Tag Archives: doll dress

Evianna is “Beautiful in Blue”

Hello there! It’s a new weekend…already. They come around so quickly for me. Some of you might have the opposite experience, but for me the weeks fly by. It seems winter is over here in northern Illinois…maybe…I hope. I visited the Chicago Botanic Gardens yesterday and the tulips are in full bloom as are the daffodils, trees, and other early bloomers.

Here are a few photos from yesterday.

Would you like to see Evianna in her new ‘blue’ ensemble? Blue is so pretty on her–it matches her eyes. 💙

I had two different wigs on her for this photograph shoot–the long blonde one she arrived in, and a Kemper mohair bob. Each wig really changes her look, doesn’t it? Do you have a preference?

Evianna’s dress is in a delicate cotton floral by Robert Kaufman and completely lined in white cotton lawn. A scalloped border of cotton English Cluny lace embellishes the hemline and an ivory rayon ribbon ties around the waist.

Evianna’s cardigan is knit with mohair/silk lace weight yarn (Knit Picks Aloft). I embroidered three motifs in different blues to coordinate with the dress. I have been enjoying embroidering asymmetrical motifs lately. I find it more interesting to look at, and more enjoyable to execute. Awhile ago I found button beads at a bead store; I purchased them in the crystal AB color. They work perfectly for my tiny sweaters. Unfortunately, I only have this one color though.

Evianna’s wide brimmed hat is crocheted with three strands of cotton thread–two in white and one in blue. The three mixed together make a very pale aqua blue. I edged the brim with one strand of white in a scalloped pattern. Rayon ribbon dyed to coordinate, a crocheted rose in mohair/silk, and wool felt leaves decorate Evianna’s bonnet.

Cotton knit tights, a bouquet, and bracelet complete Evianna’s new spring look.

Evianna and I would both like to wish you a wonderful weekend filled with the kind of days that you most love. Sending you hugs from the studio.🤗 Take care, my friends.

Bella is “Ready for Roses”

Ah, and I am ready for the roses to bloom, too! Hello there. How are you?

It is the last week of winter here in the northern hemisphere. Yay!!! We got about 6 inches of snow last week and it just started melting yesterday. When the snow melted off of the garden beds I checked on the little crocuses which were blooming before the snowfall and they still are. I don’t know how those delicate blooms can withstand 6 inches of icy snow weighing down on them for days, but they held up fine. They sure are little troopers.

Last fall my husband and I planted quite a few different varieties of bulbs and we are eagerly awaiting their arrival. The early ones have started showing, but no buds yet.

My Ruby Red Fashion Friend Bella is a bit impatient this year and has skipped right past the start of spring to late spring when the roses will start to bloom. She really cannot wait!

Bella wears a rose print cotton dress with two different styles of cotton lace adorning the skirt. A rosy pink ribbon sash ties around her waist. Faux pearl buttons decorate the bodice’s back.

Bella’s elbow length cardigan sweater is hand knit with merino wool that has been hand dyed and the rosy mauve color custom mixed to coordinate with the dress. I embroidered bullion stitch pink roses at the neckline. The cardigan can be worn open or will close with rosy pink glass pearl bead buttons.

Bella wears a crocheted cap in white bamboo thread. A wool felt blossom and knitted leaf decorate her cap. Her drawstring bag matches the cap in materials and decoration. So that she would have something to put in her bag I made her a tiny hanky in cotton lawn. (This is how I used to fold and iron my grandma’s hankies when I would help her out with her chores.) Bella’s bracelet features a rosebud charm and pearly heart to show that I made this just for her with love.

Bella would like to know if you’re excited for the rose gardens to come into bloom. I cannot believe spring starts next week, can you? Those rose gardens will be glorious in no time!

I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and the upcoming weekend! Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me. ❤️🤗

Bella Has Been “Mushroom Hunting”

2022, as is autumn, seems to be fading fast. This morning it is snowing here in northern Illinois–and will continue on and off until tomorrow morning. *sigh* I never feel ready for the first snowfall. There are always a jumble of phrases going through my head. Mostly I hear “n-o-o-o-o not yet–too early”, or something silly like that. Last Thursday I was out for a walk in shorts and a tank top (and was still very warm), and the begonias were still blooming. *sighing again*

Anyway,… on to sweet Bella (a Ruby Red Fashion Friend) who has been pestering me to show you her brand new fall ensemble. She may have snuck out mushroom hunting, so I apologize if she has soiled her dress. 😉

Bella’s knitwear is made with the softest silk yarn. It is a little hard to knit with, so I only purchased it in this one color–and also it was quite pricey. But, oh, the luxury! Bella loves it! It is a now discontinued yarn from Knit Picks, Diadem Fingering (50% Baby Alpaca, 50% Mulberry Silk) in the Pearl Solid color way. Maybe you have some in your stash?

I crocheted a gathering basket out of 10lb. hemp cord. It is rustic and gives the effect of an authentic basket. Bella has gathered a few interesting mushrooms. They have been knit with fingering weight wool in coordinating colors and embellished with various beads.

Bella’s dress fabric is one of my all time favorite prints. It’s so cozy, colorful, and mushroom-y. I find mushrooms very interesting… The fabric is from 2015–“Faraway Forest” by Lizzie Mackay by Blend. I previously used this fabric for a Little Darlings ensemble in 2016. You can see that post here.

Bella and I are wishing you a great day. We are making a conscious effort to enjoy the beautiful “white stuff” happening outside. What do you see outside your window? Please say hello. I’d love to hear from you❤️❤️❤️!