Pattern Review: KDD Nautical Pleats

 I made the Keeper Dolly Duds Nautical Pleats pattern. I was already planning a different 1920s sailor dress when this pattern was released, but this is the one I made first.

I have to admit, it took me months to finish this one. I made the top, and pleated half the skirt, and took a break. I left the half-pleated skirt under some cookbooks for the pleats to get really set in.

Then the whole project sat all summer. Finally, I finished the other half of the pleats, couldn't find the top, panicked, found it again, and finally finished it.

I still haven't added the bow on the front. I am just going to make it out of ribbon. That's one reason why I went with blue and white. Also I just like the classic look.

I am still not totally happy with the pleats, but I was using a very slippery fabric that I got at a yard sale. I am not even sure what it is. Presumably this might work better in cotton.

I want to make one of these for Claudie, anyway. This dress is for Phryne Valancy. Claudie will probably get to try it on, though.

So hopefully next time will go better!

Meet Claudie

 I got Claudie! I ordered her on release day, but it took me a while to take pictures and longer to post them.

Claudie is really adorable. I love her sweet face mold.

I am glad that there is a new African American historical, and that there is a 1920s historical.

I love her meet hat, I had one like it, minus the ribbon, in college. I still have it, actually.

Addy was happy to welcome her.. Addy is like a protective big sister to Claudie, even if they are from different eras.

I wish that Claudie's book hadn't ended on a cliffhanger, with unresolved issues. I thought that was silly, since it's not a thriller or anything.

I love Claudie's meet outfit, and I like that her black Mary Janes will go well with other dresses.

I am going to remove her painted eyelashes eventually, but I wanted to enjoy her as is first.

I strongly recommend Claudie if you are thinking of getting her!

Tiffany Aching Dress

 Tiffany Aching is a teenage witch in Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

I have a friend who has an AG doll who is Tiffany Aching.

I wanted to make her a dress.

Tiffany is a farm girl who wears hand-me-downs from her older sisters that are blue or green.

I decided to use Kirsten's patterns. I actually used the bodice for the birthday dress and the sleeves and skirt from the school dress.

Tiffany's dress was let in and let out a lot, so I particularly wanted the tucks in the skirt.

I also ended up using several different colors of threads, which I think was true to the spirit of a dress that has been adjusted several times for multiple owners.

Tiffany has brown eyes and brown hair, and my Truly Me 28, Amelia, got to model.

Kirsten also got to try the dress on since it came from her patterns. The color really matched her eyes.

I also made mini books of the original five Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett. I also made several books that were mentioned in the series that were owned by Tiffany, her family or friends.

Sometimes I am more creative in crafting for other people than for myself. It makes me happy.

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. 

Nellie Pictures

 And here are some Nellie pictures.

She is a cute one.

She is one of a growing number of dolls that I need to restring. Sigh.

I couldn't find the parts that I need for restringing at Home Depot, but I know they are there!

Who doesn't love looking at fabric at the General Store? This is a smaller store than Nellie is used to, but she likes it anyway?

Let's buy some shoes, Nellie! This is a historic show store.

This is a historic Catholic church. Perfect for Nellie!

This house is the home of an Irish immigrant. Nellie felt very at home there!

Makena Pictures

 Here's a few pictures of Makena!

I was worried about taking her out, because I didn't want to mess her braids up.

It turned out that her hair did much better than Nellie's hair. I kept having to smooth Nellie's hair down.

Makena was camera ready!