Miss Emaline's Circle of Fashionable Friends

Babes from the Woods

2012-01-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Hello my darlings!

I thought I would just post this link while we're on the subject of 18th century dolls....

It is a blog called Babes from the Woods.

(I have also put a link to it on the left hand side bar in case we need instant inspiration.♥)

She makes the most lovely antiqued Queen Anne dolls as well as some beautiful replicas of other eras. Here is just one of her many exquisite dolls. If I could EVER choose a favorite (which I couldn't) it might be this one.

Have you fallen on the floor yet from sheer delight and amazement? If you have, please pick yourself back up and prepare to do it again because you must also look at this doll called Margie. So beautiful! I pray you, go look upon them. They are desserts for thine eyes! My pen cannot even describe what loveliness awaits you!

Lovingly, Emaline

p.s. Just so you know.. I have been trying to change the blog header to a more appropriate theme for winter but have not had any success. It is giving me grief. But nevertheless, I shall conquer!

January

2012-01-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

I thought you might like these pictures from Edith Holden's 'Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady'. They are so lovely!

Happy January to you all!

-Emaline

18th Century Milliner's Shop

2012-01-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon this charming set of pictures when I was looking for 18th century dress inspiration. It is from this lady's lovely photography site Fashionable Frolick's Photostream. She makes very pretty 18th century clothing and also has some wonderful pictures from Colonial Williamsburg which is where these pictures were taken I believe.

These are pictures of a doll size milliner's shop which is a display inside a life size Milliner and Dressmaker's shop. Are they not delightful?

(If you click on the pictures they will take you to Fashionable Frolick's flicker account so you can see them a lot bigger.)

Isn't this dress gorgeous?

I am currently working on a mid 18th century dress for myself (Emaline), and I'm doing my best to actually finish a whole outfit including underpinnings, dress, hat, shoes, and accessories. I have completed the underpinnings and the skirt and I'm almost finished with the bodice. I've just started the shoes, and am dreaming up ideas for a hat! It is a dress for springtime so I'm hoping to have it finished before then. *smile*

So, for right now, my fingers are sewing busily and my head is thinking dreamily while my heart is sighing contentedly. I'm having such fun! I hope everyone is having a lovely January. Our January, or Winter weather, is just getting here. So I'm looking forward to some nice long snowy afternoons of reading, sewing, playing my violin and drinking tea.

*******

Please tell me of your past, current or future projects! I'm aching to know what you all are doing!

So, Happy days and pleasant evenings to you all!

Love, Miss Emaline

and a very Merry Christmas to you!

2011-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!

I hope you all have a blessed and joyful day celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!

My very best wishes to all of you on this fine Christmas day!

Love, Emaline

It's Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Merry Christmas! I hope you are all having a very joyful Holiday! Today is my favorite day of the year! We're all done making Christmas presents and baking cookies and now we can just relax and drink some hot cocoa! And tomorrow we will celebrate Jesus' birth!

And the angels said "Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest! and on earth peace, good will toward men."

It feels like autumn outside as the temperature is 48 degrees and it's partly sunny. We are enjoying not being freezing in our somewhat drafty old house but I must confess we are wishing for this...

These are pictures of our home in February. We had a colossal snow storm! Well, colossal for here anyway. =]

Never the less... it's still nice and cozy inside and it makes me just want to snuggle up under a warm blanket and drink some Christmas tea.

Tonight we will go to have dinner with family. Homemade clam chowder! Mmmm...

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Miss Emaline

a rainy day

2011-11-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

There's nothing quite like staying at home on a rainy day. The world outside is chill and wet and the rain seems to drizzle endlessly.

Inside it is still and cozy and the light which comes from the windows is bright and cold.

The only thing to do on this sort of day is to muse calmly, while nestled under many blankets, drinking steaming hot tea and knitting just for the pleasure of it.

The attic, which usually makes you think of cobwebs, old boxes of baby clothes and the need of organization, now looks quite inviting...

and with the large windows overlooking the pond it is the perfect spot for watching the rain drops fall while eating fudge and doing absolutely nothing.

Every once in while a carriage might drive by and for a moment you wonder, "What can they be thinking of, being out and about in such weather?"

And then dismiss the thought and calmly resume your handwork thinking, "Such a lovely day...".

I hope you have a lovely day too. =]
Love, Miss Emaline

French

2011-11-27T01:16:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to share this picture. Isn't it neat? When I saw it I thought, "How very french..." ha ha!

I hope everyone is well and good.

Love, Miss Emaline

Doll Bonnet TutoriaL: Part II ~ decorated bonnet

2011-09-08T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my bonnet after I decorated it.

I decided I didn't like the green ribbon and exchanged it for a lovely blue one. I almost didn't because I thought it might not match very many of my dresses. But then I remembered this bonnet!

And she wears it with orange gloves! And I figure that if Elizabeth Bennet can do it than so can I.

And so part of my inspiration for this choice was this bonnet that I love!

The linen I used was a gift from my darling friend Cora and the ribbon is what she used to tie it up. Thank you Cora dear!

And here it is on Alice. Doesn't she look charming?

For the decoration I gathered the ribbon in the same way I did with the green (see Doll Bonnet Tutorial Part I), but this time I pinned it on with applique pins! You can find them at any fabric store I dare say. They're about 1/2" long so they work perfect for doll things. (And doll size pin cushions I might add!)

For the flowers I took these silk flowers off of the stems and pinned them all on separately.

Some time I'd like to add flowers on the inside of the brim and maybe add a ruffle (or what I believe is called a "curtain") at the back.

Here I am in my Sunday bonnet and shawl. (The shawl is in fact a lovely doily I found at a thrift store. It had a couple stains on one side so I just folded it in half! I am going to try to wash it though.)

I hope you enjoyed this bonnet tutorial! I had lots of fun with it. Please let me know what you think and if you try it, let me know if you have any questions! And now that it's finally done I can get to posting some other stuff that I've been wanting to do. Including some really fun photo shoots with me and some with Alice!

I hope you all have a fabulous day!

Love, Emaline

Doll Bonnet Tutorial: Part I ~ bonnet construction

2011-09-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you all are having an excellent day! I am finally getting around to this bonnet tutorial that I promised forever ago. =]
Here is the bonnet...
I made this bonnet last year on Tasha Tudor Day (one of my favorite holidays) on which I get to revel in all things creative and homey! (Mabel rolls her eyes at my enthusiasm.) =] I was sad to miss sharing it with all of you this year. I was camping with my family at the beach!

This is my first tutorial so please bear with me. If I leave anything out or you have any questions please comment!
First of all...

I wanted to make an 1860's bonnet kind of like these two below:
I found these images on this fabulous website: http://www.victorianbonnets.com/index.htm
This one is a reproduction that they made. Isn't it lovely?
This one is an original 1840's Coal Scuttle bonnetMy bonnet however turned out to be more of an 1850's style but could work for 1840's-1860's.

