going overboard. Have you seen the cute doll wardrobe that American Girl Doll company has? It can fit one doll plus a fairly good amount of doll clothes and accessories. But let's be real, who has $200 and something bucks just to dish out on a doll wardrobe?
Most doll collectors are probably on budgets, and why spend that extra cash you have set aside for a wardrobe when it can be spent on something else. Like more doll clothes!!
One option is the plastic totes. The problem is that the clothes tend to get squished and thus wrinkled. I've seen people cut a hole on either end of a tote near the top and run a dowel through it and then hang clothes. Which is a good idea. But then your limited for the number of clothes you can put in and the tote takes up space.
Another option is one I came up with not too long ago. I had a spare cabinet that I had purchased at a Dollar General store for $15. I had used it as a spice cabinet in my kitchen, and since I'm the type who likes to rearrange things in my house from time to time. At one point I finally didn't have any use for it.
The cabinet measures about two and a half feet high, about a foot wide and ten inches in depth. It had a shelf in the middle, and a door front with a frosted glass door. What I did was glue some dowels that I cut to size into each section. So I had a upper and a lower section. Unfortunatly I couldn't adjust the shelf enough to accomodate a doll section and a clothing section. So I divided it in half so that we had two sections for clothes, and on the bottom of each section a place to place doll shoes and hats. In time I can take a picture of it and post it.
Utilizing something you already have is always a fun way to redo something, as well as saving on your wallet. Always a plus!!
Another idea is taking a piece of luggage you no longer use for luggage and converting it to a doll storage and clothing storage option. If you get one with wheels and a handle on it, even better!! Most luggage nowadays seem to come equiped with the wheels and handle.But keep in mind the size of the luggage. One too small may be only big enough to hold clothes. But if you get one of the larger size you can probably fit both the doll and clothes.
You can make a insert out of cardboard, covering it in a matching or contrasting scrapbooking paper or fabric that would go inside the luggage.
Measure the entire inside of the luggage and then construct a four-side box or frame that would fit inside. Then construct a divider that would go vertically inside that frame to seperate a section for your doll and the other section for clothes.
For the section you choose to hold doll clothes and accessories you can cut a wood dowel to size and glue it in. But do this after you have finished making off your sections and covering the cardboard in your choice covering.
On the bottom of the clothing section you can put in shelves out of cardboard as well to hold shoes, or hats. The best thing about this is that its all up to your creativity!! And you can customize the luggage to fit your doll needs!
If you have any ideas for doll storage, please feel free to post them in comments!! I'm always looking forward to seeing others ideas!!

DoodleBugs and What Knots.....

2010-07-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

So, Ive been quite busy the last few weeks. Busy sewing up some new dolls and crafting new dolls. Not to mention building a new website called The Craft Addicts
This is a new website for both my cousin Pinky and I since we've joined forces in promoting our crafting abilities. Check us out!

I also have updated my Facebook fanpage with albums in order of clothing. So that if you visit, you can view different clothing depending on clothing item.

I've also started a new line called DoodleBugs. DoodleBugs is a line of sweet, cute, whimsy and other cutsie doll clothing for American Girl dolls. Also in this line is clothing for other vintage dolls like Chrissy and more. With a flair more towards Baby Dolls and clothing in that nature.

Well, its back to the sewing machine! I hope to make another update, but not wait as long as to do it.

Minnie Mouse and Friends.....

2010-07-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

So here's Kirsten modeling off a Minnie Mouse costume. She's so darling!! Brings fonds memories of our trip to Disney World.
I had made the dress from cotton fabric left over from making my daughter her Minnie Mouse costume one Halloween. And being the fabric monger that I am, nothing goes to waste. Yes, I even keep small tiny pieces measuring no less than 5 inches. Those small pieces come in handy for doll quilts!!
So, after I made this dress I thought to myself how cute it would be to make a small matching mouse ears hat to go with it. Gosh, making that hat was frustrating!! I tried several methods from using fabric stiffener. Which works wonders by the way! To draping fabric over the crown of a straw hat cut from its brim. Both options did not work very well. Finally I made a pattern of my own baseball cap in doll size, minus the brim and used that. I cut out six pie shaped pieces of fabric, sewd them together. Then cut out four ears, to create one set doubled up on the felt to give them some bulk. Those I made so that I could sew the ears into the seam of the beanie. Easy peasy!! Then finished off the hat with a black gosgrain ribbon. The final touch was the red and white polka dot gosgrain ribbon bow I made for the top of the mouse ears.

My next project is some fairy costumes, perhaps a bat costume, as well as a witch. And yes, I plan on doing a Snow White costume as well. Halloween is coming afterall, and we can't let our American Girl dolls go uncostumed!!

Pushing Up Daizies............................

2010-06-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

So, I know its a little off the wall for me. Considering most of my stuff I create is more so a little subdue, I guess. Cute and sweet doll clothes reminscent of day's gone by. Vintage like dolls. So when I came up with Pushing Up Daizies it was definitly out of the box for me. But, being out of the box sometimes can be a good thing!!
I started making rag dolls, and being the artist that I am, I wanted to create something a little different. A little bizarre, and perhaps strange.
One night I was chatting with my cousin Pinky, who has her own blog as well called PinkyRN. She use to work as a labor and delivery nurse, and well after working in the medical field for so many years I guess one can come up with some pretty weird and morbid stuff. We joked about the different character dolls I could make. For instance, one doll in the making is Autopsy Audra. Still haven't figured out how I'm going to do that one!! If I do make her at all.
But, I do want to share with you my first rag doll in the Pushing Up Daizies line and that is Catatonic Chloe. I'm doing a series of cat's, whose nine lives have already expired. My next cat doll is GlamourPuss. Although honestly she may not reflect anything that from the life beyond.
Chloe is pictured above, and sports a grin from ear to ear. And green eyes that seem to follow you around the room. Yes, she did this to me while creating her in the studio. She sports a turquoise tutu and tulle hairbow. And a matching seed bead necklace with the words "ACK." She tends to get frequent hairballs. Or perhaps its a stuck feather from a previous mockingbird she devoured. But she certainly does love her little stuffed friend, Dead Mouse, who sports X eyes and a little pink seed bead nose.
Although delightfully cute in her own little bizarre way, don't underestimate Chloe's devious notions!!

Pushing Up Daizies.................

2010-06-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Check out Twiggy TwoFaced on my Etsy shop. You'll find her under my Dolls section.
She's a bit bizarre, and little strange, but still cute just the same.
Her bright red braided pig tails stand out against a pale white face. Err, I mean faces. On the account she has two of them! Twiggy is a new design of mine of horror themed rag dolls. I know, way out of the box for me. But my dear cousin Pinky, whose own shop is on Etsy as well talked me into doing them. She usually is busy making lampwork beads, beaded jewelry, stamped metal jewelry, soap, and stained glass. But she use to be a labor and delivery nurse.
We were chatting away one night, laughing and coming up with different names for my horror rag dolls. I originally was thinking of Kreepy Kids. But Pinky said, "naw, not morbid enough." And after consideration, we came up with Pushing Up Daizies. I spelled it intentionally with a Z. Just seems different, and after all, they are definitly different. Pushing Up Daizies are morbid, but not to the point of being grossed out, but still maintaining some cuteness to it all.
The Pushing Up Daizies will have two different kinds of rag dolls. For the moment anyway. One being the Kats, which are various rag doll cats with painted faces. And will also have a bit of creepyness to them, but still cute. The first one is still in the works, and I hope to have him finished up in the next couple of weeks.
The second kind of rag dolls, are those that will be more like people and will be called The Rigor Mortis Gang. The first being Two Faced Twiggy. The doll with two faces, one dead one alive. And her couture consists a lovely black ensemble that resembles something Wednesday Addams would die for!!

Two Heads Are Better Than One...

2010-06-10T13:17:00.001-07:00

So, Lizzy came out really well and I ended up pouring a second doll head. She's currently getting her "paint job" and I'll be spraying her down probably tomorrow. Then constructing her body, and clothes.
But I got to thinking how much time I could save if I had another mold to pour two heads at the same time. Not to mention saving on plaster and that. Since I usually have a bit more left over from the first one. Makes sense you know!! So after repainting Melanie's head, whose head is the basis for Lizzy anyway, I began to latex. Sounds weird. But its painting a layer of liquid rubber one at a tiime, and allowing it to dry in between layers. Until you have a good rubber mold of your object.
I finished latexing the second doll head, and now moved on to painting the latex on yet another doll. This doll came to be from my couzin Pinky, via the dump. You can visit her blog about her art called Pinky's Workshop. Long story, and perhaps I'll get into that another time, but she got me this cute little vinyl doll at the dump. It's about ten inches long, with a cloth body, and looks like a sleeping infant. Im currently molding that doll, to make more out of my "china".
When Im done, I'll post pics. Seriously!!
~Belle

And don't forget to visit my shop: Kat and the Fiddle and my FACEBOOK PAGE.

Here's Lizzy...

