My new dolls for the new year!

So, I got home late last night from Miami (the new ladies were waiting) -- in my mailbox! Here's a quick preview. Don't know why the photo is so pixelated.  My bad. Here are some more shots to make up for it.  Of course, these dolls are from the talented Andrea Meyer.  (Wild Flower Dolls).  I absolutely love the ethnicity (so absent from most doll lines)...

Read More

Guess what? More new ones (coming in)

Yeah, I took the plunge (I still want-- I think-- 3 more).  They should be here soon........ These ones are a little different...... Once they are here, I'll post th...

Read More

It was Agnes' turn

Agnes was next.  She sat waiting.  Finally, the lady from the Agency was ready to see her. Agnes listened as she was told that she had good bone structure and good proportions.  She was then told that she wasn't particularly good looking, her feet were horrible and her hair was thin. Her aunt commented "well, no one is perfect" then she sat by and just s...

Read More

I was playing with the dolls today

I wanted to see what they would look like together.  Yesterday, it rained!  (I waited till the afternoon and the skies blackened and the rains came). Greta sat with her mom listening to the woman from the modeling agency.  "Your torso is long, your arms are short, you've got cankles and your feet are too small, your chest is narrow... but I do like your face."...

Read More

I don't think I shared this before... And since it is Boxing day...

Boxing day, the day after Christmas... I wondered what's the origin of that British holiday.  So, I looked it up on google.  Best description is on here:   What's Boxing day? Now, that family has descended, I have to grab from my archives for my blog... no time for new photos. Here's Agnes on her very first Magazine cover Thanks to the doll boards...

Read More

It's Christmas all over!

So, instead of the usual pictures of the girls opening gifts, they have decided to model the gifts from each other.... Agnes received the Louis Vuitton* headpiece that Madonna wore a few years back... (Greta found it at a resale shop) and so she also got her a body suit and the shoulder epaulets.  (can't remember if that was lady Gaga or Madonna).  Agnes (also...

Read More

New Dolls!!

Yesterday I received a surprise in my mailbox!  I knew they were coming but with all the hub bub surrounding Christmas, I nearly forgot.  I have been eying these dolls for a long time.  I missed getting one on EBAY just before I ordered Greta.  (So, they have been "in the works" -- or at least in the back of my mind for a while). I have to say, photos...

Read More

Here are the girls in their stage outfits!

So,  I'm strapped for cash (after purchasing Greta) -- but I did want to get some clothes.  I was in Walmart, in the Barbie section (best bang for my buck).   I saw some Disney outfits.  The Cinderella 2 pack -- for under $10 -- you get two dresses.  Very fancy for the price!  I may cut Agnes' and make it a cocktail length party dress.  But...

Read More

Time to stick to my knitting

This is purely figurative.  (as I can't knit).  I wish I could, but I found it difficult. The point of this blog was to chronicle Agnes and her trials of obtaining a wardrobe.  So, I've been working on (forever) that dang Zuhair dress...  I had Agnes do a "fitting".  I'm re-motivated as I like the dress on (although it is far from completed).  I've...

Read More

My first "shopped" image

I did most of the editing, but I'll admit, I had help.  I'm trying to get the hang of it.  Old dog, new tricks.... see where this is going. Greta and Agnes try to get some shopping done...

Read More

My Girls on their way to a Christmas party

Agnes has graciously allowed Greta to wear one of her gowns!  Although their body types are very different, Greta seems to wear most things that fit Agnes... Also, I'm learning how to evolve in editing....

Read More

Looking back...

So, I found one of my original lists from a few months ago....  1)  The Zuhair dress (dang dress)  2)  Black Silk couture dress  3)  Crazy blonde/yellow wig  4)  Red pants  5)  Antique lace skirt  6)  Blue silk slip  7)  Human hair wig  8)  Eymeric dress  9)  shoes10)  leather pants off white11)  denim...

Read More

Now for my magical xmas scene

This one is courtesy of my daughter.  She was "showing me" how to do it.  Her job would be a lot better, but I said "enough already" (I guess I'm not that picky). The background is credited from  http://www.archithings.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Absolutely-Elegant-Arcadia-Home-Fireplace-588x392....

Read More

Now for trimming the tree

I took a picture of this same tree with Agnes earlier (the very next day, the tree fell over) -- Disaster.  Half the ornaments came off.  I've decided I want to learn how to photo shop.  Actually, I want to manipulate the photo so I can eliminate the stands and add in random backgrounds.  I've asked my daughter and she is going to "set me up" this weekend....

