Winter White Suit

 

 

This outfit was inspired by a paper doll fashion. 

 

I don’t even remember when or where I found this picture, but I knew right away that I had the perfect leopard fabric to trim the collar.

 

I have had this leopard print velour for years and have made many different outfits out of it.

When I decided to make the collar detachable, I was immediately flooded with ideas for other accessories. 

I ended up making a hat, collar, and cuffs out of black fur for a very different look.

 

All of these suits have been sold.

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.

To Catch a Thief

Grace Kelly wore this stunning outfit in the 1954 film "To Catch a Thief". Edith Head is one of my favorite designers, I love her classic style and have recreated several of her costumes in miniature.

I made this outfit several years ago, but I wanted my own copy. I had the genius idea to cut out as many jumpsuits as I could out of the piece of black knit that I had. Lesson learned- just because you have enough fabric to make 14 outfits, doesn't mean you should. It felt like it took forever to finish all these outfits.

"Pool Pose" Madra loves her new resort wear.

Because the jumpsuit is made of knit, this ensemble fits the Tonner/Tyler dolls too.

I think Daphne Dimples makes a lovely Grace. I use to have a lot of problems photographing the early Tonner dolls. Their skin is rather dark and would always look really dark in my pictures. I shined a light on Daphne while I was taking her picture and am really happy with the results.

She is still a little dark in the full body shots though.

Antionette can also wear this outfit. She claimed that she wanted to jazz it up a little by wearing her red sandals, but the truth is she doesn't have any other shoes.

Outfits are for sale in my blog store.

New Things

Even though I have only blogged about one of the many, many things I bought at the last Gene convention, I have decided to write about the last batch of goodies that have made their way up to Whidbey Island.

A couple of months ago Integrity Toys had a Gene sale, I couldn't resist indulging in some more dolls and outfits, the prices were incredible, and they were selling Tawny.



Isn't she gorgeous? I need to figure out how to photograph the darker skin better.



Like many of my Gene dolls, she wasn't on my list as a "Must Have" until I saw Jurrie's website. When I finally decided I needed her, she was sold out, and selling on eBay for a high price. I was thrilled to buy her for a great price.

I also bought "Pearls and Pink" Ivy. She is a beauty too.

I initially passed up "Pool Pose" Madra during the 2008 Gene convention. Her sale price was too good to pass up. She is beautiful, and the perfect hat doll. I don't have pictures of her in her original outfit, because when Tonner's "Captivatingly Coy" arrived, Madra demanded to be the first one to wear it. She is still wearing it.



I have succumbed to the urge to buy more of the "Anne Harper" line by Tonner. I love the vintage styles.

"Bright Days" is lovely.

Sambuca will fit in perfectly with the black cocktailers I am planning on making very soon.

I am very happy with my new loot.