A Paper Closet

MOVING!

2011-04-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

We are moving to a new website! Check it out at:

http://apapercloset.weebly.com/

Rissana

2011-04-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

This outfit is for cold weather. Several heavy underskirts provide warmth. A basic long sleeved dress is covered by a wool tunic. A long scarf is draped around the shoulders and neck. Sturdy, fur-lined boots are wrapped with frabric strips.

Leslie

2011-04-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ella

2011-04-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for finishing school Ella escapes to visit the royal menagerie. There she meets her new friend, Prince Charmont. They walk together to visit all of Ella's favorite exhibits.

Rissana

2011-04-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

This outfit starts with loose trousers and a long sleeved shirt. An overskirt, with a slit on one side comes next with a rectangular embroidered apron. A lightweight tunic is held in place with a beribboned corset. The knee high boots are decorated with ribbon and lace to match the bodice.

Leslie

2011-04-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Looking casual in jeans, tennis shoes, and t-shirt.

Ella

2011-04-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

After a disastrous experience at dinner with a formal gown, Ella returns in this simple gown to finish the meal.

Rissana

2011-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

This beautiful riding habit features a skirt split in the front. Underneath is a shorter skirt to allow riding astride. High boots with a leather knee guard are elegantly tooled.

Leslie

2011-03-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

A striped blue shirt, yellow cardigan, green skirt, and awesome knee length leather boots for Leslie today!

Ella

2011-03-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ella wears this voluminous dress at an unfortunate dinner with her Father. Unused to such fancy dresses, with longs skirts and sleeves (and being natually clumsy), she trips on her skirt, trails the sleeves in food, and ends up breaking her father's crystal wine glass! Afterwards he decides she needs to attend finishing school.

2011-03-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

Is it summer yet?

2011-03-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Not quite sunny weather but I couldn't resist putting Leslie into a sundress.

Ella

2011-03-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ella wears this gown (of a spicy green color) at her mother's funeral reception. She rebelliously chose the untraditional color because it was her mother's favorite dress of hers.

Rissana

2011-03-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a basic gown for Rissana. Typical of the fashions in her world there is an embroidered undergown with a short, close-fitting, jacket. Ribbons are used throughout as decoration. Boots are typically worn, this outfit features embroidered leggints which come all the way down on the foot and are fastened underneath the arch.

Spring is in the Air!

2011-03-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Leslie's getting ready for spring with this cute collared dress.

It actually got up to 50 degrees this weekend! It felt so nice to be outside and soak up the sun (still had to bundle up though, because the wind was cold). I'm looking forward to warmer weather!

Ella Enchanted

2011-03-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

I've wanted to do a paper doll series based on Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine for a long time (since the book came out...). And so far every version I've done has been flawed in some way. This is perhaps the fifth or sixth attempt I've made, and yes, she is very flawed. But I'll post her for your entertainment:

Ella wears this heavy black mourning gown during the first chapter of the book, at her mother's funeral.

Cora in Plaid

2011-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Silvia goes Scottish

2011-03-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Rissana

2011-03-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here is Rissana again1 Here she is garbed in a very simple gown and tunic combo. Leggings and socks are worn underneath for added warmth. Rissana wears this outfit as she recovers in a small village from an swordfighting injury; she wears only socks because the doctor insists she's not well enough to be out of bed yet, much less out of doors!

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Apologies for all the missed posts on Mondays/Fridays. I need to ink and scan in all the new outfits!

Rissana

2011-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Rissana. She wears a simple tunic with trousers. A linen sash is the only accessory.

Korean Influenced Ballgown

2011-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

A new formal dress for Cora! This one is a little different than some of the others because I was researching historical Korean costume before I drew it. Hence, it has some slightly korean ideas going on, but I like how it turned out.

Dress for Amelia

2011-02-14T13:05:00.001-08:00

Here's a cowl-necked, sweater dress for Amelia.

