Of Old Fashion Dolls and Dresses

Hearts4Hearts Dolls

2012-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

Please Meet Nahji, a small 14inch doll who represents a girl from India, who wants a better life her herself and her family. She comes with a book, a comb, glossy hair (excellent quality for her price of $25-$30), pearl head-band, earrings, a nose ring, a necklace, three bangles (bracelets), fancy shoes, and a henna tattoo on one hand. Her pink and purple outfit is great quality, as is everything else about her. She is part of the new (well, ok, new-ish) HeartsforHeartsGirls collection, available at Target and Amazon.

My lovely Nahji has been with me for several week s now and she has barely had time to herself. I felt sorta like an American Girl traitor when I saw her at Target, and later ordered her at Amazon.com. However, all the AG girls here seem to like Nahji, because she really is the most good-natured thing. That face of hers is always smiling and she loves to lift up her head and hands, as if thanking God for such a lovely day in the S.W.
I do not think she minds leaving India, but I am glad that part of the proceeds of these doll's go to help children in third-world countries.

Please welcome Nahji, and do not hesitate to purchase these dolls-they are wonderful-and for a great cause! I am sure you will love them as much as I do!

xoxox
Lexi

My Fantasy Dress Part 2

2012-01-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

In Which I Rejoice because the task is finished well!

It is done! I am done! The whole insane project is done,and glory-be, it is done well!

I am ecstatic over the creation! Glory to God! I did, for a minute get a little vain and prideful, so i need to recoginize that the Glory goes to God, becuase a lot could have gone wrong- especially in the cuting of the under dress and the over-dress bodice-so Thank You Lord for your help, and Thank You for Blessing this dress! My sister actually asked me to pray for His blessing over it before I began, since this was such a big project. What can I say? I have a smart younger sister!

My Mother deseserves a lot of praise as well. She cannot sew herself- but she can pin bodices and think about the logistics of putting together a garment. Thanks Mommsy!
Above you can see the dress as two separate parts. The under-dress is a fully functioning gold medieval dress, with hook-eye closers down the back, off the shoulder sleeves, and wrist puffs.

The Blue Over-Gown is hemmed long, because I love the feel of flowing taffeta. But, i should not plan to sneak around the house at night in this-it is a loud dress it, rustlesssssssss.
If you examine the collar of the gown, you will see the gown has pleats along the shoulder part. This is exactly how Susan's was done in Prince Caspian. The collar is NOT sewn down to the sellves. It flips up freely off me, on me it curves and rests neatly. Needless to say, the collar took a lot of fiddling.
The corset over-dress bodice is STIFF, the iron-on stabilizer being more than enough to make it the fabric begin to act like a corset. I used light boning therefore. The back of the under dress was cut to meet the blue gown in a V-shape. It fastens with a small snap, overlapping slightly.The wrist-puffs on Susan's dress extend from her elbow down, due to rations on gold material, I made mine smaller., but the effect is still just as pretty I think! :)
And so you see, it is done! I hope you enjoyed it!
xoxox
Lexi

My Fantansy Dress Part 1

2012-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

In which I introduce you to my most daring sewing creation yet- my own fantasy dress

Hello Friends! I am posting on a project- a very risky, scary, amazingly cool project! I have gone completely off the historical charts-I think i may have even gone mad too. *cough*. We will see in time if I have lost my mind.

Here is the back ground: Back in November my mom got me some gorgeous gold taffeta, a dotted length, and a length with some lovely raised designs on it. She assumed I was going to make a Regency gown from it. Well, time came and went, i was hired by a Theatre company to do some sewing and then there was my Christmas sewing, and so the gold material sat. Sad huh?
Then, in my bed one night, I thought "How nice a light blue taffeta would look with gold Lexi."
Somehow I ended up at Joann's after Christmas (with gift cards-that is what my family all gave me) and low and behold in the red-tag section there was some dotted light blue taffeta-just like my gold taffeta! But, it was still a little pricy. So, being a penny pincher (even with gift cards), I waited-and low the next wee the red-tag section went on 50% off and I got the whole rest of the bolt (about 6 yards) for $22.
Praise! God-I do not know how it happened-only that it was a God thing!

And then,,,,the thought process came about my gown. This was no ordinary gown.
I was not in the mood for Regency-and my closet is full of regency anyhow. I had sewn Medieval all December for the Theatre Production of the Musical Camelot, and so, naturally, I was in that kind of mood. But not totally. Then I remembered a dress from the Narnia movie Prince Caspian:
On the internet this dress of Susan's is known as her Farewell Dress. I sketched it out to see how it worked:

Yes, I thought- but not quite. I had to alter it to fit what I wanted. First off-the under gown was going to be gold. And the front of the over-gown-I wanted it to lace up the front. I went back and forth about having the large "v" shape bust- but decided to go with a slight heart-shape neckline instead. The over-gown's basic construction is different too-I did not want an A-line type over-dress, I wanted a fitted bodice (that gave an a-line allusion) and then a gathered skirt. The bodice is basically a full corset with a skirt attached.
My design:
The selection of pattens happened when the patterns went on 99cent sale.
For the over dress-I choose this as my basic jumping off point:
The under-dress was easier. I am using the under gown of this pattern, with an altered neckline (to give me that off the shoulder look with the folded band attached) :
I decided, after much thought, to make the over-gown first, as it is the hardest part, being a corset, and as I want to be able to have it done when i construct the neckline of my under-gown. The pattern I used had to be altered to open in the front, and I did not make separate grommet panels for it, since I have an under-dress I want to show through a bit! All this made for a lot of changes, but not hard one when I cut out my mock up. I cut the reg. paper pieces out, and then used a nice felt/fleece on which I cut my mock-up-with the changes I needed.
I am happy to say that all is going well, and that I have lots of progress to report. But you will have to wait for now.

Enjoy!
xoxox
Lexi

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!
Christ is Born!

Today was our first Christmas opening our gifts after church, because we are Sunday School teachers and still had Sunday School this morning!
But what a blessing, spending Christmas morning with my dear little munchkins!
God has truly been good to us this year. The year was far from perfect, but God has kept us in His perfect plan.

Thank You Lord.

And are you wondering who joined the family this Christmas?
I got Kit!
Thanks Mom!

The story of how Kit came to me is really funny, so watch my YT video on it!
xoxox
Lexi

The "Dragon" Doll Dress

2011-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hurray! A new doll gown!
This dress was made for a little friend in the medieval "Lady of Shalott" style".
Unfurtunatly I did not take pictures of the lace up back! Yes-lace-up! I made a lace-up doll dress! Good thing for YouTube though-you can see the whole video there and see the dress better.
I call it the "Dragon Dress" because of the scale-like material in the center and the sleeves.

Enjoy!
xoxox
Lexi

Doll Family Photo-Christmas 2011

2011-12-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
from
OldFashionDolls

xoxox

Christmas Time is Knocking...

2011-12-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

"Christmas Time is knocking,

The Wind the willows' rocking,
The socks all have holes,
And the hot bun rolls
Can never keep me fingers warm,

But I have lots of sewing to do,
So the cold winds I must shoo-
I have wishlists to check,
And old dull halls to deck
And so I shall never, never stop....

Being Merry this Christmas Time!"

Hello Readers! Excuse the long absence. No sooner than T.G was done, than suddenly I was hired to sew Medieval gowns for a local Musical Theater production of Camelot! God was so good to me, for I got paid!
As you can tell from above, Our tree is up and festive, decorated with our cardboard castle my Mom and I use when teaching history to young children. We thought it looked cute and child-like, almost-enchanted!

The second thing I have been up to is making the center pieces for our Church's Missionary Christmas Dinner we host every year for all the missionaries we sponsor. This is my 6th year doing the center pieces, and I think God Blessed them! I even named them...

Winter Wonder Land

Lost in the Blizzard

Deck The Halls

Frosty the Snowman

There were more, but these pictures turned out the best. Our holiday dinner was great! I love seeing our Missionaries, some who we see year after year.

Blessing to All!
xoxox
Lexo

Happy T.G 2011

2011-11-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Blessings to my friends on this wonderful Holiday.
We had a lovely dinner, with our huge family!

May these next few weeks be full of peace, not stress,
Of content, not want,
of thanks, not bitterness,
of steadiness, not rush,
of Love, not Hate.
and
of Christ-
not of the world.

xoxo
Lexi

Meet The Lady of Shalott --MyAG#33

2011-11-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Finally, a post about my birthday doll!

She has been a project with a lot of thought-starting with the costume and then figuring out which doll to use as the Lady of Shalott. This is my Lady, Elaine, of Shalott. She is a teen, before the curse was put upon her.

This is the picture I went off of- for inspiration-the Water House painting.
Here is Elaine. Enjoy! I Love her!

xoxoxox
Lexi

Poetic Birthday

2011-11-12T10:08:00.001-08:00

I am now 20 years old! I cannot believe how good God is, that I have made it it thus far.
I had a gathering with many friends yesterday where we drank tea and recited our favorite poems.
Please excuse the lack of S&S posting.
In the picture above you see my yellow locket which was my birthday present. It is from the 1920's! I am wearing a long white gown I purchased at a thrift store. My Padre is beside me.

Thanks!
Lexi

S&S Blog Week Day 4 POEM!