Here is the pattern that you may save to your computer and print for your own (non-commercial) use. To make sure it's printing the correct size (the original size) measure the strait side-edge of the brim. It should be about 2 1/4".

Fit's up to a 9" around head (circumference around widest part).

Materials:
(measurements are approximate)

Outer fabric: I used linen. You could also use silk,
cotton, taffeta, brocade, pretty much anything!
You will need: 120 sq. in. (about 11 x 11 in. square)
NOTE: You will want extra if you plan to trim the bonnet with the same fabric.
For the inside support of the bonnet: I used buckram.
You could also use a very light straw, heavy interfacing or plastic canvas.
You will need: 42 1/4 sq. in. (6 1/2 x 6 1/2 in. square)

NOTE: I suggest when you cut out the paper pattern that you try it on your doll's head just to make sure it's the right size. If it doesn't look quite right you can try resizing it on your computer. Or if you are an artist you can always just use my pattern as a guide for shape, if you like, and draw the size you need.

Miss Emaline's 1840's-1860's Bonnet

1.Pin pattern pieces 1 & 2 that say '(Buckram Support)' onto buckram and cut. Don't forget to cut notches out so it will curve nicely.

2. This part is easier if you don't pin it. Start sewing the notched edge of buckram crown to the short curved edge of brim using a whip stitch. It should look like this when done. (I also had to trim a little bit off the bottom of the crown to make it line up with the bottom sides of the brim.)
(The inside looks like this)

(The outside, like this)

3. Pin and cut out outer fabric pieces (pieces 3 & 4). There should be 2 of each piece. One set for the outside, one set for the lining.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT cut out notches on the crown fabric until you have sewn the seam!

4. In order for the fabric to fit over the buckram just so, the seams have to be perfect. Center and pin the buckram 'brim' pattern piece to the wrong side of the fabric you just cut and trace around with a pencil. This way you'll have a perfect line to sew the seam on. Do the same with the crown pieces (marking the notches but not cutting them).

(And don't pay attention to what the patterns have written on them or how they're cut in the pictures. Those were the very first pattern pieces which I had to change to make it easier to do.) =]

5. Pin your brim pieces right sides together, then start sewing at one side of the short curved edge all the way around the brim, stopping at the other side of the short curved edge so you can turn it later. Remember to sew right on the line you drew to ensure a good fit.
After you sew this seam you'll want to try it on your buckram bonnet to make sure it fits. You should have about a 1/4" of fabric that sticks out past the crown in the back. This is seam allowance for the crown fabric.
6. Once you're sure it fits, trim the seams to about an 1/8". Trim corners also, making sure you don't cut off any stitching. Turn right side out and press. OPTIONAL: If you like you can put fray check on the edge to stop fraying.

7. This is the tricky part. With 1 brim piece and 1 crown piece, pin right sides together and sew the (marked) notched edge of your crown fabric to the short curved edge of your brim fabric. This will create the outside of your bonnet. It should look something like this.
NOTE: try it on your buckram at this point to fit.

Repeat with your other crown piece to the other brim piece (to create the lining) leaving the short strait edge unsewn. At this point you should have all the fabric pieces sewn together. It should look like this. (Don't forget to try it on your buckram to make sure it still fits! I had to roll the buckram up a little to get it in the opening.)

8. Now that you're sure it all fits how you want it, take it off the buckram and cut the notches on the crown pieces, but not quite all the way to the seam or it will fray. Turn right side out again, press and insert buckram.

9. Press again once the buckram is in.

10. Tuck in your seam allowance and sew up the opening with a blind stitch to finish.

And there you have your finished bonnet!

Now the fun begins! You may decorate it anyway you wish.
With mine I gathered a ribbon up in three places then sewed it on to the bonnet with just a few stitches (So I could change it easily).

And Voila! Here it is! You have to keep in mind though, that the nature of bonnets is that they tend to fall backwards off the head. And when you are made of fine china it is extra slippery. Luckily, there are tricks to keep it in place. Since hat pins are out of the question for me, I use simply a little bit of scotch tape (Ssh! Don't tell!) on the inside of the crown and it keeps it up beautifully!
Also, a friend of mine came up with the very clever idea of stretching a rubber band around the head a couple times and placing the bonnet over that and it will stick to the rubber. Quite brilliant! If anyone else has any ideas I would love to hear them!

It also fits on a quite smaller head.

Very "Dickensonian" don't you think?

So there we are. I dearly hope this isn't too confusing. It is a simple thing to make but my directions always turn out more confusing than they should be. So don't PANIC! =]

In my next post I'll put pictures of the decorated bonnet!

Thank you so much for reading! If you use the tutorial, please let me know how it is and if it worked!

All my love,

Marguerite (Emaline)

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I thank God for His Providence and gift of Freedom and for America!
What a wonderful thing it is to be free!
Also...
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank all of the veterans and soldiers and their families for their great courage and sacrifice. I am so grateful for the freedom in which I am able to live. Without you, it would not be possible. Thank you with all my heart!

I hope everyone is having a fun and joyful 4th of July!
In a few minutes we're off to witness the firework show on top of the butte!

Happy Independence!

-Emaline

ps All pictures in this post were taken by my beautiful cousin Megan! Thanks Megan!

Morogh Findlay Llewellyn Barr

2011-06-27T08:40:00.000-07:00

I would like you all to meet my newest friend, Morogh.

He is a mighty Scot.

The Scottish Highlands are his home...

and he loves the cold weather.

He is a great traveler,

a hunter..

a tracker,

a good friend,

a poet,

and an adventurer.

He loves his God, his country and his family,

And he loves to dance.

His name means:
Morogh - Man of the Sea
Findlay - Fair Hero
Llewellyn - Lion-like
Barr (part of the Farquharson Clan)

Good adventure to you!
-Emaline

Antique Beauties

2011-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Salutations ladies...
Here is something I've been wanting to show you!
I found these pictures at THIS website called Carmel Doll Shop. They have ANCIENT dolls that they sell for thousands of dollars! But you must go there and look around.
*** I even found this one that you should look at Miss T.G. and Miss Cora. Although it doesn't have a date. (Maddeningly unhelpful I know.)***
It is amazing! Especially the Early Dolls section and the furniture section! They have all sorts of dolls and clothes and furniture (doll size of course!). But these I thought were the most wonderful!
This one is from the regency era I believe. Doesn't she have such a beautiful face?

This one looks 1830's to me. Look at that beautiful bonnet! I want one..

This one I think is 1830's or 40's but it's hard to tell. The curls on the front of her hair are real human hair! Oh my!

I think this one is my favorite. She is a papier mache from the 1840's. Just look at her sleeves and the double piping on the neckline! Ah! If I were ever to recreate a doll, it might be this one.

And just look at this Gallant from the early/mid 1800's. Quite the gentleman.

