Damsels-in-Dress

A change of pace or should I say Beat...

2010-05-05T05:00:00.017-05:00

Best Drummn' Toddler Ever!

This is my grandson, Thomas, almost two years old. I've never posted any family stuff here before, but just wanted to share this video. I was blown away! Can you tell he has been watching Dada drumming since he was born? After a long and stressful day yesterday, I found this new video posted. It brought a huge smile to my face and the day's tension melted away. (Thank goodness for technology that lets me see this sweetie who is across the country from me.)

I'm taking an unplanned break from sewing for awhile because family obligations are taking precedence right now. My mother-in-law's health has taken a turn for the worse and we have hard decisions to make.

I will be sewing again, but just can't say when. And as soon as I can get back into the swing of things, there just might be an announcement about something new.....

Now on eBay thru April 29

2010-04-23T17:25:00.006-05:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

1930-40s Spring Bouquet

This dress design was popular in the 1930s and also the 1940s.

Auction Link:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:

Thursday., April 29 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru April 29

2010-04-23T17:18:00.009-05:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

1940s Hand Embroidered Pineafore with Lavender Dress

This design was inspired by paper doll outfit from the 1940s. The perfect for Molly or Emily.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Thursday., April 29 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru April 15

2010-04-09T08:39:00.005-05:00

(click photos to enlarge)

1913-14 Heirloom Design White Dress
with Camisole and Drawers
Based on styles from the 1913-14, this white batiste dress is loaded with delicate detials of pintucks and insertion lace. And under the dress is a delicate camisole and drawers trimmed in lace and hand embroidery. Made especially for Rebecca.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Thursday., April 15 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru April 15

2010-04-09T07:32:00.008-05:00

(click photo to enlarge)

1940s Spring Dress with Pintuck Details

Based on styles from the 1940s, this dress is the perfect choice for Molly or Emily for spring school days. The front bodice has rows of pintucks, Peter Pan collar with piping, and contrast sleeve cuffs, placket and belt.

Auction Link:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Thursday., April 15 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

Now on ebay thru March 24

2010-03-17T20:55:00.008-05:00

(click photos to enlarge)

Cheery Spring Dresses
Two dresses made from the same floral print are made with different contrast colors. The top photo is a 1930s design with sage green contrast. The second dress, a 1940s style, has contrast lavendar with a splash of purple in the shoestring tie and neckline bow.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., March 24 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru March 10

2010-03-04T19:10:00.006-06:00

(click photo to enlarge)

Fresh Colors for Spring
Made from a mint floral print with solid teal accents makes this dress the perfect choice for warm spring days into the hot summer months. The teal belt attaches to the set on waistband with buttons and ties in back. The dress can be worn with or without the belt for a differnt look. The design elements in the dress were seen in both the 1930s and 1940s so would be suitable for both Kit and Molly.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., March 10 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Wed., March 3

2010-02-25T23:45:00.004-06:00

(click photo to enlarge)

Sunday Best Blue Dress
This dress is richly trimmed in a French vintage doll trim from the 1940s. A perfect choice for Molly & Emily for Easter or any special occasion this spring.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., March 3 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Feb. 24

2010-02-22T20:12:00.006-06:00

(click photo to enlarge)

1940s Dress with Hand Embroidered Apron
and Towel Set
The perfect dress for Easter of any special occasion this spring

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., Feb. 24 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Feb. 24

2010-02-19T20:44:00.009-06:00

(click photos for larger view)

Kit's Navy Jumper and Blue Blouse
as seen in the Kit Movie

I finished the jumper pattern to go with the blouse in my previous entry and Kit's new outfit is now available on ebay. To view a photo of the jumper and blouse from the movie, click here.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:Wed., Feb. 24 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Feb. 17

2010-02-12T14:17:00.007-06:00

(click photo for larger view)

Praire Sytle Dress, Bonnet and
Hand Embroidered Apron

Perfect for American Girl Doll Kirsten

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., Feb. 17 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Thoughts on Design — Kit's Movie Jumper & Blouse

2010-02-11T06:10:00.022-06:00

When I found the fabric (used in the blouse above) I new it was a very close match to the fabric in the blouse that Kit wore with a navy blue V-neck jumper in the movie.

