Sunday, July 22, 2012

Tea with Dolly


Don't faint.
It really is me.  I have not fallen off the face of the earth, yet.
I have really enjoyed being unplugged for awhile.
I may, or may not, share some of my thoughts on that at a later date.
I may, or may not, stay plugged in after sharing this post.
Time will tell.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a little something I whipped up in my sewing room today!
For the past few years, I have made and donated a doll garment to an auction raising funds for a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.


Here is this year's contribution.
This was not my original plan.
Funny how often that happens, isn't it?
I decided to try and be a little more trendy than usual, and began making something completely different.
Then, frustration set in.
The pattern directions were lacking.  I could tell the garment might not fit.  While it was meant to slip over the doll's head, little impatient fingers might have a difficult time.  My larger, and supposedly more patient, adult fingers were already having problems with it.

So, I turned to a beloved tried and true pattern -- a doll sized version of Children's Corner Mary De.


I also turned to one of my favorite fabrics, pinwale pique, for the bodice.
Adding lace and Swiss embroideries only made it better!
I was a happy camper, and the sewing machine was humming again!

The skirt is Garden Pindot in Azure by Michael Miller.
Embroidery floss is woven through the entredeux borders of the Swiss embroidery insert.  It is further embellished with Spanish lace edging on either side.
Spanish lace is a little heavier than the French laces often used in heirloom sewing.  I felt these were a better choice for a slightly more casual dress, and sturdier for a little girl's play time.

I decided it needed a little fun punch of color, and added lime green microcheck gingham piping at the waistline.
There are also three folded tucks at the hemline, to add one more finishing touch!


One of the sweet features of Mary De, is the wrap back closing.
The dress opens completely down the back, hopefully making it easy for little fingers to dress dolly.
Two fun flower shaped buttons close the back.


Her stylish bonnet began as a plain, and rather rough looking, straw hat purchased at a local hobby store.  I dug through my box of trims, finding a lime green ruffled trim that echoed the color of the dress's waistline piping.  I also discovered a floral ribbon garland, with tiny pearls decorating each flower's center.
Of course, we know everything is better with a bow, too!


This adorable miniature tea is the final part of my donation.
I used to sell these in my store, and still have a few left.
It makes me happy to know some little (or big!) girl will enjoy sharing tea with her dolly.
I made two little cloth napkins, using one of the decorative stitches on my machine to finish the edges.

It was good to be sewing again, and especially for a worthy cause.

Thanks for visiting!
Maybe it won't be as long before I have something else to share.
Have a wonderful week!

16 comments:

Laurie said...

So glad to hear from you!

Joan said...

Just wonderful, Jan, and fun to read your thought processes as you created this!

Jeannie B. said...

Hi jan, Just love your tea set. Nice to see you about!

Kellie said...

So glad to hear from you again! Love this little dress... just too cute! Any girl will just LOVE it!

DawnB said...

Love the Mary De, great combination of fabric & trim. I'm so happy to see you sewing again.

Saint Nolt Sews said...

The AG dress is too cute. I love the simple lines and colors. Always a classic with Mary De.

Eileen said...

Beautiful ensemble Jan! It is always fun to see how everyone has their ideas evolve as the project goes on. Mine seem to change frequently as I get into them!

Unknown said...

Jan,
So good to hear from you. The doll dress and tea items are perfect.
Lisa

Martha said...

Love it all! The dress, the hat and the tea set. IT will be a great contribution to the auction. So good to see you making time to take a stitch or two.

Karen said...

This is a charming set and the addition of the tea service will make the donation even better! It's so pretty and just the right size. I am glad that you are feeling well enough to sew and blog (maybe) again. I, too, have just decided to post on my very long neglected blog.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful surprise when I clicked onto your blog! Loved the dress too!
Mary O

Goosegirl said...

Oh so darling! What a precious dress. I love the perfect details. And I am so glad to see you sewing! I pray for you and think of you often.

Cynthia Gilbreth said...

Hi Jan, it's good to see a post from you again! The doll dress is just gorgeous, the lace is perfect. Don't stay away so long!

Anonymous said...

Love this post!! :)

Sue said...

I was so tickled to see a new post from you. Your work is lovely.

Cissie said...

Precious. The whole ensemble -- hat, dress, and tea set, will tickle whoever wins this. I find making doll clothes addictive!

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