Well, that is all I have for today... I hope you enjoyed looking at the pictures. I am aching to know what everyone else is doing! Please leave a comment and tell us what you've been about or even what you hope to do. :)
With much love,
Emaline

A Change of Clothes

2011-06-25T20:05:00.001-07:00

Hello my dears!

It has been frightfully long since I've done anything on this poor neglected spot. Tisk, tisk. That wont do at all! I thought it needed a little cheering up and a 'change of clothes' so to speak.
So, Voila!
I hope everyone approves of the new look and is inspired by it. *wink wink*
I wanted it to be nice and summery! And while I'm at it, Happy Summer! I hope everyone is enjoying themselves immensely! I know I am. I've been doing quite a lot of gardening and sewing and camping and drinking iced tea and dreaming of dresses and hats and shoes... I'm in the process of making a 1700's dress that I stuffed into my closet years ago! It is coming along nicely.
Tell me what have you all been doing? I so miss all of you! It's been too long...
I hope you all have a lovely day!
Love,
Emaline

Christmas Presents!

2011-01-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a lovely holiday. Our house is just starting to return to normality (which may not be considered very "normal" to some.. but you know how that goes...).
I thought I'd show you some pictures from Christmas day at my house... enjoy!

Olive wrapped her presents so pretty and used these adorable tags! For me she got this amazing red bird cage!! Isn't it beautiful?
It matches the birds Alice and I just got too! The red one is Moto (Which means "fire" in Swahili) and the blue one is Maji (Swahili for "water").

Olive got this great cast iron skillet for Mabel! Isn't it wonderful? I can't wait to see (or eat) the things she'll cook on it!

I got a bird for Olive and for Mabel. (Apparently, birds are the thing this year.)
I shall have to find out what they've named them...

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of size. ;]
The tags I cut out of some pretty paper I had and then tied with string.

Here's last years present from Olive.She embroidered this hidden pocket with my initial in such lovely colors... It has gotten a lot of use. :)

As it's just us females around our house we always wear our pajamas for as long as we can on Christmas morning. he he! I thought I'd go for the French Rococo look. While Alice went for splendiferous and comfortable. :)

I would love to know how you spent your Christmas and what you got or gave. =]
And if you're interested.. the birds and birdcages are at Michaels and the bird cages are on sale for 50 cents each! -- Just in case you want to know. =]
Well, I hope you all are having a most enjoyable weekend!
Love, Miss Emaline

A Merry Christmas!

2010-12-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know, it's almost the New Year... But in my house it's still Christmas so...
Merry Christmas to you all!!
And here are some pictures I've found of Christmas scenes or illustrations in different eras.

Medieval (love the yellow and gold dress!)

Victorian

Victoria and Albert and their children

The very first Christmas. =]

A Very Merry Christmas to you all!
xo Emaline

Christmas, Apologetics (of sorts) and Pictures

2010-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello my good fellows!

I simply have to post something for I cannot bear the sight of the date on the last post any longer!

*sigh* There. I have fixed it. I feel much better. And I WILL post the bonnet tutorial. Just... not until I have the time. (That's where things get messy you see..)
Anyway... I am SO excited about Christmas! I cannot believe it's here already! What joyous times! I hope everyone's Christmas will be full of merriness and love! Merrymaking is one of my most favorite things! I would love to hear all about your plans for Christmas and of course your projects and presents, and the like, I am always interested in. =]

I haven't been doing a whole lot of sewing lately, but I have been "researching" a bit... Which usually consists of me finding a picture I like and then perusing ALL of what the blogger has posted. And this, ladies, is why I do not have an entirely full closet! *gasp of horror* Yes, I know... Shameful.. Disgraceful... Alas... that is the way of things at the moment. So... I will leave you with a few pictures I've found that I think are absolutely inspiring!

Calender from the year 1897 (from the Graphics Fairy)
(To me, the dresses look like late 1700's while still resembling styles of the late 1800's, which I think is pretty typical of paintings.) =]

Regency evening attire.
(Isn't this gorgeous? I've never seen anything like this before!)
Here are five different ladies from Renaissance/medieval/Shakespearean Eras
(Also from The Graphics Fairy) Aren't they lovely? =]

All my love,
Emaline

Tasha Tudor Day and a Fashion Magazine

2010-08-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy day everyone!
I thought I'd show you some pictures of something I made that was inspired by Tasha Tudor. =]

It is a Doll's Fashion Catalog! Tasha made one for her children from which they could, for the price of buttons (literally), order what they wanted and it would come via Sparrow Post. =] And since I simply adore fashion magazines, I thought it was an absolutely superb idea!
So, when I got Cora's name in a sewing circle Christmas gift drawing, I decided it was just the thing to make!

It's covered in a blue cotton calico with a cotton bias binding. The pages are sewn in.

As Cora is very fond of costuming, I thought it'd be lovely for each item to be from a different era. Here is an 1830's Pelerine.

A carpet bag from the 1860's and a Tournure from the 1840's-1860's.

A ruffled petticoat from the 1880's and a capelet and muff from the 1820's.

And my most favorite... Panniers or pocket hoops from the 1730's - 1770's.

On the back is a little pocket that holds the order forms.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at my Fashion Magazine. I finally found pictures of Tasha's catalog HERE. It's a rather strange blog but she had a very interesting article on this little book. (It's worth it for the pictures!)
I myself saw it on the "Take Joy!" video. It has the most amazing footage of Tasha's doll house! Her dolls are 18" (like us) =] and so the doll house is to 1/4 scale. It's incredible! In fact on the video it is sometimes difficult to see which is Tasha's real house and which is the doll's house. If you would like to see it, you can get this book from the library:{Click on picture to see it at amazon.com- and definitely look inside the book too. There's even a goat barn!}

Here is a picture of Emma's Kitchen, with Emma and her husband Thaddeus in it. I believe the sink pump faucet really does work. =]

Anyway, before I get too carried away with dreams of houses, I just have one more thing to say... Soon I will post a tutorial on how to make a bonnet! Doll size of course. =] Here is the bonnet without any frills. (I do have it decorated now but have not yet taken pictures.) So... next on my list of to-do's is the tutorial. =]
I hope everyone is in excellent health and enjoying these beautiful August days!
Farewell for the present, Emaline

Happy Tasha Tudor Day!

2010-08-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hello my dears! I hope you've all had a splendid day! I've been having a most enjoyable day! Blissful is the word. In fact it's been so laid back I'm afraid I don't have much to post about! But that was my intention really.. To enjoy the day for what it is, not for what I can accomplish in it. =]
So, just for your enjoyment... here are some pictures of Tasha Tudor and her illustrations and of course, her doll things. =]

Here are a few pictures of just a few rooms in her doll house.

I want this one!