I've completed the blouse, and in the process of perfecting a pattern for the jumper. Unfortunately, it's hard to see the exact design even when pausing the movie to get a better look. There weren't any good full length views of the jumper so I'm combining elements of other jumper patterns from the 1930s.

As you might have already noticed, I have completed more outfits for Kit than any other American Girl doll. Many creative ideas were spurred in 30s fashion because of limited resources — making use of what you had. I remember one of my earliest assignments in a graphic design class was to develop a logo with my first name, a circle and a triangle. We had to use every letter in our name and one circle and one triangle - nothing more - nothing less. We could only use black ink, no color. And we had to come up with 5 distinctively different designs with only those elements. That is the true challenge in design — using what you have to accomplish your goal. Remember the scene in the Appolo 13 movie when the NASA engineers had to come up with a solution using only objects available to the astronauts? A true challenge.

My earliest days sewing were making Barbie doll clothes, using only the fabric scraps and trims that were too small for my mother to use for anything else. The challenge was making something attractive only with what was on hand. A big part of the fun was looking for what goodies I could find to put together for a cool new outfit.

So in thinking about why I lean toward making more clothes for Kit I realized it is because I have lots of fabrics I inherited from my mother's stash that are perfect for 1930s designs. The fabric inspires what I'm making next. When I have an idea for a design and can't find the right fabric to accomplish the look, it gets really frustrating. I've gone to the store looking for just the right fabric for an idea and can't find anything suitable, but usually come home with something else that called to me for a totally different project. With the limited fabric stores available these days I've learned to start my next creation with the fabric guiding my path.

New Items for Sale at Damsels-in-Dress.com

2010-02-01T19:12:00.007-06:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day

New items have been posted on my website.

Check them out here.

Fancy Valentine's Day Aprons & Dishtowels

2010-01-21T20:49:00.009-06:00

Perfect for the Valentine's Day Hostess

I have a few hand embroidered apron and towel sets available for sale on my website. These are all made of 100% linen with gross grain ribbon waistband/ties. The dishtowels have coordinating designs to match the aprons.

To purchase apron/towel sets, visit my website at http://www.damsels-in-dress.com/

Valentine's Outfit now on eBay

2010-01-19T21:20:00.008-06:00

(click photo for larger view)

1940s Style Party Dress with hand embroidered apron and matching towel. Perfect for Molly or Emily for Valentine's Day.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Tues., Jan. 26 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

Valentine's Day Dresses now on eBay

2010-01-14T07:00:00.006-06:00

(click photo for larger view)

1940s Style Dress with hand embroidered apron and matching towel. Perfect for Molly or Emily for Valentine's Day.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Mon., Jan. 18 around 8:45 pm (Central Time)

(click photo for larger view)

1930s Style Dress in pink & red heart check print. The perfect Valentine's Day outfit for Kit or Ruthie

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Tues., Jan. 19 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

A New Year and New Projects

2010-01-07T23:46:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone! We had the most beautiful snow today. I've never seen any so fine and sparkly. I went outside before sunrise and the light from the street light made it look like fairly dust. The tiniest flakes ever looked like clear glitter. Just breathtaking!

It's been ages since I've had a chance to post and can't believe it is already a week into January. The good news is that I have had some freelance graphic work and will begin another part-time job next week. The bad thing about the extra work is it cuts into my sewing time.

But I have been spending evenings embroidering -- lots of emboidered aprons for Valentine's Day. I've also completed a couple of dresses and will be posting them soon on ebay and my website. I'll let you know when they are ready and I will also send out a newsletter. (To sign up for my newsletter Click Here.)

It's Finally Done! and availalbe on my website

2009-12-07T13:31:00.006-06:00

For more pictures click here.

After many delays I'm glad to announce that there are now a few Kit 'Movie Blues' dresses available for sale on my website. I've had so many people request this dress, and I thank all of you for your patience! Click here for dress.

