Kit's New Dress

Ella Mae made a friend this Christmas. Her name is Kit. Here is her first custom-made dress. It is a medieval style gown with a separate top that snaps in the back.

Creations from an old sweater

It was a beautiful cotton knit sweater, but it was big and bulky and I almost never wore it. So, inspired by an ad in the Pottery Barn catalog for a "sweater knit" pillow cover, I cut it apart and made one myself.

I was so happy with the result that I kept going. The sleeves of the sweater made perfect doll dresses. Here is Ella Mae modeling for me. I attached the straps to the front behind a faux leather button. They snap in place behind the shoulders in the back. Then I made another strap from the scraps of knit and sewed it onto a leather coin purse that happened to be just the right size for an 18 inch doll. I think she looks pretty chic, don't you?

Easter Dress

For Easter, I made a dress for Ella Mae out of some left-over bridal satin. It is trimmed with white satin ribbon and pearls. The wrap is completely removable. Now C wants me to make the same dress in her size-- ouch!

Updates

Re. Ice Storm: We continue to enjoy the luxury of electricity while thousands still do not, my father being one who has now gone 12 days in a cold and dark house. He did spend a few nights at our house when the temps were in the teens, but it is in the 50's and 60's now during the day, so he has been back home... waiting. He thinks there should be a prize for the very last person to have their power restored, along with a personal note of apology for being last. These little fantasies help him to cope.

Re. Chippy: Our squirrel continues to thrive in his captive environment. He discovered my potted plants recently. Did I tell you squirrels love to dig? His release is scheduled for March, or late Feb. depending on the weather. I fear it will be hard on all of us (except Dad) when we let him go.

Re. Fun: We went ice skating at the sportsplex yesterday and had a great time. The little ones had never skated on ice. (We go roller skating about once a year.) By the end of an hour and a half, even the 5 year-old was venturing out on her own.

Re. Ella Mae: Here is my latest doll clothes creation...

Doll Clothes

C got a new doll for Christmas. She named it Ella Mae. It only came with one outfit, so I have been busy sewing some clothes for her. Here are some of the outfits. (From bottom pic to top...)
The first is a blouse with cuffs that snap and a petticoat to wear under her dresses. The next is a red corduroy Christmas gown with hand-knitted trim and a knitted shawl that fastens with a hidden snap. To go with the dress, I made a hooded coat with matching trim, and I finished the look with purchased (online) ice skates. The blue outfit is jammies with white piping trim. (I knitted the kitten, too, isn't it cute?)