12/31/2025

Happy New Year to you all and a fond Good Bye

 

It has come to the end of another year.  This is the time I like to tell you how much I have appreciated the interest in The Creative Doll, and apologize for not keeping up with some of the notes and messages in the posts. 

 

I have also come to the decision that it is time to say good bye.  The inconsistencies or discipline in continuing to add content to the blog has become onerous.  I have gotten older, though not too old yet to quit, but I find my days are still quite busy.  I thought, “When I retire, I am going to have time to do…” fill in the blank.  Well, since retiring, I am completely busy and still fill my days with much that is required of me, as well as so many things that come up.  I find I sometimes have to put my goals and desires aside.  Who knew?  So, I am opting to move forward with my projects and have fun with them.

 

In an effort to free up the pressure of continuing content, and also relieving the stress of thinking about it, I will no longer be updating The Creative Doll.  The blog will remain as it is.  You will be able to see any articles that are already here.  If you are new to The Creative Doll, there is a lot to read and some things might even inspire you to take up something new.  Please enjoy some of the older posts. 

 

I wish for everyone a wonderful new year and great joy in all your endeavors.  If you have rough times and sad times, please smile and laugh as it makes things so much easier to endure.  Perspective is a wonderful gift as you realize there are so many more that have it worse than you and “this too shall pass!”  Remember, too, there are many that have it better than you and you should take the time to root for their great success.  It does not always last. 

 

We are not rich, nor are we poor, but I can say I am happy.  And I have loved making these things and writing about them.  Sharing was the goal, and ✅ goals achieved. 

 

Happy creating to you all and by all means Have Fun! 

Kathi

 

12/28/2025

A Year in Her Life

 

Hello to everyone who has read this blog over time.  The last three years have been challenging with health and Hurricane Helene.  But this year I tried to do something I loved while working on those things that were trying every ounce of me.  And here we are all happy and accomplished. 

 

Today I am discussing my little fave of A Cathy Hansen Bru.  She is discussed more fully here:  Time for a Project

Her undergarments here: A Show and Tell Today

I had a head start in getting her dressed.  The riding habit by the late Susan Sirkis is where I began.  She was a wonderful pattern maker and doll costumer.  I have never gone wrong with her work.  I was confused about the construction of the jacket for this and thus have three of them.  One was a test for the fabric and lining, one second idea for the lining and a third with yet another way to line the tails.  I felt challenged by them, but like all three jackets.  I did the skirt but due to the weight of my fabric, (a fine wool crepe), that I made a hem facing of a lighter fabric. Also, the lining fabric was used on one set of tails for the jacket.  The garment fit so very well.  I made a riding hat for her and another fancy hat of the same fabric.

 

Riding Habit and Extra Hat

I wanted to make her an 1860s style dress, and was really inspired by a gown found on Pinterest.  I had a pretty miniature Royal Stewart plaid in navy and thought it would be great to use.  I only had 1/4 yard and had to think through the project.

And her beginnings of her costume and sewing here: Sewing for Marie Louise

 The more I worked the more I wanted.  I made her a jacket and a Spanish jacket of red with black beading. I leaned some new things and wish I had known before starting but am pleased with her all the same.  I was inspired by a French Fashion that had a wardrobe of blouses, and since I was in the using up scraps mode, created three white blouses and a blue checked blouse for her.  

 

Skirt and Extras

 Not to be outdone, she needed a bodice for a ball.  Ladies of the era often had a walking costume that had a matching jacket and a ball bodice made as well giving more usefulness of the skirts.  I did this and made some dancing slippers and a pretty floral headdress to go with it.  She has fans as well but I haven’t made one of enamel yet.  That will be a lovely project when I get to it. 

Today I am ending with a complete picture of her wardrobe and belongings that has taken me this full year to work, make and enjoy!  I do hope you have enjoyed seeing her and have plans to create more your doll, too!

In the meantime,

Have Fun, Kathi