I can't believe these new dolls!

I'm very enamored by the new dolls by the Popovy sisters.  Some serious talent there.  I see Sybarites being given a run for their money.

http://popovy-dolls.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=153&Itemid=37&lang=en

Ahhh!  Wow!!

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As graduation approaches

For my youngest, I find I'm squished (for time).  I am waiting for some very special things (and I'll fill you in when they arrive).  Because I can view Pinterest on my phone, I find I spend more time there (than here).  I'm still working on my daughter's quilt (the hand quilting will take the most time) -- then, it will have to be "bound" -- no looking forward to it.

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And finally, The Coral outfit...

The outfit, completely sewn by hand, has been more labour than love :)

It consists on a sheer skirt (purposefully I omitted an underskirt) -- The top is a short sleeved turtleneck with a hand applique of  coral of the skirt material.  The back has a funky fold to produce a key hole with faux buttons and closes with snaps.  The skirt has hand painted coral.  The cape can be worn either with the collar erect or supine.  The cape is fully lined.  The cape's tie is made of the same material as the blouse.  In addition, hand made stockings of the same material completes the outfit.

Now, for my not so stellar photos.

The flash made the lining appear more pink than it is.

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I thought this was the cutest thing

I was just in the housewares department of a discount store and there it was....

It's like a park bench, but not really.  the "trash can" from the dollar store.  It is for pens.  There looks like there is paint missing (white marks) -- It's not, its the sun on the gloss from the enamel paint.  I'll get shot of Adriana on it for scale (it looks cute)....

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Another one....

Book that is....  this time it is another jumbo sized one on haute couture.  I am so happy with this book also.  My mom was with me when we got it and her comments made me laugh.  Most of the styles seem to be from the 90's -- That was fine with me.

I also got another book from the library...  Balenciaga... Nice book.  I've ordered a copy off Amazon as I liked it so much.



Before I forget, I got the cutest little outdoor bench for Adriana.   It is turquoise.  So cute. (and very inexpensive) -- photos will follow.

I've gotten an inspiration for a dress for Greta... (Greta is my bjd from Maryna Subenko) -- Maryna does an amazing job on faces....

Speaking of which, I have 2 dolls "on the horizon" -- hopefully.  I've been in contact with the artists and I'm "next in line" so to speak.

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I interrupted my current project with another project...

I had been working on previously.  I'm closer to the end with this one (or so I think)

The yellow (I can refer to it as golden -- but it's yellow) beaded dress.  I am making a detachable train for walking (similar to a wedding dress) and the existing train will allow for sitting, dancing, etc. -- here's where I am....

It's hard to tell, but I've added hundreds of beads to this baby.  I'm going to take a close up when I'm completely finished.

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The most Amazing Book

Oh, I was so excited to get my book yesterday.  I've been wanting this for a bit.  I first saw it at the library, but I wanted a copy of my own.   There is a particular dress in there that I would love to copy (and I will attempt to...)  that is another story and (possibly another blog.)

My signature crappy photography but you get the idea.  The Met's collection of Haute Couture (and yes it is the collection)...  There are many close ups of the workmanship and descriptions.  Like the cover dress, those are bits of mink under the embroidery and beading!  Really amazing.

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The cape.... I have a change in plan.

I've been working on it...  But again, it is hand sewing.

Well there was deciding on a form.... and cutting that and a lining

Then there was the basting and the trimming....

and the pinking (to prevent fraying)

So, although it doesn't look like it, I've been through several steps.

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Coral's slow progress

It isn't that this was a complicated design, it is only time consuming as it is all hand sewn (why I decided to do that... I'll never know) -- yes it is a pain.

Here's the top.  I finished it. (actually, I'm going to put buttons on the back)

As you can see from the photo, the skirt still needs a waist band and I'm just working on the cape/cloak now.

I think Adriana looks great in Agnes' wig!  I think the color suits her!

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Here's my progress

Here's some progress albeit small.

I've decided to fold and sew the back into a geometric pattern.  

You can get an idea from this photo

I've started working on a cape.  I'll show the progress as I go... it's going to be a long one as this is an entirely sewn by hand outfit.

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I realize I've been wasting a lot of time...

That's what time is for.... wasting ;)

I've been beading away (although it doesn't show in my progress) -- I've been distracted with family matters my kids and my mom.  I surely am the sandwich generation.

I will soon be an empty nester with both girls away at school, so I will be having a lot of time to work on my dolls, their wardrobes, and my blog.

I went to the library yesterday and got a book I've been wanting for a long time

This book has been a thorn in my side.  I've ordered it through Amazon twice and through Barnes and Noble.  No luck.  Well, I finally got to see the book and as the title doesn't suggest, this is not a book of the collections meaning the actually runway fashions.  It is more a rather dull explanation of the types of buttons used by Coco, the fact that she was fascinated with the flower (on the cover) the camellia, it talks about her perfume, Chanel #5.   Yes, it is a lovely book... however, it is not what I had envisioned.  I think there are more photos of Chanel jewelry, makeup and perfume, than fashions... I don't think I'm exaggerating (that much) here.  I was hoping for a comprehensive look at the collection from Coco's time till now.  That book has yet to be written, perhaps after Karl's reign, someone will.

So, no more on the "book review".

I've finished the applique on the coral top....  It's been so long.  I should be finished all together by tomorrow or Monday!  Photos for sure.

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Ok, since the change in format

I've been a bit lax on my posting.  Sunday night I spent the entire time working on hand quilting my daughter's quilt -- that is going to be a big job!!!  Agony.

Monday night (I was up till 2:30 am) working on a costume for my daughter.  It seems Red Cross club needed a giant DVD to be worn to assembly... ("My mom can make it"... famous last words).

Yesterday I was overwhelmed by the Popovy sisters and their new dolls!  Gorgeous really.  Should give Sybarites a run for their money.  http://popovysisters.blogspot.com/

Things are more than hectic with me and my hopes are fading for trying to start yet another blog....  I got an email and the book that I was basing it on has yet to be delivered to me (and I doubt it ever will).

"Those who can't do... become critics..."

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