Delay on Kit's dress

2009-11-22T16:43:00.003-06:00

I know so many of you have been waiting for me to complete this dress. And I am sorry to say I'm behind schedule. I had planned to have them completed tonight. However, I cut my finger this week, dropped a glass washing dishes and got a nasty gash. Wasn't that bad, but right on my top knuckle and I couldn't get it to stop bleeding. I finally had to put a splint on it so I couldn't bend it at all so the bleeding would stop. But had to leave it on for a couple days, because every time I'd bend it again, it would open up. Needless to say, I couldn't sew. It's fine now, I'm just behind...

I will send out a newsletter when I have it ready on my website so check your email. I'll also post it here.

Kit's Dress in progress

2009-11-16T19:34:00.008-06:00

For more pictures click here.

I know many or you have been asking and waiting for me to make the 2 tone blue dress with the red buttons from Kit's movie again. Well, I just want you all to know that it is in progress -- assembly line fashion. I have never made more than one of any dress at a time so it should go a little faster. I decided to start with making 6, but I had enough fabric left for 2 more, so cut out 8. This dress has so many details and tiny pieces, so I decided to count them. Including every individual piece, there are 28 pieces per dress! That is a whopping 224 cut pieces.

All was going along smoothly today as I was working on putting the collars together, then suddenly realized I forgot to cut out the belts! I didn't have a pattern piece for those, just a measurement, so totally forgot. So big deal, right…just cut them out. But one big problem—I have NO fabric piece left, big enough for a single belt. After checking the fabric store, nothing there would do. YIKES.

I do have a solution. The front piece of the dress is just big enough to make some belts. RELIEF! So I will probably have 6 completed hopefully by the weekend. My order for the belt buckles arrived, but still awaiting the red buttons arrival. I just realized that I needed many more than I had on hand.

I believe I posted on my website it was planned for Late Fall, and after all, winter doesn't officially start until Dec. 20 something....

I will send out a newsletter when they are on the site ready for sale. If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, you can here.

Now it's off to more sewing.... oh how I love to sew!

Now on eBay thru Thurday, Nov. 20

2009-11-14T19:26:00.007-06:00

(click photo for larger view)

1914 Style Dress perfect for the Holidays
Loaded with details in a wonderful spruce green floral fabric with black velveteen, piping and button accents .
Perfect for Rebecca or other American Girl Dolls.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., November 20 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Nov. 19

2009-11-11T21:18:00.003-06:00

(click photo for larger view)

1930s Holiday Dress
in a wonderful spruce green with black velveteen accents .
Perfect for Kit and Ruthie.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., November 19 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

And finally, some new outfits on my website!

2009-11-01T01:05:00.008-05:00

I've had these outfits done for some time, but finally had a chance to do a photo shoot and get them posted. It was fun sewing some current day fashions for a change of pace.

Here are some picts....

All inspired by GapKids©

They are now for sale on my website.

Also, I would love to have photos from any of my customers to post in the photo section. You can contact me through my website to find out how to send them to me.

And don't forget to sign up for my newsletter. I will begin sending out newsletters in the near future whenever I post new items to my website.

Now on eBay thru November 4

2009-10-29T18:58:00.005-05:00

(click photo for larger view)

1940s Style Apron, Oven Mit and Dress

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wed., November 4 around 8:00 pm (Central Time)

On eBay now through Sun., Oct. 25

2009-10-18T19:08:00.007-05:00

(click photo for larger view)

New Dress for Rebecca

Made from a striped "Olive Heather" color fabric with dark olive contrast cuffs and collar, this dress should look perfect on Recbecca. It is based on a 1912 Design from the Sears catalog.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Sunday, October 25 at 8:00 pm (Central Time)

On eBay now thru Wed., October 21

2009-10-14T20:22:00.006-05:00

(click photo for larger view)

New Autumn Gold Dress with Brown Rick-Rack Trim
A 1940s design dress with lots of rick-rack trim, perfect for Molly and Emily.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Sunday, October 21 at 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Now on eBay thru Sun., Oct. 11

2009-10-04T20:55:00.008-05:00

(click photo for larger view)

New Party Dress for Samantha or Nellie
An early 1900s design in beautiful shades of peacock blue, this dress is striking on both Samantha and Nellie.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Sunday, October 11 at 8:45 pm (Central Time)

Now on ebay thru October 6th

2009-10-01T19:57:00.008-05:00

(click photo for larger view)

New fall dress for Rebecca
in a beautiful brown and golden beige floral print. Accented with piping, looped gimp trim, and golden colored bow and hipband.