With Love, Emaline

Tasha Tudor Day news

2010-08-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Salutations! Tasha Tudor Day is Tomorrow, Aug. 28th!! So that is what's been on my mind, obviously.. =]
I have just come across this lovely blog and thought I should share it with you...

Rookery Ramblings is a blog written by a lady named Natalie who is the office manager of Tasha Tudor and Family Inc.. Her blog is so charming! It has everything Tasha you could wish for. =]She is also hosting a giveaway to win an old fashioned ice cream maker and a Tasha Tudor Cookbook for first prize, a Tasha Tudor Cookbook for 2nd prize and for the next 5 winners is a "Making Ice cream and Frozen Yogurt" booklet! Isn't that fabulous? So sign up! Entry will close on Monday Aug. 30th.

Also as another item of interest... Storybook Woods celebrates Tasha Tudor Day every year and invites everyone who posts about Tasha Tudor Day to link to their post on her blog!
{Click on picture to go to Storybook Woods' posts about Tasha Tudor Day}I hope everyone has a lovely day!

Take Joy!
Emaline

A quick announcement

2010-08-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know that Tasha Tudor Day is coming up on Saturday, August 28th! Hooray! I hope everyone will remember to celebrate 'the little things' like Tasha Tudor used to. =]

And if by chance you do anything special, we would love to hear about it! *hint hint*--Here-- is a post with some pictures of our Tasha Tudor day the year before last.

Fare you well!
Emaline

A quilt for Emaline

2010-08-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Salutations Ladies! I wanted to show you the quilt my darling cousin Olive made for me last Christmas! (Isn't she amazing?) And yes... I know, I'm just now putting it on here.

I'm slow.

Isn't it beautiful? The fabrics are just gorgeous! On Christmas morning when I opened the package I was quite stunned. ;) Then after coming out of my first initial stunning, I (naturally) went into raptures...

Here is the back which she also pieced!

*sighs and puts hand to head to stop from swooning*

She tied it with cotton cording. Aren't those fabrics adorable?

It is so cozy too! She used cotton batting on the inside.

Thank you my dear Olive for such a lovely gift!

Here is a gift I received last Christmas from Miss Fiona! :)
She made these beautiful cards by hand and sent them to me in a package by post as she lives quite far away. Thank goodness for the postal service! It makes me feel a least a little bit closer.

Aren't they lovely! I haven't been able to bear parting with them. (I'm silly that way...) One day, I will need a card for something and I'll know just the perfect one to send! Thank you so much my sweet!

The sweet crocheted purse I got from my Mother for Christmas! Isn't it pretty? It has a beautiful pearl button for a closure and a long shoulder strap for keeping your hands vacant. And the cards just happened to be the right size to fit inside so that is wear I've been keeping them safe. :)

Thank you Marmee!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! I'm posting about Christmas.. ha ha! But that's ok because I am enjoying myself. I hope you have enjoyed reading or looking at this post as much as me. Ha ha! I love hearing your comments, questions and thoughts on our blog, so please do leave one if you feel so inclined.. Thank you!
And Thank you to all of our followers! It makes me feel happy that we can in some way share a little bit of our world with you and maybe even inspire or just make you smile. Thanks again!
I hope everyone has a glorious day in God's beautiful world!
xo

- Miss Emaline

In love with the 1850's

2010-08-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I pray you, Look at these beautiful wedding dresses from the year 1850... Are not they exquisite? The veils are my favourite part! The illustration is from a Godey's Ladies Book from March 1850. Some people may call them "out of date" But I certainly don't. =]
All of the pictures below are from either Godey's or Peterson's magazines. Most are from the 1850's (unless otherwise noted).

I believe this one may be a late 1830's style.

These, I think, are an early 1850's style, although there was no date.

February 1850

March 1850 April 1850

This may be a later year than 1850. Maybe mid 1850's?

July 1850

November 1850
Just thought I'd share some pictures and my love of 1850's styles! Have a marvelous day!
Love, Miss Emaline

Comical...

2010-08-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

I thought this was quite funny in a random kind of way. =]

The text reads:
Edwin(suddenly, after a long pause): "Darling!"
Angelina: "Yes, Darling!?"
Edwin: "Nothing, Darling. Only Darling, Darling!"
[Bilious Old Gentleman feels quite sick]

Ha ha! What silliness!
-Miss Em

Quaker Doll

2010-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Look at these photos of a Quaker Doll! (More Pictures HERE)
Isn't she marvelous? I think, judging by her outfit, that she must be from the 1850's. (Notice the narrow sleeves and full skirt.) But I know nothing about Quaker fashions so that's just a guess. =]
I so love her outfit! Especially her bonnet and cap! (How brilliant is that?!)
I must make a bonnet one of these days. My white china complexion will not stand up to this summer sunshine much longer! ;}
Love to you all...
Emaline

An Afternoon Dress

2010-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello My Dears! I have been too long absent! I am missing everyone DREADFULLY! I hope, now that summer is just around the bend, we will be able to do some picnics or outings of some sort! Croquet anyone?

Now, I would like to tell you a little story. It is about a little dress that was very long in the making. My seamstress Marguerite, made this dress for herself and when I saw it I thought I simply MUST have one! --but, with a few differences of course.
-One being that it is entirely hand sewn.
I know you've already seen bits and pieces of it since I did wear it a couple times before it was quite ready! (shh!) However... Now it is, and has been, complete for some time and I would like to share all the little details with you! Here are our two dresses together. It is made of a light cotton calico and a deep purple fabric that I'm not quite sure what it is. It's almost a canvas but much softer and not quite as thick. There is a deep purple ruffle at the bottom of hers that is hardly visible in the photograph-- please excuse me!

With the same fabric I put a ruffled hint of a bustle on the back of mine. It is still a full skirt that goes over a hoop, but I hear that bustles are coming in!To cover the seams and to add some extra charm, I put this lace on top of the ruffles which are only visible when the wind might flutter through...

The skirt I attached to a waistband and sewed it to the inside of the bodice in case I change my mind and want to make an extra bodice for it. And since I am in a constant state of that, it is the only way to do it!Here is the bodice.
I did a simple fitted bodice with a 'v' waist and boat neckline and trimmed it with contrasting purple piping (shocking I know!), and the same lace that is on the skirt.

The back I tried to gather in. However, it could have used a bit more gathering I think. Then I sewed little eyelets and laced it for a more elegant look.

The sleeves are a double puff--of sorts. =] I was making up the pattern and I didn't make it quite full enough and when I put it around my arm it just went flat. So, To make it more pouffy, I sewed little gathering stitches in vertical lines on different places of the sleeve. It worked quite well, and I was very pleased with how they turned out. Though it is hard to tell they're double puff. I guess it'll be my own little secret. =]
So just remember: When making puffed sleeves, cut out more than you think you need!