Afternoon Dress, Margaret Hale

2011-02-11T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry for the un-anticipated neglect of the blog this week! A couple things happened that kept me too busy or emotionally occupied to think about adding a new dress.

Here is a afternoon gown for Margaret Hale. I think this is one of my favorites of her's. I know I already said she was finished, but you won't mind if every now and then she has a cameo appearance, will you?

Research

2011-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

I did a bunch of research yesterday, looking for dresses for Jane. I found a new site that I hadn't seen before that has an awesome gallery of vintage clothes from 1750-1930. It's an Italian site (google translator works well! lol) and the photos and dresses are gorgeous! It's Abiti Antichi.

I also found a few fashion plates I really liked. Jane will have a few dresses based off of these:

2011-02-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here is Jane again, this time wearing a simple (which we've all come to expect from Jane) day gown. Perhaps this is like the one she hurridly puts on in the middle of the night after being awoken by strange laughter... and then saving her employer's life froma bed of flames.

I am in the process of creating a site where all the dresses and finished PDF's will be listed. This will make it easier for all of you to look at the different gowns, and instigate a transition from a multi-weekly updated blog to a sporadically updated gallery/portfolio of my paper dolls. I'll keep you updated on progress, my current plan is to make the switch in Spring. Updates will continue as normal for the time being until then!

2011-02-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Cora sporting a half-cape which should go nicely over any dress. It is not a formal capelet, but one for casual visits or walks through the hills.

Shoes for Leslie!

2011-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, those are shoes. A nice pair of blue flats. Leslie can finally shod those bare feet of hers! And to match them is a sundress of various shades of blue.

Coming Soon: Rissana

2011-01-30T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here's a teaser for Rissana, who will be featured on Wednesdays. She is one of my favorite paper dolls. I just love how her costumes have turned out! Look for her debut in the next couple of weeks.

Jane Eyre

2011-01-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Jane in another of her simple gowns. This one is a little fancer, having ruffled edges.

Nighty-Night

2011-01-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a nightgown and half-robe for Cora. It's a fairly simple gown with lace edging and two buttons centered on the neckline. The half-robe has full length sleeves and a ribbon tie.

Below is a spread of all the previous dresses for Cora. I was curious of how they'd all look side by side, and voila! They look like this:

Bethel's Wardrobe

2011-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last week you got a sample of my experimental coloring, this week you get the full show. Here is Bethel with all of her full-color closet! Click on the PDF link below to see all of her clothes (above is just a few of them).

Click for PDF to print

Jane Eyre

2011-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Jane Eyre meets you again with another simple gown. This gown she wears upon her official meeting with her new employer. It is made of black silk.

"Mr. Rochester would be glad if you and your pupil would take tea with him in the drawing-room this evening." Said she; "He has been so much engaged all day that he could not ask to see you before."
"What is his tea time?" I inquired.
"Oh, at six-o'clock; he keeps early hours in the country. You had better change your frock now; I will go with you and fasten it. Here is a candle."
"Is it nescessary to change my frock?"
"Yes, you had better. I always dress for the evening when Mr. Rochester is here."
This additional ceremony seemed somewhat stately; however I repaired to my room, and, with Mrs. Fairfax's aid, replaced my black stuff gown by one of black silk, the best and only additional one I had, exccept one of light gray, which in my Lowood notions of the toilet, I thought too fine to be worn except on first-rate occasions.

Cora: Afternoon Gown

2011-01-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a little fancier afternoon gown for Cora. It features an upright, rounded colar, a fancy ringed bust-line, a pseudo-wraparound overskirt, and lace at the neckline and hem. A choker and brooch at the neck match the clasps on the sleeves, just below the shoulder.

Playing with Color

2011-01-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

About a year ago I had the guts to purchase a few colored inks. In my initial excitement I sketched this doll (very quickly, which is why the proportions are so bad), and a collection of outfits. I played around with the colors and created a limited pallette (blue, yellow, green, and mixes thereof). Here is one of those experiments.