2010-06-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well, Lizzy is finally here and what a relief!! After almost a year of trying to find the right head, and trying out different techniques to making a reproduction vintage china doll, I'm done!! And I must say she came out quite beautiful!!
Lizzy stands about 16 inches tall. She features a "china" like head that I handcrafted myself. Each head is done individually. Pouring her head, allowing it to dry, and that takes just about a week. Once that is done, I can paint her head. I painted Lizzy in a very pale flesh tone. Although originals seem to have more of a milky white skin. I then paint her hair and eyes, and her eyebrows, and lips. One can be ordered in your choice of hair and eye color. Once she is painted and dried, I go on to spray her head with an acrylic spray. I usually spray several layers to try to achieve that high gloss look that most china dolls have. Although I dropped Lizzy, her head faired pretty well. I still recommend not playing with her. Afterall she still can break and she's more of a collectible doll than a play doll. Once her head is complete, its attached to a muslin cloth body to which I sew as well.
Once her head and body are together, I then proceed to make her clothing. Here you can see her lovely pantaletts. I made them a wee bit longer than usual. Lizzy is a bit modest about her legs. Her shoes are painted onto her. She comes complete with her chemise, pantaletts and petticoat. Which she is not wearing in the photos, and for this I must apologize!! I have not made her petticoat yet, and surely Lizzy is a little frantic over that! Being modest and all. Her dress is then made, and along with her underpinnings, all items of clothing can be removed for washing. Her skirt is pleated onto a waistband which is whipstitched onto the bodice. So they can be seperated if one wishes.
Here is the back of Lizzy's head. She has a lovely trousseu. I wish I could get my hair to look that good. But you can see the back of her dress as well. It closes with metal snaps.

And here is the back of Lizzy's dress opened and you can see her chemise. I was surprised she allowed me to do this, again since she is a modest gal. But she is a real sport isn't she?!
You can order one of the Lizzy dolls from my etsy shop or zibbet shop. Or email me at aconfederatebelle@yahoo.com or fiddlekat@juno.com

She is $98 plus $9.95 shipping and handling. She is a OOAK doll and handcrafted which makes her a collectible. Please allow a couple of weeks for orders to be complete as they are made to order.

~Belle

I'm Gonna Be a Busy Bee........

2010-05-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

They say when it rains, it pours. My shops are currently a little slow, which I guess for the moment it could be a good thing. Why? To allow me to catch up on other things that need be done. Like restocking my dolly clothes inventory, and work on other designs that I have put off. Like the day dress with the lovely gathered sleeves for the lady in South Carolina. I really do need to work on that!!
Some of my Colonial style doll clothes will be available at the John Sevier House in Knoxville, TN, also known as Marble Springs in their gift shop. They will be carrying some mob caps, night shifts, and lappet caps. I'm working on drafting a pattern for Early Regency dresses in doll size to be available as well at thier gift shop too in time. I also spoke with the lady over at the Sam Houston Schoolhouse and they are interested in carrying some of my period doll clothes as well in their gift shop.
Since I'm on the down time at the current moment, I figure I would asses what I would enter for this year upcoming fair, the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville. After last year, I've kind of gotten the bug to entering stuff into the fair. It can be alot of fun.
This year I plan on entering a sweet pencil drawing of a foal I did into the Professional Art Division. Last year my vintage car painting took 4th place. I also plan on entering the Doll Show this year as well. Last year my Civil War outfit took 2nd place. I plan on doing another outfit as well. On top of what I've already done, I'm also going to try the rag doll category, as well as doll quilt category, beaded necklace and of course, I have to enter my Lizzy doll. By the way, her dress is almost done and I'm looking forward to posting that soon here!

Meet Melanie and Lizzy.....

2010-05-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

So, here's Melanie and Lizzy. Melanie is the original vintage china doll head I purchased and made a mold of. Lizzy is the casting of that mold.
Unfortunately, she broke just at the base. On her right side, opposite of the "break" line. The original doll head at one time was broken and repaired. I purchased her like that. But when I molded her, the rubber molding picked up on the line. So the casting looks like she has a break, but doesn't. My plan is for the next casting to sand that "break" line away with sandpaper. So that its smooth.
I then painted Lizzy's head with a more flesh tone color, and painted her hair a lovely shade of sandy brown/blonde. Her eyes a sparkling blue and her lips ruby red, and a bit more plump.
You can visit my fanpage on FACEBOOK, to see more pics of her head!!

Making the Repro Vintage Doll.....

2010-05-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

I plan on uploading some pics of my "new girl." She came out much better than I thought. For a while there I thought things were going downhill in the making of this doll. See some previous posts.
Anyway, I took some pics late yesterday afternoon, and at some point I'll upload "Lizzy." If you recall, I was stating how my art was just not cooperating. But after some forethought and suggestions from my older brother (whose an artist as well), I took his advice.
I followed his suggestions, and I believe I already mentioned this in my prior post about the doll. But for short, I coated the doll mold with plaster, dried, another coat, dried, and so forth. Until I had a layer of plaster. Then filled the head with liquid papier mache.
The head came out outstanding. Except for the fact that along the edge of the breast plate broke. But I can still use her for a doll since that part will be covered up by clothing, and she's my prototype anyway.
I painted her head a soft skin tone. The originals look almost white. But I wanted to try her with a more natural skin tone. I painted her hair a blondish sandy color, her eyes blue, and her lips ruby red. Then finished off with small details like eyebrows, eyelashes and even highlights in her eyes. Then gave her a good coating of spray to sport that shine!!
My next step is to construct her cloth body. Her arms and legs also will be cloth. In time I may make them with china parts as well. Then to construct her underpinnings. A chemise and pantaletts. I'm still wondering if I should also make her corset. Then her dress!! So far I have a cream colored fabric with dusty rose colored roses on it
She's going to look lovely!!

Organizing My Craft/Sewing Room.....

2010-05-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

I really don't think I'll ever have enough space for my "stuff." Those of you with "stuff" know what I mean. Currently I'm taking up residence in our family room. Which ironically looks nothing like a family room. At least at the moment anyway. It somewhat looks like a subterrian storage place of some sort. Boxes here and there. Books, oh my, we have so many books we actually have our own library! Which isn't a bad thing. Just that we don't know where to put all the books in our 1400 sq foot house. And of course, its where the computer is, my sewing machine, my drafting table, my easel. Which at the moment is folded up and put away. Good thing about portable easels. And I have several plastic totes that I have managed to fill up and organize with "stuff." I have so much of it.
Anyway, since we are in the process of hopefully redoing the ugly subfloor that has been painted green in the next coming weeks. I needed to organize my "stuff." We had to pull up carpet in our house. Since our daughter uses a wheelchair and a walker, getting across carpet was difficult. Plus I hate carpet. Carpet is evil. Another blog entry for another time, and I'll tell you about carpet. hehe.
We purchased some lovely ceramic tile. I love tile. I know some people hate it. But I love it. Yes, it can be cold in winter. But that's why slippers were invented. And socks. In summers, we get very hot. Since we are in the South. And coming into the house after being outside in the hot and humid air, and stepping on tile in your bare feet when the AC has been on, feels ah so nice!! Plus the cleaning of tile is so easy peasy.
Well, I purchased several plastic totes. One that contains nothing but art papers, books, stencils and other mismatched stuff I had. Small frames, for my miniature paintings. All that kind of sort of stuff. Another tote, strictly for my beading and sewing. I also purchased several plastic shoeboxes and in those place the different doll clothes I'm working on. And those plastic shoeboxes are also in that tote. Then I have a tote for finished doll items. Another small carry tote like a toolbox for just acrylic paints and brushes. My watercolors actually have thier own wooden box. Another small tote with nothing but trims, ribbons, feathers etc etc. Then I have a small nice organizer I got off of Amazon for $30. With plastic comparments inside with dividers. Something like a small fishing tackle box would work well. This is used for seperating all my buttons, snaps, and even most of my seed beeds. I also have a small old makeup bag with two compartments that open up flat with clear pockets I also use for seeds beads and other beads. I still have not covered the fact that I have several portfolios with finished artwork and paintings, and my doll heads I have already constructed and plan to construct. As well as several canvas pieces I start to paint, but have not finished. I also have a small three tray organizer on the craft table to where I keep cardstock, business cards, sales book, rubber stamps and blank notecards. This is convenient for making up notecards, or stamping stuff. And its small enough that I can place in my moveable tote crate to bring to craft shows and acts as my "desk" since I have everything in it for completeting sales.
Organizing I believe takes time and effort to sort out and have it work for you at your optimal. I'm sure that I will be reorganizing my "stuff" again in a short period of time.

When Your Art Doesn't Cooperate.....

