Custom Sewing Projects
Restoration & Creation
Early 1900s Kesner Doll Restoration & Creation
Meet Mary Elizabeth
Doll history:
Mary Elizabeth is a Johann Daniel “Kestner” Jr. (JDK) - early 1900s, 36" tall, bisque socket head with plaster dome, feathered eyebrows, glass eyes, open mouth, wigged on a ball jointed wood & composition jointed body.
Materials:
· Dress - Scaled-down ladies Silk dress from early 1900s. See before pictures for size comparison.
· Under Dress and Bloomers - Cotton from original under dress material.
· Hat - New Silk, tulle, hand-dyed Ostrich feather boa and green ombre ribbon.
· Hair - Restyled original wig.
· Shoes - Vintage doll shoes purchased by client.
Click on a picture to enlarge the slide show.
Vintage Boudoir Doll Restoration
Meet Lilac
Doll history:
Lilac is a 1920s Boudoir doll who came with the plum colored dress seen in the before pictures of Gwenyth (see Boudoir Doll Fashion), which after washing went from plum to a beautiful light lavender. She only had a few sprigs of hair.
Materials:
· Dress - Taffeta dress from the 1920s. Boudoir doll clothes rarely had zippers or buttons closures. They were typically sewn closed once the garment was on the doll. Therefore, I had to take the dress partially apart to get it off of Gwenyth and then put it back together on Lilac.
· Hat - Original straw hat from1920s, embellished with new purple ribbon and pink flowers.
· Hair - I made a new mohair wig and styled it in a braided bun.
· Shoes - Original from1920s.
Click on a picture to enlarge the slide show.
Vintage Dutch Boudoir Doll Restoration
This project was accomplished by first removing all the clothes from the doll. The pieces were hand washed using a gentle detergent and air dried. Since the top and skirt fabric were faded, they were turned inside out and French seamed to avoid havig to completely disassemble the pieces. The hat and cuffs on the top were reconstructed out of a vintage handkerchief. I also added pearl buttons for earrings.Click on a picture to enlarge the slide show.
Vintage Bears Restoration & Creation
Meet Little Sitting Bear, Little Pretty Bear and Little Running Chicken
Bear history:
Larger bears are antiques that needed a few repairs. Small bear (store-bought bear in the papoose) is a new production. Palomino Pull Toy dates back to late 1800s.
Materials:
· Little Sitting Bull - Loincloth and satchel (store-bought) are made from deer hide and embellished with beads. Headdress is vintage (40+ years old) ribbon, deer hide straps, with feather from my African Grey.
· Little Pretty Bear - Dress is made from deer hide and embellished with beads.
· Little Running Chicken - Papoose is made from deer hide and embellished with beads.
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Pet Fashion
Ask me about designing high-fashion for your pet.
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Drapes and Curtains
Ask me about designing something special for your home.
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Batwing Chaps & Costume Gun Belt
Materials:
· Oil-tanned cow hide, stainless plated brass buckles, chap clips, conchos, and o-rings.
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Artisan Banners
Ask me about creating an Artisan Banner for you or a someone special.
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Puppets
Meet Clarence the Viking and the Sea Monster
These puppets were creating by recirculating and recycling ordinary items. Clarence the Viking and the Sea Monster were made out of scrap fabric and trim, a styrofoam cone, Dasani water bottle, drinking straw, hair scrunchies, and other interesting materials. They were created for a friend’s art show and book. Have a look see at http://micahnova.com/vsm.html and http://www.blurb.com/books/138065 (see pg 13). You can also have a listen to the fun Viking and the Sea Monster song by clicking here and scrolling down to the song.
Click on a picture to enlarge the slide show.
