The handwork usually takes the longest… but snaps & a reticule & I think I’ll be done!!

It’s been a long time coming, but I think I can finally see the end in sight on Felicity’s Fall Fancy Colonial dress set. I have to sew the snaps on the back and make her reticule and she’ll be all set to model for me. I’ll have to take gobs of pictures to make sure I show everything… and Marilyn suggested I show the dress on another doll besides Felicity, so I might be doing it all twice…

I went with my gut (and a few suggestions) and decided against anything on her jacket except the bows made from the same linen as in her skirt. I fringed the edges to make them a little more dainty and not add any bulk.

If you click on any picture, it will enlarge.

The dress can look pretty on the outside, but if the inside isn’t finished nicely it won’t be as nice for my customers… so here’s an inside look at what sometimes takes so long to finish…everything that can be stitched down usually is…

The sleeve seams need to be tucked under and stitched down…one unfinished…

and one finished…

Here’s a look at the difference…

Now do you want to see it all put together?

I only got out one of my lights for these pictures, and probably should have gotten out both of them… there are a few shadows on Felicity’s face.

Well, the wait is almost over… it won’t be long till the bidding can start on this set… *hint* *hint*

See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne

14 thoughts on “The handwork usually takes the longest… but snaps & a reticule & I think I’ll be done!!”

  1. Beautiful, Jeanne! Your attention to detail is what separates you from the garden variety sewers. I know that the inside is just as important as the inside, after 4 years of HomeEc. and 4-H! That’s the part that always trips me up! I love the bows on the sleeves, so different and not the usual satin ribbon bows, which would be a lot easier! You set the bar higher every time!
    I can’t wait to see the completely finished outfit, along with the reticule, and maybe on a dark haired doll.

    1. Thank you Linda,
      I’m so glad you like felicity’s dress. Now to get to work on that reticule and all those snaps on the back. It won’t be long till it’s ALL done YAY!!!
      Thanks so much,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  2. I really would not have thought that the bows would make that much difference, but they really add something special to that dress, which was already pretty special.
    I loved the green and yellow one that you showed yesterday as well.
    When Nikki and I were working on her book about orphans and adoptees, she found pictures of all of her subjects, bought 100 simple black frames, and hung the pictures around the top of her office. You could do that with some of your favorite photographs.
    It’s a nice idea, but maybe the kitchen cabinets could come first.
    Reading your blog, I see that I always have great ideas about new ways to spend your time and/or money. But it would be fun to see this lovely dress on, as Linda suggests, a dark haired doll.

    1. Hi Marilyn,
      I think the bows were just what this dress needed… Nothing more, nothing less. I always liked that green and yellow dress I showed yesterday too. It seemed so flattering on Felicity.
      Yes, photos would be very nice, but cabinets will come first….
      I’m trying to decide if Eden is going to get to wear the dress or if it’s going to be on Nora, as my dark haired model….
      Thanks Marilyn,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  3. The first photo posted really shows the printed fabric well. You might not want to hear the rest. The second, seems cloudy with yellow cast.. Not sure why. The lace sleeve showing your fine work both are perfect colorwise. The third shot after the sleeves appears sharp and color good. It may be the yellow trying to compete in the others. I’m not sure it is the lighting, but perhaps focus too. Know your weather may not cooperate, but an outdoor shot with this lovely outfit would be wonderful. What about a different background color? Also, maybe Felicity can lift her chin a bit. (Is that possible?) Ok, photo critique complete and know you are planning to take lots more but that is what shows on my monitor and want this one to shine for you.
    Love the dress and hat. I’m sure there will be a bidding frenzy.
    Dreary and raining today here in sunny CA.

    1. Hi Joy,
      I think it was a combination of the lighting and how close I had my camera to the fabric. I only had one of my lights on last night and it was 11:30 when I took the pics. I might try outside if it’s a pretty day when I finish.

      Oh…I love bidding frenzies!!! *smile*
      Thanks Joy,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  4. I love it! The bows are just enough without being gaudy. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing what is just enough without overdoing it. I have to say I learned a lot from Joy’s comment. I’m so bad at photography and didn’t even notice the things she did. I went back and looked at the pictures again, and now I think she really has a good eye for photographing dolls.

    1. Thank you, Carolyn,
      I like the bows too and think they are all that was needed on the dress.
      I knew my pictures were two different shades, but it was late last night when I took them…they’ll look better for my listing…
      Thanks Carolyn,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  5. I’m still for a light box. George could knock one together in less than an afternoon. The dress is lovely. Hope there is a bidding frenzy. Your reticules are wonderful.

    1. Thank you Susette,
      I can only hope there’s a bidding frenzies at the end….that’s always fun to watch…at least on my end it is!
      I probably do need a light box but it’s on the low end of priorities these days.
      Thank you so much,
      Blessings, Jeanne

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