These pictures were taken at Fort Stevens which was the first reenactment that I got to wear my finished dress. *smiles blissfully*

The 'Train' ride home.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my dress! Please leave comments if you are so inclined, and tell me what you think. I would LOVE to see your own creations or hear about your dress making experiences! Until we meet again my fair companions...
Miss Emaline

Miss Liberty Joy

2010-03-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce my new doll, Miss Liberty Joy.

She lives in Portsmouth, England with her nine brothers and sisters during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. She is 17 and has a twin brother, Matthew, who joined the Royal Navy. Besides Matthew, Liberty has one older and three younger brothers, two older and two younger sisters.

Liberty LOVES writing letters to Matthew when he is at sea. She also loves playing with her younger siblings, talking with the older ones, and adventure where ever she kind find it. She enjoys spending time with her family and the few friends she has.

Liberty has oil cloth boots and a beautiful, old, red polka dot dress that is one of her favorites. She has long blond hair, that, when down, looks like the golden wheat of summer. She has bright blue eyes that are so soft and gentle you would think that she could never get upset at anyone.

Liberty's mother died a year ago after giving birth. Liberty's oldest sister, Julianna, has been married for three years. Liberty has been left to do the house work, with a little help here and there from siblings. Liberty always loved helping her mother and Julianna in the kitchen, so when the burden was laid on her she did not mind much. She would rather be working in the kitchen than out looking for something to do.

There are times when she gets the house work done early and she will head over to her father and uncle's silversmith shop. She spent many hours there as a girl watching, sometimes helping, her father and uncle. Once her mother died and her sister moved out, she could no longer spend the time she did when she was a girl.

Liberty is always ready to make new friends. She is very excited to be part of this circle of friends.

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T14:07:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a most lovely Valentines Day!
All my Love, Emaline

The Young Victoria

2010-02-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

For Inspiration...

Here's a portrait of the real Victoria.

This is one of my favorite dresses! It's so charming! It has embroidered strawberries!

Here is the link to The Young Victoria page on The Costumer's Guide to Movie Costumes.
They are all so beautiful! We got to see the movie in the theater! It was such a delight!
You all must watch it if you haven't already!
Love, Em

Down the Rabbit Hole

2010-02-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hello my Sweets! I wanted to show you all this post >> Fairy Abode That I found on this blog >>Down the Rabbit Hole. It was actually Farm Girl who sent the link to me. Thank you ever so much my dear lady!
Is not it so very adorable? You must go to the blog and look at the other pictures too. It is simply magical! This is something I would so much like to make! I keep telling myself I will and then I don't. *sigh*..... one day.
Anyway... you must go and look at it! It is so charming!
All my love, Em

Just because...

2010-02-03T20:48:00.001-08:00

...it is lovely. =]
~Miss Em

A Merry Christmas Party

2010-01-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

If you walk down the sidewalk in Manassas, Virginia on December 11th 1862, you will hear a small, merry party in the house of Miss Olive Wright. Four young ladies, decorating a Christmas tree, drinking tea, and enjoying each others company. How could you not have such a merry party?

“Mabel, why don't you put that one up a little higher?” asked Sara with a little chuckle as she too put an ornament up on the tree. Mable turned up her nose and said “ I will do as I wish” as prideful as she could before laughing, for Mabel could not make it through what she was saying without laughing. “Sara, Mabel, please come and drink your tea before it gets to cold. And do please leave some ornaments for Olive and me. This is what you do every year.” Said Emaline as she sat down on a chair and took a sip of her tea. Sara and Mabel did as their friend suggested. “I always love this time of year with all of the snow and friends.” stated Olive as she sat down with a cup of tea in hand. “Oh! That reminds me.” said Sara with such a start that Emaline almost dropped her tea. “I have something for all of you.” And with that she got up and walked over to her little sewing basket she had brought. She opened the basket and pulled out three nicely wrapped gifts. “I know it's not much,” she said as she gave her friends their presents. “but it is at least something.” “Oh Sara, you did not have to do this.” said Olive as she opened her gift “It is beautiful! I have never owned such a beautiful scarf! Thank you.” The others also opened their gifts. Mabel got a pair of mittens and Emaline got a hat to match the scarf, mittens and coat she already had. “Thank you Sara!” said Emaline as she walked over to the mirror and put on the hat. “You have done something for us every year and we.......nothing........I..........” “Please Emaline, don't feel bad. I love giving, but not receiving. I feel like we have received too much over the last year or so. With my Father being away and us being poor people keep giving to us when there are families on the street starving. So please don't feel bad.” said Sara to her friends. “You are too kind Sara.” Olive said as she walked over to the grand piano. “Shall we?” asked she and sat down and played The First Noel. The others set down what they were doing, got up, started decorating the tree and singing.

“The First Noel, the Angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel! ”

After playing one more verse, Olive got up and helped the others with the tree, while still singing. When The First Noel was over they started We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year. “

By the time they were done singing, the tree was finished. “Oh!” cried Olive “We forgot the star.” and with that she left the room to go find the star. “Here it is. Emaline, would you please do the honor?” “Yes I will” said Emaline with a small curtsy. Everyone held their breath as Emaline climbed up on a chair, star in hand. Then the whole room broke into clapping as she placed it on the tree. “Now” said Sara with a joyful sigh “the tree is complete.” “Olive,” said Mabel “may we read the Christmas story now?” she asked “That is my favorite part. When we get together at this time of year and read the Christmas story.” said Emaline as she sat on the chair she had been before with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Yes, it is. Alright Mabel! Would you please get the Bible off the kitchen table?” asked Olive as she too sat down. When Mabel came back, Olive opened the big, old book and started to read. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed................”

~The End~

Story written by Miss Kiehl ~ Photos taken by Miss Genevieve

Just for fun!

2009-08-27T16:20:00.001-07:00

I made this on Wordle using words from this blog! They are so much fun to make (once you figure out how to do it.) =]
Hope you all are having a lovely summer!
~Miss Emaline

Faerie Dolls

2009-07-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun thing to do in Summer!
My sisters and I made these whilst sitting on the lawn as Marmee read to us on a peaceful Sunday afternoon. We started with dried up poppy seed pods (from 'Shirley Temple' poppies - That's the pink ones.) for the head and body. Then we tied on leaves and flowers from around the yard with grass and Voila! There you have a little faerie friend to play with.

*+*+*+*+*

I made this one below.

She has freckles! And notice the puffed sleeves!

*+* Aimee (aka Mabel) made this one. *+*
She used a green seed pod that hadn't dried up yet. And her skirt is So pretty! Isn't her hat just SO fabulous! I would love to have a Hollyhock hat like that!
*+* Genevieve (aka Olive) made this one. Isn't she cute? She looks like a "Flapper" from the 1920's don't you think? *+*+*

I also LOVE to make little tiny faerie houses out of things I find on forest floors and river beds. I'll post some pictures of my most recent one soon.
Have a fabulously Summery week!

*+*+* Fare Thee Well, Miss Emaline *+*+*

Miss Sarah Kelie's Photo Shots!

