There hasn't been much ambition in the shop this past few weeks. Hot weather is the excuse, and the sewing room IS stuffy. But really it's about a shortage of enthusiasm. So a decision was made to work every day on something we really want to engage with; enjoying the projects rather than feeling obligated to get things done. This post is a bit of a mixed bag as a result.
More trips to the thrift store netted lots of embroidered hankies, fabric offcuts and notions. (Also scooped some bigger pots for replanting the mint that grabs the gardener's ankles in desperation as they pass by.) Best catch was a number of the teeny tiniest snap fasteners ever seen. Perfect for the 'babies' clothing. No more thrift shopping for a bit though. The project box is overflowing.
There has been some sit and knit time, figuring out a more historically accurate stocking pattern for Charlotte. A 150 yard skein of Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 cotton crochet thread turned out to be big bang for the buck. Two pairs of stockings from one skein! Busy figuring out how to knit mitts now. Yay, more research.
There was some get down to sewing involved too, of course. Charlotte's polonaise gown is three quarters done now and the finished garment will feature in the gallery soon. The trim takes a lot of time, what with being so small and requiring much hand sewing and swearing. The sleeves were a pig to put in and it turned out it was best to stitch them on from the right side. Just like they did in the 18th Century. Go figure. To keep the armholes from getting too snug, they are bound with a hand blanket stitch rather than adding bias binding. It's no good if those chubby little hands can't fit through.
The millinery department got into the act as well. Charlotte now has a decorated straw Bergere hat in her collection. The cordwainer was convinced to draft shoe patterns while waiting for some glue to dry. I'm happy to report that she remembered to measure the client's feet with their stockings on. One of the table runners from the thrift store will make gorgeous embroidered mules. And a couple of stomachers. And maybe a petticoat. And . . . Did we say we had no ambition? Accessories are sooooooooo satisfying to make. You have a finished project in no time. Usually. If we don't get a bit crazy with trimmings.
There are still some hooks and snaps to apply on a number of both dolls' garments, so an assembly line was created to complete those. The boss is still figuring out how to make hat stands or at least some small hat boxes. Not that aren' enough ideas to bring to fruition! But it's so easy to squish those lovely knots, bows and ruchings.
Hmmmm. What's next do you suppose?