2011-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

Wow, this week went by fast and late last night I realized that it was nearly Friday and I hadn't posted at all for the whole week! I'm terribly sorry, I'm trying to keep up on the updates, but I seem to keep failing!

Today Jane is showing off her simple black frock. This is possibly the quaker-ish gown she wore upon her arrival at Thornfield. A hand-me-down dress from working at Lowood School as a teacher, it is not the latest fashion but, as Jane puts it, "at least had the merit of fitting to a nicety".

It's been a couple weeks that we've had Kaya now. She is looking absolutely wonderful! Here's a photo of her enjoying the snow.

Jane Eyre

2011-01-07T20:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Jane Eyre. Here is the long awaited doll, finally inked and scaned for your benefit!

Click for full-size image
Click for PDF to print

Cora: Visiting Gown

2011-01-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a nice visiting gown for Cora. It has a striped underskirt with a heavy overskirt/coat like bodice cover. To add some femeninity ruffled lace trims the collar, bustline, and cuffs. Buttons and criss-cross ribbon secure the bodice down the front.

Green Flapper Dress

2011-01-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is another dress from Singin' in the Rain. This is the lovely green flapper dress worn by Cyd Charise in the dream sequence.

made for Leslie

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

I know I've been remiss in posting this last week, but check out what I've been busy with:

Please meet Kaya. She's a one year old shepherd mix that we acquired on Sunday night (she's almost been with us for a week!). She has a pretty bad case of demodectic mange which has been untreated and caused several patches of hair to fall out and skin infections to persist. We have her on medications now and she's starting to look a lot better!

Isn't she just adorable?

Jane Eyre

2010-12-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

This isn't the official first post for Jane Eyre, just another teaser. I haven't finished inking the doll yet (but will soon! My pen just ran out of ink the other day...). Have y'all heard about the new Jane Eyre movie coming out this next year? I'm really excited about it. the trailer looks good. (look here for more info)

Merry Christmas Eve!

Nightgown and Robe

2010-12-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a charming nightgown with a full robe for Cora.

Late Monday update!

2010-12-21T18:24:00.000-08:00

Here is Kathy Selden from "Singin in the Rain". Sorry it's late!
She has the dress she wears upon meeting Don Lockwood (the brown and tan suit), the "Beautiful Girls" sequence dress, the "Good Morning" dress, and her lovely formal gown from the last scene.
for Leslie

Those sad country songs...

2010-12-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

No Margaret Hale for today, the files are on the wrong computer! But Winifred thought she'd show off another of her song inspired dresses. This one was drawn while listening to "When I Fall" by TrickPony.

Afternoon Gown for Cora

2010-12-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Cora, dressed for an afternoon of casual activities. Perhaps she'll take a stroll in the gardens, or invite a friend over for tea, or just curl up and read a book by the fireplace.

Singin in the Rain: Lina Lamont

2010-12-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite movies is Singin in the Rain. I watched it recently and was inspired to do a run of costumes based on the movie. Here is the first set in the series: Lina Lamont.
They are made for Leslie.

Afternoon Gown for Margaret

2010-12-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here is nearly the last of Margaret's dresses. This is an afternoon gown that could go with nearly any scene in the book.

Cora's Simple Daygown

2010-12-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a day gown not made for entertaining visitors. It is a very simple gown, combined with a overdress in the style of a poet's shirt. A belt at the waist and the ensemble is finished.

Ancient Norsewoman

2010-12-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

We got back safe and sound last night. It's good to be home!
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After a long break from the blog, here is Cleo sporting a fierce viking tunic. She wears a simple underdress, a tunic, leather belts with metal buckles and decorations. A money pouch and sharp knife hang from the lower belt. The decoration on her chest and around the neck is made of copper.

