Gloves For The Regency Era Outfit

I am now slowly working on completing the Regency Era Dress so it is another complete outfit. 

The pattern is Simplicity 9438. I made a pair of shoes to go with it which I put on tear drop pearls. They were the third pair of shoes I made. They aren't perfect as I've figured out a few more tricks since then. 

When done, I knew I wanted to add more to this outfit so it was complete. I am on a mission to have a stole, parasol, gloves, and pantaloons (not era correct). I did a lot of searching and found a pattern for the parasol. I started it and there will be more on it later. 

The next search was for gloves and I found them here. I had to figure out how to get them to print at 100% as the square was 3/4" in size not 1" when printed. I enlarged the pattern to 115% when printing and then 104% (twice) at the printer to get the correct size. 

The designer has a video on how she makes them which is at the bottom of the pattern. Video 3 tells how to make them with stretch fabric. 

I bought children's size knee high socks for the fabric. I spent a couple of weeks thinking about sewing these socks as I had other commitments and needed to think what I would use for a needle and thread when making them. I finally made them yesterday. 

    Use a 60/8 microtex needle. These are sharp and great to sew knits with. 

    Use a good quality thread. I used Glide thread but other brands can be used. I wouldn't recommend cotton thread but I would try silk thread. 

    I cut the cuff off the socks I bought and then cut the length to 6". I then cut the tube open so I had a piece of fabric. I put the right sides together after sewing down the hem and pinned the pattern on with 6 pins. I removed the pins and put them back in after I stitched an area to keep the pattern secured on the fabric.

    When sewing down the hem, I turned 1/4" under and stitched in the middle. On the next pair, I will trim the raw edge back to the stitching. The hem did stretch and I steamed it so it would shrink back into shape. It sort of complied. 

    I did the first pair with just a straight stitch and would recommend you use a stretch stitch. Though I had no skipped stitches I was worried about the thread breaking when putting on the gloves. If you use a straight stitch, sew the seam twice for extra strength. I didn't and I'm now worried about the seam coming open as I take them off and put them on the dolls. 

    Sew slowly around the pattern as she shows in the video. I started at the hemmed edge and worked to the thumb. It was easier for me. I spent a lot of time on the curves taking 1 -2 stitches and adjusting the foot so I was close to the pattern. Trim as the designer shows on the video. 

    When turning the glove right side out, I used the rounded end of my bamboo turning tool to smooth out the hand and the pointed end for the thumb. 

A couple of good chuckles has ensued. While looking for a stole pattern I discovered the pattern I used for the dress has both the stole and gloves patterns included. I may trace the gloves onto paper and try them at a later date. Searching for the gloves allowed me to see how one designer made her gloves. It is a good tutorial and gave me the confidence to make these gloves. I'm ready to make the second pair this afternoon. 

I will be making the stole a bit later on as I have other sewing to do. I'll be using the Simplicity pattern for it. The parasol has been started and set aside as I'm testing a pattern for a designer and have socks to finish. I'm not in a rush to finish this outfit as I'm enjoying the process. 

Happy Doll Sewing................................................ 

Isla Girl Outfit Completed

I finished the Isla Girl (Lass) outfit. I am thrilled with how it looks even though it is not era correct. 

The shawl got ties added to it so it can be tied at the back. 

It keeps the shawl closed when doing chores or out and about. 

The shawl was not worn in the 1700's but in the mid 1800's. People wore cloaks in the 1700's. It wasn't until after the shawl was finished that we discovered this. 

A bit of research showed that these people did not wear shoes and if they did, they were something along the lines of the Plain Jane shoes I have been making. 

The socks I made 7-8 years ago from sock yarn and are a bit on the heavy side to be era correct. They would have been knit on very fine pins (needles). 

Julie is very happy to be wearing this outfit and is feeling toasty warm on cool fall days. 

Happy Doll Sewing.................................................

Almost Done Isla Girl

 I am slowly getting more pieces made so each outfit is compete in its look. I am working on completing the Isla Girl outfit when I have time. 

I completed this outfit Sept. 2021 and, though happy with it, I felt it was never complete. There is an apron and hat to go with the dress. I have revisited the outfit several times, did many searches on the internet for a shawl to go with it and found nothing. One day, this pattern popped up in my search.

I started off knitting it in grey silk yarn and didn't have enough to get the size I wanted. I dug in the sock yarn stash and found what I wanted. Using tiny needles, the sock yarn and a lot of patience, I finished the shawl just over a year after making the outfit. I used 50 grams of yarn and don't ask me how many stitches were on the needles when I cast off. I refused to count them. 

I love the centre back where you increase, knit/purl and increase to get a lovely pattern that is simple to do. 

I now have pantaloons to make in cream coloured broadcloth and this outfit will be complete. I am thrilled with it. It is just what I had envisioned when I sewed the outfit. 

When I finish this outfit, I will start making items to finish the Regency dress. It needs a shawl, parasol, and pantaloons. I'm going to dip my toes into crocheting which I can do but am not as well as I can knit. Practice will be the name of the game. 

Happy Doll Sewing.............................................................

Outfits Nearing the Finish Line

I have been remiss at updating this blog. I have been busy in the sewing room. In the evenings I have been knitting. 

I have been thinking about how I want to sew doll clothes. I have decided to sew more complete outfits rather than single items of clothing. When I became obsessed with the Regency Dress and then with Lemon Bay Doll Co, I knew the path I wanted to take. It will mean going back to clothes I've made and add more to them. It also means spending more time planning patterns and fabrics in the future so I can sew a complete outfit for the dolls. 