2011-11-09T10:24:00.000-08:00

In August, when we did a Jane Austen Blog week, I wrote a poem about Marianne. I decided that Elinor deserved one as well. Enjoy!

xoxoxox Lexi

Elinor
By Lexi CopyRight

You who listen but never speaks,
Who wants to be found but never seeks,

You who sees all the tears,
But who cannot release her fears,

You who hold the world in hand,
But yourself alone must stand,

You due the duty without a word,
You feel the pain but no reward,

You who yearns just as deep,
But who holds your dreams asleep,

You who never builds up high,
Dreams and castles in the sky,

You who would never believe,
That maybe one day you would receive,

Receive, yes, a love that true,
Meant for one, and that one, you,

Lift up your eyes and comprehend,
You too will have a happy end!

S&S Week Day 3-Marianne and the Trial of Love

2011-11-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Marianne is so passionate and shows her heart. She lives life by giving all and feels the deep depravity when what she gave is not received.
Willowby, the dashing lover who never meant to fall in love, but did with this beautiful lively 17 year old.

What if Willowby was never disinherited, what if he had never misused Col. Branden's ward. What if, what if what if?
He did fall in love, but a past mistake made him face the reality of choosing-wealth or love. He choose no love and much wealth. But what if he had chosen no wealth and much love, would Marianne have married him if she found out about his last "romance'.
But alas we will never know, for Willowby made the critical decisions that haunted him for many years.

Sonnet 116
Sonnet 116:

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

So was Willowby really in love with Marianne since his affection was not "an ever fixed mark?"
Maybe he was, maybe not.
But in the end, he made his choice.
PLEASE click on the link below, and scroll down the page to where it mentions Marianne, and read about what happens to her, and what happened to Willowby, if you never have read it-you need to!
Read the last few pages!

Willowby found some contentment in life, but he settled for that which is not THE BEST.
Marianne, did end up with the best (even if it was through hard circumstances)..
She married a man who was so old as to wear a flannel waist coat! Oh my!
And, she found happiness as a wife, and mistress of a lovely estate-all at the age of 19!

Wow Marianne, what a fate! 
xoxox Lexi

S&S Week Day 1: Modetsy-Then and Now

2011-11-06T15:43:00.001-08:00

The sort-of beginning of Sense and Sensibility Fashion week.

We live in a day and age with increasing immodesty, and many Christian blogs discuss this subject. I never really have posted on it, before, as my tastes in modest dress has evolved greatly since I was 15 years old, even until now, less than a week from my 20th birthday.

When I was in my early high-school years I dressed very normally, pants and cute tops. I was never very "immodest", but since then I have grown "More modest" .
My neckline preferences have been raised very high, and my skirt lengths much longer. And two years ago I began wearing only skirts and dresses, for personal convictions and preferences. I like sewing because I can alter patterns to fit my needs, and I love using thrift stores as a place to find lovely, swirling broom skirts.
I also sew historical apparel, as everyone who reads my blog knows. A lot of the young YOUTUBE crowd comment on my historical era costumes as "oldish" clothes, which makes me laugh.
But has immodesty always been present through-out history?
Is Immodesty something that was dictated by a certain style of belly-showing shirt from 1970, or can all forms of clothes, from all centuries be worn in a way, reflecting the heart, that is immodest?
There is a general idea that Old Fashion clothes are modest and sweet and innocent, and mostly this is true (especially among us Christian blogging folk who like to sew period outfits!)
This is because Old Fashion Clothes from the 1800's expedited longer skirts, more layers, no bellies showing, and sometimes (in Victorian and Edwardian times) high around-the-neck collars.
BUT! BUT! BUT!
If you were to time travel backwards and walk into the ballroom (Gazing desperately to find Willow-by!) you would not find all the ladies dressed modest. No, not even with their long skirts. Some would cut their necklines so low, you would cry out in horror!
If you were to go to Europe and street watch in 1880, you would not find all the ladies modest. Not even with their high-neck collars. You find some of their waists cinched too tight, and their bustles very enormous, so as to contort their bodies into an attractive figure..

You can be covered from head to toes and be immodest.
I have seen decently dressed Christian woman act in a way that does not befit a pure maid.
It does not matter if you are Christian, Islamic, from 1811 or 2011,
modesty starts at the heart. The way you walk, the way you address people, the way you hold yourself.
There is always a way dear friends to be modest.
Sometimes it takes time and personal growth. I wear things now, I would have laughed at four years ago.
HOWEVER, don't go the other way.
The hardest thing about dressing modestly for me, is not judging others if I think that maybe their shirt should be higher.
Modesty is not defined (unfortunately) in the New Testament as having so many inches to your skirt, or this or that.

Every person must decide, through prayer, what is their standard of modesty.
And, modesty can be fun! Wear bright colors and find tasteful make-up and jewslrey. Dress to please God, and your parents, but let your style shine.

Do not be scared. Pants, or skirts, heels or no heels, ask God and grow with His grace. As you mature, your modesty standards might change. I have some good friends with 4 daughters who believed in only wearing skirts and dresses, then, the Lord released them from that conviction, and the girls wear pants and skirts.
Head Coverings are another issue as well. People cover for a multitude of reasons, and if you wonder about if you should cover or not, talk to your family and pray.
My very good friend Hannah covers, and her sister does not.
Know that God is gracious and he will help you.
But please, don't pass over modesty as just how you look on the outside.
Look at your heart.

I am just a girl, struggling with these issues myself, so I may be wrong in this or that, but get what you can out of this.

Oh yes, and just for the fun of it. Who do you think was more modest (in decorum as well as dress) in the book S&S- Elinor Dashwood or Lucy Steele?
If you need help on defining their characters, read the last 2 chapters of S&S and see how Lucy Steele acts and who she marries and how! UMMMM!!!!
xoxoxox
Lexi

New Blog Week!

2011-11-04T15:37:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about a new new blog week-a Sense and Sensibility blog week at Miss Georgian's blog!
Join the fun!

The Pink Poodle Wows The World

2011-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

I always knew from the moment I adopted her, that my rescue mutt/poodle was absolutely unique and amazing. About two years ago we began dyeing her pink (completely safe and approved by her vet). Since then she has create awe and love from wherever she goes.
This year, an old historic Church down in the Old Town Plaza was having a fund-raiser in the form of a doggy costume contest. Molly quickly put on her tutu and I tied ribbons on her ears and the whole family went. I was even in costume. Around 6:30pm, the contest got moving and we had a parade around the center Gazebo in the plaza. (amazingly this Gazebo is where my dad proposed to my Mom 26 years ago!=)
Well, they had ghostly music blaring and Molly Moo got scared so up she went in my arms and I began dansing around, holding her up for everyone to see. Molly is a very "jello-like" dog and lets me hold her in the air and a such, and ever turn we made on the parade, picture flashes went off and people went wild. I stoped and let the little children shake her hand.
There were six awards, starting from most creative, to scariest costume, I was the last to be called, but Molly Moo won first in the cutest division!

There you go, Molly Moo is one amazing little dog.

xoxox
Lexi

Etsy Sale

2011-10-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Etsy Sale!
My Three Piece Regency Ensemble is on sale for only a week for 20.00 plus shipping. Snap it up quick!

Love Lexi!

The "Who Knows What" Gown

2011-10-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

In which I am Blessed by our wonderful Lord by way of materiel, buttons and an endless imagination.

Every costume I have sewn for myself thus far has had a particular time period it fit into, besides my Ren. Faire costume which were made from popular Ren.Faire patterns. Can you believe that I HAVE BRANCHED OUT and created a dress that has no real era? I made it this weekend from some lovely purple brocade. I have NEVER owned such nice cloth, and would not have been able to afford it, except my good friend who works at Joannes gifted me 8 yards of it!
How generous.
My friend Teresa thought it would make a great Civil War gown, but I wasn't sure. Day Gowns from the 1860's can be too stogy sometimes. I knew the material shouls be used for a dress without much structure, for it is so flowy!
I brain stormed and was driven mad, because for the first time I had the material before the costume planed in my mind!
OH THE WOES OF SEWING! :)
But I did come up with an idea. And it grew and grew.
My Little Student who I had sewn for brought me a gift card to Hobby Lobby as a present and I was able to buy this luscious gold shiny stiff.
Here is the Gown!
I LOVE IT!

How awesome?
The back hooks up-

Belive it or not, but at the same time as this dress was being sewn, I was given a load of buttons-really cool buttons!
Hope you liked it!
xoxox
LEXI

Girl's Colonial Dress-Simplicity 3725

2011-10-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hello Fair Readers!
As you all know, I have a flow of little children coming through my house for classes, literature studies, and just to play with dolls. =) A couple weeks ago a little student comes up to me brimming with ideas for a Harvest festival costume. This studemt loves all my costumes, and took some ideas from them, and added her own flare.
Well, fast forward, Thursday we got the materials together and it fit in the budget her mom set perfectly!
And then I started to sew. And I had so much fun, I kept sewing until, in three days it was done and looked better than my imagination could make it. It turned out looking like a Felicity dress!
I am so excited (and a wee bit proud of myself.)
I hope you all like it!

I used Simplicity 3725 as a base:
Here is my version of view C. I altered the bodice facing and stomacher trimmings.
~*~*~

^Under construction

All done! Front View

Back of dress, you can see it has a tie in the back, because Joy is very slender.
The zipper is the part I am so proud of. You can see the cream ties that "hoist" the over skirt up. Joy wanted that detail in particular, after seeing one of my creations like that.

So cute!

What do you all think?
xoxox
Lexi

Among The Fields of Green....

2011-10-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

...There is a poodle named Sophie in her new fleece coat.

Which was made to fit her just right....

And keep the chills off as she keeps watch out-of-doors,

She is a good poodle, and ever good poodle...

Needs a stylish jacket.