2010-05-21T03:13:00.000-07:00

Is there such a thing as a bad art day? I'm not talking about making bad art. You know, painting something that comes out horrible. But when your art just doesn't want to cooperate with you at all!!
I finally got the motivation and desire to latex the china doll head. I believe I posted a pic of her not too long ago. To Latex her head, I bought some mold builder. It's a liquid latex, stinks worse than a skunk, but really fun to use! I painted a layer all over the china doll head, outside of course due to the stink. Let it dry completely and then proceeded onto another layer of Latex. I did this process over a period of two days until I had about a dozen layers of Latex. When its all dried you can peel if off the item and you'll have a nice rubber mold of whatever it is you molded. In this case, a doll head.
Once the mold is ready for use, I placed it in a box full of cotton batting. Normally you would use Vermiculite. But since Im not sure where to get that stuff. And since I was eager to try the mold out, I used the cotton batting instead.
This is were the bad art day comes in. I poured plaster of paris into the mold but apparently I added too much water. Making the plaster a bit....soft? So that when it was dry, or so I thought, I removed it, only to have it crumble within my hands. Arg!
So I tried it again only making the plaster heavier this time. I remembered back to our old plaster of paris days when my family had a small business doing classes. That the plaster had to be the consistency of pancake batter. Or a heavy cream. Or somewhere in between those two.
I mixed the plaster up and filled the entire mold with it. It dried up within a half hour enough that I could pull it of the mold. Gosh it was heavy!! This isn't going to work!! Not for a doll. Not to mention the weight of the plaster also distorted the shape of the mold just a wee bit.
So, again I went on for a third try. This time I mixed the plaster up and instead of filling the head up, I put a little in, and coated the entire inside of the mold with plaster. Let dry, and then repeated. Until I had a layer of plaster about 1/8 of an inch thick. Perhaps a little thicker. Once that was dried, I went to mix up some liquid papier mache, and then filled the rest of the head with it as well as lining the breast plate of the doll's head to give it more bulk. Once I let this dry for a little while longer, I proceeded to remove it from the mold. Taking care not to grab the head too hard. And rolling the rubber mold off as well. It worked perfectly!! My doll head is currently sitting on the shelf drying. I will probably give her a whole week to dry before I start to paint her head. What's that saying, "three times a charm?"

Bonnets and Beading....

2010-05-17T03:16:00.001-07:00

Good morning peeps!! Well, I've been a bit busy and finally managed to finish a new 1860's spoon bonnet for the American Girl doll. The prototype is made of poly satin fabric. The closest you'll get to silk without actually buying silk. Silk is very expensive!! Inside its lined with a crinoline liner, and a crinoline netting ruching. It also features a bright pink and black polka dot ribbon across the brim, and flowers matching the bright pink. This bonnet can be custom ordered or purchased directly as I list them on both my etsy shop and zibbet shop. Which by the way, I have opened another online venue through zibbet. Just another opportunity for those who want to purchase, its Bonnie Blue Boutique.
I've also have been beading up some nice reproduction Victorian style necklaces. These will go fantasicly well with ball gowns and can be ordered up as well in various colors and shades to match your ball gown.

Vintage China Doll Head......

2010-05-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

So here is Melanie Rose, my new vintage china doll head. Although, I question her authenticity of being vintage. I'm still not sure if she is or not. But one thing is for certain, is that she is definitly sweet. She will make a lovely doll.
Currently she is basking out in the sunshine with a thick coat of Latex. When dried throughly, it will form a somewhat thick rubber mold of her head. Hopefully enough to pick up on the nice detail on the back of her head. She has a very period correct hairstyle. Once the mold is cured, and ready for use I plan on either pouring plaster of paris, or more than likely liquid papier mache. My goal is to make more of her heads, and then bodies to match, along with outfits for resale.
I've been looking for a nice china doll head for quite sometime. But again, I question her authenticity. Her glaze is still shiny, despite many cracks in it. It resembles alot like greenware, and when its fired, the glaze tends to crackle. And the appears to have that crackle. The inside of her head is white, and smooth. Her eyes at one point must have been repainted. As you can see dull painted eyes painted over the glaze. On her chest area, a section was broken and repaired with glue. And then repainted white. This area as well, the paint is dull as if it were painted over the glazed area. Other than that she is in fine shape, and sits from base to top of head almost six inches tall. I believe she will make a complete doll about 16 inches. As usual, when this project is finished I will post pics.
Please also visit my new shop: Bonnie Blue Boutique on Zibbet. There I will also be offering my Civil War period doll clothes, bonnets, doll crinolines. As well, period clothing and repro Victorian jewelry on this shop as well. My etsy shop is still up and running and will continue to do so.
As you can see, I've been fairly busy with sewing, and mold making and the such. With that said, it is time for me to close and get back to my work of doing so!!~ Belle

One Needle At A Time.......

2010-04-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

The amount of sewing I have been doing lately, I'm surprised I have not worn out the sewing machine needle yet. Yes, I've been overwhelmed with sewing. And I suppose that is a good thing!! Which is the reason I have not posted here for awhile.
So, what have I been sewing? Let's see, first off I've had both people clothing and doll clothing, historical of course to sew. Since now that the hubby, the daughter and I are now offically back into reenacting, we've had to re-build our period clothing wardrobe. Pretty much from scratch as well.
Hubby has started his own unit, the 23rd Battalion Alabama Infantry Sharpshooters. With I, working on a ladies aid society of some sort to follow the unit. If your on facebook, you can find us there! So it all began with me sewing up his much needed uniform. A single breasted frock coat out of butternut, brown wool trousers, and now my next project is a lovely period print civilian vest for him to wear. Fortunatly I had already made two shirts for him, and the other day he actually picked out a nice plaid print for me to sew up another shirt for him.
Our daughter now has more period dresses than I do. And honestly, I can't even stop sewing them for her. The inspiration box is overflowing with ideas of cute and frilly dresses for her. In fact, I found a nice off white cotton with tiny pink flowers to which is going to be made into an "infant style" bodice dress for her. And then I found a beautiful irridescent pink taffeta to make her a ball gown with. Since her birthday is coming up in June. And I would love to plan a Victorian tea party themed party for her, and her dad! His is also in June, the day after hers.
Now, for myself I just finished my second day dress. A lovely soft green plaid homespun, with cloak sleeves and capped sleeves. I finally have a dress with a pleated skirt and hem lining on the bottom. How cool!! My next day dress I already got a bright pink cotton calico for, and will make that with bishop sleeves as well as caps. Trimmed with black velvet ribbon. But in the meantime, I need to finish up a new pair of pantaletts for myself as well as the bonnet kit I purchased from Timely Tresses. Wonderful company and the two ladies who run it are absolutly wonderful as well!! I've bombarded them with many questions, and they were more than pleased to help me out!!
For my doll clothing, well my Etsy shop Kat and the Fiddle has been almost depleated of doll clothes. So I've been working on sewing more dresses, as well as some new fashions to restock. So please check back as I hope to have more listed SOON!! Including some doll sized caged crinolines!!
Well, I guess that is about it for now! Time to get back to the sewing needle!!

Paleotote: A Piece for Outerwear

2010-03-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

The paleotote, a lovely well fitted jacket for cold weather. The primary design of the paleotote is to be able to wear it with a hoop skirt. And for it to fit smoothly over that hoop. They were quite fashionable during the Antebellum Era.
So it only made sense to me to eventually make one in doll size wouldn't it? To the right is a picture of Kirstin in a red flannel paleotote of her own. It reminds me of Little Red Riding Hood.
Although most paleotote jackets I believe were made of wool, fashioning one for dolls out of wool really isn't feasible. For one most wools may be a little too heavy for doll wear. Making it somewhat bulky. Unless of course, it was to be made from suiting weight wool. The problem here is that finding wool period, can be a daunting task. Especially if your looking for 100% wool. I suppose it may be fine to find wool with some polyester in it. But being somewhat period picky, I dry heave at the thought of wearing something even with the least amount of polyester in it. It's just icky.
I purchased some nice flannel. It's 100% cotton. Lovely. Feels soft and warm. Its great to make a modesty slip, or under the hoop petticoat from flannel. Just right for those chilly fall and winter events to help keep the legs warm. In fact, I don't have one so I suppose that should be added to my to-do sewing list as well. I finally managed to finish up the trim on my daughter's dress as well as a new chemise for her.
So, the above paleotote is sewn with 100% cotton flannel in red. I couldn't resist the red! And the lining is made from 100% white cotton muslin. The trim, is a dark navy blue trim handstitched onto the jacket. And the jacket closes with two metal hook and eye closures. I have also made one in pink with a sweet brown soutache braid trim. Both of which are currently listed on my etsy shop, katandthefiddle.etsy.com.
You can also find it on my website A Confederate Belle as well.

1850's Bonnets for "Sisters"........