2009-06-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been to hard to resist! I have gone out and taken some pictures of Savannah and Sarah's picnic that they had on Saturday! It has been lots of fun!
Anyway, here are some pictures of Miss Sarah Kelie!

Sarah fetching the water

Sarah and Savannah
A picture of Sarah's tea cup at her last tea party!

Here are some underpinnings
Her petticoat
And her pantaloons
Oh, and you can't forget her apron!

A little, little house...

2009-06-25T15:33:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best doll houses I've ever seen...
I had to show you some pictures of it because it's too amazing to pass up. You can go here to see more (and bigger) pictures. Please do go and see it!

I found it here on Thoughts of a Shieldmaiden. She has some more pictures on there that I couldn't find on the other site. Thanks Earwen!
It is a miniature of Bilbo's house, "Bag End" (from the lord of the rings)! It is absolutely amazing!!

"The house under the hill..."

Bilbo's bedroom

Bilbo's writing desk

The Bath room

An authentic hobbit door with the door knob in the middle. =]

The kitchen (so incredible!)

The (well stocked) Pantry

Frodo's bedroom

The Parlor (looking into the dining room)

It inspires me to make a doll house! I love the rugs and the writing desk!
And the bath room is so cute! ok, I love it all. =]
Yours ever, Marguerite

Alice Tumuhairwe

2009-06-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Today, I took some pictures of Alice out in the yard - which, in some places, is more like a jungle. Well, to a person who is only about 16 inches high... it would be a jungle. =]

This is a little basket that I got on my trip to South Carolina! It is handmade (the same way it's been made for hundreds of years in Africa) from Sweetgrass which is native to Africa.
A couple nights ago I made Alice this outfit out of a small rectangle of fabric that I had in my scrap bag. It is cotton homespun with absolutely no seams or hems or anything. I simply just folded, wrapped and tucked. =]
back view

The scarf on her head is just a long rectangle folded so the raw edges don't show. I brought it from behind her head, tied it once on top and then laid both ends over the back and tucked them in the bottom and Voila! An African ladies attire.

This is the piece of yellow yarn (that she usually wears on her head) tied on like an arm band. She decided for today that simple seemed suitable. =]

Here are some pictures that inspire me. I've always loved traditional African dress. It's so colorful and exciting! Although most of these pictures are black and white. hmm... Oh well.

Sometime I'd like to make some African Jewelry for Alice! I love these necklaces. (below)

Have a happy day!
Love, Marguerite

With the Spring comes...

2009-06-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

...Gardening! Here are a few photos of Alice (left) and Emaline (right).

Here Emaline and Alice are working in their Mother's shared flower garden. They both love to garden and when they get a chance to visit with each other at the same time it makes it so much more enjoyable.
Although they are not wearing their finest... they believe you can look fashionable even when gardening.

Alice loves to garden in her bare feet. There's nothing better than sinking your feet in the rich, damp earth in the Spring.

Pulling weeds...

Trimming off last years dry bits...

Getting the soil ready for planting...

This is Alice's "everyday dress". She loves plaid (which is a highly fashionable thing in the 1860's) and she is usually seen wearing more than one print at a time. It is made out of a cotton plaid, has a fitted bodice that buttons up the back, bishop sleeves with no cuffs, and a gathered skirt. Her apron is a gathered half apron made from cotton calico.

This is Emaline's "everyday dress". It is cotton calico with a fitted bodice that fastens up the front with hidden hooks and eyes, drop shoulders, bishop sleeves with cuffs, gathered skirt and a little stand up collar. All very fashionable things in the 1860's.Her apron is a full apron made out of cotton with box pleats on the skirt to show off the pin tucks and embroidery all down the front. The straps criss-cross in the back and there are long ties connected to the waistband to make into a lovely bow.

This is a petticoat that I made by hand out of a cream colored muslin. It is gathered into the waistband and has three "growth tucks" at the bottom. Growth tucks were used a lot in the 1860's mostly on children's clothes so that when they got taller they could let the growth tucks out to make the skirt longer. However, they were also used for decoration. So, I suppose that is the case here. =]

Well, that is all for today. Summer is coming so fast, I can hardly believe it!
I am so excited about the upcoming festivities of Summer!
Have a lovely day everyone!
Love, Miss Emaline

Meet Miss Olive Wright

2009-06-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is Miss Olive Wright. She has been friends with Miss Emaline and The Circle for a long time but is just now "coming out". She is extremely honored and excited to show you how she was made and is looking forward to posting more about her history soon.

I found her on e-bay and fell in love with her at first sight. I love her big china blue eyes, rosebud mouth and pink cheeks!

As you can see her body was in need of some tender loving care. As far as I could see it was the original body. It is stuffed with sawdust and has been repaired in many many places.

The shoes were broken off. But don't you love her little blue garters?

I thought about ordering some new china legs for her but decided against it. I gave her some fabric legs and feet instead.

Her arms and hands were beautifully intact!

I saw these button joints in a doll collecting book and decided to try them. They were very easy and they work great. She can dance and run and leap to her hearts content. :)

Here's her body all finished! I gave her a very fashionable hour-glass figure.

Here she is very patiently waiting for her head to be sewn on.

Ahhh, much better!

Now she is ready to be fitted for her fashionable wardrobe!

Miss Olive wishes to thank all the Doll's for including her in their Fashionable Assembly!
~Miss Genevieve and Miss Olive Wright

Photo Album for your Doll

2009-05-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

We found this on Etsy a few days ago. Isn't it just perfect? Everything that Jean Day Miniatures makes is so darling! Take a look!

Genevieve

Here comes the bride...

2009-04-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to a very special doll that we have the privilege to show to you.
"Sweet Sue"

Our lovely neighbor Candy, who received this doll when she was 9, let her come and stay with us for a while. We had such fun!
The doll, "Sweet Sue Sophisticate", was manufactured in (around) 1957 by American Character.

She is an all vinyl fashion doll. She's 20" tall, with "sleep" eyes which means they close when she is lying down. The make up and hairstyle are gorgeous! Very feminine and 50's!

I have to say besides those beautiful red lips the nylons with the seams are my favorite part.

Genevieve (aka Miss Olive) had a lovely time taking her 'bridal portraits'. They are quite stunning!

Doesn't she look real?

These shoes are absolutely fabulous!

The veil is ankle length made out of tulle and the cap is satin with little pearls sewn all around the front. There are even little pearl-head pins that pin the veil to the cap!
Her necklace looks like a string of diamonds! Lovely!