I LOVE you Sophie! Enjoy your new outfit!

xoxox
LEXI

Regency Day Gown

2011-10-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

New Regency Gathered Day Gown with Puffed, Elbow length sleeves.

Hello Friends! A new gown to share today!
Every costume I make becomes my mom's new favorite, and this dress was no exception.
I am quite fond of it myself. I love how poofy it is. I like Regency Gowns with some flowy shape.
The material has a very thin brown pin strip. I got it on sale at Walmart for $5. A very simple and inexpensive dress.
God Be Praised!

Look at the flow of the gown!

The sleeves were fun to design. The top poof is so well matched with a slender elbow sleeve.
What do you think?
xoxo
Lexi

SALE!

2011-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our New Baby is now on sale for $30 + $5 Shipping!
Thanks!
Lexi

Selling Our New Baby...

2011-10-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am selling this doll on AGPT.

Description
I have a lovely , second hand,Our New Baby to sell. The doll is in pristine condition-no marks, all limbs tight, body plump, working eyes, full eyelashes, full neck strings, and a non-scuffed head. The doll will arrive in the Our New Baby, footless onesy, under shirt and diaper. The tags all say "west Germany". Her/his neck stamp says PLEASANT COMPANY with a 14 mark below. I touched up the lips and cheeks with pale pink.

I take paypal, no refunds.
I hope you can see by the pictures what a great doll this is. I am asking $40.oo (dollars) + $5 for shipping.
My email is cmsotelo@spinn.net.

Thanks!
Lexi

The Study Of Poetry

2011-09-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a child, a small child, I have enjoyed reading poetry and composing, sometimes poorly, sometimes with talent, poetry.

I mainly read children poems, but not always. My first copy of Anne of Green Gables introduced me to classic Poetry-The Lady of the Lake, and so forth. But I didn't just read the poetry because I am an Anne fan. No.
The "Lady of Shalott" has become a favorite poem, a piece of literature I enjoy reciting more than reading a chapter from Green Gables.
I must admit, I am not a King Arther Fan, like one would think. But the exception has always been the Lady of Shallot. In Bulfinches Mythology (which my mom had me read for homeschool) I was excited to read the legend about the Lady of Shalott. But sadly it had nothing about a magic web and cracking mirror. I later found out that the author of my beloved poem, Tennyson, made a lot of the tale up. But now, we associate his poem with the legend. I half wish Tennyson could have been there to write the legend, obviously with more imagination than the originally author! There has been speculation that Tennyson based his poem on other works and fables that had been written in other languages before his time. But Tennyson denied that, saying he did not read the works until a later date after his poem was written..
I have come to the conclusion though, that my Lady of Shalott, the one living in my head, has the first name "Elaine" from one of the old stories. It seems mysterious Tennyson did not give her a name. But she has been in my heart ever since I was a child, and in a way, I need to have a close and personal, first name. Not a title.

She also (In my mind) met Sir Lancelot as a youth, and it was not until he left that she
"She (has) heard the whispered say
a curse is on her if she stayed
to look down upon Camelot."
I have also imagined that she wears pearls in her hair after I read Tennyson's originally poem, authored many years before he refined the one we usually read today.
(1833

"A pearl garland winds her head: She leaneth on a velvet bed, Full royally apparelled, The Lady of Shalott"

To end my ramblings on my favorite poem, I want to share the song by Loreena Mckennitt, who sings the poem with such talent.
VIDEO
The painting during the movie isn't my favorite, as it is a little scary- I prefer the classic paintings.
But I like this version, since it is the entire song, and it has the lyrics.
Please enjoy!
What is your favorite piece of poetry?

Thanks
Lexi

Etsy Listings!

2011-09-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

The State Fair dress is now listed on Etsy!
The dress comes with the Beret, Dress and Over dress.
The panties are not included since they were a last-minute addition to the outfit.

Thanks!
xoxo
Lexi

Tristan Arrives Home...

2011-09-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

.....And so does my ball gown!

Today was entry pick-up day at our local Fair Grounds.
Tristan is finally home in full glory.
She pulled me aside and whispered a sneaking suspicion of hers that-
"I won because of my matching underwear."
Which might be correct actually. Last year I was given a 3rd Place ribbon because I had store bought panties on Samantha, rather than home-made panties.
Tristan was very proud and not the least bit bashful to display her fine silken underwear:
Ta Da!
What more is there to say?
Silky Doll underwear indeed-and we came away with 2nd place!

xoxox
Lexi

Josefina Demands a New Gown

2011-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, Josie demanded one, (funny how things that cannot talk have a way of getting across to us, although who ever said dolls can't talk?) so I rushed into the sewing room and this was my effort.

When I used to perform Mexican Folk Dancing, this is how we wore our hair.
Other than that, the dress is not really authentic.

But of course, if authenticity mattered, Josie wouldn't have posed so well for me. She is very proud, you can see clearly.

I think I may have to insist she wears some of her other clothes this week, or all this attention might get in her head.

xoxiox
Lexi
P.S Fortunately, Tristan will be home from the St. Fair soon, so Josie won't be the star ALL week.

1st and 2nd Place at St. Fair

2011-09-09T13:42:00.000-07:00

I am still in shock. Utter amazement. I am still a little dizzy like I was at the fair this morning. My parents took me to the opening day of our St. Fair and BOTH my entries won ribbons. My Regency Ball gown won 1st:

Here it is:
Up Close

And Tristan's dress took 2nd!
Praise God! And thanks to my readers who always encourage me! =)

xoxox
Lexi

A Band of Merry Children

2011-09-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

The Merry Children in Lincoln Green

It is that time again-school time. Since graduation from home-school High School, I have increasingly been giving literature and history classes to the little home schooled children I know. This week I began a study on Robin Hood with four merry little children. Each child received a suit and cap of Lincoln Green, just like the Merry Band of Sherwood got each year. There is a LOT of archery practice and scampering around our own "Sherwood". I didn't get a picture of my costume, but I had to join the fun!

xoxox
Lexi

Emily's Day Out

2011-08-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Emily is wearing her new frock and cap!
I love the colors of the fields with her new clothes.

Yesterday I took Emily, my Mennonite doll, out to the fields. She is wearing her new outfit, which was sewn after reading the comment of my great blog friend, Aunt Lou.

You can se Emily has a white cap now! She loves it!
xoxo
Lexi

Freckles

2011-08-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have been doing some small "make-overs" on my dolls.

Yesterday I picked up my Felicity and carefully marked some freckles on her face. I used colored pencils of various tones.
I love them!
And the best part-they erase off!

xoxox
Lexi

Psalm 145

2011-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely Psalm I read today. It has lifted my spirits.
Enjoy!

Psalm 145

¹ I will exalt you, my God the King;

I will praise your name for ever and ever.
² Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
⁴ One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.
⁵ They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.^[b]
⁶ They tell of the power of your awesome works—
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
⁷ They celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

⁸ The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

⁹ The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
¹⁰ All your works praise you, LORD;
your faithful people extol you.
¹¹ They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
¹² so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises
and faithful in all he does.^[c]
¹⁴ The LORD upholds all who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
¹⁶ You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
¹⁹ He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
²⁰ The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

²¹ My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name

for ever and ever.

Lou Lou's Special Outfit

2011-08-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well, pictures speak louder than words. Here is Lou Lou's new outfit, handmade by me! She is so cute!

....All dressed in black and red,

...including socks and shoes!

..and a handmade headpiece!

Hope you enjoyed it!

xoxo
Lexi and Lou

Meet Lou Lou

2011-08-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

In which Ivy finds her new identity.

I wanted her to be Izzy, she wanted to be Lou Lou. I wanted a girl with a creative spunk, she wanted to be ninja with a punkish flair.
Ahh, what can we do, dolls have their own minds sometimes.
My mom was the one who told me who Lou Lou was. I was introducing her as Izzy, a craft-loving gal, my mom was making her do martial arts moves.
There you are!
A little lip color ...
and a little curly hair, and wala!
Lou Lou!
She is spirited and fun-loving, can bounce off any wall and loves to study Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu. Her favorite foods are rice noodles and egg-drop soup.
Her dream is to be a real ninja someday, regardless if ninjas are not really real.
She is half Japanese and half Chinese and loves both cultures.
She is everything I am not. But boy do I love her!

xoxox
Lexi

Drop-Front Regency Gown

2011-08-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

Despite the ending of our Jane Austen Week on Saturday, I am still all caught-up in Regency. Sigh. There is no going around it, I made another gown.

Inspired by Jenny Chancey's instructions on making a drop-front dress, I decided to make my own.
I changed a lot of the directions. But I love it! The front is shirred with elastic thread! (not period but so handy!). The waist is encased with a thicker elastic to bring it in. There is no gap in the skirt, it is all sewn, but thr bibe, or shirred front is able to flip out. It is sewn with the bodice to the skit piece! WAHAHAHA! I am an elasticated genius! And, I am totally sure that if Jane Austen had elastic in her day, she would have used it on every dress she made!;)

I need to add that my wonderful mom bought me the material as a gift for helping out a lot!

God Bless everyone!
xoxox
Lexi

Jane Austen Week Day 7

2011-08-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

In which we give one last "huzzah!" for Jane Austen Week!

Today I have another post on my "Miss Jane Bennet".
I went ahead and tried my hand at curling her hair.
I was very careful, and used a low-setting iron and she turned out lovely!
Here she is- Miss Jane Bennet

(and yes I made the dress!)

