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

 

 

 

A Show and Tell today

Last time I wrote we discussed my infatuation with my new (to me) ML doll. I thought I would share some of the items I collected and received with my doll and trunk.  I am thinking of naming her Sarah.  Do you name your dolls?  Many of the items in her trunk tray I have created for this doll, or others on a similar scale.  The shoes, and blanket role remained with her as originals. 

Before she arrived, I continued to work to pick just the right fabrics and accessories.  Her wants and needs grew exponentially.  This is going to be one spoiled lady. 

When I received her, I was anxious to make sure she had a set of undergarments.  Using the Louise Hedrick pattern, I was able to complete most of the items in the pattern. Some are cut out, collars and cuffs, and will be finished later.   I wanted to use up small pieces of fabric and attempted to do it with scraps and pieces.  It was challenging, and successful this time. 

As I was using up scraps of fabrics, laces, and trims, I made do with what I had.  There are no new laces in this, and I used what I had.  One wonderful thing about the size of the doll, 8”, is that I can use up scraps and small cuts of fabric.  Bits of laces, tiny amounts of embroidery floss.  Beads, pearls, buttons.  Whatever was in the save bin. 

The one voile slip I embroidered and there is a color variation, but I do not mind.  Nothing was ever perfectly matched, and things did discolor.  They did then, they do now.

For now, please enjoy the undergarments I made for this remarkable small doll. 

Stay tuned.  I finished the skirt and will share that process, mistakes, and all with you. 

Have fun with your creations, too! 

Kathi