Inspired from 1913 fashion illustration.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Tuesday, October 6 at 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Now on Ebay thru Sept. 30

2009-09-27T07:21:00.006-05:00

1930s Dress in Beautiful Autum Colors
I love the colors in this dress and think it would look especially pretty on Ruthie.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 8:00 pm (Central Time)

Today is the Day!

2009-09-13T07:42:00.008-05:00

I'm excited to say that I finally have a couple items posted for sale on my website. I think I have all the buttons and shopping cart done correctly, at least my test run didn't reveal any problems, but I'm sure there is bound to be a spelling or typing error somewhere on the site that I've overlook!

I've posted 2 different dresses, the one in the previous post (3 in stock now) and the one below. I thought I would have more done, but it always takes longer than I anticipate. Truth be told, I'm just so picky about everything design, and I am constantly pondering things... Need an art director to say enough, move it along to production phase! When I was head of graphics department in a prevouis life, I could do that so easily for someone else, but when it comes to my own work, I need a push to proceed to production!

I do have another jacket and top completed and next up will be some pants, skirts, tanks or Ts in the tan, brown and turqouise fabrics.

When you visit my website, be sure to check out the Guest Book. You can leave comments, reviews/feedback about my clothes, and make suggestions for future projects.

PS. If you find any problems on my website or typos, I'd welcome a head's up. You can email me from my contact page.

Sneak Peek and… Exciting News!

2009-09-10T00:29:00.014-05:00

It's been a busy couple weeks with attention from sewing taken away by a family member's illness. But all is well now and I'm finishing up details on a few outfits and putting final touches on my website.

And for the big news—sometime this weekend I will begin offering a few modern items directly for sale from my website. I'm not planning to announce it anywhere else until later next week, so blog readers will have the first chance shop... stay tuned.

But for now, here is a sneak peek of a dress inspired by fashions from the Gap. It features front sheering, puffed sleeves and a batik fabric flower accent.

(Click photos for larger view)

Shopping Haul

2009-08-27T19:56:00.013-05:00

Well, maybe not a haul, but some great finds. Chocolate brown seems to be the color this fall and I love the pasely print I found. There was just over a yard left on the bolt so I snatched it up.

I threw down some buttons from my stash before snapping the above photo. I can't wait to get started, but darn, I have to wash and dry the fabric first. In the meantime, my head is swimming with design ideas. Feel free to add your ideas if you feel like it. I'm also sifting through my stash to see what else I have, maybe some t-shirts knit…

Up next: Current day fashions

2009-08-27T10:11:00.004-05:00

Viewing the results of the poll on my site, I've decided to work on some modern clothes. My first project is a knit dress (nearly done) and I just completed a new pattern for a jacket/hoodie. I'm eager to start the jacket, but think I have to go shopping for right fabric this afternoon.

Rebecca's Dresses now on Ebay thru Aug. 31

2009-08-25T00:25:00.017-05:00

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auctions Ends:
Monday., Aug. 31 around 8:10 pm (Central Time)

Pinstripes and lots of details
This school dress for Rebecca was inspired by a 1912 illustration in Sears Catalog

Jade Linen and White Eyelet

Inspired by the 1913 fashion illustration below, this dress is just in time for the last warm days of summer.

Yeh... the buttons arrived today!

2009-08-22T14:49:00.006-05:00

The tiny silver buttons I ordered arrived today and I just sewed them on Rebecca's new dress. They aren't the absolute perfect buttons, an antique silver shank button would have been best, but picky me is satisfied. I've also finished another dress for Rebecca. It is a jade green linen with a white shawl collar—just in time for the last few warm days of summer. Both dresses will be posted on eBay and here, either tomorrow or Monday night. As soon as I have time for a photo shoot.

For sale on eBay thru Aug. 25

2009-08-18T20:25:00.003-05:00

1940s School Day "Blues"

The perfect dress for Molly or Emily for starting off the new school year. Inspired by a 1940s girl's pattern.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Tues., Aug. 25 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Buttons, buttons… in transit, I hope!