And finally my last question for,

Jane Austen Week Questions
(Part 5)

11. What was your introduction to Jane Austen?
Who else? My teacher, my friend, my mother! She weaned us on Jane Austen movies from a very young age. I believe that my uncle was the one who introduced my mother to "fine literature" and she in turn passed it on to us. I remember watching the 1995 Pride and Prejudice before I could even follow the plot. It has always been a tradition in the family, that when I become sick, I get to watch the hole movie on the couch. I love that movie. I can never thank my mother enough for letting us watch it over and over again!

Eventually, I watched all the different versions and read the books.
I remember in 2009, after lying in bed sick, and watching my favorite movie, the 1995 P&P, I had a sudden desire for a Regency costume. After I got well, I asked my mother if I could try sewing one. At this point, I had only sewn doll clothes. But my mom and best friend Samantha, convinced me to try it. The costume was simple and took a week to complete (now I can sew Regency gowns in a couple days), but it was lovely.
Here is it:
Lexi's First regency Costume-2009
Since then I have never stopt sewing Regency, and I cannot tell you the excitement I feel when I complete another project. And all of it started when Little Lexi ahd a cold and her Mommy put on Pride and Prejudice!

Thanks for a great week everyone!
xoxox
Lexi and Jane

Jane Austen Week Day 6

2011-08-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Huzzah for Jane Austen Week...

but alay and alas, it is almost finished!

Today I wore my new green cotton, with my light green silky open-robe. This pelisse is for the ball-room, and is not meant to be a jacket. This is probably my favorite outfit to wear.
Yeah for Regency Fashions!

Jane Austen Week Questions Part 4

10. Which Jane Austen character do you think you are most like?

This is almost impossible for me to answer! When I was a Sophomore in high school I think I would have said Marianne Dash-wood-enthusiastic, full of live and brimming with emotions. And I would have been correct. But I have grown quieter and more sensible, though I still feel strong emotions. To get an opinion of who I am like now, I asked my sister Emily for her opinion. Immediately she answered "Marianne" but then she got quiet and began to think a little more. "Maybe Fanny Price."

I have decided to take a quiz and go from there-an online quiz on" which heroine I am." Here I go!

(A little while later)
Wow-I am so surprised at what my result was! I guess I am still a...
Marianne Dashwood!

What was interesting is that at the end of the quiz I had to answer a tiebreaker question. One choice was if I prefer to be quite, the other was if love is important (something along those lines anyway!) I answered in the second. So, I am Mariann. I guess I am very much like Marianne after her tragic lose of Willow-by. I am a matured Marianne, the Marianne at the end of the book. And, well, Col. Branden is my favorite hero!

I hope you enjoyed this post-it was so pleasant to find out who I am like!
See you tomorrow for the final post!
xoxox
Lexi

Something for a sister-Diversion from J.A.W

2011-08-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Taking a slight diversion from our Awesome Jane Austin Week,
I have a post about my sister's new costume.

About a month ago, my sister Raven asked me if I'd make her a halloween costume. Raven lives in Hawaii where she goes to the university, so I wanted to make it while she is still with us. Thus I made it NOW.
Raven is the ultimate horror movie fan and her costume is from the movie "Sucker Punch" (which BTW I do not recommend to anyone!) I saw only a clip and sketched the dress out and then we went to Joannes to get a pattern and material.
After searching through all the Simplicity and McCalls patterns, I turned to a Burda pattern book. I found this:
It had all the elements except, sleeves, a collor and a button down front. So I altered it-and by God's grace it worked!.
The result is amazing and the dress fits her to a T.
The dress is gray with a light gray sailor callor. It buttons down the front and has a pleated skirt.
There is a "bow tie" type knot in the front.
Pleated bottom mini-skirt.

Back of dress.
I was very happy, and my sister will pick up the dress today before returning to school tomorrow. I think this whole project was a blessing because we bonded!
Oh- and in case you are wondering the entire dress including the pattern cost $25. i think packaged Halloween costumes can cost more!

xoxox
Lexi

Jane Austen Week Day 5

2011-08-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

(Above: Bella My Regency Doll. She wanted to be Lizzie Bennet today! Below
my doll Elizabeth joins Lizzie as Jane.)

Huzzah for Jane Austen Week Day 5!

Jane Austen Week Questions Part 3
8.Jane Austen Sequels-do you like them or not?
I have never read any sequels, or Jane Austen take-offs. But I do like books that have dissertations
and facts about the novels and the authoress.
One such book I have enjoyed:
The Friendly Jane Austen
It contains facts, quizzes, summers and more!

9. Do you have a special spot to keep your J.A stuff?
Special spot? Hmmm. I keep my copies of the books on a special bookshelf close to my room, and my costumes are kept nicely in my costume closet. O.k-maybe not "nicely" because I am always wearing them. My bonnets I display in my sewing room. I am very proud of my bonnets!

That is all for today!

xoxo
Lexi Sotelo

How to make a Regency bonnet

2011-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Video #3 For Day 4 of J.A.W
This video is by the lovely Stephanie founder of the Oregon Regency Society. This video was how I learned to first make bonnets for the Regency Era. She is great-and her tutorial is helpful!
(I claim no copy right for this video.)

Getting Dressed in 1805

2011-08-10T11:24:00.001-07:00

Video #2 for J.A.W Day 4

Here is a Lovely video I have enjoyed on YT for years.

(It is not mine, I do not claim copyright.)
PLEASE ENJOY!

18th Century Layers (1780-1790)

2011-08-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Video #1 for Day 4 of Jane Austen Week

Here is a video of a costume from the 1780-90's. I love it!
(This is not my film, and I claim no copy right.)
ENJOY!

Jane Austen Week Day 4

2011-08-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

EDIT-I have added videos about COSTUMING for today which you can watch at your leisure.

Huzzah For Jane Austen Week! Huzzah!

Today is day 4 of our wonderful blog party-wow, time flies!
Today I dressed up in 1780-1790 clothing. In some Jane Austen movies, the older woman wear more Georgian (what we term colonial) fashions.This blouse was my 4th of July outfit, which I never wore because of the heat. But it is so pretty, and I put so much work into it, (22 hand-sewn eyelets) that I wanted to wear it.
I love this outfit! I am truly blessed to have an opportunity to blog about my sewing this week!

Today's post is short and sweet (I hope!)
Tomorrow I will post more questions, and I may have time tonight to post some favorite YT videos related to J.A.

Jane Austen Week Day 3

2011-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Emma Chapter 55
On Emma and Knightly's Wedding
"Very little white satin, very few lace veils; a most pitiful business!"
~*~*~*~

Today I dressed-up as Augusta Elton, in a pink "pelisse" and bonnet..

I have always thought this outfit would catch that pompous, busy-body's fancy!
Day 3 of Jane Austen Week-Huzzah!
Today I am going to post about the "character that takes delight in vexing me".

Jane Austen Week Questions Part 2

7. What top three characters take delight in vexing you?
I am going to talk about the #1 J.A charterer I find silly, outrageous and vexing. I have a love-hate relationship with her. If I was vain and self-conceited, I think I would be most like her.
The Lady of which I speak is

Mrs. Elton!
She likes to over dress, talk too much and is all around rude and loud. Not to mention she harasses Jane Fairfax. And, by the way, I like Jane Fairfax.

Emma Chapter 32
"When the visit was returned, Emma made up her mind. She could then see more and judge better. From Harriet's happening to not be at Hartfield and her Father's being present to engage Mr. Elton, she had a quarter-or-an-hour of the lady's conversation to herself and could composedly attend to her; and the quarter-of-an-hour quite convinced her that Mrs. Elton was a vain woman, extremely well satisfied with herself and thinking much of her own importance."
And here is a quote from Mrs. E at Emma's dinner party.

Emma Chapter 35
"I fancy I am rather a favorite; he took notice of my gown...handsome I think, but i do not know whether it is not over-trimmed; I have the greatest dislike to the idea of being over trimmed-quite a horror of finery!"

This from the woman who arrived,

Emma Chapter 34
"..as elegant as lace and pearls could make her..."

She was a woman of contradictions and I love seeing what a fool she makes of herself. She is actually a little jealous of Emma and Harriet, in my opinion. She seeks wealth and cares for her ideas and ways better than those wiser than herself.
I can relate to her sometimes. I find a lot to think about when I read about Mrs. E. Thanks Jane Austen for making her a study on conduct!

Have a blessed day!
xoxox
Lexi

Jane Austen Week Day 2

2011-08-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

(My dog Molly Moo and I)
Huzzah for day 2 of Jane Austen Week!

I am enjoying this blog party!
Today I wore my red silk ball gown with gold pokadots and my green beret with a peacock feather.
I have you know I scrubbed the kitchen and took a dog-walk all in my gown! It has a train which I hooked up for the walk. There are two buttons on the inside of the gown, and two loops of elastic on the train end. I just loop the elastic on the train!

Jane Austen Blog Party Question:

1.What is your favorite thing about Jane Austen and Why?
I admire Jane Austen for her clever plots and mastermind in creating outrageous characters. Her plots are deep and have many characters, minor and major, winding in and out making gripping stories. I have tried my hand at novel writing, and my plots always appear weak, and my characters few, compared to the talented Jane.

2.What are your top 3 J.A novels and Why?

Ohhh! So hard to choose!
Here we go:

a. Persuasion-because I feel it is the most touching book of Jane's.

b. Sense and Sensibility- because of the dramatic and emotional times both Elinor and Marianne face.

c. Emma-the only book besides N.A I have not fully read, but I still have to add this one as a favorite, because I FEEL for Emma. She makes so many mistakes. She is arrogant. But she has heart. I laugh with Emma, I scream at Emma, I cry with Emma and love Emma.

