Dress, Bonnet and Apron

Seems like Spring has been flying by, without a lot of time for sewing and dollmaking.  This week, I finally finished dressing my Gail Wilson Izannah Walker kit doll!  I am planning a winter outfit for her with the long sleeved dress, another apron and cape.  Maybe a hard bonnet - we'll see.  But I'm going to work on some clothes for some other dolls first!

Gail Wilson Izannah Walker Inspired Doll

I haven't completely disappeared!  I've been working on this little 10" Izannah Walker inspired kit by Gail Wilson.  She has been a very slow project for me this winter.  Projects around the house with my husband have taken a lot of our "spare time."  When I opened the kit, which I purchased a good while ago, I discovered that the paint containers for the skin had opened and dried out (a miracle that it wasn't all over the other paint pots!).  Luckly, I had some GW flesh colored paint already on hand!   Then, while getting ready to begin painting her face, her paper mache head feel off the pencil/rag "holder" onto the floor, breaking the back part of her shoulder plate!  I was devastated.  I couldn't believe how much crying I did over that silly little doll project - she was more important to me than I realized.  My wonderful husband came up with an idea on how to fix her using some 2 part epoxy stuff from the hardware store.  We molded it as best we could to her, waited a day or two, then sanded it as best we could and painted it.  The repair is obvious when she has no clothes on, but I decided it would be good enough to continue and press on.  Painting her face was a challenge - the experience reminded me that I'm overdue for an appointment with the optometrist, and that I should probably invest in some mag-eyes for this type of project!  But I persevered and did the best I could.

The camisole was made, but my kit didn't have a ribbon for the front, so it took me a while to decide what to use.  I found a light blue silk ribbon in my embroidery things, and over dyed it to soften the color.  Her camisole, pantalettes and slip are finally done!

Yesterday, I picked out the fabrics for her summer dress, bonnet, winter dress and apron and bonnet.  I already had fabric for her cape.  I hope I can make quicker progress on her clothes, because my Gail Wilson order from her March sale arrived on Friday!  I have so many projects to finish this summer - because in the Fall, I will be taking Gail's on-line class to make 9", 7" and 4 1/2" Milliners Model dolls.

Jane Austen project is complete!

Jane's bonnet was finished last weekend.  I may fidget a bit more with the ruffled lining to see if I can get it to have smaller ruffling - it seems I've got on big ruffle for several stitched.

Jane also has had her book for a few weeks.  It contains brief summaries of her stories.

The next Gail Wilson doll project is underway - no pre-painted parts this time!

Update on my Jane Austen doll

Jane's dress is finished.  So is her stand.  I debated a while as to whether or not to put the label on her stand.  Gail is going to come out with 3 more dolls in this series, and promised to also come out with a pattern for Civil War era dresses, so I may have a Little Women set as well.

Gail's painting amazes me!  I am in awe of her control and ability to make such fine, smooth lines.  I'm really blessed to have been able to get the kit with painted parts!

Work in Progress: GW Jane Austen

I began working on this project between Christmas and New Years.  I bought the kit from Gail Wilson Designs in one of her sales.  The special offer was a bundle that included the doll kit, stand kit and book kit.  I always enjoy working on Gail's kits because I always learn how to do something new.  Jane's dress includes cartridge pleating to attach the sleeves and the skirt.  I gathered the skirt 4 times, and attempted to connect it 3 times before I was satisfied!  I need to use a small zig zag around the skirt edges and do the hem next.  Then the silk sash, bow and buttons, and the dress will be done.  

Today I bought thread to match the silk sash.  I'm fighting off a sore throat that wants to become a full blown cold, so that might be all I accomplish today!  I find I can do my best work when I'm not sick!