Doll Clothes up for Auction

The American Girl Doll Clothes from my Inaugural Premier of the Bonjour Teaspoon 18" doll pattern line will be auctioned  eBay starting April 7th.   Here is a peek at what will be available -

What to wear to Gatsby this year?

 I was surfing eBay the other day and came across two amazing vintage magazines from the 1920's.  Due to my ever so slight obsession with the 1920's and figuring out my outfit for the next Gatsby Summer Afternoon, the two magazines made it into my shopping cart and are now in my hands.  I couldn't resist the great cover on Mode Pratique (above).  The Costumes are perfect for a sporting afternoon.

This cover of Le Petit Echo de la Mode is even more sporting and just what I've been thinking to do for the last couple of years.  If I start now, a sweater could be knit and a tennis skirt and blouse sewn.
Who out there wants to do this with me? 
Here are two more images from the magazines.  Such great inspiration!!!!!

This last one, is less "sporty" but couldn't resist including it.  Love the elegance of the time!

And here is a photo that is reminiscent of the time.  My grandmother Franny's friend within the Singer Midget Troop.  I think it's from the 1930's and not the 20's, but sporting just the same....

The Chanel Jacket - Beginning My Jacket Drape

 The draping of the jacket started in December.  I draped a low-hip length torso bodice with bust and fish eye darts.  I might change it to have a side panel and no fish eye darts.  The sleeve was draped as well, however, I don't have a photo of it at this stage. 

 

 I like having a collar and am considering doing it and the front trim, along with the pocket and cuff details on the bias like the jacket above.

 The detail on the bottom of the cuff in this image is striking and I might try to do something like this with my Georgette.

Another Sneak Peak at More Bonjour Teaspoon Doll Clothes

Maria Vest Front

Getting ready for more doll fun!  Almost ready for the Real photo shoot.  Waiting for a wig from my favorite Etsy Seller,  Blythism.  Her wigs are a little out there, but I picked a blond one I think will look pretty natural.

This process of re-sizing my kid and adult patterns to doll size has been easy and totally exciting.  Putting it into the right format to sell online is quite daunting, however and I'm a little stuck at the moment.  Rest assured, I will get it figured out, but it's taking a while.  Just now, I'm faced with learning the Adobe program Indesign so I can make a multi page .pdf file.  I might be able to do this in microsoft word, but not sure if it will work for translating the large patterns to digital files. Uggh....
In any regards, I do love to dress them up and can't wait to actually start selling Doll Clothes and Patterns for Doll clothes. Yay!

 You know you want an Emma Tote!

 The Phoebe Hat:

 The Relaxation Kit for Dolls:

Ah! Ready for some relaxation time?

the kids are finally out of the house! Now I can Rest....

Perfect after a long Yoga Class!

Vintage Clothing & Bridal Sale - Discount Code!!!

Well, it seems as if I need to unload some Vintage Clothing as well as some of my Bridal Gowns/Accessories to make room for the next project in my life. 

I've got some greatVintage things left and they are all 50% in my Etsy Shop when you use the Coupon Code VINTAGE50OFF.  Here are some photos of what's left....

Having recently put a lot of the Bridal stuff on eBay, it's starting to go, at great prices!  my handle on ebay is jenniferserrbridal; check out what I've got if you get a chance. 

 

 

Playing with Dolls

Ava Lounge Jacket and Maya Butterfly Blouse

  
Well, can't say I've been working much on my Chanel Style jacket.  I have been playing with Dolls, however.  Here is a sneak peak of some of the patterns I will have available pretty soon.  This is just from my own little photo shoot to see which wigs work best with which outfits and also my first opportunity to be putting outfits together.  I'm also planning on auctioning off the outfits on eBay, after the professional photo shoot and before the patterns are ready for sale.  They are one of a kind and so cute!  I just can't help myself.....

Mia Dress

 I'm not thinking this wig is working, but the dress looks good!

It ties in the back just like the human version

Maya Butterfly Blouse

Maya Butterfly Blouse in a dip dye knit

 More styles coming soon!

2013 Sewing Book Review

Some of my favorite craft and sewing books for 2013.....

The Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnik

We are very excited to get started on some great projects in the New Year.  I keep these books around for my students to use when they need inspiration, or can't figure out what to make next.
Student Megan Broudy will be working on the Truffle Dress from the Colette pattern book and student (also guest blogger) Maya Young has been finishing up a hand sewn tank top out of the Alabama Studio Sewing  and Design Book.  Both really impressive as they are only 13 years old.

The Colette Sewing Handbook by Sarai Mitnik  has 5 patterns for very sweet dresses, skirts and a blouse.  Along with that it has wonderful sewing directions for the basics.  The photographs are lovely as well and I would highly recommend it as a companion for the beginning sewer.
The Colette patterns are very nice in general.  I might see if I can get some in the shop next year.  If you get a chance, check out the website: http:  //www.colettepatterns.com/

Alabama Studio Sewing and Design, Alabama Studio Style and Alabama Stitch Book  by Natalie Chanin are a different animal all together.  Geared toward a certain aesthetic, each project in the books are supposed to be constructed by hand.  Not just hand made, but actually sewn with a needle and thread, sans machine.   For the patient hand sewer, the results of the projects are amazing and will really last a long time.  The techniques shown in the book are meticulously illustrated and described.  I'm addicted to just reading them and have only ventured into the smallest of projects, myself.

I'll update the blog with the finished projects by both girls as they complete them.