3. What are your top three J.A heroins and why?
a. Anne Elliot- for her sense, her steadfast love and peaceful nature.

b. Marianne Dashwood-for her passion in which she lives for love, life and family.

c. Fanny Price-for her sweet and constant nature, and a depth of feeling, which only the insecure and sensitive have truly known.

4. Top 3 Heroes and Why?
I am going to post the one Hero I admire and respect the most. This hero has always been my favorite, even though he is not as dashing as Darcy, lively as Bingly, charming as Edmund or young as Mr. Tilney.
#1 Choice-Colonial Branden- Because of Character and Virtue
5.Any honorable mentions?
Yes, I'll say Mr. Tilney and Elinor Dash-wood are some other favorite characters.

6. Top 3 adaptionss and why?
Oh this is difficult to choose!
a. The A&E P&P will always be my most favorite J.A movie.
I cannot put into words why, except to say EVERYTHING about the movie-characters, plot (they kept most f the book) costumes and scenery, dancing, all were done well!

b. I ADORE THIS newer version of Persuasion. The final scenae is an all time favorite. Yes, call me romantic.

The last choice is actually a tie!
and
c. The 1996 and 2009 S&S are tied. I hope my readers will understand that both are lovable for different reasons, and both are done so well. Besides, who could not love Kate Winslet as the ultimate Marianne?

Well readers, that is all for today! I will post a whole post about my favorite
"Vexing" Characters tomorrow!
xoxox
Lexi
Keep on blogging!

Jane Austen Week Day 1

2011-08-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Huzzah for Jane Austen week,
"For she's a jolly good writer, for she's a jolly good writer, for she's a jolly good writer, who nobody can deny!"

Today I dressed in my cream drawstring dress and blue bonnet.
To top it off, I wore a shawl and my hand sewn mitts. This is my "Marianne" look.

The other night I was reading "The Lady of the Lake" and suddenly my own romantic ballad came forth. This poem is inspired from the climax scene in S&S where Marianne walks out to view Willow-by's home and she ends of falling ill.

"Marianne "
By Lexi Sotelo
Aug. 2011 Copyright

Marianne rushed up the lane,
To mount an ever wider plain,
The rain poured down upon her breast,
Her pounding chest would give no rest,
And sobbing up unto the sky,
She whispered "I'd have rather die"
"Than have it ever hover,
that my love, loves another!"
And leaning over amid the grass,
She saw a mounted couple pass,
And far below the ledge she spied,
A manor tall with gardens wide,
"This is the place they now reside,
for fortune's sake they er' are tied"
And then her head did touch the earth,
She did not know for her he searched,
Another man of higher rank,
Came sweeping down the dewy bank,

"Willow-by" she murmured soft,
But it was Branden who loomed aloft,
And through the ever pounding roar,
He brought her daftly to the door,
And laid the creature down to sleep,
While he rode away through darkness deep,
And when the early dawn shone forth,
She saw her Mother by the hearth,
And as the fever finally broke,
There rose for Branden a budding hope,
She asked to have him hold her hand,
And on his palm a kiss did land,
A kiss so sweet it could not be,
A passion blossomed fully,
It was however a remark,
That the flame of love was in her heart.

xoxox
Lexi

Mennonite Doll Dress

2011-08-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

I am a conservation Christian as many of you know, and I belong to a Baptist church. But ever since I was young I loved studying about the Amish and Mennonite people. A lot of people don't know what to think of these people, but I love them. I sometimes wish that I could cover my head or dress in those, simple, lovely clothes. I have studied head coverings a lot over the years because it was always a subject close to my heart. I have some friends who head-cover all the time, and some who cover during prayer and church. The Amish and Mennonite people believe in covering and have many lovely styles of coverings depending on what group they belong to.

Emily has decided to become Mennonite. I was afraid to post at first, thinking people might laugh (or worse, get offensive at me.) But this is me, I love plain-dressing people and I wanted a doll who could portray a girl (maybe about 13) who was traditional, old school Mennonite. There are many different dressing style, and the one I created for Emily was sewn with care and also imagination. Her head-covering is in the heart-shape style, and though most are white or black, I made it blue. I chose a dark blue cotton to be her dress, and I incorporated a waistband in the design, which I have seen to be popular. She has a full, long work apron almost all hand-sewn.

I hope you enjoy this post and not think I'm silly.
Here is Emily my Mennonite, and I must say she looks marvelous!

I never bounded with Em unitl now. She looks so alive to me!

I have to carefully pin her hair before I put on her cap.
I designed the heart-shaped cap myself after looking at pictures!
I know some Amish people do not make dolls with faces, because they do not want to make "graven images". This doll, however is meant to be a representation of a little girl, not a doll, if you know what I mean!
Blessings, Lexi

Jane Austen Blog Party!

2011-08-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs, Elegance of Fashion is hosting a Jane Austen Blog Party, where we can answer some Jane Austen related question and talk all about that amazing woman and her novels, so beloved to readers of all generations!
I will be dressing up in costumes during that time and posting about it. You may even see some pictures of Bella, my regency doll.

I am excited!
xoxox
Lexi

Fall Regency Gown-Complete

2011-07-31T14:23:00.001-07:00

My new Regency Gown for Fall is done!
I LOVE THIS DRESS!
The best part is that I finally tried out my Kanniks Korner mitt pattern. I hand-stitched the lace gloves and they go great with the dress!
The gloves have a funny story. I just could not fit my thumbs through the original pieces, my thumbs were too long! So, I ripped up the first glove and re-traced a new one, lengthning the thumb pieces. I finished the gloves, they fit great and I was like, "Yeah-I got it! But why was the thumb pieces soooo terribly short?" Then I looked at the pattern and figured that the thumbs were open, and that my top finger-nail was to show through! Ha! Oh well, I like my full thumb-coverage!

I love the back. You can see there are no buttons. The dress slips over my body. I LOVE IT!
I hope you are inspired!
Please contact me if you sewed something Regency. I'd love to see it!
xoxox
Lexi

A Million Little Updates....

2011-07-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello readers!

I have so much to tell you about!
Just this past Monday I got home from helping at a Bible Camp.
When I got home I felt soooooo doll deprived that the below event took place,
I put them all on my bed!

I did have one doll with me on the trip, and that was my new doll Tristan.
I made a lovely outfit for her a little while ago. This dress is my pride and joy!
There are three different types of fabrics -the solid bodice, the "wrinkled" skirt and the brocade over dress. This dress is meant to be sold, but I can't bring myself to list it yet!

I am currently sewing a fall Regency gown for myself. I came up with a new bodice style that my mom fell in love with,
The front is gathered horizontally, and is held in place with a strip of fabric overlaid with trim. The dress is a dark green which looks a little darker in the photo!
Above you see the sleeves coming along! I love 3/4 sleeves!

Lastly, my Magic Attic Doll, Princess Katherine is getting some curls,
You can see I put her in the drawstring dress I designed for an AG doll, but in truth it fits Princess Kathrine. BTW- Kathrine may change identities (would not be the first time) and become Emily Dickinson. What do you think?

See you later and God Bless!
XOXOXO LEXI

Renaissance Faire

2011-07-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Larkspur Colorado Renaissance Faire

July 9th 2011

(Above-Twig the fairy)

Here I am in my costume!

My sis Em, in her outfit I made!

(Above) Myself, My cousin Liam in his Knight outfit (made by me) and my sis Em

I loved the Italian Ice!

The sisters!

And...We saw lots of costume inspiration for next year!

We had a BLAST!

There were thousands of people of all ages! There were musicians, bellydancers, LOTS of vendors and of course way-fairers in costume. I made the costumes for my sister, myself and my cousin Liam. I was so blessed to go!

xoxox

Lexi

Meet JLY #22 Tristan

2011-07-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

"In which OldFashionDolls adds another member, and looses count ;)"

We have a new doll! Her name is Tristan and she is soooo lovely-or at least we think so! She is a pre-loved doll from Craigslist that we never thought we'd get! She came with clothes, but we put her in some of ours as soon as she came home.

Harmony has officially claimed Tristan as her particular friend.

They were instant buds!

xoxox
Lexi

Ren. Fair Costume Helps

2011-06-30T11:26:00.000-07:00

My sister and I leave in exactly one week for C.O to attend the big Renaissance Fair near Larkspur. We have been planning this since last FALL! I have made several costumes for myself, one for my sister and just recently finishes a Knight costume for my cousin. Last night my mom was searching the internet and found this page on "how-to-make" Medieval and Renaissance clothing. It is meant for people who do not sew at an advanced level and has some great ideas! For anyone who has to attend a Ren. Fair last moment and with a low budget, , this is great and will help!
I hope to someday makes some of the hats!
LINK

God Bless!
Lexi

Fourth of July Outfit

2011-06-26T13:38:00.001-07:00

I have been finishing up a new costume today- a colonial jacket/bodice for the 4th of July!

I am super happy with it so far. I still have to hem the sleeves.

I used this pattern from Sense and Sensibility. I have made two outfits before with this pattern, and felt ready to alter it.

The first thing I did was make it lace-up the front instead of overlap a 1/8 " and close with hook and eyes.
I made the eyelets myself!
The next thing I did was add a "peplum" type skirt to the bodice. The peplum is cut in a pretty fashion so it points down in the back. It is gathered to the bodice.
The bottom back was not as snug as it should have been over my stays, so I added buttons and a drawstring to cinch it in!