For articles and photos of viking costume, check out:
http://www.strongbowsaga.com
http://www.lothene.org/colouring1.jpg
http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/daily_living/text/clothing.htm

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Click for full-size image
Click for PDF to print *This one has a PDF format*

Stranded!

2010-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I was going to have a real swell post for all of you tomorrow, but it turns out that I'm stranded in California. There's bad weather at home and the airport is closed so we won't be returning until Monday. I will get an update up once I am back at my home computer :)

Margaret: Afternoon Gown

2010-12-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a lovely afternoon gown for Margaret.

Cora's Winter Cloak

2010-12-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

Another Cloak for Cora. It's bee so cold where I live that it seems fitting. This is a heavy cloak with no hood. It is clasped at the front with a cord and two brooches.

Click for full-size image

Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

The rest will come later, I am out of town for Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Eat lots of pumpkin pie!

Silvia

2010-11-22T06:50:00.000-08:00

Click for full-size image
PDF coming soon!

Dinner in London

2010-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is Margaret again, almost for the last time. She is wearing a lovely dress for a dinner party among friends in London.

Click for full-size image

Cora at Court

2010-11-17T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is a very formal gown for court occasions. The over-skirt is trimmed with lace and gathered in a bustle at the back to fall in a long train. The bodice is fitted and trimmed with ribbon in a military-reminiscent fashion.

Click for full-size image

Silvia in Pastel

2010-11-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

Silvia in full color!

I am so out of it! Have a couple weeks off made me completely lose track of the schedule, sorry!

Here is Silvia, attempting to match Leslie's full color glory, lol. She's wearing a very simple pale blue knit top, paired with a mauve skirt.

Click for full-size image
Click for Doll to print

Return from the abyss!

2010-11-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

Whew, I had just finished typing this update when I accidently closed the window without posting! Thankfully Blogger saves unposted things as drafts so I didn't lose anything!

I'm back! Sorry it took so long; I really meant to pre-load the updates and then all of a sudden we were moving! We just got the internet set up (thanks to my loving husband) and I can start updating APC again!

It's been starting to get cold here, and snow is threatening to fall soon. This put me in the mood of nice, warm winter clothes. I know it isn't Wednesday, but I felt like switching things up. Here is Cora in a gorgeous full cloak with hood. It is made of heavy wool and lined in satin, with a ribbon to tie it closed.

Click for full-size image

Moving

2010-10-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of moving right now and we haven't gotten internet hooked up at the new place yet. Hopefuly I will be able to start updating again soon!

2010-10-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Cora is dressed in a splendid afternoon gown. The gown itself features a full skirt with a striped bodice and overskirt. A long jacket with four buttons matches with striped trim and lace around the neckline.

Click for full-size image

Second Try

2010-10-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

<----- Original Colored Version

New Colored Version ----->

I'm still playing around with how I want to do the coloring, but I think the new method of selecting spaces/coloring is working out better. I might try to add shading again once I get a little better.

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A full PDF page of Leslie's clothes will come in a week or two once her other clothes are revealed (don't want to spoil the surprise! lol). It will also be in full color. If you want copies of her uncolored (to color yourself or whatever), let me know!

Just Give it Away

2010-10-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've been practicing coloring dolls in my free-time. RLC from Paper Thin Personas gave me some great tips for coloring, which I think have improved my abilities. Monday will showcase a newly colored Leslie with a fully colored outfit. Today, however, you get to see Winifred with another song-inspired dress. This time it's for a song by George Strait, "Just Give it Away" (yes, another depressing country song! lol).

First we have the original pencil sketch version (to the left).

(full size view here)

And below, is the fruit of my practice. A fully colored version of Winifred and the dress.

Margaret Hale

2010-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Margaret wearing a charming gown with printed bodice.
There are only a few more dresses left for Margaret! Soon I will be introducing a new Fiction Friday doll.

