Hardy Amies' 1956 Suit

This suit is one of the first designs I fell in love with when I became obsessed with sewing for Gene.

I found this picture in a library book years ago.  I believe this is from John Peacock's  20th Century Fashion:  The Complete Sourcebook.

(Picture By John Peacock)

Hardy Amies was a British designer who designed for Queen Elizabeth.  I searched the internet high and low to find a photograph of this suit, but I have not found one yet.

This was my first attempt back in 2006.

It fits the Tonner dolls much better than Gene.

Last year I redesigned the pattern to fit Gene better.  I made it out of silk noil.  Noil is one of my favorite suit fabrics to work with.  It gives the look of wool without the bulk.

I also made it in navy noil.

While I was working on the red and navy suits, it occurred to me that this is a great basic suit pattern.  I wanted to see what it would look like without the front straps, so I made the pattern up in a green noil without the straps.

I was honestly surprised how much I loved it. 

The color is perfect with "Cocoa Crisp's" green eyes. 

 My original suit on Brenda Starr. 

Just for fun, the hat is a pin from JoAnn Fabrics.

To purchase the pattern, click here.

Autumn in Paris

Oh my gosh!  Two posts in one day!  I can’t believe my awesomeness!

This post is about photography, one of the many things that I need to work on, along with not buying more  fabric, and making better use of my time.

I blame the incredible Rebecca’s blog for my new obsession; buying large posters for use as backdrops.  She can also be blamed for my recent purchase of all four Grace Kelly Barbies, even though I don’t really collect that size of fashion doll anymore.  Sigh, I am so weak.

 

I found this poster titled “Autumn in Paris” at Michael's a few months ago, I love it.  I need to figure out how to blend the ground with the poster, but at least Ivy is standing by herself in this picture.

I hate to always crop off her feet.

This one is not so good.

I love the close-ups of the doll with the poster.

This is “Symphony in G Minor” with a new body wearing an outfit I made years ago to go with the hat from one of the Ashton Drake’s hat and purse sets.

More close-ups

 

Now I need to go mop a sticky floor.

It’s a Long Story

Years ago, when I started my obsession about sewing for Gene, I was searching the internet and I came across a set of paper dolls on eBay.

I believe this is a Debora Paget paper doll.

I fell instantly in love with the green dot coat ensemble. I wanted to make it so bad!

Later, I discovered another doll designer had made the same outfit in green and white. I was kinda bummed, but then I saw this picture.

Modes Royale Spring/Summer 1953

I decided I would make it too. It took me a while to find the green dot, and I ended up using two different dots, but I love how it turned out.

Here is Madra with the other dot.

I used 17 buttons to make each outfit. I may have wiped out one online store’s stock twice to make all of them.

The umbrella is made with a kabob skewer and a bead painted white.

This ensemble is sold out.

Cocoa Crisp

Cocoa Crisp was my first Wu Gene. I have always loved her. I love her green eyes and her hair.

I have to redo her hair though, a lot of the curl fell out. I have a hard time making it look smooth.
She is one of my favorite models, I have kept her very busy.

Here she is modeling Ashton Drake and Wu outfits.

"The Perfect Gift"



"Cocktail Hour"



"Friendly Connection"



"First Stop, Chicago"



"Garden Party"



"Love's Ghost"




Cocoa Crisp Modeling My Creations



Inspired by Claire McCardell



TDLM's Buyere



"Imitation of Life"



"Little Red Dress"



Daisy Sheath and Jacket



Inspired by Trigere



Inspired by Dior

TDLM Bruyere

This cocktail dress is made out of embroidered cream silk, black dupioni and black charmeuse.