A Hand-Me-Down for Holly

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Who says hand-me-downs are unwelcome? Holly (Ruby Red Fashion Friend Stella) says, “I love hand-me-downs! My Kish Chrysalis 14” girls have been retired for some time now. I really only have a Piper left and she is enjoying a rest inside her doll box.

Even though I am no longer making anything for these dolls I still have a box filled with their clothing–not sure what to do with it all… Anyway, I was going through it and found a Halloween dress I made probably in 2009. I pulled it out and thought to myself how I always thought this was cute, but it was always a bit too roomy for the Chrysalis girls. I didn’t have a doll who could wear it well. In case you are wondering the pattern used for this dress is by MHD Designs for the 14″ Kish Chrysalis dolls. It is called Simplicite

While contemplating this, I could sense a bit of excitement on the doll shelf behind me. I turned around and Bella and Holly were trying to get my attention. They wanted to try it on. Well, why not! I let Holly try it on first. It was so cute on her and fit her perfectly. She convinced me it was simply ‘made for her’, so according to Holly, Bella didn’t need to try it on. I decided to let her wear it… this year anyway.

Also in the box, I found the crocheted capelet I had made and that fit her perfectly too. With pockets full of lollipops, a few Halloween accessories, a black hair ribbon, cotton rib tights, and black leather Mary Jane shoes Holly is ready for trick-or-treaters.

Riley and Tulah came out for Halloween too. The crochet ensembles they are wearing are probably about 15 years old! Time flies! Anyway, they are the Boo Crew this year.👻

Happy Fall!

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I cannot believe it! Autumn has begun in the northern hemisphere. (And if you live in the southern hemisphere I am quite envious as spring is my favorite season.) Is it feeling like autumn (or spring) yet, where you are?

There is a burnishing and golden glow to the greenery to let me know that it is time for everything to start winding down for the year, but there is still a warm and humid feeling to the outside air. It is impossible to think that we will have a frost in a few weeks. That is typically when we do, and then all growth in the garden comes to a definitive end. Yep, I don’t believe it… It has been so warm.

Trying to get into the autumn spirit got me looking through some of my ensemble photos from previous autumns and found this one of Gina from 8 years ago. I thought I’d share it with you again, since she is a favorite. Sweet isn’t she?

So what are you up to on the first day of this new season? So far I’ve cleaned out a few pots of plants. Slowly but surely is how the garden gets cleaned up around here. Maybe I’ll now be able to get into my sewing room… for a little sewing.

I hope you enjoy the weekend! Sending you lots of dolly hugs from my girls.🤗

It’s Been “A Golden Season”, But it is Ending Soon

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It is early morning here, and oh how the mornings are getting cool and dark in northern Illinois. I can sense autumn is fast approaching. Even though this is true I tell myself it is still summer here in the northern hemisphere. I intend to enjoy these last days of what I call the golden season to their fullest.

Hello there! How are you? It has been a little while since I’ve said hello. Well, pretty much the whole summer season. I haven’t been in my sewing studio much at all, so not much to share with you dolly-wise.

The reason for the absence from my sewing studio is that our new gardens have taken up much of my attention. In case you don’t know I love flowers, meandering in gardens and the forest preserves! My daughter has been educating me on the beauty and necessity of native plants. And so, our gardens, being a clean slate this year, have gotten lots of attention–lots of native plants (as well as favorites of mine that I snuck in amongst the natives)😉. Oh, it has been fun!!!

This ensemble I am about to show you is being modeled by my Holly who is a Ruby Red Fashion Friend. It took me the entire summer to complete, so I can bet that all the happiness of my summer runs through each and every stitch!

Holly’s mohair/silk sweater is hand knit and features hand embroidered floral motifs: golden yellow roses, greenery and flower buds. It can be buttoned with mother-of-pearl beads, or left unbuttoned.

Holly’s golden yellow rose print dress is fully lined with cotton lawn, no exposed raw edges. Spring green organza ribbon is tied around the waistline, and held in place with ‘belt loops’. Tiny green buttons for show are on the back bodice. Fine English cotton Cluny lace is tucked up underneath a tuck on the skirt near the hemline.

The crocheted sun hat is a mix of yellow and white cotton threads with the golden yellow mohair/silk yarn used for the scalloped edging. The hat’s band is made out of the same fabric as the dress, and the bow at back center is the same as the waistline ribbon. The brim can be turned up or left flat.

I love the bouquet that Holly picked for all of us to enjoy. It is a mixture of color coordinated flowers which are carefully tied together with matching embroidery thread and then secured. A clear elastic band wrapped around her hand helps to keep it in place.

Holly’s bracelet is made with genuine peridot and freshwater pearl beads, as well as a mother-of-pearl heart dangle. It easily slips on as it is made with stretchy jewelry cord.

To complete the ensemble are a pair of white cotton Lycra anklets.

I plan on offering this ensemble for sale, so keep a lookout as to when that will happen–hoping sometime in the following week. I will add a post to my Facebook page to announce the date and time. As always, and I am sorry, but I only ship within the U.S. due to the high shipping costs and the loss risks.

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend…wherever you live. Please enjoy these last days of the summer (or winter) season. Thank you so much for visiting with me today, please say hello, and let me know what you’ve been up to if you are so inclined. I love hearing from you!❤️ Take care–sending dolly hugs. 🤗