The main part of the bodice and over skirt is made out of a creamy white satin. The under-skirt is two tiers of pleated tulle sewn onto satin.
It is very well made! I think the seamstresses who made these would be appalled at the doll clothes that you can buy nowadays. =]
The ruffle around the neckline and the bottom part of the sleeves is made of a very soft kind of sheer tulle or netting (I think). The sleeves almost remind me of a late 1700's style. =]

Thank you so very much Candy for sharing "Sweet Sue" with us!
Very gratefully yours,
Marguerite
(aka Miss Emaline)

Miss Cora Ashling Gallagher

2009-02-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Cora Ashling Gallagher. I am the daughter of James and Brigid Gallagher. My father was an Irish fisherman who comes from the County of Donegal in Ireland.

Here is my family crest:I love to walk by the seaside singing beautiful Irish airs or sit around the fire playing music with my family. I play the tin whistle as best I can while father plays the bagpipes and my brother Desmond beats his bodrhan. My youngest sister, Caera ("Kee-ra"), is not old enough to play yet she sings along with our music.

I'm so happy to be a part of Miss Emaline's Circle of Fashionable friends and look forward to sharing my wardrobe and stories of my adventures and travels over the years. I've had a great many adventures to tell of! I feel honored to share my story with you.

Underpinnings...

2009-02-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovelies! This is one of my favorite subjects! I think there is something so lovely about clean white cotton and pretty things that no one sees but yourself. I'm not sure why I love underpinnings so much, but I absolutely do!

Here is a lovely hidden pocket that Olive made for me last year! Isn't it beautiful?
She embroidered it with flowers and my initial and then sewed it on to a beautiful printed cotton waistband that you can tie on over or under your corset!

This is my 1860's corset that I sewed entirely by hand!
It's made of dupioni silk (leftover scraps from my oldest sister's wedding dress!) and lined with white cotton.

I used a thick satin ribbon for binding the top and bottom.

The free hand embroidery I did with silk thread...

On the back I did little eyelets and laced it with cording.

Here is my pretty petticoat! Rather wrinkly at the time we took the photos but oh well, it gives it the real "lived in" look, right? =]

It is a vintage cotton petticoat with tiny little growth tucks and beautiful lace around the hem!

I didn't get a picture of the bloomers that I made but here they are peeking out from under my chemise... Ruffles are another thing I love!

Here is a random little project I did last summer...
A friend of mine was going to make a friendship quilt and she asked me to make a square for it!
A lovely idea, wouldn't you agree? So I decided to embroider mine...

Acorns are my favorite thing to embroider!

Well, that is all I have for the moment... I would love to hear what you think and see pictures of what you are all making or have already made. =]
ta ta,
Miss Emaline

Christmas presents for my friends....

2009-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

Ladies, permit me to show you the present that I gave my good friend (who also happens to be my cousin..) Miss Emaline for Christmas.

All wrapped up in gold paper with a lovely silver wired ribbon and a handmade card. It was quite the fashion this Christmas to exchange handmade gifts I must say!

And here it is...

A lovely black and white rose cameo strung on a gorgeous French ribbon.

And here is the lovely Miss Emaline herself wearing the necklace on Christmas morning! What a compliment! Thank you my friend!

Coming attractions:

Miss Mabel's Christmas present! Don't you want to know what's wrapped in this jaunty red and white striped box? I'll give you a hint, the present matches it's wrapping.

What did you give to your best friends this year? Did you give or receive any fashionable handmade gifts?

Love to all you fashionable readers!
Miss Olive Wright

Christmas Joys!

2009-01-17T19:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings to you all! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas! As some of you may know, just before Christmas I took a little trip and stayed with a friend. I had such a lovely time and came back with three new outfits! (I shall post some pictures of those soon!) Thank you so much Miss Q.!
For now, I'll show you some pictures of our Christmas Tea!

We started with Cranberry Cordial....

And we had delicious Gingerbread cookies sprinkled with powdered sugar...

The centerpiece...

Me (Emaline) and My two cousins with our freshly cut Christmas tree in the background...

A sneak peek at one of my new dresses!

A lovely white tea set belonging to my cousin Olive...

The centerpiece up close - made of glittered berries and set on a sea shell with evergreens and spices!

After the cordial we had Vanilla Peach Apricot Tea. Mmm...
So cozy!

(below) We also had Cinnamon Brittle! Mmm...

(shh... the secret to filling the itty-bitty tea cups! Dip a straw into the tea and put your finger over the top so it stays in. Then place straw over tea cup and move your finger so the tea pours into it! Note: How we created the tiny sprinkling of powdered sugar on the cookies...
Just place a little bit of powdered sugar in a mesh tea ball and tap with your finger to make it fall. It works very well!)

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Please leave a comment (or if you are a member you may do a post!) and tell us how you (or your dolls rather,) spent Christmas!!

...And God bless us all, Everyone!
Love,
Miss Emaline

Look...

2008-12-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

...at these beautiful doll costumes by Peacock Manor. They are so beautiful! I love the Elizabeth Bennet Costumes she has made!

Happy Christmas to you all!
Genevieve

Diana Princess of Wales

2008-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Meet Princess Diana, fashion icon of the 80's.

Diana was born in Norfolk, England on 1 July 1961. She was an excellent swimmer and diver, and longed to be a ballerina, however was considered to be too tall at 5' 10". She later married Prince Charles and had two sons, William and Harry.

My brother gave me a Princess Diana china doll that I wanted to share with all of you.

The detail is incredible, right down to her handbag and ring:

And stunning necklace and earrings:

Inspiration....

2008-11-30T22:12:00.000-08:00

I just happened across these photos of some antique doll clothes.

I thought they were most inspiring! As I hope you will too.

This first one really makes me wish I could knit.
What beautiful fabric! I LOVE that coat!

I put this one on here for you Miss Fiona! I absolutely adore these outfits!

Miss Emaline is still on Holiday... But I am sure she will have plenty to say when she returns!
And I am dying to here from you all, and see some pictures... *hint* hint*
In the mean time... I remain your humble servant, Marguerite

Some items of randomness....

2008-11-23T01:14:00.000-08:00

As Miss Emaline and her cousins are away visiting a friend, I (Marguerite) am taking the liberty of updating etc.
I hope you all like the new banner at top... I thought it was such a gorgeous painting I just had to make a banner of it. It was time for an update.
It is such a wonderful time of year, November... It's getting rather chilly out doors and one can't help but want to drink hot cider and sit by a roaring fire with a good book. Or a new dress to work on. =] My Sisters and I are currently getting ready for a Nutcracker Tea and Christmas Boutique to be held by May Farm Cottage. We are all tremendously excited! My sister Aimee and I are preparing a ballet dance for the entertainment of the tea guests and we're all making little ornaments and things to sell at the boutique! I simply cannot wait!
Here's a rather random little picture that is so lovely! I thought I would share it.
And here is a picture of some antique doll clothes that are just beautiful!
I absolutely adore the pink and green bustle dress! Very lovely!
MEMBERS: If you have more pictures like this of clothes you've seen (or made) please post them! We'd love to see them!
Also, Check out this site! http://mohairdollwigs.com/ It has some amazing photos of antique dolls, doll clothes, doll furniture etc. Very neat! Be sure to look at the Fashion Clothing section for some good ideas and the Miniature Furniture section. It is truly amazing!

