Margaret Hale

The book North and South was written by Elizabeth Gaskel between 1854 and 1855. It was originally published in segmants featured in a publication owned by Charles Dickens. In 2004 it was transformed to film by BBC. This delightful four-hour movie is well worth the watch. The story hits on some of the more serious facts of life, while weaving together a lovely romance.



Here is an excerpt giving a bit of a description of Margaret:

"...He had the same large, soft eyes of his daughter- eyes which moved slowly and almost grandly round in their orbits, and were well veiled by their transparent white eyelids. Margaret was more like him than like her mother. Sometimes people wondered that parents so handsome should have a daughter who was so far from regularly beautiful; not beautiful at all, was occasionally said. Her mouth was wide; no rosebud that could only open just enough to let out a "yes" and "no", and "an't please you, sir." But the wide mouth was on soft curve of rich red lips; and the skin, if not white and fiar, was of an ivory smoothness and delicacy. If the look on her face was, in general, too dignified and reserved for one so young, now, talking to her father, it was bright as the morning- full of dimples, and glances that spoke of childish gladness, and boundless hope in the future."

For Margaret's first apperance I have her dressed in a simple morning gown with a capelet for travelling. It is made of sturdy cotton, has a scoop neck, belted waistline, and long sleeves. The capelet is made of the same material. It fastens at the neck and falls in two points below the waist.

Doll:
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Dress:
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Cora's Painting Smock

Among other diversions, Cora enjoys spending an afternoon painting. The hills around her manor offer majestic landscapes for subjects. She wears a simple day-gown. The smock is loose and roomy to accomodate most styles of dress. A belt fastens at the natural waistline, a button at the neckline, and a gauntlet-type sleeve protecter from wrist to elbow. The pockets are designed to hold long handled brushes for the artist's convenience.


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Wraparound Style

A basic wraparound dress with a v-neck and deep pockets. The skirt falls below the knees.


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Home from Russia!

Privyet! (or "hello!")

  I'm back from Russia! I went with a group from church to teach English and evangelize at a camp outside of Moscow. We had a great time, and met some great new friends (I'm so glad Facebook makes it easy to stay connected with people across the world! Praise the Lord!).

My husband and I in a Moscow metro station

We were so busy for the two weeks the camp lasted. We taught English lessons for three hours a day, had sports time (we taught them American Football, Baseball, and Ultimate Frisbee), and created skits to go along with the theme of the day. Each day the theme was a different holiday celebrated in America. Some of the skits were amazingly creative!

I helped teach beginner English with two other Americans. These are our students above.

Ultimate Frisbee and a Christmas Skit

 

 

I'm sure many of you heard about the fires in Russia. On the first day of camp a brushfire started in the edge of the soccer field. We happened to be playing a game nearby and were able to put it out before it had spread very far. Thank God for protecting us! It was an adventuresome way to begin camp :)

If you have any questions about the camp, what we did, or what I believe feel free to comment! I would love to talk more about it :)

An now back to blog matters:

The poll results are as follows. The top three choices are Victorian (with a whopping 46%), Regency (39%), a tie for third in Middle Ages and Renaissance (both at 28%).

I'm excited to see that there's an interest in Victorian fashions! I have three upcoming dolls that will fit into the category. The first you'll see is Margaret Hale, from author Elizabeth Gaskell's novel North and South, set in 1850's England. Updates for her will begin soon (and Mandie will be phased out). Still in pencil sketches are my doll for Jane Eyre (1847), and the not-so-literary cowgirl doll (1880). I'm having a lot of fun researching costumes from these eras and then trying my hand at recreating and redesigning them.

In answer to second and third place in the poll, I have a couple ideas for a paper doll from one of Jane Austen's books. Once I get a good doll sketch I can begin (so far I haven't done anything I'm happy with). And Middle Ages... that will be fun! I haven't spent much time researching that block of time. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

Masquerade

Every girl needs an elaborate masquerade ballgown! This one is based off of Roccoco-era dresses, with delicate embroidery on the underskirt and fine lace edging on the hem and neckline.


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Gown and Tunic

An everyday gown with a long tunic to protect the dress body. This is the sort of outfit Tamarita will wear for her daily lessons and chores.


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Strapless Shapes

Bold geometrical patterns make this strapless gown stand out!


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1912 Ballgown

Mandie's stepping into a new fashion era with this gown. Fashions are losing their Edwardian look and nearing the 1920's flapper style.

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Three Tunics

Here are three versatile tunics that can be worn over leggings, trousers, or skirts. In cold weather a long-sleaved shirt can be worn below them, especially the short sleeved ones.

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Forties Flashback

The sweetheart neckline with a bust gathered in the center makes me think of 1940's


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1909 Travel Dress

This beautiful princess cut travelling gown is a near exact replica from a fashion plate I fell in love with. You can see the original below:

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Merchant's Tunic

This charming tunic is worn over leggings with knee high leather boots. A long sleeved shirt is worn under it in cold weather. The belt has multiple loops to enable the wearer to hang different items: a money bag and knife are seen here.


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Draped Dress

A simple but elegant dress just right for a tea party. The fabric is pulled to the left side, just below the bust, and fastened with a diamond-shaped brooch. The skirt falls in loose folds to mid-thigh length.


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