1. Soutache Dress

I got the embroidery done and the dress sewn with no problems. The adjustments I made were to lengthen the bodice by 3/8" and cut that much off the centre back seam. I got a nicer bodice doing that. 

I cut the skirt 1/4" too short but I'm living with it. It is short enough that the lace on her bloomers show. That I wanted. 

I have cut out and started to make matching shoes to go with the dress. I would love to make a necklace and the Plumfield Cloak to go with it. I will put white ribbons in her hair if the pink ribbon I have doesn't match. 

2. Aspen Sweater

I knit this as a test pattern for a designer who lives in Halifax. I love her patterns and was so happy to be a tester for her. 

At the moment all I have are grey leggings to go with this sweater. That is fine but I need to make a t-shirt to go with it. I may keep this all in grey and use some bright crystals on the t-shirt. I have grey boots to go with it. At this time, I don't know if I have enough yarn to knit a hat. If I do, it will finish the outfit. 

3. Outlander Shawl

This shawl is still on the needles and I am making progress with it. 

It is to go with the Isla Girl outfit I made quite a while ago. All I need to make is pantaloons and this outfit will be done. 

4. Regency Dress

This outfit is still a work in progress. I have to see if I have the off white yarn to knit the shawl on large needles. I also need to sew pantaloons which I'm thinking of doing out of the satin used in the dress. 

So the list of items yet to sew between now and then is

1. Pantaloons for the Regency Dress and Isla Girl outfit. 

2. Cloak, shoes and necklace for the Soutache Dress.

3. T-shirt for the Aspen Sweater (I may make another pair of leggings also. 

4. Finish the shawl for the Isla Girl outfit. 

Not too bad for a list of items to make complete outfits. 

Happy Doll Sewing...........................................................

Finishing Outfits

Life has had a dramatic change for me. The Spousal Unit passed away on Sept. 21 and I have been slowly getting back into the sewing room. I do miss him visiting with me while I sew. We have done that for many years and I do cherish those times. 

Regency Shoes

I had started these shoes and then they sat while I was busy. I had decided to add tear drop pearls to them which was a good choice. I also used up some of the trim on the soles to make them more "expensive" looking. 

One thing I did learn was to measure the top part when attaching them to the soles. One top is 1/4" shorter than the other one. 

I may make a stole out of the satin that is 4" x 28" and do a rolled hem on it. I would then call this outfit done. 

Outlander Shawl

I decided to knit the Outlander Shawl to finish the Isla Girl Outfit. 

I started it in a silk sock yarn and didn't have enough. I will use the small shawl on another outfit. The one I am knitting now is more rustic looking and the colours are wonderful. 

I am not quite half done so have about another week of knitting. Maybe more as this shawl is increased by 4 stitches one row and 2 the next row. 

Next

Once I have finished hand sewing the binding to a quilt, I will be starting the final version of the Soutache dress. I am looking forward to making it and figuring out what to make for accessories. Silver leather shoes? Necklace? Maybe. 

Happy Doll Sewing..........................................................

Soutache Dress and Regency Shoes

 Life is moving on here and I'm sewing some when I have the time. I spent a lot of time doing a muslin for the Soutache dress. It was a great learning session and I'm now ready to make the dress in pink. 

I'm glad that I spent the time having the embroidery on top of the pleats. I need to add 1/4 - 3/8" to the bodice so the embroidery does not get caught in the neckline seam. I also want a smaller hem. 

I decided to make a pair of shoes for the Regency dress before I start the good version of the Soutache dress. The satin fabric is light weight so I interfaced the fabric. I'm glad I did. The uppers went together with no real issues. When I glued the first upper to the insole, the fabric absorbed more glue than I expected. I think the interfacing was the culprit. It took a while for the upper to stick to the insole. The second shoe was being a pain It didn't want to center on the insole and took three tries to get it in the right spot. When done, I took a picture and walked away. 

I was pleased with the results though I will work on the back seam more. I have an idea to help have less bulk when attaching it to the insole. The soles were glued on and left to dry. I am thinking of just adding hotfix pearls to these shoes. As I get better at making shoes, I will do more to make them fancier. 

I have to say, I am enjoying making shoes even if I get frustrated while learning. I'm hoping to get better as time goes on. I'm thinking of leather shoes that are lined. Ideas are floating in my head about this one. I'm thinking a bag and matching shoes in leather lined with cotton. I have enough light leather to make a lot of shoes, purses, and even a jacket or two. 

But, it is back to sewing doll's dresses for the rest of the month.

Happy Doll Sewing....................................................

First Doll Shoes Made

 Since I last posted, life has been extremely busy and a lot has happened in our household. But, when I had my respite time, I did make the doll shoes. 

The first pair of shoes I made were the Plain Jane shoes by Love U Bunches. I followed her YouTube video on how to put the uppers onto the insole. I learned a lot. 

Pressing is really important to have a professional looking shoe. I pressed the shoes a lot and they look good. 

Putting the upper shoe onto insole needs a lot of attention as I have a bubble in the heel (lining only). 

I followed the instructions for putting the upper on and it worked out well. The next time I am going to follow the written instructions and clip the 1/4" seam. I hope it will allow the seam to lay flatter. 

The sandals were a greater learning curve. Though they went together easily, they are too big for the doll. I am going to have our neighbor cut the insoles and soles down with our dremel. I also was rushing and didn't cut the fabric larger to cover the edge of the insole. Once again, I will snip the edge that is glued to the insole to see if they lay flatter. Instead of just the uppers, there will be the covering for the insoles making it an extra layer thicker.

I am going to make another pair of the Plain Jane shoes so I can get better at attaching the upper to the insole. Then I will make the satin ones to go with the Regency dress I made. 

Happy Doll Sewing.............................................................