2010-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Its fun getting custom orders. Why? Because its an opportunity to create an item out of your own box. It's easy enough for me to visual something I have in mind and create it. But doing it for someone else is challenging. And challenges are always fun.
I just finished this lovely pair of bonnets that actually "mirror" each other. A client wanted two matching bonnets for a pair of American Girl dolls that she referred to as "sisters."
So, both bonnets were created with black velvet. One of my favorite choices. Because black for one goes with everything it seems. And the velvet just gives it that luxurious look. The inside I lined both bonnets with 100% cotton muslin in white. Then with a pretty white lace I gathered and sewn in the inside to create the shirring. Both bonnets then got black gosgrain ribbon ties. The two at this point are completely the same.
Both bonnets feature royal blue feathers on the top, with a royal blue ribbon rosette in a star pattern. Finished off in the middle with small black jet beads. Not vintage of course. But they looked like miniature black jet buttons I once had that were vintage. On the inside brim of the bonnets soft blue forget-me-knots were sewn in. The only difference between the two was that the rosette and flowers were sewn in on opposite sides of each bonnet. And the feathers face the opposite side. So that when one looks at them from side to side, the bonnets mirror each other. Thus, giving each one its own distinct look.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

2010. It seems kind of strange. I remember back when I was a teenager wondering what the year 2000, and beyond that would be like. It seemed so futuristic!!
But here we are, 2010. And for the most part it seems unchanged. Except that we a bit older, and some of us are a bit gray. Some of us. Not all of us!
So, with that said I was thinking of what I wanted to achieve this year. As far as my sewing, art and craft projects would be. So I have compiled a "list" of things I want to do, plan to do, or maybe even get to do!
One is to extend my doll clothing inventory more so and be able to actually list 100 items in my etsy shop. Another goal, is to widen the base of options in dolly couture as well!! My plans are to offer a set of dolly underwear packages. Thanks to my cousins' little girl Ariana, age 6. She recently got her first American Girl doll, and was shocked to discover she did not come with panties. I constructed a pair of panties for her doll. And now I am revising the pattern and plan on offer a set of panties for American Girl dolls. For goodness sakes!! Even they need panties!!
My next goal is to work on more OOAK dolls this year. I discovered a fabulous pattern in which the doll has more realistic features!! Finding good knit fabric in flesh tone though I'm finding is a bit harder than I anticipated!! This pattern Im going to use to construct some OOAK fairie dolls.
I also started sewing rag dolls and in the process of redoing a pattern piece so that the doll will have elf ears. I am going to transform these rag dolls into Elfin dolls!! And my goal is to make some of those up too for my etsy shop.
My next order of business is to construct some ribbon browbands. A new venture for me and one that I hope takes off. I will probably write more about this in the future. But for now I'll just tell you that they are fancy show browbands for bridles. So that you and your horse can go into the showring with a little pizzazz!!
Finally, my next goal is to sew more period clothing!! Period!! And sew for myself. I have some beautiful green plaid homespun ready to cut out and sew up into a nice daydress for myself. But the one thing I want to do that I have not done, is to construct another bonnet!! I also plan on writing about this with directions and such for those who are interesting in bonnet making!!
And lastly, I've been so eager to paint a portrait of my lovely daughter!! I did one in watercolor about five years ago. I used a portrait of her when she was about four years old. This time I wanted to do one in acrylic on a larger canvas and one of her in period clothing. I'm glad to say that I finally got my start on it and started sketching it out!!

Well, that's about it for now. Until then, ya'll have a prosperous New Year!!

~Belle~

1860 Capped Sleeve Day Dress

2009-12-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my friend Becca wearing the new day dress I made for her. It's an 1860's capped sleeve day dress made using the Galla Rock pattern. This is the first time I ever used a Galla Rock pattern and overall I was very happy with it. There were a few things in the directions that didn't make sense to me. Such as the directions to pleating the skirt to the waistband. But ultimatly I ended up just doing it the way I wanted and it came out great.Which I'll explain in a little bit.
The fabric is a beautiful chocolate brown cotton with bright pink flowers on it. The Victorians loved bright colors. And if you could see originals, you will see that often they used strange combinations of colors. Combinations today that we would think extreme.
At first I thought it would be too much brown. But with the bright pink fabric added in on the underneath of the caps, hem trim, and the fabric covered buttons it brought the flowers in the fabric out and blended beautifully with the chocolate brown.
I first started with taking Becca's measurements and then preceeded to cut out a muslin bodice on the size just larger than what her measurements were. It's much easier to take in than let out.
After the first fitting I knew where I had to make adjustments, and took the bodice in, shortened the waistline a bit as well as shorten the sleeves. Once that was done, we did another fitting just to make sure the bodice fit well. I also sewn in the muslin sleeves to see how well they would fit. When a good fit was achieved I took the muslin bodice apart and utilized that as my pattern pieces as well as used the muslin bodice as my lining. This saved on muslin fabric. I then constructed the bodice and before setting in the sleeves, added the caps and the piping on the armsyce of the sleeves. The caps I decorated with a pretty bright pink box pleat ribbon, and a chocolate brown soutache braid with velvet ribbon going through it.
My only issue I had with piping, is that in period time the piping was thin. Piping today is much larger and trying to achieve the correct thickness of the piping can be quite challenging.
The skirt was five panels measuring a total of six yards. This is a very very FULL skirt, and we could have gotten away with just four panels. The problem I had was trying to pleat six yards of fabric onto a small waistband. It took me about three days of trying to work it out, but I eventually managed to do so. And this is the issue I had with the pattern. It stated that the simplest way to pleat the skirt onto the waistband was to do a one directional pleat. That was the first issue. The second was that is stated to extend the waistband four inches beyond the waistline of the bodice. The problem there is now the skirt waistband would be three inches (after seam allowance) to long for the waistline and to pull the excess over to close the skirt. Would end up causing a strange "poof" in the fabric of the skirt.
Now, on the first issue I consulted my Who Wore What book by Juanita Leisch. It's the lady reenactors Bible!! It tells you pretty much every little detail a lady should know about her period clothing and in my opinion, is a necessary item for every lady reenactor!
In Who Wore What, it stated that one directional pleating was a myth, and most common waist treatments were either gathered, cartridge pleat, box pleat or two directional pleating. The two directional pleating was the most widely used treatment. And was done with the pleats in the front facing towards the front center with a inverted pleat in the front. And the pleats in the back facing the center back with another inverted pleat in the back. And two box pleats on each side. The gathered waist treatment was less used, as well as the box pleat. And the box pleat was more seen in in post war years.
The other notation made about waist treatments is that the opening of the skirt was set off center to the left .
Since I wasn't quite sure how to get the entire skirt what is refered to as "period correct", I decided to make it as period correct as I could get it. I did a two directional pleat on the skirt with inverted pleats in the front and back. I did not however get to put the box pleats in on the side, nor get the opening off center. But there is no rule saying I can't go back and redo the skirt over!!
Once the dress was constructed, the bodice was finished off with fabric covered buttons done in the same bright pink for the underside of the caps and the hem trim.
The hem was done period. The skirt itself was cut just a few inches short of the length needed and I sewn the pink fabric to the bottom of it. Right sides together. Then pulled it down so it was an extension of the skirt. I then measured three inches to give the full length we needed and folded the rest of the fabric underneath. Then pressed it and handsewn the hem down. The reason for the hem skirt is that since a lady's skirt often sweeps the floor in time it gets worn out quickly. It was much more feasible and easier to replace just a bottom hem of a skirt then the entire skirt. Since acquiring fabric during the war was often difficult and expensive!
The final touches were sewing the detachable collar and cuffs.
If you have any questions in constructing a Civil War period outfit, feel free to email me.

States War Ball Gown for American Girl

2009-11-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of the States War ball gown for American Girl dolls. It could also fit other 18 inch dolls, or most of anyway.
Here is the back of the bodice. I made small teeny weeny buttonholes of five each on either side of the back bodice, and strung it with a purple ribbon. Just like the real ball gowns!!

And here is a full view of the dress with off white lace trim around the neckline and sleeve cuffs. The fabric is a excellent quality taffeta in lavender with white polka dots. Very sweet indeed and is still available in my etsy shop.

War Between the States Ball Gown....

2009-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

I've been contemplating creating a ball gown for the American Girl doll. It seemed like the thing to do, to compliment my States War line I've got going.
Two Christmas' ago, I crafted a sweet cloth dolly called the Lady's Godey Book doll for my daughter. She came out rather well! And she also came complete with patterns for different outfits. Which I really admired!! One being a ball gown that actually laces up the back like period correct gowns do.
So I adapted my capped sleeve day dress into a ball gown. Decreasing the neckline to make it wider. I also kept the "caps" as the short sleeves and did not place in the bishop sleeves. I then lengthened the skirt.
The gown itself is made from a heavier weight taffeta in lavender with white polka dots. I then trimmed the gown off in a pretty off white lace with ribbon weaving and an off white lace in the sleeves.
Check it out on my esty shop; www.katandthefiddle.etsy.com

2nd Place Winner at the Fair.....

2009-09-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

Okay folks, I said I would post a pic. And here it is!! Not included in the picture is the pantaletts and chemise that went with it. The dress was a capped sleeve day dress, and I switched the sleeves around to have a split in the top. The 1850's bonnet is below the dress and went well with the dress!!
My painting took 4th place in the Professional Art division. And now Im looking forward to next year's fair, with hopefully with me entering more than two items.

Tennessee Valley Fair

2009-09-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

Well our Fair is in full swing now, and this year I finally managed to submit entries to it. Last year I think I had just missed the deadline getting them in. I also was a little concerned finding my way all the way up to Knoxville. LOL....it really wasn't that hard to do!
Anyway, this year I submitted one of my paintings into the Professional Art Division. I painted a two foot by two and a half foot acrylic on canvas titled "Paragon Drive In." It is a 50's themed painting with several vintage cars. I have to say it was one of my favorites pieces, and considering Im not a car buff, and never have painted cars before. I did a tremendous job on it. I ended up only placing 4th in the class. But still a good placing.
My other entry was a complete doll outfit. For this I sewed a beautiful capped sleeve day dress out of the green plaid homespun that I had got several yards of it. I can't tell you enough how lovey a fabric it is!!I've made several doll dresses out of it already, and each one has been snapped up!!
Now, for the capped sleeves I changed them a bit. And applied a pretty off white soutache braid to the capped sleeves. Along with the dress, I submitted a pair of doll pantaletts and doll chemise, and of course I added my 1850's doll bonnet that I had made. It was made with a gold watermark taffeta, and it complimented the dress well. My doll outfit took 2nd place in the Doll Show!!
I'll be picking my entries up on monday, and I will post some pics of the doll outfit. Sorry, I forgot to take some pics of it before I brought my entries to the fair!!