Read More

Here's her close up!

Not many dolls can take this kind of close up.  This is a testament to her artist's work...

Read More

Variety is the spice of life (new doll)

So, the girls are getting along fabulously.  Agnes loaned her new friend a pair of her jeans (they fit -- surprising as they have completely different body shapes!) Imagine their surprise when they figured out that they both have the same Jason Wu sweater! And now.... For the big reveal.... I wanted to picture them together so you can get a feel for the differences....

Read More

Ok, I'm in full holiday swing

Which makes it hard to get photos for my posts. Just a quick update.  As you know Agnes' friend is coming. Well SHE'S HERE!!!!!! Now that I can have matching outfits, I decided to order some gowns so the girls can have matching ones.  I've ordered one white and one black. I promise a quick shot by tomorr...

Read More

It's been dark here for two days!

It is really unusual when we get zero sun for two days in a row.  It hampers my photo taking ability (seeing as how I'm already "limited" even in the best of conditions, you can imagine bad weather in addition). Her dress is off the internet, her wig is by me, her wreath is from the craft store.  The silver stuff is a cool coily thing that is for gift wrap.  It...

Read More

Moving at lightning speed....

Well, perhaps not.  I have so many things on my plate these days.  I still want to make time for Agnes.  Here's the bodice minus the top part.  This section is fully lined. P.S.  Agnes' friend should be here soon, she's in transit...  I spoke by email to her artist and I can't wait for her arrival...  She's one flexible little devil.......

Read More

So, here's some minimal progress....

You get a peek at the bottom half, here it is with the lining pinned to it. I decided this was the best way to do this dress.  I'm debating whether I will line the very top or not.... I definitely want to line the lower portion so it looks finished.  I like the sheerness of the fabric, but think it looks "cheap" unlin...

Read More

I've promised Agnes that she won't be ignored ....

I love Agnes' proportions and I think she will always be my "special muse" -- Here she is.  This is lining fabric.  I've marked up the lining (it's for a gown)....  I've completed the "bottom" of the gown I need to work on the top but I think I may have to do that by hand and then I have to see how I will fasten it.  I wanted a zipper (but I hate putting...

Read More

So Agnes is not happy with me

She's not happy that I'm showing bits and drabs with her in various states of undress. I'm trying out things (trying to put together a cohesive spring line).  I envisioned these pants differently.  I was hoping they would "flow" more.  Still trial and error.  The fabric was inexpensive and looked interesting to me -- I think I will try to pair this with...

Read More

So, I realized I never got around to photographing the other gown (P)

Here it is: It has like a taffeta feel to it.  I love this gown.  Gorgeous.  Photos could never do justice.   Again the materials are very nice. The dress was made for the Fashion Royalty doll.  Agnes fits with a small adjustme...

Read More

I saw on one of the doll boards

I noticed on one of the doll boards that there is a new "resin girl" in the works.  I can't wait to see her.... Ooooooohhhh,  ahhhhhhhhhhh.... To resin or not to resin that is the question.  I few years back, I had the most awful experience -- almost turned me off to bjds/ resin completely.  For the most part, I left DOA, just moved on...  It will be very difficult to convince me (or will it?) -- got to see the doll first. Love...

Read More

The mesh dress on

This dress was meant for Cannes in summer.  Agnes did not want photos -- especially without her w...

Read More

Guess who's coming (forever)

Agnes' new friend is due to arrive.  I think I will name her Greta (as she is already in the backstory that I have been writing for Agnes -- she will either be Greta or Inga).   To date, I think I've written about 60 pages. So, I verbalized my desires a several weeks back for my birthday post -- I've been wanting a doll.  Not just any doll -- she needed to...

Read More

So, here's one of the gowns I purchased for Agnes

I've very happy with the gowns.  They look better in person (always a relief).  You really can't tell quality and workmanship from photos -- luckily these dresses score high on both fronts. Is that called a Mermaid bottom?  It is a snug fitting gown.  You can't tell from my crappy photo, but there are small roses like ribbon roses, but not really, then...

Read More

Ok, so I've been delinquent in my doll blog duties. New dress.

The holiday rush is getting me. I do have a few photos I'd like to show. Here's a mesh dress, I've been working on.  It is stretchy with hand beading.  Something a little different. I still need to add the closure to the back..... that's another day. I have more photos to take..... Got to go do that n...

Read More

Here's Agnes in her bargain sweaters!

