Diane on Whidbey Island: 2015

Sunday, December 13, 2015

I Might Need More Dolls Part I

Between my last two sewing projects I sorted through my massive doll clothes collection. My dolls dress a million times better than I do! I decided that I had too much of everything. Even though I have over 100 fashion dolls displayed in my sewing room, my dresser is stuffed with doll clothes. I pulled out quite a few outfits that I thought I didn't love and made the decision to part with them.

But, to sell these outfits, I felt I need good pictures of them. I did my best to gather up all the pieces of each outfit. The jewelry was mixed up with all the other jewelry, the shoes were somewhere else. I had to use the pamphlets that came with each outfit for information and I also had to Google many of the Ashton Drake and Integrity outfits to see good photos of the originals.

I chose the dolls that I thought would be the best models for each outfit, and the best backdrops that I owned. After my photo shoot, I may have changed my mind about selling a few of these outfits.

WARNING! There are a lot of pictures in this post.

Blossoms in the Snow

JAMIEshow's "Phoenix" Gene is modeling this outfit. The backdrop was sent to me by mistake, but I think it is perfect for this gown.

I love the brunette wigcap with this outfit. I don't love the ribbon flowers though. I think I may replace them with white silk flowers.

Though I am not usually a big gown fan, this outfit is staying in my collection.

Somewhere Summer

This dress is adorable.

My model is a restyled "Suited for Fur" Gene.

The sleeves are especially nice.

Heart of Hollywood

I have a new appreciation for this outfit. It is stunning! The coat fabric is stiff, but the gown underneath the doll is wonderful.

The coat has a split back so the bow on the back of the gown can be displayed. I love this!

I don't think I am going to change her clothes for a while.

Possible inspiration picture

So many details

This outfit will be a keeper too.

On the Veranda

This beautiful dress is modeled by my JAMIEshow "Le Jazz Hot" Oona

Promenade

"Candied Lavender" is my model for this suit.

Kiss Me Gene

My JAMIEshow "Satin Violet" is modeling this lovely gown. I like this color on her.

I love this doll!

I'm keeping this gown too.

Midnight Romance

My JAMIEshow "J'Adore" is modeling this fabulous gown.

Her hard wigcap is by Ilaria Mazzoni. This is my first Ilaria wig, but not my last!

I might already have two more Ilaria wigs.

One of my favorite backdrops!

Sigh, another big poufy gown to keep!

Safari

My JAMIEshow "Spotted in Manhattan" Madra is ready to go on a Safari. I'm not sure how far she is going in those shoes though.

I love the pith helmut and scarf.

Of the eight outfits that I photographed, I'm going to keep the four big poufy gowns. Maybe I will buy more dolls to model all my clothes instead of downsizing my doll wardrobe.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Grace Kelly's Black Floral Dress Part II

I finally got around to making this dress again!

It was inspired by the dress that Grace Kelly wore in 1955 when she met her future husband Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Photo Edward Quinn, © edwardquinn.com

I originally made this design way back in 2011 as a commission.

For more photos and information about my first experience, click here.

Last year for Sandra Stillwell's convention in New York, I made four dresses to sell out of this fabric. They sold out fast, and I intended on going home and using up the rest of the fabric.

I found this fabric on the bargain table at a Hancock Fabrics in Lynnwood, Washington. It is "mystery" fabric. I am not sure what it is made out of, but the print was great. So I bought about 2 or 3 yards of it.

I love this fabric, it is like a cross between a cotton and a taffeta. It is not shiny, but it has a nice crispness to it and it pressed up beautifully. The flower print is a nice size for the dolls and I love the colors in the print.

My JAMIEshow "Le Jazz Hot" Oona looks lovely in this dress. Her Pink lips are perfect with this print.

I think it is a good match for the original dress.

I found this fabric in Kansas City in 2013. It is a very nice satin and has weight to it. I loved this print too, so I thought "What the heck........."