The first cut is the "cheapest"

Let me start by saying, last Sunday I ordered some silk fabric, then days later I got ribbon and some sequins now I need some netting and some beads and I will be ready.  That is for my "special outfit" --

This brings me to my title.  I should crawl before I walk, so I am practicing on some "interesting" fabric I got while in North Carolina using a "free pattern" from a doll magazine that I altered.  No loss if it doesn't work out.  I'll post my progress (or lack thereof).

Here's a picture of the cutting:

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What's in a Name?

Ok, so I'm reluctant to name my dolls.  And...I don't usually have a "back story".  However, I'm having trouble when referring to this doll.  I want to just say she -- "it" seems too inanimate.  That being said.  If Betty Modish had a name, then so too will my doll!! ;)  (Read old posts for reference).

Somehow, I've decided on Agnes.  Now this may have something to do with Agyness Deyn.  For those who don't know who she is, she's a fashion model.  (Hey, Agyness' real name is Laura  -- so we all "borrow" names.)  Agyness is really cute and quirky -- I saw her on the street in New York during fashion week a little while back.

While researching names (on the internet -- where else?) -- I came across another name that I liked Abela.  According to 2babynames.com, it is French and means breath.  (Agnes is Greek and means pure and gentle).  --  So there it is Agnes Abela.  (There is some irony in the name Abela as the doll's creator's last name is Abell).

Some day, I'd like to write a book (complete with a doll back story, cronicles of making her wardrobe, with photos of my exploits along the way).

I spent time going to see the last shuttle launch today.  It was awesome.

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Size Matters!

The clothes from Canada!  First let me say, I love the styles and the clothes.  The pieces are lined, the edges finished,  and are well stitched (makes me jealous really).  I found them on the internet (I think through a Flickr post) -- for those of you that have dolls that will fit Barbie like fashions -- this place is a must.  (I don't have any affiliation with them -- I'm just a customer) -- Gorgeous stuff.  My photos don't do justice (no surprise there).  The address is dressmakerdetails.com

Which brings me to the title of this post.  Size matters and in a strange way, I'm glad that Barbie clothing doesn't fit my sweet PaperWhite.  (Notice no photos of my PaperWhite in this clothing). But you will see the Barbie pictured (hopefully in my Diorama scene "to be").  This Barbie has something in common with my PaperWhite, they are both porcelain!! Yep.  Looks like I will have to either make or alter clothes.  (I was hoping to have some unusual "readymade" fashions).  No RTW for this girl.  RTW=Ready to Wear.

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Are You a Mannequin?

Someone asked one of my daughter's this when we were both in Paris a couple years ago.  It was her first time to Paris.  Mannequin (probably spelled differently?) is a model.  Which brings me to this post.  Yesterday you saw the model like figure of the PaperWhite doll.  Today, I'll show you what I was making.

More accurately, it should be called a dress form.  Saves poor dolly from endless "fittings".

Coming soon:  Yesterday, I received some of the most fabulous "dolly wear" -- It comes from Canada.  The workmanship is amazing, I'm super pleased with the items.  Photo to be posted soon.

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Starting...

I'm very motivated, but I find myself quietly sitting and staring rather than starting.  I could gaze at this doll for hours.  I need a decent camera (my daughter is the one with the fancy one :) )  Bad lighting, a cell phone camera... you can see where this is going.  But I did want to document "the making" of her wardrobe.  So here's my start.  Those of you who have seen this done will recognize the steps.  Those of you that haven't seen it done, it could be fun.

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Here she is!

Absolute perfection.  At 12", she is more to 1/6 scale than most dolls in this range.




Hope you like her intro into our hearts!  Many thanks to my daughter (without whom I could never have posted this -- SMA by her).

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Coming Soon!

I'm trying to post a SMA (Stop Motion Animation) of the box opening.  My daughter made it.  Stay tuned.

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