I had fun making it! I will take pictures for you with me modeling soon!
xoxox
Lexi

Simplicity 2881-Complete!

2011-06-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Praise God! The Ball Gown is done!
I had a lot of fun with this-and it turned out very nicely!
In Him
xoxox
Lexi

An old treasure.....

2011-06-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Victorian Treasures

Our church is cuurently taking over the local Home School resource center, and because of this, there is a huge flow of donated materials going through our hands. Recently, our Pastor's wife, Miss Shannon, brought over some materials for us to shift through and organize. Among the contents was a book with a sticky-note attached that read: "For Lexi."
Please keep in mind that I am the type who shows up to a pot luck in full costume!

This is the treasure I was given, a small old fashioned book. A first edition published in the same month and year I was born! It doesn't look very catching at first:
But then you look inside!
"Allison Kyle' Leopold's Victorian Keepsake-Select Expressions of Affectionate Regard from the Romantic Nineteenth Century"

It appears to be a collection of proper manners for old-time courters, woo-ers and lovers.
It has many pictures of old valentines, ranging from about 1830-1910. It is a treasure.

It does not seam, when I searched online, that this book is sold currently. I did find the site of the authoress, who appears to be quite an expert on all thing Victorian-link.
I think I may write her and ask about this book. I just love it!

I hope this was interesting!
xoxoxox
Lexi
Lexi

Basic Ball Gown

2011-06-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have started a new project. I am not really sure what time period it is. I just like it! I got the material cheap-5 1/4 yards (54 in Home decor fabric) for $14.50! I liked the material and wanted to try out a pattern. It is the simplicity Civil War ballgown. I don't want a CW corset, so I fit over my bra, and boned it.

I think it could go for many different things. It is not done yet, but it looks cool!
xoxox
Lexi

Edwardian Inspired Hat

2011-06-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian-ness Continues!

Ready for a crazy hat? It was a rather unexpected project!

I can't say its truly period, but it looks smashing. I used my Edwardian fashion fabric.

Also, I am making my small cousin, Liam, a knight costume. Here is the hood. I used stretch satin. It was rather more difficult than I had thought it would be to sew, but it turned out pretty knight-ish.

God is so good to let me sew!
BLESSINGS
XOXO
LEXI

Past Costumes: Romantic Gown

2011-06-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Romantic Era was situated between the Regency, and Victorian era. This could mean costumes from the mid-late 1820' s, all the way through thr high 1840's.

I thought it would be nice-after that Edwardian project-to showcase some costumes from earlier this year. I'm starting with a personal favorite.

My Romantic Era dress, made and modified from Sense and Sensibility's Pattern.

My Grandparents bought me this LOVELY fabric, which is still some of my favorite cloth I have ever owned. The org. pattern was cut very high and ended up like this:

Needless to say, it did not quite suit. After watching the Young Victoria, for about the third time, I was inspired by the cut of her gowns.
Thus, the dress experienced a re-birth and the whole family loved the change!
This cut is not what I consider immodest (though some might say it is) , indeed I am the queen of modesty and find no problem, and the new neckline does add an elegance that was lacking before.
What do you think? I also find the look more historical. I would date this revision about 1835.

For a wonder resource about the Romantic Era, I recommend this book.
The authoress translated French manuscripts of the time about decorum, manners, dress and hygiene! It has scaled patterns, embroidery designs and even addresses horse-riding!
It is expensive, I had to save up awhile, but it is a wonderful resource for serious costumers and historians.

xoxox
Lexi

Edwardian Dress Part 6

2011-06-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

Edwardian Dress Part 6

Finished

Ahhhhhhhhh! Tis done! The skirt went on-smooth all around with tucks on the side:
Look how great the skirt flows!!
Vou La!

Next, I hemmed the skirt and added closures on the back:
And this is what we have...

Wait for it....

Wait....

Come on be patient....

You will be rewarded.....

Here we are!
Look how lovely!
And may I remind my readers that this was made out of lace scraps and bed sheets? The dress cost $7 to make!

Thank you for sharing my first dress diary with me!

xoxox
Lexi

Edwardian Dress Part 5

2011-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian Dress Part 5

The dress bodice is done!
*Dancing!*
Now I know that this dress will not be a flop, for the hardest part is complete.
Glory to God!

This morning I hand-stitched some lace onto the neck, isn't that nice?

And then this afternoon the sleeves were started:
They are 3/4 length, puffed, capped sleeves.

Here are sleeves in mid construction--caps on and tops gathered:
And, now for the attached sleeves:
And the finished bodice......

Ta Da!

Now, we have to add the skirt.
xoxox
Lexi

Edwardian Dress-Part 4

2011-06-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian Dress Part 4

My WONDERFUL Father gave me the day off chores today and so I was able to sew-a lot!
This bodice is my baby. At least- I have babied it. This bodice was constructed with more care than I usually give a project. The lining pieces and top-layer pieces were finished with french seams! I must admit though that everything IS machine sewn-but when I sew the hem, that will be hand done. =)

First off, lets show you some french seams, shall we?
Clip one layer of the seam:
Snip-snip!
Fold over other layer twice to encase!
(sew sew!)
Vou La! Outside seam looks like this:
There are some great tutorials on youtube on how to make french seams-this was not really a how-to, it just shows kinda how I managed it;)!

~*~*~*~*~*~
I put together the lining, sewing side seams and shoulder seams, and then the top layer's side seams. Then I did the above French seams. Before I sewed the shoulder seams on my top layer though, I had to mount my lace.
That required that I first tea-dye my lace to match better with my fabric.
Again, look-up tea-dying on YT!
Here are some snaps from my process:
Sloooop! In goes the lace into the pot of hot tea!
Stirring with spatula-Might I say this lace was so thin, it took just seconds to change color.
And...it was too dark. :(
So, I reversed the process- bleach!
Wa ha ha!
Next, I stitched the lace in place onto the top-layer.

Isn't it pretty?
After this, I sewed up the shoulder seams, encasing the lace, and finished with french seams again!!
I then sewed lining to top layer, wrong sides together, up the backs, leaving the neck untouched.

After other various attempts with bleach, I pieced the rest of the lace and encased it into the high collar.
(there were beautiful beads all ready sewn onto the lace part I used for the collar!)
I could not believe it-but I used all my lace from that old bodiced slip!
Let's here it for recycling!

The collar was then attached. Following that, a strip of material for a waist band was cut to my measurements and the bodice front was gathered onto it.

After many hours I have a BEAUTIFUL bodice that looks so wonderful and EDWARDIAN!
Praise God!

Here I am!

And look at that poof! (Just like I wanted!)

Well, praise God and Glory Be,
a finished costume we soon shall see!

xoxox
Lexi

Edwardian Dress-Part 3

2011-06-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian Dress Part 3

Now, here comes a rather boring post on cutting (but I made it a little fun with drawings=0). Yes, I am one of those BAD sewers who do not pin their patterns pieces down, unless working with really slick materiel. The good news through that these cotton sheets are really easy to work with and cut.

For the top pattern pieces, I ripped the basting seams out of my mock-up and used those fabric pieces to cut the next set of Bodice Front, and Bodice Backs. Yeah! This is great trick for me, since all to often my lining pieces do not match the top layer pieces.

Here is my Bodice front Cut out (needs to be ironed!)-

And here is one of those funny-shaped old-times sleeves, with one side longer than the other!

Skirt Front:

And strips of left-over fabric which will be for waist-bands, sashes and cuffs-OH MY!

Next-I have a rather nicer topic-trims. Here is a close-up of my "inspiration" sketch.

I *plan* to use lovely strips of lace I recycled from an old bodiced slip to create the lace on either side of the neck. I will tea dye them to match my fabric better( my fabric being more of an off-white.)
We will have to see how much I use of this lace in the end! It could be all of it, or none of it!

At this point-I have 9 guests coming over for ribs, so I have to scouch.

xoxox
God Bless
Lexi

Edwardian Dress-Part 2

2011-06-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian Dress Part 2

I cannot believe how soon part 2 is up! Nor, for that matter, can I fathom how swiftly the mail-man must have walked to deliver my S&S pattern so quickly!
You can observe the org. neckline.
Here is the pattern I used to trace out the high neckline:(I used the prairie dress view-View A)
Before I cut the bodice patterns out of the S&S pattern, I traced the new neckline out on the surrounding paper. This is how it lined up after being cut out- give or take a few adjustments
(the white pattern being S&S, the flimsily brown being the Simplicity)
Front Bodice:
Back Bodice:
^^^
You see, I did have to take liberties in order for it to work!

Here are the S&S patterns with the newly traced lines.
I had to move the Back Bodice armhole lines up in order to make the high neck work out OK! =)

I went ahead and did my mock-up out of the rose pillow cases! (I just may use them as my lining!)
Look at that neckline!
I am VERY PLEASED so far. I *hope* the rest turns out!I do hope my first Dress diary does not turn out to be a flop! =(
But I cannot worry.

xoxox
GOD BLESS LEXI!

Edwardian Dress-Part 1

2011-06-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

The Edwardian Dress-Part 1

I have been extremely excited since I attended the Regency Ball, because at the ball, a new Christmas Victorian Ball was announced! Now, I have sewn Georgian gowns, Regency frocks, Romantic and antebellum dresses and 1950's dresses, but never have I sewn a "Victorian" gown. (the Ball director MEANT Edwardian, but a lot of pp call Edwardian,Victorian-Victorian being in reality a broad term for about the 1840s-1890s.)

