Keepers Dolly Duds Tea with the Governess

 I found this lovely coral fabric at the thrift store, and I immediately knew that I wanted to go Regency with it.

I used it to make my second version of Keepers Dolly Duds Tea with the Governess.

I think it's really lovely!

I made the ruched sleeves again, I love that detail.

Maritza is modeling this time. Maybe she is pretending to be one of Josefina's sisters!

It's a really pretty dress, and I had buttons that match the color really well.

I think that next time I use this fabric, I will make a really elaborate dress for Samantha, maybe from Simplicity 1179. 

You can see my first version of this pattern at this link.

Summer Sundresses

 I made four sundresses from the same pattern, all in the same day!

I wanted to sew some doll dresses for my cousin's daughter for the first time. This was the fastest way that I could build a wardrobe.

I used the Liberty Jane Peplum Top pattern. I added a waistband and a longer skirt. I just think it's a simple but elegant pattern.

Here are the dresses, being modelled by Jess, Makena, Evette and Maritza.

I used a variety of colors. I sadly don't know the recipient very well, so I hope that she finds something that she likes in this batch!

Here are some other dresses that I made from the same pattern.

Christmas pajamas

 Here are some pictures of Danielle and Maritza sporting Christmas pajamas.

Naturally, Maritza got the "sporty" Christmas pajamas.

Danielle lost her glasses. I swear it was her and not me.. she's been on display and I haven't touched her. LOL.

Wednesday Addams

 Here's a better picture of my Wednesday Addams. 

The black and white background is perfect for her, isn't it? Much better than cheerful green grass.

Wednesday Addams

 Another photo prompt was Wednesday Addams.

I think Maritza makes a great 1960s Wednesday Addams!

She has to share the dress with Melody, though. 

Here's the blog post I wrote about sewing this dress. I have added buttons and tacked down the collar since I wrote that post.

I would like to take another picture of Maritza in from of a spookier background, but this is what I have so far for this photo prompt!

Pattern Review: 123 Mulberry Street Cowl Neck Sweater

 I made the Cowl Neck Sweater by 123 Mulberry Street.

It was very easy to do. I was half blinded by a headache, so I wanted an easy project.

Even with the headache, this came together in less than an hour.

There are only four pattern pieces.

The only fault with the pattern is that the sleeves are not symmetrical, and the pattern pieces did not indicate which side should be sewn to the front or the back. I could figure this out by looking at it, but a beginning sewer might not.

I used purple because it was the most fall-like and sweater-like fabric I could find.

I think Maritza looks great in it. She should be a witch for Halloween.

I also made the tiny books.

I am looking forward to the release of the third book in the Scholomance series, The Golden Enclaves. It has been released, but my library doesn't have it yet.

Obviously, I didn't add the eyelets. That would be a new skill that I didn't feel like doing. It's a cute sweater without them.

Joss and Maritza at the Beach

 I do love some beach pictures.

I took some pictures of the face mold twins, Joss and Maritza, at the beach!

It was rather a windy day, and the sky was very dramatic. 

Comparison Pictures

 I took a couple of comparison pictures with the MCM dolls.

Here is Maritza with Joss.

It's just interesting to me because they have the same face mold, but they have very different facial expressions. 

I think it's in the eyebrows. I originally thought that Maritza's eyebrows were further down on her face, but this picture just shows that they are a very different shape.

Her lips also seem to be painted a slightly different shape.

I also took a picture comparing my Kaya, on the left, with the new Kaya, on the right.

They look very different! The shape of their faces even seems different. The new Kaya seems to have a much rounder face.

Removing Painted Eyelashes

 I knew that when I got Maritza and Makena, I would want to remove their painted eyelashes. These have been a sore spot with me ever since Nanea, and I particularly dislike the ones on the World By Us dolls.

Luckily, I saw a post on a forum about using "Windsor & Newton - Brush Cleaner & Restorer" to remove markings from doll vinyl. I bought it at Joann. It cost $8, but I was able to use a 50% off coupon. The cleaner was in a locked case at the store I went to, and I had to get an employee to unlock it so I could buy it.

I used this on the dolls with a toothbrush, so I could control where the fluid went.

I used a dry paper towel to wipe their faces clean after removing any sections of face paint.

I was able to use this successfully on Maritza, Makena and Corinne.

I like all three doll much better this way! I think it looks best on Makena in particular. It makes her look older.

Funnily, one of my friends misunderstood me and thought I was removing their eyebrows.

She said she thought that this was a bad idea, but she was going to support me anyway. I agree, it would have been a bad idea! Although I wish that Maritza's eyebrows were slightly higher on her forehead.

Usually, when I get a new doll, I enjoy them a bit as they come before I make any changes.

 But I knew that this was a change that I wanted, and I am very happy with it.

MCM Dolls 2022!

 I picked up my MCM dolls on Saturday. The benefit sale actually asked us on social media not to come Saturday morning if we didn't have to. I didn't see that post. I just got up and went. My GPS actually died on me, and I had to go buy a new one.

I got there about 9:30 am, and didn't have to wait long. I was surprised that I had to park in the street and carry my items across the parking lot to the car, because I hadn't seen the post.

I picked up my items and the items for a friend who couldn't do the pick up this weekend. I am going to meet with them in September to give them their items.

The dolls that I got are Maritza and Makena. They were both brand new, never been taken out of the box, no X on their bottoms.

I was amazed at how long Maritza's hair is! It's past her bottom! It has pretty red highlights. It is really beautiful.

Makena is super cute too!

My friend got Kaya, who was also in perfect condition.

As usual, I had a really good MCM experience. I feel guilty about going on Saturday morning when they were asking people to stay away. I thought the morning would be less busy than the afternoon.

After picking up the dolls, I went to Clausen's Bakery, the India House Grocery store, Joann, St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and Portillo's for lunch. Since I live in a very small town, it was really special to have all of these great shops so close together.

Here is a link to my blog post on the MCM sale in 2023- the very last MCM sale ever.

Wednesday Addams Dress

Happy October 13th!

When thinking about making Halloween costumes, Wednesday Addams was one of the first things that jumped to my mind.

It turns out that the Addams Family TV show started in 1964, so it makes a perfect costume for Melody!

I used two Keepers Dolly Duds patterns for this dress.

I used the Simplicity 8314 pattern for the main dress and the Supplemental Collar pattern for the collar.

I did lengthen the pattern piece for the sleeves and make my own pattern for the cuffs.

I am getting more confident at altering doll clothes patterns!

To be exactly like the 1964 Wednesday Addams dress, I need to add a row of buttons down the front of the dress.

I don't have any on hand, so I left them off for now.

I think it's a cute and easy Halloween costume!