2009-08-17T13:13:00.007-05:00

Yesterday I posted about my quest to find the right buttons for Rebecca's new dress. I had planned to list it on ebay tonight, however, I found tiny silver buttons online and ordered them last night. Yeh! I just hope they will look good, as the picture was as tiny as the buttons. So I'll wait until they arrive to post the dress. I just couldn't settle for the gold—Rebecca's dress deserves the right buttons.

I do have a dress for Molly in pretty blue plaid that I will be list tonight or tomorrow night. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, my next project is another dress for Rebecca, this time in a lovely Jade green.

Buttons, buttons, where are the buttons?

2009-08-16T06:56:00.010-05:00

(Click photo for larger view)

Yes, I'm still here and Rebecca's new dress (based on above illustration) is nearly complete, all but the accent buttons for the collar. I have been on a quest to find just the right button, but haven't found the perfect ones. Her dress is black with narrow stripes, wine colored piping and solid black collar & cuff accents. The inset at the neckline is a gray fabric that looks a bit like tweed. I found the perfect button yesterday, but in gold not silver. I really wanted silver, especially with the gray fabric. Then I thought maybe a wine to match the piping, but not one to be found that didn't clash. My SO says the gold works... so I think it will be the gold but I might just make one more trip to another fabric store. Picky, picky. I should have it up for auction by tomorrow night.

Totally new project

2009-08-07T21:24:00.013-05:00

I've been working on something new that has pulled me away from the Rebecca dress I'm working on. Poor Mia (filling in for Rebecca) has been standing for two days with half a dress on and naked legs.

But I've gotten totally engrossed with building my new website. I’ve had my domain name over a year ago, but hadn't had time to work on it. Plus it seemed like so much work to start building from scratch with my outdated Adobe software. Then I ran across a web building site that is free that doesn't put advertisements on it. Plus it has lots of capabilities and design flexibility. So I've been addicted to working on it for the last two days.

I'll give you a sneak peak, but keep in mind that it is under construction and there is lots of dust and gaping holes!

http://www.damsels-in-dress.com/

I'm hoping to eventually sell some items from my website, instead of always on eBay.

I also started a page with sewing related links for anyone who is interested in sewing for dolls. I have more to add, and if anyone wants to send me some good sewing related links, I'll check them out to add.

It also has the capability to do a blog from that site, so now I'm debating on whether I should switch over. I like the features here, like the polls, and following people. Decisions, decisions.

For sale on eBay thru Aug. 11

2009-08-06T04:59:00.004-05:00

1930's Style Dress with Hand Embroidered Apron

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Tues., Aug. 11at 8:15 pm (Central Time)

New designs in progress…

2009-08-01T11:31:00.003-05:00

When I look back at all I have sewn over the past year it has overwhelmingly been 1930s and 1940s designs! And the main reason for this is that I have basic patterns developed and well tested, as well as lots of fabric on hand that suits those time periods.

However, I haven't forgotten the requests for Rebecca and more Samantha outfits and I have been researching and planning new patterns for both these time periods. I've also been looking through my stash of fabrics that are suitable for Rebecca's clothes, but think I will have to plan a trip to the fabric store. (These days I have to plan my time out now that I'm caring for my mother-in-law 24/7). I'll be searching for some fabrics for Rebecca. Since I don't have Rebecca yet, any suggestions for colors that look best with her eyes and hair?

For Sale on eBay thru Aug. 4

2009-07-28T18:55:00.009-05:00

1940's Style Dress with
Hand Embroidered Apron and Dishtowel

(note: auction is schedule to begin at 8:15 pm Central Time tonight)

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Tues., Aug. 4 at 8:15 pm (Central Time)

For Sale on eBay thru July 28

2009-07-22T07:31:00.009-05:00

Recreation of
1970s Dress featured in Seventeen Magazine
Perfect for American Girl Doll Julie, Ivy or even
a modern girl.

The fabric behind Marisol in a remnant from my
original 1970s dress. This dress was my all time
favorite from my early 70s wardrobe.