I hope this post finds you all well and enjoying all the splendors of Autumn!
Adieu, Marguerite

New China Dolls!!

2008-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Stewart Clark has two new dolls to choose from! They are 'Oh! so lovely'!!
Please go and check them out!
Here is the link to E.S.C.'s "Doll Case": http://www.elizabethstewartclark.com/DC/index.htm

Or click on links below to see the dolls!

"Civility"
"Cordelia"
"Anna"
and a very cute
Cloth Doll

They are just gorgeous!
We salute you Mrs. Clark! =]
~Marguerite =]

A Tasha Tudor Tea....

2008-10-14T10:47:00.000-07:00

I do apologize that this was so frightfully long in coming...
However I thought you would enjoy the pictures anyway. =]

I (Emaline) had my cousins Olive and Mabel and my friend Ophelia over for a tea party on the lawn! We had such a lovely time!

We had watermelon and Maple Scones. yum!

And Peach Green Tea.

(And we dressed up too!)

Then we took a walk by the garden...

A lovely time had by all!
I hope you enjoyed having tea with us!
Please, do join us again!
~Miss Emaline

Meet Miss Alice...

2008-09-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

This is my rag doll Miss Alice Tumuhairwe. I named her after a lady I met once who is a missionary in Africa. She is so very lovely!

Alice is wearing: a green, calico, cotton day dress (1860's) that I made out of scraps from my day dress that I made from some old curtains. =] (honest.)

And an apron that I made out of an old blouse that I had. (It was too cute to get rid of!)

Her favorite things to do are: dressing up, going to Civil War reenactments and dancin'. =]

Alice and Emaline are the Best of Friends!

~Marguerite

Miss Sara Kalei

2008-09-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Johnsons were traveling the Oregon Trail. They came across a wagon that had fallen apart and the parents had left the children to find help. The children told the Johnsons that their parents had been gone for three weeks and they had not heard a word. So,the Johnsons took the hungry children into their care and ended up adopting them when they got to Oregon. They later found the parents had died of starvation.

One of the children who was adopted by the Johnson family was Sara Kalei. Before Sara was adopted she had two brothers and one sister. After she was adopted she had six brothers and two sisters.

My family and I (Savannah) came across Sara's family just in time. If we had come three days later, all of the kids would have died.

Sara went back to Harpers Ferry with me, but later fell in love and moved back to Oregon.

Sara loves just about the same things that I do. She also loves to be out in the country. Sara does not get to spend much time with her friends,but when she does, she treasures every moment that she has with them.

Sara mean: Princess and Kalei means: One who serves the King.

Since I told all about Sara, she would like to take this time to tell you what my name means.

Savannah means: Open Plains
Mariee means: Sea of Bitterness

Let me tell you that Savannah is not bitter one bit!

I'm so glad that I can be a part of this Circle of Friends!

Announcing......

2008-08-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Miss Savannah Mariee Johnson

Janurary 15th, 1837, Harpers Ferry, West Virgina a new baby girl was born into the Johnson family. Her name was Savannah Mariee. She had four brothers, and one sister, who later died.

When Savannah was five, the Johnson family packed up all their belongings and headed for the Oregon trail. Savannah thought that this adventure was going to take them back home to Harpers Ferry. When they ended in Willamette, Oregon, Savannah promised herself that when she was old enough she would go back to Harpers Ferry.

In 1860, when Savannah was 23, she headed back east. She lived there for two years until the war broke out, and Harpers Ferry was held by the Union. She was forced to leave and while she still had her life she fled to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Savannah loves......
Reading
Sewing
Being with Friends
The latest fashions
And cooking/baking

What else could a lady (of her time period, no doubt) want?

Tasha Tudor Day

2008-08-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!
A quick announcement to let you know that this Thursday, August 28th, is Tasha Tudor Day!
A perfect excuse for having tea, dressing up, going without electricity all day or all of it at once!

Be sure to look up this book at your local library too!Tasha's incredible doll house is unlike any other I have ever seen!

Here is a link to the Tasha Tudor website if you would like to know more about this fascinating lady! http://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/

"Take Joy!"
~Miss Emaline

Introduction of Miss Fiona Grace Harrison

2008-08-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce... Miss Fiona Grace Harrison, who came from the coast of Ireland at age 16 with her father and her 4 brothers and sisters. In the summer of 1845 a terrible fever broke out among the townspeople of McDoogen. When Fiona's mother and baby sister caught it and died, her father packed them all up and moved them to the states. Joy and peace flourished in their household in Maryland. Fiona now tries hard to step into her mother's shoes in taking care of her sister and brothers. In her spare time she likes... singing, sewing, drawing, gardening and dancing (the highland fling. :-D) and she loves chatting with her good friends!!

Fiona made her dress from her family's tartan before she moved to Maryland. Though poor as they are, she tries to look her best with the silk ribbon (handed down by her great grandmother) tied around her neck.

She is very delighted to join the Circle of Fashionable Friends!
Please pass the tea!!!

Meet Miss Emaline...

2008-05-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

Salutations to all of our fellow Fashionable Friends. Come in, come in! We are so pleased that you could visit us. Please sit down and make yourselves comfortable. Will you take tea? Cream? No? One lump or two? Are we all settled in? Good. Oh, napkins of course! I do beg your pardon!

And now, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you a most Fashionable and Important lady. Though if she heard us call her "Important" she would most assuredly blush with Feminine Modesty. (She has the sweetest disposition!)

Miss Emaline Rose Foster

Let us tell you a little about this Elegant young lady.

Miss Emaline was born in Germany in the year 1845, on February the 17th. In the same year, her family immigrated to America in search of freedom and adventure. Emaline loved growing up on her family's farm. She loves to sketch and take long walks with her cousins. She enjoys working in her kitchen garden and baking with her mother. She loves to dance, go to the theater and host fashionable parties and sewing circles for her many friends. She is a very adventurous and imaginative young lady and is always up for a good Fling.

One of her greatest interests is Fashion. While frivolity is something she makes Every Effort to avoid, she delights in being fashionable as well as studying the different arts and styles of fashion in all forms. Which is why she, along with her Fashionable cousins, has started this Circle of Fashionable Friends. She hopes that it will prove to be a place to ask questions, share ideas and post photographs of our latest (fashionable) projects. And of course, we must have all the news about the latest linens from Paris!

Thank you ever so much for joining us for tea. We hope you enjoyed meeting our esteemed matriarch and founder of this Circle of Fashionable Friends.

Come again often to meet our other members and admire their Fashionable findings.

Please feel free to comment anytime you wish. We would be delighted to hear from you.

With most sincere regards,

The Members of Miss Emaline's Circle of Fashionable Friends