September Musings...................

2009-09-05T07:16:00.001-07:00

My I can't believe its already September!! Although some back home have just started school, here in the south, school has already been in session for a month! I don't know if I'll ever actually get use to that or not. Although my daughter does enjoy getting out for summer break in May. And I admit, I do too!
So, what have I been up to? Well, our fair is coming up. The Tennessee Valley Fair will be opening up in the next two weeks, and this year I have finally got my act together and submitted two entries. One being a painting into the professional art division. For those who may not know, I am also an artist beside being a dolly dressmaker and doll maker. You can visit my art website at www.freewebs.com/kathleengormanwermuth. The painting Im entering is on my homepage. But a better view of it is also in my gallery link.
Since our fair also has a doll show I felt that this would be a good opportunity for me to enter in some of my doll clothes. This year for a complete outfit I made up a very sweet capped sleeve day dress in my favorite green plaid homespun. However, I switched the capped sleeves around a bit and instead of seaming them up on the short side. Which is the side underneath the sleeve and matches up to the side seam. I instead, cut the cap out and created the seam on the long side. And then, instead of sewing the seam up I left that open and sewed the fabric and lining together by starting at one side, going down, across the bottom straight edge of the cap, and back up the other seam side. I clipped corners, turned inside out and pressed, and then sewed the cap sleeve into the armsyce so that the cap has a split going up the top of the cap. It was a creative idea, and came out rather nice!! I then handsewn onto the cap a pretty off white soutache braid with ribbon in it.
Along with the dress, I am entering my 1850's doll bonnet and a set of underpinnings. Overall, it makes a lovely outfit!!

1972-73 Baby Crissy Doll.............

2009-08-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I said I was going to post a picture of the Baby Crissy doll I got. She's a sweetie fer sure!! I had one just like her as a little girl. And when I went to retrieve her from the attic of our old family house, which is currently owned by my brother. Only to sadly discover that she was thrown out!!

She is made by the Ideal Company, who made many dolls. This Baby Crissy is marked 1972 on her body, and 1973 on her head. I don't know if that is common or what.

Unlike the doll I had, this one has the soft vinyl body. Her left arm is a little lighter than the right arm. Which you could probably see in the photo. One leg as well was lighter. She had a mark on the back of her right arm, which strangly resembles a bruise mark. Of course, the ebay listing didn't mention this at all. So it was a complete surprise. But its not that bad.

She had some funky baby boy clothes on her and her hair was a snarly mess. So the first thing I did was to wash her entire body with Ivory soap, and shampoo and condition her hair. Which I brushed out afterwards. The ends of her pony tail, which still works well, are frizzy. But otherwise parts of her hair look new. I think she cleaned up very well. I also touched up her eyes and lips. But yet to put a gloss on them.

Her outfit was a pattern of 1950's style baby doll clothes I purchased. The pattern showed the dress in the same fabric colors, but instead of long pants I made bloomers for her instead. I thought it was much cuter that way. I wash up the red socks that came with her and put those back on. I plan on getting a pair of black patent maryjane's baby shoes for her. Or perhaps try to make a pair of them for her. As well, I want to get a red and white polka dot ribbon to make a bow for her hair.

Etsy, the fashionable place to be!!

2009-08-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Etsy is a new venture for me, and I will be honest and say I love it!! Unlike the ebay thing, Etsy is geared towards those who seek quality handcrafted and vintage items. No more fussing through pages of "stuff" that you don't want to even contend with. Anyone who seeks handcrafted items, is going to feel like a kid in a candy store when they visit Etsy. So, I am going to compile "My Favorites" here, and highly recommend you go on over and check them out!! It will be worth your time!!
I create quality handcrafted doll clothes for American Girl dolls, and started outfitting some Ideal dolls. I also am a freelance artist. My shop is www.katandthefiddle.etsy.com or click on the thumbnails to the left and you'll see some of my items.
Also visit my Cousin's shop www.pinky98.etsy.com for some fabulous stainglass work!! Also all handcrafted!

A Doll Fanatic?

2009-08-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was remenincing about my childhood not so long ago, and it caused me to turn into a doll fanatic. Are you that way too?
My daughter's bedroom has plenty of dolls in them. I buy them for her, because afterall, she's my daughter and she's probably going to be a doll nut like me. At some point anyway.In her room, is my old 1973 Ideal Rub A Dub dolly. If your born after this time, you won't remember her. But if your born well before then, like me, you will. ha ha ha.......
Anyway, despite her head falling off here and there, she's in fairly good shape. I washed her frizzled hair up with V05 hair shampoo and conditioner and washed her with some good ole Ivory soap. Purchased a pair of newborn booties for her and now sewing up a baby doll clothes pattern. By the way, if your near a Hobby Lobby, as of late they seem to be holding 99 cent sales on patterns. One week it might be McCall's and then a few weeks nothing. But then poof they will have it again, but for Simplicity patterns. I'm loving it!!! My pattern box is near overflowing now with Civil War period clothing patterns, doll clothes patterns, and others to boot. Who can resist a pattern?
Anyway, we went up north a few weeks ago to visit family and we stopped in at my old homestead. The house I grew up in which my brother now owns. I hadn't been there in four years and it changed a bit. Which is a little sad for me. But I went up to the attic to go searching for goodies left behind, and to retrieve my beloved Baby Crissy doll. Yes, another Ideal doll from 1972. Only to discover she was thrown out. Im still trying to get over it. But fortunatly there is a thing called eBay, and I've been searching out for baby crissy dolls. I know I will never get EXACTLY my doll. I wont'. But I finally got a good deal on one Baby Crissy doll, bid on her, won, and she finally arrived at my door step this morning.
A bit dirty, hair a bit frizzled, but otherwise in fairly good shape. I spent the morning washing her hair up. Yes, with the V05. And washed her body with Ivory soap and brushed out her red hair. The pony tail still works as well as the pull string. Although she looks much smaller than she did when I was a kid. Perhaps because I was a kid and closure to the doll's size. She did not have her original outfit, but a baby outfit on. Which I am changing out to something "cutesy." So as soon as I sew it up.

1860's Exhibit of Period Clothing-Kennesaw Mountain, GA

2009-06-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

1860's Exhibit of Period Clothing

Yesterday, I spent the day with my friend Becca. The both of us drove down to Kennesaw Mountain, GA to view a traveling exhibit of States War Civilian Artifacts. The extensive exhibit of clothing, ladies wear, mens wear, childrens, bonnets, parasols and more is owned by PNJW Collections.
When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by two ladies dressed in reproduction clothing. With them were also two gentlemen, also dressed in reproduction clothing. They let us know if we had any questions, to feel free to ask them. But refrain from touching the garments. Which was understandbly so. Such delicate garments, however, I must say I was impressed with the condition of much of the exhibit. Most of the underpinnings displayed, had very little stains on them. But only bore little yellowing from age.
The first to which we saw was the childrens wear. Both Becca and I were eager to see childrens wear, since being mothers and are quite interested in seeing how children of the period dress. There were two quite darling toddler dresses, both of which were preserved extremely well!! Another dress for a older girl had caught my eye. It was a beautiful fushcia colored dress, with puffed sleeves that somewhat resembled the sleeves on my ball gown. But of only one tier of "poofiness". Then was topped off with what appeared to be like petal-like caps. The waistband and the hem of the dress was trimmed with a black soutache braid, with it sewn in a pattern to look like bows. Quite sweet indeed!!
One of the other items that really intrigued me, was the ladies simple ball gown. It appeared to have a pattern on the off white silk fabric. The sleeves were quite simple with a lace curtain. But otherwise, the dress featured no extravagent ornamentation.
I noticed that most of the dresses, including the childrens wear, the waist treatments were done with a cartridge pleat. One dress looked as though it had a box pleat. But no gathering of waistlines. So, I think for now, I plan on making the waistline either cartridge pleat, or box pleat. Come to think of it, I may go back and redo some of my daughter's dresses.
I also noticed that piping was for the most part in the armsyce, and neckline. I dont recall seeing much on the waistline. But the piping was thin even on the ladies wear. Whereas today, piping is much thicker!! I'll need to work on my piping skills for sure!!
Besides clothing, the exhibit featured bonnets. One thing Becca noticed that with the bonnets, and the time line progressed, the spoon bonnets appeared to get higher and higher.
There also was many CDV's, fans, hair jewelry, and even a porttion of the exhibit they had regarding mourning. Which was quite interesting!!
If ever there is a chance to see such an exhibit by PNJW Collections, I would highly recommend it!! There website is www.pnjwcollections.com and its an exhibit well worth seeing!!!

The link at the top is to my slide show of the photographs that I took myself at the exhibit. I just need to get me some beautiful fushcia colored fabric to duplicate that dress for my daughter!

Another Day in the Adventure of Doll Making.....