Thank you to all the "dolly" people that made this possible.  I've never ordered these before, -- I'll Definitely order next year! This was a 3/4 length sleeve one.  Great little sweater.  I also received 2 full length sleeved sweaters.  I'm going to alter those ones (open the seam and add a small button) -- to make it easy to put on Agnes' hands.  If...

Read More

Treasure trove of stuff (arrived today)

I received 2 gowns and 3 sweaters!  Going to try to get photos in the morning.  Gowns are gorgeous.  I think with a minor adjustment, Agnes will be in business! The sweaters are adorable.  I will need to "open" the arms to get them on Agnes, but what a deal they were!!!!  Very nice quali...

Read More

Reaching back, to the Back Burner!

Not literally,  for anyone that has been following for a while, you'll remember, I ambitiously started (probably too many) projects. Here is the "awards" dress that I've worked on in the past.  I tried to make a push to finish this dress (figuring I had to be at least 1/3 of the way there) -- Boy, was I wrong. This thing has been a nightmare ;)  If ever there...

Read More

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Sneak peak.

I've been wanting a Christmas tree (for Agnes).  Something large but in scale.  It is tough to find one with somewhat skinny branches.  Most look like they just took the top off a large tree -- with only 4 or 5 rows of branches. I wanted a 10' tree (equivalent) -- that meant finding a 20" tree with small branches.  I looked high and low.  All the...

Read More

Happy Turkey Day!

Gobble, gobble.  This is the first year my immediate family won't be together for Thanksgiving.  My eldest daughter will be in Massachusetts with relatives there. As always, I'm thankful for many things.  Health and happiness being most important along with my family. I can't believe how quickly the time seems to go. More photos tomorrow. Enjoy your d...

Read More

Got lucky I guess

I was at one of my favorite stores and found a plethora of fabric that was just the right scale and weight!  This never happens to me. So I got to sketching. (I can't sketch to save my life -- trust me -- they are rough).  Just good enough for me to recall what I wanted to make.  I think I came close to sketching out an entire "line".  I think there are...

Read More

So, I did break down and make some more concessions.

Last week after contacting a woman who makes gowns,  I'm encouraged that she thinks her gowns will fit Agnes.  I ordered 2 to see if they "work" -- if so I'm definitely getting her to make more stuff for Agnes.  I know I keep saying it.  I'm no seamstress.  I wish I could sew all those tiny seams -- oh so straight -- but I can't (nor do I have the patience or the persistence to continue until I do)! Like everything in the...

Read More

So, I guess this comes over me in waves!

Having completed the Eyemeric outfit last week, I felt a sense on accomplishment.  Although there were things I would have done differently (there always are!) So, I moved on to a prototype dress.  When I say a prototype.  The actual materials for this dress were 1) difficult to acquire and 2) pretty expensive.  So I decided I would start by making a similar...

Read More

Finally, a new fashion!

Finally.  I have completed the dress I wanted to make for Agnes.  I think I'm rusty.  I was never a seamstress, but this seemed to be harder than I imagined.  The difficult part was.... well there were several things.  (You can read about it, if you care to in the postscript) Here's Agnes in a dress that was based on Eyemeric Francois's dress.  Love...

Read More

My one carriage post (for this week)

The throne has been coming along marvelously.  I'm very happy with the progress.  It actually looks like something.  Here are some steps. I started off with the cup packaging.  I trimmed the sides and the back.  I added the velvet to the corners. Then I fitted the cushion and the inner templates (white pieces) Here's a side view: I upholstered...

Read More

Windy day. Photo fail!

So, I wanted to get some photos of the skirt portion of this dress.  I attempted to get the back, but, this was all I could capture.  Fail!  It was so windy.  The skirt was like a sail :)  It was all I could do.  I held Agnes in one hand and snapped while her skirt blew! I have the corset to work on.... It's going to take another day...

Read More

Previously moth balled project: Designer like dress

I've got three designer dresses that I want to interpret into dresses for Agnes.  Each one is going to take me a Loooooooonnnnnggggg  time.  As I have no pattern (or real sewing skills/experience) -- it's trial and error and learn as you go (which makes it fun and frustrating) all at the same time.   ;) Everyone was out of the house...  I had time...

Read More

Characters --

Going through some of my sewing and trim things, I came across a strip of embossed "leather" with fur attached to it.   The memory of that strip came back to me. So, years ago I entered a contest for developing a character for a doll.  I was in New York at the time traveling with my daughter and had access to the Garment district.  My Character was going to...

Read More