I came home from the ball and immediately began researching a new costume. I do not sew 100% accurate costumes, but I like them to look, at least, noticeably period. ;)
I found out right away there was not a pattern available which really suited my needs and that I liked. But there was one pattern that stood out and cried "You need me-I CAN WORK FOR YOU!" So, after I sold some etsy things, I put in my order. It is a Sense and Sensibility pattern! (go figure=) )

I *plan* to adapt the pattern into a high neck-line design with collar.
Here is the neckline I am aiming for:

I am planning on fitting my gown with reg. undergarments so my waist will NOT look like the picture! (not in the least!)
Anyway-on to fabric. I wanted to go inexpensive-so On Memorial Day my sis and I were up at 8:30 standing in line for the Thrift Store 50% off sale. I bought these gorgeous sheets for only $7 (2 queen sheets and two pillow covers!)

I LOVE these sheets and they look so 1900. Aren't the roses sweet?

I hope to post with updates as soon as my pattern arrives and I get cutting.

xoxoxo
Lexi

White Draw-String Dress-1805

2011-05-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I have been in a crafty fever this weekend as you can see!
I recently wanted to see if I could make a Regency Draw-string dress for dolls. The answer was yes-but with some changes.
The dress is strung with elastic cord, not strings and the whole garment is a little tricky to get on the doll.
Other than that-it is lovely! The material-of which i have never seen the likes of before-was a remnant at Joannes. I wish I could get several yards more!
It has beautiful fabric flower clusters! The flowers almost look crocheted!
The back view has no buttons-as you can see for the dress is meant to slip over the form and then secure with ties-or in this case elastic!
God Bless!
Lexi

How to Make a Dolly Bonnet

2011-05-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! Friends! I have a project to share with you- A dolly bonnet. This is not a project that I came up with all on my own, rather it is based on various projects that I combined together through you-tube and my imagination. I hope you enjoy!

Dolly Bonnet
You will need :

1 doll-size straw hat (available at Hobby Lobby. Bring your doll along to get best fit, usually a bigger straw hat is best. I bought this hat at a yard sale for 50 cents.) You can use either a hat with a small (flat) crown( like I did), or a bigger (round) crown.

Cup or mug(to use as a molding form)

Shallow dish full of water

2 small grommets and grommet setter

Scissors

Pins

Hot Glue Gun

Assorted Trims and floral flowers

Thin Elastic cord

First, ( and sorry-I do not have a picture for this stage!) place your hat in the shallow bowl of water until it is fully submerged. Let soak for 10-15 minutes. This will soften the fibers and allow the straw to mold.
Next take the hat out of the water and place on mug or cup and , using string or cord, tie down.
This will mold the shape of the bonnet so the sides will come in. Let dry. I let my hat dry almost all the way and then took it off the mold and onto Josefina's head to get the final mold I needed.

Once it is over half-way dry, you can handle it. It should feel firm ( and a little damp!).
Then, mark your holes with the pins. I usually place the holes almost half-way from the back to the front, but a little closer to the front. It is best to fit the hat on the doll to determine wear the holes go. Do not position the holes too close to the edge, leave room for your trim!

Punch straw with scissors until your hole is your grommets size.

Pound those grommets in!

Careful! The straw is thick so clear off some of the straw around the grommet( on the inside of the hat) so it has room to fit.
It may take a couple attempts. If you rather, you can leave off the grommets. Your holes will just be raw.

Now you can thread your elastic through and tie knots! I used black elastic to go with my trims.
Place and fit on doll.

Now take the hat off, plug in the glue gun, (withe parents help if you are a kid=) )
and trim the bonnet. I went through many different trimming until I found one I liked. I just carefully ripped off my glued trimming and re applied them. Use small amounts of glue until you like your trims, then anchor them more firmly.

You can even add flowers!

As you can see-it is really fun! This hat was made especially for Josefina, to go with her party dress. By using the black lace, I wanted to evoke a Spanish theme. This hat is also great for Felicity and Elizabeth. I hope you try it!

New Doll Clothes!

2011-05-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
We have two new etsy listings! They are both Regency outfits! THREE PIECE OUTFITS!

Oh-I am excited about these!

Here is the link - LINK

Thanks and
Enjoy!

Regency Ball

2011-05-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Regency Ball May 14th 2011

Samantha and I.
She came in a formal, and I came period (well almost!).

Looky at my shoes! These were NOT period correct, but I had fun making them! I spray painted some old flats gold and attached fabric bows! I had so many compliments!

The red ball gown is a new costume I finished on May 10th. There is a large train attached to the Red Gown, but I pinned it up so I could wear my green pelisse I made back in Aug./Sep.

The majority of the girls came in modern formals as my friend Sam did.
But I relished dressing up Regency. Look how my red ball gown poofs out from the waist.
I used the S&S Elegant Lady drawstring pattern with puffed ball sleeves. I added a train (not pictured) using Jenny Chancy's instructions.

Our Regency Ball was fabulous! Our home-school community hosts a Regency Ball every year, and this year it was held on May 14th 2011 at a local church.The tickets were $20 a piece, a little pricey for my friend Samantha and I, however we bit the bullet and bought them, as we have done for the last 3 years. We were not disappointed! The ball room was beautiful and we had the most amazing fruits, scones (and even meatballs and BBQ weanies!)
And the dancing was fabulous, I danced so many new dances I have never done before!

I hope you enjoyed this!
xoxox
Lexi

Princess Kathrine

2011-04-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

We are all so excited about the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
We hope you are too!
Here is our Magic Attic Doll Heather, who has transformed into a young girl name Princess Kathrine.
ENJOY!

Entering Sherwood Forest

2011-04-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Beware 'ere you enter in-
Robin Hood's Domain!

Ah man! Robin Hood's a poodle?

Just kidding- the poodle is just modeling! She loves to try on hat I make!

Anyway-I never thought I'd have occasion to make a Robin-hood outfit, but I have!

I made this little tunic and hat for an eight-year old boy I know. He loves to dress-up, but has nothing to put on that befits a "man-boy".
This was a quick fix to the situation!

The tunic has grommets! How cool is that?

And the hat has a feather!

I do hope "little-man" likes it!

Ta ta!
xoxox
Lexi

Happiest of Easters!

2011-04-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

LUKE 23: 44-49

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”^[e] When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things."

Luke 24 1-6

" On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"

GOD BLESS TO ALL MY DEAR READERS!
Praise God along with me today!

Here are my sister and I in our Easter dresses which I made this past month.

My sister Emily who is 18 wanted a blue dress!

I made my dress in an old fashion green material!

Kirsten and I!

Emmy and I!

I hope you all have a great week!

Kisses and Hugs!

Lexi

Journey to the 1950's

2011-04-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

I made my first historical outfit from this past century! the 1950's!
I even made the pill box hat from a tutorial on yotube.
I had so much fun! I used a Simplicity pattern-

I used the middle view-which is view c. I love the a-line flared skirt!
It is so cute! I did make a black felt bow for the front!

xoxox
Lexi

Shift, Stays and Other Things

2011-04-05T16:33:00.001-07:00

Today I am posting my shift and stays, both made from the Sense and Sensibility Regency Underthings pattern, and both, ironically, worn more with earlier, Georgian dresses. This is why I am not historically accurate! The shift in any case is fun and made from an old sheet I got thrift-ed for $1.50.
I left the cute eyelet border on the bottom,

and the sides would not line up so I gathered them to fit-

but the gussets turned out great-even though it was my first time doing them-

and lastly the casing on the neckline is a fun scrap of embordierd trim!
I guess I am a sewer who just likes fun things- this shift is not ordinary, but no one can say it isn't fun!

Ta-da!!!

Here are my Regency Stays which I embroidered- I love them!

Now for the "other stuff"

A little girl who enjoyed playing with my dolls today-

A pink, crazy dog who I dressed-up!

And my lace collar!

Have agreat day everyone! Please Comment!

18th Century Srockings

2011-04-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This post is about 18th century stockings. I have been researching these to go with my Georgian shoes.
Here is a great article about stockings, and how to make your own. Apparently stockings can be knitted or hand sewn. I decided that, rather than drafting my own pattern, I would order Kanniks Korner's pattertn for $10.
These stockings can work for Regency dressing as well as Georgian, and the mitts look charming too!
I am very excited!

xoxox
Lexi

My Homemade Georgian Shoes

2011-04-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hello readers!

When the time came for me to order the $85 Georgian shoes, I hesitated. I do admire them, and I love everything American Duchess does, but I could not order them.

So, I got out my old dance shoes, and I made my own *inspired* shoes. These are for my costumes, and they work pretty well. I had a blast making them! I added a silk ruffle on top, with a pink bow and small cameo!

Hope you like them!

Georgian Shoes!

2011-03-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bloggers and costumers, American Duchess, has designed and is selling beautful 18th century shoes! These are made for reenacters and costumers alike and are made from silk and leather! She is offering a pre-order discount as well!

Here is her blog post!
She will even costume dye your shoes to match your dress!
I will post a post of my Georgian gown for you soon! I hope American Duchess sells enough shoes so she can start production. She needs to sell at least 100 pairs to start manufacturing.
The pre-sale is $85 a pair. A little pricey, but I have saved up carefully and will hopefully order mine tonight, God willing.

Post later!

BYE!

New Doll Gowns

2011-03-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello readers!
I have sewn some new doll dresses as costum orders-I hope you enjoy!
I especially like the gold regency gown and turban.

