Tag Archives: Ruby Red Fashion Friends

Holly’s Turn!

Here is my sweet Holly (Ruby Red Fashion Friend named Stella) in her new ensemble called, “My Delicate Rose”. If you like lilac and pink… BTW, my dear grandmother’s two favorite colors were lilac and pink. I hope she is smiling down on Stella and loving her new look.

I think this floral print is absolutely gorgeous. I wish that I had purchased more than 1/2 yard of this one. It is long gone, I’m afraid. I think I have just enough for one more doll dress. It’s a beauty, isn’t it? The precious piece of tatted lace I had in my stash is the perfect icing on this cupcake.

Holly’s cardigan is the perfect shade of lilac, and so very fuzzy and soft. I let the embroidery on this one go nice and slow. I carefully worked at it over the course of a few sessions. I am very pleased with the end result.

I felt a simple hair ribbon to be the perfect piece to adorn Holly’s locks. It matches the sash, but is slightly narrower. Anklets too, seemed perfect. A pretty bouquet and butterfly adorned bracelet complete this spring ensemble.

Holly picked these flowers just for you! She says, “With love, from Holly” ❤️

As the spring (or autumn) season finishes up I am wishing you all beautiful days ahead. Sending hugs🤗 from my studio.

Bella is “Ready for Roses”

15 Replies

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. ❤️🤗

Winter Beauty–Moody & Something Bright

16 Replies

Hello! I hope you have had a wonderful January, and that it has progressed at the pace most suitable for you. I used to wish January away as quickly as possible, or better yet, I wished to skip it altogether. However, this year (surprise, surprise!) I have thoroughly embraced winter’s dark and moody days.

January is coming to a close with peaceful snowfalls here in northern Illinois. They are so beautiful!!! We don’t have a lot of snow, but it has been snowing lightly on and off for the past couple of days.

We are very lucky to have forest preserves around us. Last Sunday we had the first 2023 daytime snowfall where the conditions were perfect for a walk. My husband and I, along with quite a few others who had the same idea, had a wonderful walk around Hastings Lake. We made these tiny snowmen on the railing of one of the bridges. The snow was packable, but not pliable, so this was the best we could do. Anyway, I thought these doll sized snowmen were cute. ⛄️⛄️

Now for something bright which, by the way, I had to create myself. The sun, it seems, is hibernating for the winter 😴. My Ruby Red Fashion Friend, Holly, hopes to brighten up your day with the first ensemble for 2023.

Holly is dressed as sunnily as you can get. The fabric I used to sew her dress looks like a 1930s reproductions print. I’ve had this fabric since 2016, so it is now hard to find. However, an Etsy seller in Australia has some yardage. The fabric is called Bread n Butter Yellow Pansies by American Jane (Moda Fabrics).

Holly’s longer a-line cardigan is knit with off white merino wool yarn and is embroidered all along the neckline with matching green leaves, deep peach blossoms, and tiny vintage red beads. The cardigan buttons with matching deep peach bead buttons.

Holly’s hair ribbon and sash are sunshine yellow grosgrain ribbons. Her ivory tights are in a warm cotton/lycra ribbed fabric. Her bracelet is made with porcelain green beads which match perfectly in style and color, ivory pearls, and yellow seed beads. A peach/clear glass heart dangles from the bracelet. I’ve embellished Holly’s teddy with a bow made from the dress fabric.

I think that both Holly and her teddy are ready for a cozy day playing inside while the snow falls outside. She’d like to invite you over too.

How has January been for you? Has it gone by quickly or sluggishly? Sending you hugs from the dolls and I.🤗 We thank you so much for stopping by to visit with us today.❤️ Bye for now. 👋