Thanks for your comments & a peek at my Christmas Civil War dress…

(I woke up this morning and found that I was able to upload pictures into my “media library” and then add them to my posts. I was having a little trouble with some of them being sideways and upside down, but hope it’s okay…Let me know if they aren’t right…)

NEXT:
I guess you all saw that I didn’t get to your comments yesterday…actually I did! By the time I was ready to comment on a few of them, there were 15 and I knew I needed to keep sewing on the Civil War dress if I was going to be able to get it listed on Friday evening…(that’s the plan at least!) I read all your comments twice, and it was so enjoyable to me! Everyone amazed me by how much they wrote and it was fun to see the interaction between several of you ladies. We had quite a variety of dolls listed as favorites…from Molly and Felicity American Girl dolls to Raggedy Ann and Bleuettes and even some I don’t know about… Paulinette dolls (?) I need to look them up. It’s amazing to me how many of you were content with what you have and aren’t really searching for anything else right now. What a wealth of information was included in yesterday’s post…from what’s the difference between decal and pinwheel eyes to new dolls being offered like a new Barbie called Ava Barbie. Thanks again for making my pictureless post very colorful with all your comments! Blessings to all of you, Jeanne

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I spent a fair amount of time working on my red and black “Civil War” dress (if you hadn’t already guessed it…) and got quite a bit done but it was another one of those time consuming dresses…lots of details and hand stitching and lining things up. It’s almost 1:00 a.m. and I’m just about ready to head to bed, but wanted to let you know it’s pretty crummy lighting in my room tonight. I may have to take this red dress outside to make the pictures presentable. She doesn’t have a crinoline under it yet, so it’s looking a little droopy too.

I’m debating about whether to leave it long or make it a tea length dress and put a pair of pantalettes under it…any thoughts?

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I’m also debating about which “brooch” to use… I think I like the diamond shaped one best…how about you?

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Some things you just don’t see until you take a picture of them and then they pop out at you. I think her black sash is just a bit too low…it does look differently when she has a crinoline under it, and she will have one…but just wondered about that too…

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I’m hoping to get this finished tomorrow and listed on Ebay, but no promises… remember it’s December…and only 14 days till Christmas… YIKES!

See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne

18 thoughts on “Thanks for your comments & a peek at my Christmas Civil War dress…”

  1. Hi Jeanne, Such a pretty dress. I do like the belt in the V shape. Bet when you add the crinoline it will be just right.
    I do love that first brooch it fits just perfectly under the center part of the collar .
    Anyway so glad you have shared this one I love the historical costumes you do.

    Lynne

    1. Thanks so much Lynn,
      I am just about out of that black heavy trim that I’ve used for my Civil War sashes for years…I’ll be so sad when I use up my last piece.
      It’s done and listed on Ebay… YAY! but I’m sort of sad as it’s got to be my last dress of the year….too many things coming up next week and no time to sew…
      Thanks again,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  2. I’m glad you are back, complete with pictures and a nearly complete new dress. I was afraid this was going to be a pizza place post, but this is much better.

    I’m not sure Paulinettes are still being produced. I looked up the home page, which was last updated in 2010, not a good sign. I know Pauline died and I don’t know if her family carried on. It looks like not from what I see on Google, but someone here will know.

    Could you put me in contact with Susette?

    The new dress is beautiful and Rebecca is lovely in it. Like you, I prefer the diamond shaped brooch. How does it look pinned the other way? I really like the texture of the white fabric — what is it? I looked again at the close-ups and it’s even better than it first appeared. You must have a whole range of different beautiful white fabrics. The sleeve shape is nice and the fabric suits it perfectly. I always plan on making a dress shorter but when I see it long, I don’t have the heart to cut it. I agree with you that the waist is slightly low. The decorated-for-Christmas door behind Rebecca seems to me exactly right. Will you choose a hat or bonnet?

    I looked up Ava DuVernay on Wikipedia and discovered that the Barbie inspired by her looks remarkable like her. She comes with a director’s chair and is collecting bids like crazy.

    I’m glad you are back and that your computer is accepting pictures.

    1. HI Marilyn,
      I think what the problem was is all the different pictures from everyone. My computer just didn’t know how to handle them, I guess. It’s never happened with my pictures that I’ve taken before, so I’m guessing that was maybe it. Sunday’s post has some pictures that someone sent me and they look right on my phone when I preview it, but they are all different directions on my post, so I guess we’ll see…

      I just made a note to send you Susette’s info…

      The dress is DONE Marilyn, and listed on Ebay… I was sort of hurrying and I think Rebecca is leaning in a few of the pictures… The white fabric is just a cotton that I had in my stash…It is pretty and very soft to the touch. I do have lots of white fabrics… can’t have too many I guess.

