Category Archives: Doll Berets

“Summertime Smiles”

Do you believe it is the end of August???!!! Wow! It’s been a good summer weatherwise in northern Illinois–we’ve had lots of hot and sunny days–lots of beautiful weather to smile about. I hope you’ve had the same.

I recently finished a summery ensemble for the Little Darlings, and I want to share it with you. Lucy (painted by Helen Skinner) is modeling “Summertime Smiles”. We had a relaxing photo shoot in the backyard under the trees on one of those beautiful days.

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The creating of this ensemble started with the fabric. I found this summery floral in my stash and wanted to use it immediately. The graphic blossoms are in shades of bright pink, golden yellow, light aqua blue, and kelly green–all favorite summer colors of mine.

Lucy’s dress features tiny tatting lace hand stitched the the hemline. A thin bright pink satin ribbon ties twice around her waistline. Her dress is completely lined with white cotton lawn and all raw edges are enclosed within the lining.

Lucy’s knitwear is knit from hand dyed merino wool in bright pink. Her lace shrug is knit in a simple lace pattern with a crocheted shell edging. The beret is knit with my beret pattern and embroidered with coordinating flowers.

White cotton anklets, a colorful bracelet, and a two-flower bouquet complete the 6-piece ensemble.

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I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest make for the Little Darlings. Thank you for visiting.

Next up, are one or two apple orchard inspired ensembles.

Enjoy the week! Take care and stay safe. Sending you virtual hugs! ❤

First Week in August

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Happy Sunday to you from sunny, hot, and very humid northern Illinois.

I’ve kept busy this week, but not sure where it all went to, which is probably the norm for me–the weeks rush by. I had to look at my planner to see what it is that I happened to accomplish, or not accomplish this week. (I guess I did enough.) 🙂

I finished my blue ensemble for the Little Darlings. I am calling it “Summery Blue in the Garden”. Here are some photos I took of Gina modeling it. Thanks to all who helped me with my fabric choice. I think you all picked a winner!

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Another finished project this week–the second sock to complete a pair. I also started another second sock that will complete another pair. At one point I had four single socks completely knit (not much use to us). I have two complete pairs and two singles left to work on. My ‘four pairs of socks’ project is getting there. This yarn is so bright; there’s going to be some colorful feet walking around here soon.

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I also knit a shrug and beret for my next Little Darlings ensemble. The beret is knit from my beret pattern. The shrug (sorry, no pattern) is knit in a simple lace stitch pattern with a crocheted shell edging added once the underarm seams have been sewn up. I’ve made lots of these in the past for the Little Darlings and the MSD sized Kaye Wiggs girls. They seem to love them!

If you’d like to see more ensembles that feature shrugs here is the link that connects you to all my blog posts that were saved with the ‘shrug’ tag. FYI, there is a group of words in the right sidebar (scroll down past my pattern covers and social media icons) where you can click on a word and see all of the blog posts that were saved with that tag such as shrugs. The larger the word the more posts there are saved with that tag.

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We had a wedding in the family yesterday. My nephew married his college sweetheart. She is a sweet and beautiful girl whom we welcome into our family with open arms. We are so happy for them both!

I hope you’ve had a fantastic week and wishing you a great week ahead. Thank you so much for visiting with me today! How was your week? Any plans for the one coming up? ❤ ❤ ❤

“Ready, Set, Autumn”

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Are you ready for autumn? Maybe I’m not, but Lucy sure is! She is wearing a new design made for her and her sisters.

I’ve been in love with this vintage knit pinafore jumper ever since I saw it quite awhile ago. Isn’t it adorable, as is the little model! *sigh* The photo looks like it’s from the 1970s, but I cannot find any definite information about it. I haven’t forgotten about it though, and really wanted to see one of my Little Darlings dressed in this style.

Here’s my miniaturized take on the knitted pinafore jumper.

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Lucy likes this new look so much that she has picked it for her back-to-school outfit. In addition to wearing a special outfit, the children always bring a little friend for show-and-tell. Lucy’s friend is “Miss Friendly”, named for her tiny, but sweet smile. Lucy says Miss Friendly’s cuteness will help her make new friends. I think she’s right, don’t you?

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Miss Friendly is needle felted out of wool roving by me, in my studio. She has black Delica bead eyes and embroidered features. She wears a bow out of matching yarn and a heart dangle that matches the heart on Lucy’s bracelet.

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Lucy’s pinafore jumper is hand knit out of Peruvian Highland wool in a heathered warm rosy pink. The suspender straps really button with buttonholes, but do not need to be undone for dressing. The back has tiny pearl beads all the way to the hemline. Only the first three open with buttonholes for dressing; the others are sewn in place. The jumper is embroidered with coordinating blossoms underneath the ribbed band and at the hemline.

The 3/4 length sleeve blouse is made with a pastel cotton floral print. The bodice is completely lined; no raw or serged edges are visible on the inside. The facing is hand sewn, and the sleeve seams are double turned and hemmed by hand. To prevent added bulk, the blouse closes with snaps above the jumper only.

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Lucy’s seamless beret is knit from my beret pattern, and is made from wool/angora yarn. A little embroidered motif decorates the front and a two-color tassel decorates the top.

Lucy’s accessories include a necklace and bracelet, which are made out of 14k gold-filled findings. Underneath her jumper is a pair of ivory cotton tights.

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