Hours of hand cross-stitch went into recreating
a scalled down version of the original border
design.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Tues., July 28 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

For Sale on eBay thru July 22

2009-07-17T21:05:00.006-05:00

1900's Style Dress in Soft Cotton Lawn Fabric
Femine and soft in a dusty rose color that looks wonderful on Samantha.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Wed., July 22 around 8:15 pm (Central Time)

Sam's dress…

2009-07-14T21:44:00.003-05:00

The dusty rose cotton lawn dress that is in the works for Samantha or Nellie is still in progress. I wasn't quite satisfied with the trim I had on hand, so will be off to the fabric store tomorrow as it needs a little more polish before I'm satified with it to offer it to my loyal customers!

For sale on eBay July 14 thru July 21

2009-07-14T21:37:00.006-05:00

Crisp White and Red Polka-dot Bows
This cute 1940s style dress was inspired by the pattern illustration that you can see in the previous post. I can just picture Molly in this crisp white party dress.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Tues., July 21 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

New Outfits for Samantha and Molly in the works

2009-07-14T01:49:00.011-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last posted. My how times flies. But when you have an adorable grandson occupying your time, it so quickly passes. But sadly, my daughter, son-in-law and grandson have returned home, so no more tiny giggles and pitter-patter down the hallways, just photos and videos to watch over and over.

I have returned to my sewing room and am working on a couple projects for Samantha. One is a dress made from the softest cotton lawn fabric in dusty rose with a large white color trimmed in Venice lace. Beautiful lawn fabric is hard to find these days but I lucked out finding this piece in a local "Vogue Fabric" store that carries designer leftovers. I'm also working on a detailed heirloom style dress in semi-sheer cotton voile with lots of tucks and lace. I think it will need some fancy undies to complete though.

I've also completed another 40s style dress in crisp white with red trim based on the illustration above. If all goes well, I should have a couple outfits posted on ebay by Tuesday night.

Sew little time…

2009-07-01T12:54:00.006-05:00

Unfortunately, I've been too busy this past week to begin a new project and with my daughter and one-year old grandson arriving today, it will probably be awhile before I complete a new outfit. I'm dying to start sewing again, and the moment I have time, I'll be back in my sewing room working on a new project. Thanks for the suggestions on what to sew next and I noted the requests for Samantha and Rebecca outfits. I will explore my stash of fabrics and trims to find somethings that calls out "Samantha or Rebecca". I'll keep you posted…

What to make next?

2009-06-26T14:56:00.002-05:00

I haven't had a chance to start a new outfit this week, but am dying to get into my sewing room again. Lots of 70s ideas for Julie are floating through my head, but I also have another 1940s design in mind... Now just have to find the time. It's been a very busy week, and next week my 1 year-old grandson will be here for a visit!!!! But hope to fit in some sewing before he arrives.

For Sale on eBay June 19 thru 24

2009-06-19T21:28:00.015-05:00

1930s Dress as seen in Kit's MOVIE
This adorable design is loaded with lots detail and was copied nearly exact as the dress that was worn in the Kit Kitridge movie.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
June 24 around 8:30 pm (Central Time)

For Sale on Ebay — June 15 thru 22

2009-06-16T11:03:00.009-05:00

Four Piece Patriotic Ensemble
This 1940's ensemble is perfect for Molly and Emily. Included is a jacket, beret, suspender skirt and blouse. The pattern that was the inspiration for this design can be seen here.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Monday, June 15th around 8:00 pm Central Time

For Sale on Ebay — June 15 thru 22

2009-06-16T10:40:00.007-05:00

1930's Sytle Flirty Dress—Perfect for Kit or Ruthie.

You can see an illustration of this design in the previous post.

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Auction Ends:
Monday, June 22th around 8:00 pm Central Time

30s Young Girls Design

2009-06-14T01:19:00.003-05:00

The illustration pictured above is a 1930s style for young girls. This outfit is in progress, made from a small daisy print on a black backgound.

Sneak Peek

2009-06-14T01:07:00.008-05:00

Cute 1940s Suspender Skirt & Jacket

2009-06-08T21:38:00.005-05:00

A cute patriotic ensemble from the above pattern illustration is my next project. The blouse and skirt are completed and look so adorable. I'm working on creating the pattern for the jacket and hope to complete the outfit this week.