      I raised up the black sash and when I did that, I went ahead and made the trim even on both sides too. It was a little bit off from one side to the other, so I corrected it. Then I sewed the black sash about 3/8th’s of an inch higher…it does make a difference.

      I chose a bonnet that I copied from an illustration in Harper’s, back in the 1860’s. As I mention in the listing, I think the bows are too big so they’ll be getting redone.

      Well, I better get some other comments answered… Thanks for your thoughts, Marilyn,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  3. Charlotte Trayer

    Glad to hear your computer is behaving itself again!

    I, too, enjoyed looking over everyone’s comments from yesterday’s post; I did add a rather lengthy one of my own, about an hour or so ago!

    As to the Civil War dress, I prefer the longer length, and the first “brooch”. Can’t wait to see it finished!!

    Charlotte

    1. HI Charolotte,
      I did read your comments about your dolls and found it a very fun read…as always. Thank you for adding to the list. Boy, those who just get the post on their email and don’t get to see the comments, really miss out on all the fun!

      Well, you got your wish, as I did make the dress longer… I figured, if someone wanted it shorter, it could always be hemmed… :o)
      Thanks so much Charlotte,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  4. Hi Jeanne,
    The Civil War dress looks just lovely. I really like the black trim you’ve used. The diamond brooch is my favorite. As far as pantelettes? It depends if Rebecca is being a young girl or a teen. I do like the look of pantelettes peeking out from beneath dresses and little girls in the Civil war wore fancy underthings. I really dislike my Marie-Grace’s meet dress ( have to remedy that soon), but her diamond edge pantelettes are lovely. Caroline’s meet is prettier, but like Felicity she needs aqua or blue/green to set of her eyes.
    Glad to see your computer allows pictures again.

    1. HI Laura,
      Thanks so much for your kind compliments on the Civil War dress. I ended up using the diamond shaped button for the brooch. I think it was the best one to use. But instead of having the dress the shorter length, more ladies wanted it long, so I made it to the floor.

      I’m thinking the picture problem was the incoming pictures from everyone… not positive, but just guessing maybe that was it.

      The dress is finished and listed on Ebay… last one of the year… :o( I’m a bit sad.

      Thanks so much for your thoughts Laura,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  5. Hi Jeanne, I’m loving the red Civil War dress. I like the first pin and the dress longer. I’m sure if I saw it tea length, I’d love it too. That crisp white is so pretty and the black trim is striking. Can’t wait to see it done.
    It was so much fun reading all the responses you received on yesterday’s blog. What very interesting stories and doll collections. Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with the amount of dolls I have so I try to get rid of one doll when I buy another – just not the AMGs. I have always loved dolls, doll clothes and doll accessories.
    When I was little little girl, my favorite play area was in front of my mother’s vanity. Loved her jewelry and makeup…and her high heels. I had this baby doll named Julie that I tried to put lipstick on her lips but really, it ended up all over her face. I think I got in trouble for that. Then one day Julie disappeared but on Christmas Day I got her back…most of the lipstick was gone and she had a new wig. The story goes on but I’ll stop now so I don’t make this any longer.
    I’m going to look up some of the other dolls I don’t know that were mentioned by the girls.
    Have a great day!

    1. HI Paula,
      I’m glad you like the dress so far… how about seeing it all the way done? It’s listed on Ebay if you’d like to take a peek. You’ll be happy to know the dress is the floor and I used the diamond shaped button as the brooch.
      I have to agree with you about all the comments from yesterday… they were so much fun to read and ponder…
      I think your story about the lipstick is sweet…I’ve got a story like that too…only mine was with fingernail polish!
      Thanks so much Paula,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  6. Yikes, is right !!! 14 days till Christmas. Actually, in my world I have until midnight on the 18th to finish all my sewing, cleaning and house decorating. My daughter and the Butterflies will arrived sometime very early morning on the 19th. Maybe 4 to 5 am. We will load them into bed for a sound nap before the house becomes wildly active ! Giggling and fluttering about Papa and Grandma’s house. Such excitement for us and them! A real Blessing!!!
    I did also enjoy reading the posts from others about the dolls. Favorite dolls and dolls on the acquisition list. There were many happy stories to enjoy. Given the small size of my home it is a good thing that I am on a limited budget because I would be ordering some of those mentioned on those posts !
    I do love the Civil War era dress you are working on. As it is Christmas I would go with the longer length version. the black waist accent is a bit low and wide from my point of view. I know you have used this accent before so you certainly know exactly how you want the finished product to look. I keep thinking of Scarlett in the Christmas scenes of Gone With The Wind. Though her dress was ‘war minimal’ Scarlett did swish around the room in her usual manner.
    Hoping that your day today is productive and filled with Christmas joy !