2009-06-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished Annabelle. She's a 16 inch tall complete cloth doll with a painted face. She came out rather cute I must say. If you would like to take a peek at her, check her out on my DOLLS page on my website: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com
Im now trying out a new facet of modeling substance, called liquid paperclay. I purchased a one pound bag from the craft store, and basically you add water, mix and sculpt. Way easy!! The first issue I've encountered was that I mixed some up much too wet. I have sculpted another doll's head forming the paper clay on a stryofoam ball. This will hopefully, when dry will allow me to have a lightweight head, and also be OOAK. Since I'll have to sculpt each doll's head. The head is currently drying, so it will be interesting to see how she dries out completely. As well as how she looks!!
My next project is to utilize the same paper clay and use my doll head mold that I made back a few months ago, and use it like a push mold. Then glueing both pieces together when dried. It's at least worth a try.

To get back to Annabelle, the dress I made from a pretty floral print calico cotton. I constructed the pattern myself and only have a few tweeks to make to the pattern. The dress is two piece, with a directional pleat on the skirt. And the bodice features a "fan front" pleat with a point in the front. The sleeves of her dress are coat sleeves. Beneath her dress is a chemise and pantaletts. Both of which are made from 100% cotton muslin.

Annabelle is also currently listed in my Etsy shop: www.katandthefiddle.etsy.com

My Etsy Shop.......

2009-06-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Recently I opened up an Etsy shop. If your not familiar with etsy, its an online shop of handcrafted items, as well as vintage.
My shop, Kat and the Fiddle is at www.katandthefiddle.etsy.com I have begun listing doll clothes, as well as some of my original paintings. My paintings can also be viewed at www.freewebs.com/kathleengormanwermuth My doll clothing still can be viewed at www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com

I will be in the near future listing some of my handcrafted dolls that I've been making. My doll creations are taking much longer than I have anticipated, unfortunatly. Since my doll clothing and painting have been keeping me quite busy!!

The first doll I will be listing on Etsy is Anabelle. She's about 16 inch cloth doll with cloth head. Her body and face are all white, made from 100% cotton muslin. Her face is painted on and she has the most prettiest blue eyes!! Her hair is "blond", or yellow yarn hair. Im now in the process of making her underpinnings, and then will construct her dress. Which will be a pretty blue floral calico dress to match her ever so sparkly eyes!!

I've Lost My Buttons...............

2009-05-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Before you think I lost my mind, no I haven't. It's perfectly fine and still where it should be. But I was scouring through my little tin box that once had some fancy chocolate in it, looking for some buttons for the new dress Im making for my daughter. It's a period dress, in a sweet pink and pink plaid homespun. Which by the way, I also realized why I don't buy directional plaids very often. Matching them up sometimes can be bit of a pain for me. Im the type who likes to get to it when it comes to sewing.
Anyway, I was looking for some nice small but period buttons. When it comes to sewing up period items, I want period. No plastic farby junk. I did however, find some nice buttons, although not period, they looked the part. Which I used on daughter's new pinafore. I'll have to take a pic of that and upload it. But in a pinch they worked.
My point, is that I've realized that my period button stash is nearly deflated. I've got a few bone buttons, and a few metal trouser buttons. But the trouser buttons won't work on a little girl's daydress. The bone buttons will, but I unfortunatly didn't purchase enough. By the way, a good source for period buttons is Blockade runner which you can visit by clicking here.
Now, I started remembering that somewhere I had some awesome vintage jet glass bead buttons somewhere. Ones that I had purchased from a sutler during a reenactment. Good thing sutlers are usually at reenactments, a girl still can fullfill her shopping bug even during a reenactment. So I started to think of where they may have been. When I realized that they were still on the garabaldi shirt that I made when I first started reenacting fourteen years ago. The problem is that when we moved down South, I didn't think was ever going to reenact again. Silly me!! And I unwittingly threw it away. Yes, you heard me right. I threw it away. Im kicking myself now for it!!
Well, I guess that means I won't ever see those lovely jet black vintage glass bead buttons again. But if I ever come apon them again, I'll surely be scooping them up!!
By the way, I've finally posted one of my OOAK (Original and One of A Kind) dolls Ivy on my website. She's a little darling. Click Here to visit Ivy.

Felicity's Wear..................

2009-05-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

Since most often I do more States War stuff, I thought I would venture to another time period for a change, colonial. If anyone if familiar with American Girl dolls, Felicity and Elizabeth are the two dolls featured for the colonial era.
Last month I ordered Felicity for my daughter's birthday present. She'll be 11 in June. The doll pictured is actually her Kirsten doll, whom she loves!!
Anyway, since Felicity came and is currently hiding out in the bedroom closet, I thought I would try my hand at sewing up some colonial outfits for her. Added presents!! My first was the mob cap, which is somewhat similiar to the lappet cap (featured in photo). It's actually a very simple garment to make, and comes out quite cute! I made a skirt out of a burgandy red calico which also came out cute. The next item was a school jacket, which I sewn from a black velveteen. This however, did not come out as well. But Im going to make another one, but out of a calico fabric instead. I think the velveteen seemed just slightly too heavy for the small garment.
The next project was the night shift and lappet cap, which is featured in the photo above. I don't think Felicity will mind Kirsten trying it out. I made both pieces from 100% cotton muslin fabric. And I have to say that both items were fairly easy to sew up. In fact, I've sewn up several since then and have two currently listed on eBay.
My next project is going to be Felicity's gown. I just have to find the right fabric to choose for it. When that is done, I'll will feature it here as well as my website : www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com

Oh Dolly Where Art Thou.............

2009-04-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, despite all the sewing and painting projects that I have going on, Im slowly making headway on the reproduction dolls I want to do.
My Miss Lillie Belle is coming along. At first her head looked pretty awesome to me. Until I compared it to a My Twinn doll head I just got. Yes, I got a My Twinn doll head off eBay to do a remake on. What Im going to do Im not sure. But I think Im tilting towards craziness, because I already have way too much stuff to do. Well, I guess I can't complain about being bored huh?
Anyway, I've already molded Lillie's head. I found some great molding putty at the craft store. It comes in two seperate containers. One being yellow, the other white. And the idea is to kneed and mash the two putty's in equal parts until they are well blended. then mold over whatever it is your molding. And then within a half hour you have a "rubber" mold of the piece. It's quite cool to use, simple, easy clean up, and best of all. So far the mold actually works. Or should I say looks like it will work. My next step is to get some liquid paper mache and pour a head and see how well she comes out.
But anyway, with the My Twinn doll head. I compared Lillie Belle's head to her, and I shouldn't really do that. The My Twinn doll head had much more features. Of course, Im also not a big manufacturer of dolls and can't expect the exact result right? Anyway, Lillie's orginal clay head I am now in the process of painting. I hope to have a pic uploaded of her shortly. In the near future. I hope............
Until then, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I have posted some new things on the website: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com

Doll Clothes Display Rack...................

2009-04-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

I am heading off to do my first craft show in less than a month. With that said, I had to figure out the best way of displaying my clothing. One that was inexpensive and lightweight. Since I'll be hefting all my stuff alone.
In the photo above, you'll see a neat and inexpensive way to craft yourself a doll clothing rack. All you need is several dowels, two wood plaques, two wood birdhouses, paint, and drill.
2 wood plaques about 4 inches in diameter
1-2 dowels about 1/2 inch in diameter. One may suffice and cut the dowel in half.
2 wood birdhouses (small ones)
1 wood dowel about 3/8 inch in diameter. This will be the crossbar. You may want to try one of the cuphooks for the hangers (directions in a future post) on the dowel for the crossbar to make sure it will fit.
Paint.....
First cut the large dowels in half or to the length you want for the height. Keep in mind that some of that dowel will stick up into the birdhouse. Next with the drill, and a paddle bit the size you need. Drill a hole in both plaque bases to fit the dowel. Then drill that same size in the bottom of the birdhouses. The thicker dowels you can then place in the base and the other end in the birdhouse. Add some wood glue for added security.
Next step is to drill a hole the size of the dowel you will use as the rod going across to hang the clothes on. Drill these holes, one in each birdhouse on the side about the middle. Once drilled you can stick the dowel in and connect the two birdhouses. I do not recommend glueing them in, but you can if you want. I find it easier not to, so that I can disassemble the clothing rack for easy storage.
Once you get the "rack" together, the next step is to paint it. This is where you bring in your own creative ideas and make the rack your own. I've painted the birdhouses like little shops, with one called the Bonnie Blue Bonnet Shop.
Another step one can do is add a pine board base to the bottom. Screwing in the round plateform bases onto that and then painting it green. Then craft a "picket fence" out of popsicle sticks and you'll create a box below the rack for shoes and other accessories.

For clothing hangers, use a dowel cut down to about four or five inches.I've seen some American Girl hangers state a size of 7 inches. But they appear on the large side for doll clothes. But cutting a dowel either 1/4 inch think or 3/8 inch think to about four to five inches works well. Then screw in a cup hook in the middle.

It's a Doll's Life....................