Click for full-size image

Simple Day Gown

2010-10-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple day gown for Cora. This is one of her outfits while still a cook's assistant. It is a little big for her (it's a hand-me-down from a co-worker). The simple waist-belt is buttoned down the front.

Click for full-size image

Leslie in Color!

2010-10-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

SURPRISE!
All new and in color!

I felt like something different yesterday and Leslie looked like she needed a little color. So, here we are! A simple cotton t-shirt of blue and yellow (my favorite colors) and comfy shorts covered in excessive pockets.

If you have any tips on coloring (especially computer coloring) let me know!

Click for full-size image
Click for Doll to print

Margaret Visits Bessie

2010-10-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

Margaret Hale has come a long ways in becoming accustomed to Milton ways. She has a close friend who live in a very poor part of town. Many of the upperclass in Milton look down on her for this friendship. Margaret, however, ignores them and takes pleasure from her long talks with Bessie.
This is a print gown with a ruffled scoop neck and striped pattern.

Click for full-size image

Walking Gown

2010-10-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a delightful military-influenced walking gown for Cora. It has a full underskirt, gathered overskirt, and coat-style bodice complete with epaulets.

Click for full-size image

Silvia looking formal

2010-10-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Silvia, wearing a warm cowl-neck sweater and skinny pencil skirt. Perhaps she had a presentation at school today and had to dress up for it.

Click for full-size image

We're moving during the next couple of weeks, so I'm going to try and pre-load all the updates. I'm hoping they will update like they're supposed to, but I have been having problems with that lately... :)

Dinner at the Thorntons

2010-10-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Margaret had a hard time deciding what to wear to the dinner the Thorntons invited her family to. They were one of the most prestigious families in the town of Milton (even though to the Hales, because their wealth was from indistry, they would always seem "shoppy"). Margaret tried on all her old party dresses, parading them one by one before her mother. They decided that this white silk, which she wore last year at her cousin's wedding, would do the trick.

Click for full-size image

Cora's Geared for Riding

2010-10-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

One of Cora's favorite past times is riding horseback. This charming outfit is made of durable linen. Alternating patterned panels form a split skirt, enabling a lady to ride astride while still maintaining modesty. No corset is worn under the bodice for easy of breathing while riding. Leather gloves, crop, and a hat for protection from the sun complete this outfit.

Click for full-size image

Meet Silvia!

2010-10-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Well, you saw her briefly before, but here is her official introduction. She's a little casual for this since I haven't scanned her shoes in yet (but then, I've been assured that shoes are overrated. Let's just say she's enjoying the last of the summer heat by indulging in barefoot walks on the lawn). I really need to start getting more creative with my modern clothes. Most of them are pretty boring, sorry!

Click for full-size image

Tea Time in Milton

2010-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

I must have been more tired this morning than I thought! The first post I created for Margaret was the same gown as last week! It wasn't until I had already written about it (again) and posted it up that I thought: "this feels familiar..." and sure enough, it was a double post. So, it's been deleted and this is my second try! lol.

Margaret and her family are somewhat situated in Milton now, even if they are not yet accustomed to it. The weatehr is colder, the air is full of soot from factories, and the people are a good deal different. Margaret's father has taken on a few students, teaching from the classics (such as Plato and Aristotle). This evening he has invited his favorite pupil and new friend, Mr. Thornton, to tea.
Margaret dresses in this lovely "light colored muslin... with a good deal of pink in it". She looks stunning by the gaslight as she serves tea and tries to be interested as her father and Mr. Thornton discuss philosophy long into the evening.

Click for full-size image

Wool Tunic

2010-09-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Tamarita looking surprisingly like a lady in a simple every-day wool tunic and shift. It's deep into winter so she wears thick leggings, heavy undergarments, and a long sleeved shift finished off with the wool tunic laced up the front. Her shoes are heavy clogs with a thick sole to keep melted snow out.