    1. HI Jeannie,
      I had to make the very tough call that my Civil War dress would have to be my last dress of the year. I just have too many commitments next week and there will be no time for sewing and then listing things. I may do some scarves and doll necklaces for our Etsy shop. It’s much easier to list things there and they have a set price…
      You’re going to have so much fun with the girls get to your house! Have a wonderful time with them.
      Now that my last dress is done, I can maybe catch my breath… although I have plenty to keep me busy for awhile.. Sunday I am helping a the Food Pantry. We are giving food and other items to 360 families… Rebecca and I are in charge of wrapping the gifts for the toys they pick out for their children…it’s going to be a busy day…Then Wednesday is a Staff Christmas party, and Thursday is our Married Couples Christmas party…and I’M IN CHARGE of it! Yikes!
      I better get busy! Thanks for your sweet thoughts Jeannie,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  7. Like the diamond brooch, either direction. Like the shorter length and the pantalettes. I like the black waist band as it is. Good job!
    Hope you can finish up and leave some time to decorate. No tree here yet.

    1. HI Joy,
      Well, you got a few of your wishes for the dress.. I did use the diamond brooch, but I made the dress in the longer version. I figured if someone wanted it shorter, it could always be hemmed. The sash was raised up about 3/8″ and it did make a difference.
      I do have plenty to keep me busy so I’ve had to make the Civil War dress my last one of the year… I have too many commitments and then there’s my family… so I decided to end my sewing for now…
      Thank you for your comments,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  8. Hi Jeanne! We are back home from Branson, and I am a bit tired, but want to comment on the beautiful, but unfinished, Civil War dress. It will be just stunning, and I do like the diamond shaped brooch the best too. The waistband, well, it is a bit too far down in my opinion. Hiking it up a bit would give it a better look, I think. It seems that younger girls, ages up to 5 or 6 would wear their dresses shorter, with the pantelettes showing. The AG dolls are supposed to be 9 or 10. That might play into how long you will make the dress. Either way is darling though.

    Have to get my family room tree decorated, and start making your recipe for the mint chocolate candy bark. That is the MOST delicious candy there is! Want to get it in the Christmas box I am sending my son’s family in Denver. They will love it, I’m sure!

    1. HI Linda and welcome home… I hope you had a nice little visit!

      The dress is totally finished now and listed on Ebay…with the diamond brooch, a raised up sash, and all the way to the floor in length! I thought it was cut shorter, but I decided if the winner wanted it shorter it could always be hemmed, but not if it was cut off…

      I saw those mint Oreo’s in Wal Mart and almost got some myself… I may have to post that recipe again… wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on it! :o)
      Thanks so much Linda,
      Blessings, Jeanen

  9. Susette Willhite

    Whew! The dresses for my granddaughter and her doll are in the mail. Sewing these dresses make me appreciate even more what Jeanne does on a regular basis. Both the devil and the angel are in those details, the devil of a job sometimes but end up looking angelic. Sewing is like the projects men say “I don’t have the right tools” and end up going to the hardware store six times per project. Well, I made several trips to the fabric store, believe me. I’ll send picture to you, Jeanne, and maybe they’ll make the show later on.

    Marilyn, I’ll sign my full name this time and I’m on Facebook if you’d like to contact me? I really shouldn’t be buying dolls, but you never know. I’ve never been to a doll show but I’ll be looking for one after the first of the year. I think I’ll send a picture of my childhood doll that my mother made a knit skater’s outfit for and see if anyone knows what kind it is. It’s too old for most of the Blog readers, ha, ha.

    I think the rubber dolls probably deteriorated such that they were too ugly and shabby to keep. I do have a little rubber pig circa 40s who has lost his squeaker and is pretty shabby.

    1. HI Susette,
      Good going on your sewing and in the mail… I’m impressed! I mailed some magnolia leaves to my sister today. She likes to decorate with them! It was a huge box… of leaves! :o)

      Sure, send me your dress pictures, I’d love to see them… and show them…

      Yours is my last comment and I was going to send Marilyn your email address if that is okay.
      Thanks so much Susette,
      Blessings, Jeanne

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