2009-04-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been sewing up a storm with doll clothes, as well as period clothing. I could have never imagined ever having this much sewing. But I do, and honestly, I'm loving it!! I've had a few people inquire about alterations, of modern clothing that is. YUCK! Who wants to do that?!! Especially when one can sit and sew nothing but period clothing and doll clothing all day.
Anyway, some of the projects on my own list is a new period shirt for the husband. Poor thing is done to one now. And since we have an event coming up this weekend he's been hoping I'd have it done for him in time for it. Daughter, well I found this lovely pink plaid homespun I couldn't resist and I have to sew that up for her as well. But in the meantime, I've been working on a much needed pinafore for her, and a chemise, and new pantaletts. One's that will actually fit her. Instead of the extra small woman's one I made her, which I had to pleat the waistband. And they still fall of the poor child!! Myself, I need an under the hoop petticoat, and a chemise. As well, I found a soft pastel green gingham check homespun for another day dress for myself. Got to love homespuns!! I think I'm addicted to them. But I did find a beautiful burgandy calico last week and Im so tempted!! I'm trying my best not to splurge on anymore fabric until I get these projects done first. But I find myself falling asleep at night just dreaming about the beautiful day dress it would make. Gathered bodice, capped sleeves with modified pagoda's. Black soutache braid trimming off the caps, sleeves, and a black gosgrain ribbon along the the edge of the skirt. Oh, I really need to stop this!! The more I think about it , the more I want it!!
Now to my original thought....doll's. Since I've been making doll clothes, and many of them, and orders up to my bonnets, I started thinking about doll's. You see I've been really wanting to make some reproduction vintage dolls. Like the old china head and plaster of paris dolls. the doll's with molded hair and milk white faces. And the dresses, oh the dresses those doll's wear!! Am I a bit obsessed with period dresses?
So I've been trying to think of the best way to sculpt and mold a doll's head. Im a freelance artist by the way, on top of being a seamstress and dolly dressmaker. But I only thought it was a matter of time to bring in some special doll's of my own to compliment my doll clothing.
Where do I start? I began with trying to sculpt a head with paper mache. It's not a medium I do often. But from time to time I dabble in it for the sheer fun of getting messy. I made a doll's head. If you want to call it that. I painted her. But I did not like her. Her nose looked like a box and she had strange dents and dings in her head, and she reminded me of some of the cars that went into the body shop at the car dealership I use to work for. So I ditched her and preceeded to clay. Cllaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy......................gosh I love that stuff. I can easily sculpt it more so and I still get messy. So I grabbed a styrofoam ball and began clumping clay here and clay there. When it was all done, she looked FAB! Until she started cracking. I realized that the clay dried too quickly, and that was because I did not have a thick enough layer. Clay can be funny that way. And you somewhat have to get a feel for it at first. Okay, I could manage the cracks. She's gonna get molded anyway. And there was were I made yet another mistake. Unlike the paper mache one. I decided to try to paint her head with the liquid latex mold, which worked but then placed the doll's head in plaster of paris. The plaster of paris of course was wet and the moisture built up and softened the doll's clay head and she cracked even more. As well as broke into pieces.
Now, after several weeks of taking a break from sculpting and creating my own doll, I went and sculpted another head out of the clay. This time I used a smaller ball of paper instead of stryofoam and made the layers a bit thicker, and thicker at the neck. Which was something else I made a mistake with on the last one. I didn't have enough clay at the neck and a nice big crack formed there. So much so that it decapitated my doll. Not good.
Anyway, Lillie Belle is currently drying, and with no cra.....shhhhhh! I better not say it! But she's looking lovely. I'm going to give her till the end of the week to dry completely, and I will paint her up and then mold her. I of course, have another method of molding. A neat compound that comes in two parts, which you mix together until both colors blend and then mold it around the piece. It's a neat molding putty, completely food safe too. Not that I ever plan on making doll head's out of Jello or anything. But its nice to know you have something safe as that to handle.
In time, I will begin taking photo's of Lillie Belle and posting them here, as well as on my website: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com

Until then, I've uploaded the most recent doll's day dress I've done. Yes, its a homespun!!

When Sewing Machines MisBehave.................

2009-04-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yes...sometimes they can be difficult at times. Misbehave and unfortunatly, sending them to the corner for a time out doens't work. But, I do find giving yourself a timeout for a moment or two really helps. You have the opportunity to re-think about the issue that the sewing machine is having and most often figure it out yourself. Getting frustrated with it, well usually ends with you getting really upset and flustered and wanting to just throw the thing out the window. Which never helps. In fact, it usually causes your problem to be bigger since throwing it out the window will surely kill it.
So, here I was getting all flustered and frustrated with my misbehaving sewing machine. I had several Civil War clothing pieces to sew up and at least twenty some doll dresses to sew up. UGH!! My machine is bad! Very very bad!! I'd sew along a few stitches when suddenly, CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK, and the thread on the underside of the fabric is all knotted up. It kept doing it until I was at the point of screaming and yes, tossing it out the window. I was frustrated. Fortunatly for me it was time to go pick my van up from the repair shop after having a tune up. The Princess mobile now runs so nicely and is full of pep and go!! I should have asked the mechanic if he could fix sewing machines. I only wish my sewing machine wasn't so difficult.
So, I scoured through the manuel once again and couldn't find anywhere where they talked about troubleshooting a misbehaving bobbin. Because I was now convinced that the bobbin was the troublemaker. Misbehaving it was and making the rest of the machine look bad. Bad bad bobbin!! I came across a section about the bobbin tension, AH! So I read it through and followed the directions for testing the bobbin tension. It was too tight! So I loosened it up a wee bit and placed it back into the machine. I tried once again to sew and it worked fairly good. It only did it now every six inches rather than two. Okay, Im making headway here. So I sewed a little more, and listened carefully. In hopes I would find something.Then I took the fabric out and inspected the globs of thread on the underside of the fabric. I noticed breaks in the fabric. So then I thought, "is it possible its the thread?" Well, I took the bobbin out and the rest of the thread that was in it. There wasn't much in there anyway. And rethread the bobbin with a much better quality thread that didn't seem to be so easily to break. The first thread I could easily break it without effort. Re-thread the machine, and a way I went!! Now seems to sew nicely!!!
The moral of this story: don't always blame your machine for the misbehaving!

The Art of Corset Making..............

2009-03-04T10:39:00.001-08:00

Overall, making a corset isn't really that difficult to do. Except for making gussets. Honestly, I now hate making gussets. What fussy little things they are!!
The last corset I made was a some err.....14 years ago. And when dear hubby, daughter and I relocated to Tennessee I got rid of a good amount of my reenacting clothes. Gosh, I could kick myself now for that!! Two things I got rid of that I wish I really really didn't.....a gray wool ladies sacque coat, and my corset!! What was I thinking?? The sacque coat was a beautiful Confederate gray and some of my friends would tease me about it whenever I wore it. Tell me I looked like a Johnny Reb! Obviously husband and I were doing Union impressions at the time. So with those remarks I hid my beautiful gray wool coat in my trunk. Which I also gave away and kicking myself over now. But anyway, that's in the past.
My corset however, was trashed. Yes, I threw it out in the trash along with several petticoats, two pairs of pantalettes and two pairs of chemises. They all had seen better days and were worn so much I probably could have passed them off as originals! LOL....
Well, now that we are back to reenacting I've been slowly building my period wardrobe. I finished a soft lavender floral print cotton dress not to long ago. But discovered it didn't fit properly, because afterall I didnt have a corset. A corset is everything you know. It's one item not to go without. Besides a dress of course. One would look rather silly walking around an encampment in nothing but thier underpinnings. Of course you'd give the wrong impression of the impression you would be doing. Enough of that!!
Anyway, here I was faced with needing a new corset. I still had all my patterns. So I scoured through and found my Past Patterns corset pattern. Somewhat torn and tattered, but still so very usable. I then proceeded to go to one of my favorite sutlers, Abraham's Lady in Gettysburg and ordered up what I needed for corset supplies. Amoungst other things too!! Within days I had my order and my eagerness grew to get my hands into making a new corset. I happened to find some nice twill cotton fabric at Walmart of all places.
My first project was cutting the pieces out and constructing the gussets. Did I tell you I hate gussets?? Anyway, they are fussy little critters and sewing them "perfectly" is never perfect. But I managed to get through such anguish of gussets and move onto the next step. Marking placements for the corset stays and the busk. . When this was all done, the next step was sewing the pieces of the corset together. Its then it starts looking like a corset. Then placing the busk and stays in place. Then marking placement for gromments. I hate grommets too. But not nearly as much as I hate gussets. Gussets and grommets get me grumbling!! Anyway, I marked the spots where the grommets were to be, and proceded to do the grommets. The problem is that it had been fourteen years since Ive done gromments and had to reassociate myself with them. The first grommet I tried placing without making a small hole first. It didn't work. So then I made a small hole and stuck the grommet through, and placed it on the little metal base and then on top of the grommet placed the other metal piece which you hit the hammer on. A few whacks with the hammer and I took a look at my grommet. I made the hole just slightly too big so the grommet didn't stay very well. So I had to whipstitch a few extra stitches with thread around the grommet to hold it in place. Well, I learned my first lesson in grommets. Not to make the hole too big. I preceeded onto the next one, and the next one and the next one. And before I knew it, I had them all done and the closer to the end of my grommet session, the better they looked. I just wish the gusset session went as smoothly.
Now that I had my grommets in the next step was to sew bias tape along the bottom edge of the corset pieces, then slide in the corset stays in their appriopate spots and then sew bias tape along the top of the corset pieces. At that point, its pretty much done. Except for stringing the corset laces through the grommets.
I still have the laces to string, and then I'll try it on. I just pray that it fits, and that the grommets don't give out!!