Click for full-size image
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I've been thinking for a while of updating the Tamarita doll. I would keep the same pose (so I don't have to redraw all the dresses), but her face and hair keeps bothering me for some reason... This project will probably go on the back burner, but sometime in the next six months she may get a complete make-over!

2010-09-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is Amelia sporting a simple wrap dress with rose and sash. Again, there are no shoes!

Click for full-size image
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I've finished compiling a full PDF of Mandie. You can find that on the new "Print the Dolls" link above, or click: Mandie Shaw.

I Put Your Picture Away

2010-09-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

Here is Winifred with another song-inspired dress. Have any of you heard the depressing "I Put Your Picture Away" sung by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow? Even though the lyrics are so sad I can never switch the station when it comes on. Something about the song makes me like it (my husband says I like depressing things, and maybe that's true). So this is a dress sketched while listening to that lovely, depressing melody.

The dress is a strapless silk mermaid-style skirt. The bodice falls sleekly to an off-center point at mid-thigh, below which the skirt flares into pleats. A loosely draped knit bolero completes the outfit.

Click for full-size image

Margaret comes to Milton

2010-09-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Margaret and her family have travelled from lovely Helston, in southern England to the cold and industrial northern town of Milton. She goes with her father to help secure an apartment that will do for their small family and one servant. Even if they are in reduced circumstances the Hales are very concerned about their class. Milton is a place where classes have almost been done away with. Instead of upper, middle or lowers class you are Master or Hand. Hard work gets you ahead, laziness could buy you death. It is a hard world for Margaret to enter, but she tries her best.

Here she is dressed in an old silk visiting gown with buttons down the bodice, a straw bonnet, and a large india shawl.
Click for full-size image

Introducing...

2010-09-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

These two are the newest addition to Modern Mondays!

Say hello to Silvia (on the left) and Leslie (right). Both are seniors in High School. They have been friends for practically forever (okay, they met in 7th grade). Silvia is hoping to go into graphics design while Leslie is applying to every art school she can find. Keep watching for these two to show up on Mondays!

(I have shoes sketched for them... I promise! They will soon be shod!)

Tea Time

2010-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple day dress for Cora. She has plenty of gorgeous ballgowns, but for everyday uses she needs a basic gown that, while asthetically pleasing, will be practical. It has a loose fitting bodice, high neck, 3/4 length sleeves. A wide laced belt pulls the waistline in according to fashion. The hem is elegantly trimmed with a large swath of lace.

Click for full-size image

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Just for fun, here is an excerpt of Cora's story:

Several days later Cora returned to her room after the noon meal. A letter addressed to her was set upon her pillow.
“Gillian?” She called, “Has a messenger been by?”
“I don’t think so.” Replied the maid from the adjoining room. “I haven’t heard his knock, at least.” She entered the bedroom, “I think I’ll lay down for a bit if you don’t need me, Cora.”
“That’s fine.” Cora said absentmindedly, she picked up the letter. Her name was written in fine cursive on the front, but there was no indication of the sender. The wax seal was impressed a blank circle. Cora carefully pulled the wax from the paper and unfolded the missive.
My dear Cora, (it read)
I learned of your new appointment with great misgivings. There are things happening in the palace that are beyond the understanding of either of us. I must meet with you so I may speak candidly! I will wait on the eastern ridge; please come as soon as you can.
Your brother, Daenar
Cora re-read the letter. How had he gotten it on her bed? Had he been in the room? Her heart beat quickly at the thought of her brother going to such dangerous extremes.
Cora grabbed a thick cloak from her wardrobe and ran downstairs.
Lord Viharet was in the hallway, shaking rain off his hair. It dripped into muddy puddles on the wood plank flooring. “Going somewhere, Lady Cora?” He inquired.
“Oh, I- that is- I was, but- is it raining?” She fumbled.
“Quite the downpour.” He assured.
Cora walked into the east parlor and stared out the window. Sure enough the rain came from heaven as though the sky had been torn and all the waters above were let loose.
Lord Viharet sneezed behind her. “May I call a maid for tea?”
“Oh! I beg your pardon. I am being inhospitable. Let me take your cloak; tea will be along shortly.” Cora gathered his wet over-clothes and hung them in the hall with her own dry cape.
A few minutes later she re-entered the parlor with a tea tray.
Lord Viharet glanced up in surprise. He rose and took the tray from her. “Allow me, my lady. Is there no servant to do this for you?”
“Gillian is napping, Cook is visiting family, and the maids are busy cleaning elsewhere.” Cora replied with a sunny smile. “But I am used to serving; it is more comfortable for me to serve than to be served. Would you like milk or sugar in your tea?”
“Both. I keep forgetting your prior employment. You have assimilated into a lady of means so well I must remind myself that I have hired you to play the role.” Lord Viharet graciously accepted a teacup and saucer from her.