Do you like them?

xoxox
Lexi

Gathered Front Regency Pelisse

2011-03-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Pink Pelisse

Jane Austen mentions the ever popular pelisse in her book Persuasion.
A pelisse is, by my own definition an over coat or over layer, also called an open robe. Sense and Sensibility has a cute pelisse and Spencer jacket pattern, which I do not currently own. That is alright with me, for I came up with drafting this pelisse by adapting my drawstring gown, also created by S&S Patterns.

I was especially inspired by some similar pieces in the 2009 Emma. Her governess Ms. Taylor, the soon to be Mrs. Weston, has some pelisse's like this. I loved the gathered look on the front of mine, and the flow reminds me of early Regency, which I am most especially drawn towards.

Here are two close ups of the opening front:

I might add that this piece was designed to be worn at my friends Regency Birthday Tea, a theme which is becoming more popular with young ladies these days!
I hemmed the gown by machine and it was sewn almost entirely by machine as well. Which is fine for me because I do not reenact-I costume for fun!
I am very pleased with this pink silk garment, for it is my first real silk piece. Hobby Lobby was clearing out their finer silk and I got a great bargain!
I even made a matching silk hat-here is a close up!
I hope you have enjoyed looking at this!

All for now-
Lexi

NEW LOOK and a new Purpose!

2011-03-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers!
Say what? The blog has changed? Yes indeed! Do you like it? Yes, you may say. But what about dolls, has that theme ended?, you may add. with a questioning look. No, I reply and put you at ease. Dolls are still my hobby and love, but sewing has become such a part of my life that, rather than have a new blog, I will let this be a dress journal too.

Everyone ready for some costuming? I ask. Now it's your turn to tell me!

Please Comment!
xoxox
Lexi

Bitty Baby Tales

2011-03-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Lexi here!

I find that the Lord is more and more using my collection as a ministry for the little girls in my life.
Those girls include ( but are not limited) to the sweet faces below.

Joy (11) Ava (8) and Gracie (6)

I gave Joy the Felicity doll (Prudence!)

Gracie received Alice, though she is holding Emily here.

And Ava's Bitty Baby, Angel (who has been in her family for years) is clothed here in one of my creations!
The ensemble is complete with hat shoes and dress!

And guess what I found today for Ava's BB at the Thrift Store?
A Bitty basket with clothes!

I love especially this holiday dress I found in the basket!
It is so wonderful how God has faithfully let me bless girls in my community through, what my family calls, "Lexi's Doll Ministry".
Glory to God!

(Gracie and Alice + Joy and Felicity)
xoxox
Lexi

Etsy Shop Opened

2011-02-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to announce the opening of our new etsy store! We hope and pray that this might be a way to bless people and spread creativity!

We have five items listed as of now, and many are some of the favorites I post on this blog and on you tube!
As always, we love you and pray for us.
Check out our store and tell us which outfit yo like best!

xoxox
Lexi

Peach Regency Dress

2011-01-17T14:18:00.000-08:00

Peach Doll Dress finished!
Please enjoy!
Check our You Tube channel for a video!

xoxo
Lexi

January Photos

2011-01-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Readers,

Not a lot has been happening in our doll world lately. Emily got to go on a nature walk and road trip, and I have been faithfully writing on Bella's novel, but that is about it.

The novel is now on it's 7 chapter-and would be on its 10 if I had been diligently typing during Christmas break instead of sewing! =)Besides all of this, I have a few photos to share with you.

The cutie with light brown hair in the green dress is none other than Millie in Rebecca's wig!
We hope everyone has settled down after Christmas into a peaceful routine. We miss everyone, so please comment. The YT channel is always being updated and you can get a hold of there.
Special shout-out to Quinlyn-have you written any more stories?

xoxoxox
Lexi

Dark Blue Doll Dress

2011-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

A new doll dress!
Please enjoy these photos of lovely Bella in her new Regency dress!

A Doll and A Dog

2010-12-29T09:45:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures of a cute snuggle session that went on yesterday!
I was holding Ruthie in a chair in my parents room, and then my dog Molly Moo jumped up and settled down next to Ruthie. My mom saw this a reached for my camera to capture the cuteness!

We wish you a Merry Christmas
and
A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
xoxo
Lexi

P.S- If you are wondering, Molly Moo is wearing a dog-size snuggie which I made her during this month.

An Addy Dress

2010-12-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

Enjoy two new pictures of Addy in a hand-made gown-by me!
Isn't she adorable in this dress?
xoxox
lexi

Addy!

2010-12-25T14:28:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!
I am so surprised-my Uncle Steve gave me Addy today! She is so beautiful, and Adeline loves to have a friend!
More pictures later,

xoxoox
A Very Thankful
Lexi

Kaya's New Wig

2010-12-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

The new wig has arrived-two days before Christmas! Kaya looks wonderful, I love her!
Any name suggestions? I think this girl needs a new personality!
Please go to my Youtube for a video on her, and also comment there with name suggestions.
Also, do you think she looks African American, Native American, Indian (India), Pakastainie?

Thanks,
Lexi

Ruthie's Winter Coat

2010-12-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know I've been obsessing on Ruthie lately, but since she got a new, clean body, I haven't been afraid of touching her, so she is back in action. And just in time for winter, I made her a new coat. This design and material choice was based on Kits gray coat and hat. Do you guys like this?

I think it turned out so stylish!

And Molly wanted to come outside as well!
Ruthie is definitely the doll for me! She is such a sweet girl with a huge heart. And since her body swap with Becca, she has a huge bottom too! (Some dolls are more stufed than others!)lol
Anyway,
who is the one doll in your collection that you couldn't do without?

Kanani Disappointment

2010-12-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Well, the photos have finally leaked and we are a little disappointed.
We had hoped she would have black hair and brown eyes. She does not look Hawaiian. What do you think? Does she make a good Hawaiian doll?
It is ok if you disagree with us.
xoxo
Lexi

Ruthie's Stocking

2010-12-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

I made Ruthie a stocking for Christmas, and it is so adorable!
I used scrap material and traced the pattern from a mini-stocking my sister received at collage. This is my first time making a stocking!

Don't tell Ruthie, but I have a special surprise for her stocking on Christmas day!
Can anyone guess what it could be?
It is like a doll, but harder.
It makes something to eat, easier.
Do you know what it is?

Ruthie has recently received a new body, due to some pen marks on her old vinyl. Now she is ready for Christmas!

Felice Na Ve Da!
From Oldfasiondolls

Psalm 65

2010-12-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

Just a beautiful psalm to go with this beautiful picture of some dolls.
Hope your Christmas season is blessed!

Psalm 65:1-4

For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.

¹ Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
² You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
³ When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave our transgressions.
⁴ Blessed are those you choose
and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,

of your holy temple.

What Happend to Them?

2010-12-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

Where are they now?

Part 2

Here is the post on my old Kailey doll who had a thinning wig. Her identity was changed from a blond surfer girl, to a brown-haired cutie named Millie. Most of you may know Kailey was my second doll I ever received. It is so cool to be able to give this girl a second chance at life!

Here she is in July 2009 as Kailey, the way you knew her!

Here she is today as Millie!

And with the glasses she wears a lot!

Do you like her better with or without glasses?
Thanks for reading

xoxo
Lexi

Of Old Fashion Dolls and Dresses

Hearts4Hearts Dolls

My Fantasy Dress Part 2

My Fantansy Dress Part 1

Merry Christmas!

The "Dragon" Doll Dress

Doll Family Photo-Christmas 2011

Christmas Time is Knocking...

Happy T.G 2011

Meet The Lady of Shalott --MyAG#33

Poetic Birthday

S&S Blog Week Day 4 POEM!

S&S Week Day 3-Marianne and the Trial of Love

S&S Week Day 1: Modetsy-Then and Now

New Blog Week!

The Pink Poodle Wows The World

Etsy Sale

The "Who Knows What" Gown

Girl's Colonial Dress-Simplicity 3725

Among The Fields of Green....

Regency Day Gown

SALE!

Selling Our New Baby...

The Study Of Poetry

Etsy Listings!

Tristan Arrives Home...

Josefina Demands a New Gown

1st and 2nd Place at St. Fair

A Band of Merry Children

Emily's Day Out

Freckles

Psalm 145

Psalm 145

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;

Lou Lou's Special Outfit

Meet Lou Lou

Drop-Front Regency Gown

Jane Austen Week Day 7

Jane Austen Week Day 6

Something for a sister-Diversion from J.A.W

Jane Austen Week Day 5

How to make a Regency bonnet

Getting Dressed in 1805

18th Century Layers (1780-1790)

Jane Austen Week Day 4

Jane Austen Week Day 3

Jane Austen Week Day 2

Jane Austen Week Day 1

Mennonite Doll Dress

Jane Austen Blog Party!

Fall Regency Gown-Complete

A Million Little Updates....

Renaissance Faire

Meet JLY #22 Tristan

Ren. Fair Costume Helps

Fourth of July Outfit

Simplicity 2881-Complete!

An old treasure.....

Basic Ball Gown

Edwardian Inspired Hat

Past Costumes: Romantic Gown

Edwardian Dress Part 6

Edwardian Dress Part 5

Edwardian Dress-Part 4

Edwardian Dress-Part 3

Edwardian Dress-Part 2

Edwardian Dress-Part 1

White Draw-String Dress-1805

How to Make a Dolly Bonnet

New Doll Clothes!

Regency Ball

Princess Kathrine

Entering Sherwood Forest

Happiest of Easters!

Luke 24 1-6

Journey to the 1950's

Shift, Stays and Other Things

18th Century Srockings

My Homemade Georgian Shoes

Georgian Shoes!

¹ I will exalt you, my God the King;