For Sale on Ebay — June 8 thru 15

2009-06-08T21:21:00.004-05:00

1940s Style Floral Print Dress with
Coordinating Scollop Yoke and Bias Trim

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress
Auction Ends:
Monday, June 15th at 8:00 pm Central Time

For Sale on Ebay — June 2nd thru 9th

2009-06-02T20:24:00.004-05:00

Adorable 1930s Style Jumper and Guimpe
Perfect for Kit or Ruthie

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress
Auction Ends:
Tuesday, June 9th at 8:00 pm Central Time

For Sale on Ebay June 1st thru 8th

2009-06-01T20:20:00.008-05:00

Ever so Sweet, Rose Trellis Print in 1940s Style
Perfect for Molly and Emily

Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress
Auction Ends:
Monday, June 8th, around 8:00pm Central Time

This weeks projects

2009-05-31T19:07:00.011-05:00

Recently I brought home a huge stash of remant from my mother's sewing room. It included some of the cutest prints that will make wonderful new outfits. This week I selected an aqua solid and paired it with creamy floral print with green, blues and orange flowers to make the jumper and blouse in the above illustration. The pattern was a great find, more unique than many other patterns from the 1930s.

The first photo of a 1940s design also feature some fabric from my mother's stash. It is a beautiful blue print with roses on a trellis background. Just gorgeous. If all goes according to plan, both outfits will be available on ebay early this week.

Now on Ebay — Auction Ends June 2nd

2009-05-27T06:43:00.017-05:00

1940s Dress inspired by WWII era pattern illustration.

Auction Ends:
June, 2nd, 8:00 pm (Central Time)
Auction Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Coming Soon!

2009-05-25T19:49:00.024-05:00

Here is a sneak peak of one of the dress that will be listed for sale tomorrow night. The plan was to list it tonight until my camera batteries died before I finished the photo shoot. Watch for it on ebay Tuesday evening around 8 pm (central time). Another 1940s dress should also be complete at the same time.

Summer Fun "Bubble Print" Dress

2009-05-24T13:26:00.020-05:00

1930's Design — Great for Kit or Ruthie

Auction Ends:
Monday, May 25, around 8 pm CT
Link:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/damsels-in-dress

Julie Outfit in the Works

2009-05-24T12:46:00.010-05:00

This fabric dates back to the early 1970s. I nearly died when I found it at my favorite high end department store. (I was 15 or 16 at the time.) It was the exact fabric used in a dress that I had been coveting in Seventeen magazine. I begged my mom to buy it (it was quite pricey) and I made a copy of the dress. The dress was contructed like the one Mia is wearing, but instead of the rick-rack on bottom, it was the embroidery border. There was also a another dress in the magazine using this fabric. It had short bell sleeve and a natural waistline, I think. I sure wish I still had that magazine!

I have completed two pieces with smaller scale embroidery borders ready to make a couple dresses for Julie. It was hours of handwork, and don't know if I will be able to part with it and sell it once I get it finished.

Welcome to my blog

2009-05-24T10:22:00.001-05:00

Hello and Welcome all American Girl Doll Fans!

My blog is dedicated to the doll clothes I create and sell. I began sewing for American Girl dolls at the suggestion of my sister when I got laid off my job. I had heard of AG, but had not seen a doll until Christmas '07 when I saw my nieces dolls. Cute! Little did I know at that time I would totally fall in love with these darlings. (I didn't like dolls much as a kid, only loved sewing for Barbie dolls -- that was about the extent of my involvement with dolls.)

I have been sewing for 45+ years, most of my life. I truly love the whole creative process of designing and sewing. Not only has this venture, which I started in March of 2008, been a source of extra income but a true joy.

I currently sell my doll clothes on ebay, but have plans to create my own website in the future. I try to post new items for sale on a weekly basis, but at times, other responsibilities interfere—darn! So if you would like to stay current with my items listed for sale, I plan to post them here when they are complete. And I will also keep you up-to-date if I'm temporarily not listing items.