A Stand Alone Project

Some time ago the shop put together a make do doll stand. This made photographing the ladies much easier, but it soon became clear that a more refined and stable version is required.

Also quite awhile ago, the boss purchased a set of Platypus patterns by Colette Wolff for the Veronica Fashion Doll from dollmakersjourney.com. You simply must check out the doll making resources for more about that website.

This set of patterns for a cloth jointed fashion doll and her wardrobe is amazing! The dress styles start in 1760 and end in 1860. There are many many hints on period accessory making to go with all of them. Ms. Wolff's instructions are super clear. And she gives a fashion overview for each period. 

One of the most useful accessories to make is a saddle style doll stand. It doesn't interfere with the garments and is very sturdy. Bonus is that it is hidden by the clothing and so can't be seen.

So with the well described instructions and help from the shop's on call carpenter(the boss's husband), four custom saddle stands are underway. Each one fits a specific Queen Anne. That way her feet won't dangle and she can be easily posed.

The carpenter cut and bevelled the base for the stands and trimmed some dowels to the requested heights. Then we got to use the new electric drill and had fun with lots of glue. 

The stands now all need sanding and a coat or two of varathane. Though the designer is considering colouring the bases darker so they don't show up so much in pictures. Stay tuned on that one.

The saddle for the stand is made with coat hanger wire and fits into a hole drilled at the top of the dowel. The instructions say to use a little cover of felt on the curved, flat ends to prevent damage to the doll and her clothes. The designer chose to buttonhole stitch around a white wire with crochet cotton instead.

The wires can be shaped around the doll's lower torso for a perfect fit. Charlotte happily models her new fashions standing on her very own stand. 

The shop owes many thanks to Colette Wolff and Dollmaker's Journey. Everyone is so pleased with the results. And we have learned so much. Now for adapting those lovely dress patterns for the Queen Annes. Though the Veronica doll is so charming, we may find one on the shop table soon.

Don't forget to check out dollmakersjourney.com.