It's funny how eBay works...............

2009-02-27T13:28:00.000-08:00

I've been listing doll clothing on eBay now for several weeks, and for the most part its going pretty good. I've come to discover that the most popular items seem to be my capped sleeve day dress and the 1850's bonnet.
Last week I sold a simple day dress in a homespun with the capped sleeves, white bishop sleeves, and pretty dark blue soutache braid which I handsewn onto the skirt itself. Whew! I thought I would never get that done. But I did and it looked so sweet. And the nice thing about the capped sleeve dresses, is that the skirts are a wee bit longer than Kirstin's dress are. And they naturally flare out as if there is a hoop underneath. Speaking of which, Im in the process of designing up a pattern to make a hoop skirt for dolls!!

The bonnet, patterned after a 1850's style bonnet is also drafted from my own pattern and constructed from muslim (lining) and either a velvet, velveteen or taffeta fabric for the outerlayer. And I use a watercolor paper for stiffening since its pretty durable paper. Then of course, the bonnets are trimmed off with ribbons and such to finish them off.

But I've been seeing this trend for the dresses and bonnets, and one auction I get bids fairly quickly as others get nothing until the last minute.

A Bee in my Bonnet.....................

2009-01-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

Not really, but lately I've been on a bonnet kick. I obtained a lovely pattern for a 1840's to 1850's style bonnet and redesigned it to fit the American Girl doll. It was originally a pattern for people. Since my family reenacts, it was necessary for me to have one.
Now, let me tell you constructing a bonnet is not all that daunting as it may seem. Just taking a little time and effort and most often your bonnet will come out looking fine. Granted it may not be perfect the first time around. But if anyone questions you as to why your bonnet may not look "right" I have a simple solution. Just tell them its an original. Hey, what do you expect. Would you look "perfect" after a hundred and fifty years? They may not buy it of course, but its worth a try.
Now, I have to tell you about the first bonnet I ever made. It was a Godey's 1850's bonnet. The kind of bonnet that starts out sort of round and then about half way flares out like a spoon around your face. Not a spoon bonnet, but somewhat different.
I had made mine out of a black velveteen fabric, with a pretty white lace shirred inside lining. Finished it off with some silk burgandy flowers in the inside of the bonnet brim and of course, topped it off with two feathers, one black and one white. Added with black satin ribbon ties. It was lovey. Was not the latest fashion but served its purpose.
Well, we did one event on Fort Warren, Georges Island located in Boston Harbor. I grew up in the small seacoastal town of Hull where Georges Island was just off of. And had still been living there. So doing a reenactment basically in my backyard was kind of exciting. We had however, had to take the landing barge provided by the MDC at the time to get over there.
The weekend started out nice. But by sunday morning the rain and drizzle filtered in and since not many people like to travel by boat to an island in foul weather, the crowd was pretty thin. Needless to say, the unit that came with the cannon decided to leave early. And if anyone knows reeenacting, when the cannons leave, the event is pretty much nothing and over with.
Everyone began gathering their stuff and toting it down to shoreline to wait for the next barge to come in to bring us back to the mainland. There was a good amount of us, and so had to take turns going. Unfortunatly, we ended up being the second to last group to load our stuff on and head out. By then our stuff sat on the beach of the island for several hours. Getting well wet may I add!
Well, somehow when things were being loaded onto the barge, someone decided to place something very big and heavy upon my small and lightweight hat box. Yes......my bonnet was inside it.
When we landed on the mainland, and the barge began to unload, one of the guys in our unit approached me with something in hand. I didn't know what it was at first, since it resembled something of a large pancake out of cardboard. The look on his face alone told me it was not good. He knew what it was, my hat box with yes, my bonnet inside of it. Need I say more?

Southern Heritage.............

2009-01-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Today I began sketching out the preliminary drawings of illustrations for my book. It's about a young girl growing up in Tennessee during the War Between the States.
The purpose of the book, is to help teach young girls about their Southern Heritage, and why they should be so proud of the Christian Cross of Saint Andrew.
You may be wondering what illustrating a childrens books has to do with sewing doll clothes. But I'm in the process of starting a new line of dolls called Southern Heritage Girl. Each doll will represent a Southern state, with a story depicting Southern Heritage.
Currently our first doll in the line is going to be Shelby Grace, a pretty brown haired, green eyed girl from Tennessee in 1863. She writes in her dairy of her everyday life, and the letters she writes to her pa, who is serving with the Tennessee Light Artillery.
Her wardrobe as well as the doll herself I am currently designing, and hope to showcase Shelby Grace in the very near future.
I'll be posting excerpts here on the blog.

Sew What's New.................

2008-12-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

I've nearly finished some of my unfinished sewing projects. My apologies for not being here. It's just life. So much going on, and with the holidays half way through, I thought I would take a moment and post and update ya'll on things on the sewing front. I've also posted a new day dress on my storefront: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com
Several weeks back we, (hubby, daughter and myself) went for the Christmas tours at the Confederate Memorial Hall. It was a lovely take, going through the period home. We had the honor of meeting Nathan Bedford Forrest. Not the real one of course!! But I must say the gentleman doing the first impression of General Forrest was a dead ringer!!!
We listened to him speak, in first person, and his accounts of the day brought us back to that time period. I couldn't help but feel honor and pride. And I thought back to 1860 for a moment and thought what it would have been like for a Southern woman then. My heritage is Yankee, born and raised on Northern soil. But my heart is for the South. My husband is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and our daughter a member of the Children of the Confederacy. I see the honor and pride in those whose ancestors served for the Confederacy and its strong, uplifting and strong.
So, I began sewing on those sewing projects that almost got left behind. My daughter's new party dress in the champagne colored watermark taffeta, and my lovely lavender day dress. To which I hope to finish both in the very near future. Since in a few short weeks we have the Lee-Jackson Birthday Celebration. An event that none of us miss!!

The Doll Clothing Store.....

2008-12-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Please visit my new website: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com
It is now up and running complete with a storefront for easy ordering of clothing.

My blog I will still maintain from time to time with different article to sewing, dolls, and Civil War history.

Tea Dress and Ball Gowns.................

2008-12-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

I will be posting a new picture soon enough. Of a new tea dress/ball gown dress for the American Girl doll.
I wanted to do something different, and re-patterned the sleeves to one dress to look like the sleeves from an original 1860's ball gown. A pattern to the full size dress in fact, I have, and have sewn this same ball gown. I had sewn it back in 1995, out of a beautiful peach colored watermark taffeta fabric. The sleeves are two rows of "puffs" and very femanine.
For the pattern of fabric, I found a spare piece of pretty pink striped fabric with tiny pink florals in it. The fabric was from a swatch I purchased to cut circles for a quilt of the Grandmother's Flower Garden. Which I may add, Im still "quilting". When this dress is complete, I will post a pic as well as a price range on it.

Dress and Underpinnings.............

2008-11-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

A lovely set of underpinnings and a new short sleeve day dress with a gathered bodice for your sweet doll. Chemise and pantalettes are $8 each, petticoat $6, and dress is $15. However, the package deal of two dresses (one short sleeve, one bishop sleeve, and the three pieces of underpinnings all for $40 is a relatively good deal!!

Ah Such Sweet Pretty Things...........

2008-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:00

Period underthings are just such sweet pretty things. The softness of the fabric, the tucks, laces and ribbons. I am now sewing up several items of underpinnings now, for both myself, and the dolls.
Once I get myself reorganized I need to take some pictures of the set of underpinnings for the dolls I just finished. A petticoat, pantalettes, and a chemise. Both the pantalettes and chemise I've trimmed in a soft white eyelet lace around the collar, sleeves, and leg bottems. The petticoat I managed to sew into the fabric a decorative border in a soft blue.

I now have a Christmas set to offer for $40. Which includes two dresses, one long sleeve (bishop sleeve) and the other short sleeve, a chemise, petticoat, and a pair of pantalettes.

Sewing a Pleated Bodice.................

2008-10-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I am almost done with a new doll's dress. This one features a pleated bodice, no collar and short open sleeves. I've done it in the same fabric that I made a dress of for my daughter. Which also has the pleated front bodice and short open sleeves. I am hoping to post a pic of this in the next day or two. As well, some new things.

Now, since I have to draft a pattern myself for the pleated doll's bodice, this dress is actually a proto-type. But its coming out exceptionally well. I've also sewn in two rows of tucks in the lower half of the skirt.

My next project is sewing up some doll's underpinnings. I have the pantelettes already cut out, with only once difference is that mine will actually have a waistband that will either button, or hook and eye. Whereas the current pattern calls for elastic.

Clothing for American Girl dolls.............

2008-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm perhaps like most girls, in that I love dolls. I still have one of my most favorite dolls I had from childhood. My own daughter, has an array of dolls in her bedroom, along with a small collection of doll furniture, tea sets and more.

I am now sewing Civil War era fashions for American Girl dolls or any 18 inch doll. All clothing is as close to period correct as I can get. Some doll clothes come through with velcro. I use small buttons for all my doll clothing, as well as period fabric. Prices are reasonable, and I am slowly growing a small array of fashions. I also sew the underpinnings as well. Currently I am also working on a spoon bonnet for dolls too.

Feel free to email me with questions.