Cleaning Lady

2010-09-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here's Amelia, we haven't seen her in a while. Today she is busy cleaning. She's dressed in uber comfortable jog pants, cotton Tshirt, and an apron. A feather duster will help get rid of cobwebs.

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I'm trying something new with the PDF files. I'm not going to post individual outfits, but an entire series. So, instead of doing single dresses for Margaret Hale (for example), I will post the entire series in a PDF booklet once the series is completed. That way I can save room on my hardrive, and you don't have to print only one dress per page! If you prefer having separate PDF's instantly available with the post, let me know. I can always switch back to the old way!

"Holy Water" from 2006

2010-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a little treat for all of you. I was going through a bunch of my old drawings and founds this series that is made back in 2006. The doll's name is Winifred and each of her dresses is inspired by a different song. Most of them are country songs (which is mostly what I listen to). They were sketched in pencil so the quality isn't as clean-cut as my more recent works.

This particular dress was sketched while listening to "Holy Water" by Big n Rich. You can watch the music video of it at http://www.cmt.com/videos/big-rich/37570/holy-water.jhtml if you haven't heard the song before. It used to be one of my favorites. Here are some of the lyrics:

"And she says...take me away,
And take me farther
Surround me now,
And hold...hold...hold me like holy water holy water

She wants someone to call her angel,
Someone to put the light back in her eyes,
She's looking through the faces and unfamiliar places
She needs somone to hear her when she cries.

And she says...take me away
And take me farther
Surround me now,
And hold...hold...hold me like holy water."

For the dress:
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For the doll:
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Dinner with Lennox

2010-09-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

It is springtime and the roses are blooming, but a cool breeze still chills the air, reminding you that winter isn't very long gone. Thus, Margaret wears long sleeves as she dresses for dinner with an old friend from London. Her mother has stressed all day over the properness of their country fare; she is worried that Mr. Lennox, a lawyer of high standing, will think their hospitality 'quaint' and not up to London standards. But Lennox cares little for the food (which is very good) or the smallness of the room (which is cozy), but saves his attention and compliments for the young lady he came so far to visit.
Margaret, dressed in this simple silk afternoon gown. A ribbon and cameo adorn her elegant neck, while the neckline modestly comes up to meet the choker. The skirt is full and without adornment. In her hand she carries a small bouquet of roses from the garden.

read the book to find out what happens next!

Just out of curiosity, have any of you read (or even heard of) North and South? Or any of Elizabeth Gaskell's other works?

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Dinner Gown

2010-09-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is Cora wearing a charming long sleeved dinner gown. It is trimmed with satin ribbon, punctuated by little bows. The sleeves and apron have a berry print. The bodice/neckline/sleeve cap are sheer chiffon. A choker made of ribbon and lace finished the ensemble off.

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I went to the Farmer's Market this weekend and bought a bunch of blackberries (I need to find a place to hand-pick them). I love fresh berries! Today I'm trying out a tart-recipe, but I made the wrong dough recipe so now I'm creating my own blackberry tart-of-sorts. Hopefully it tastes good!

New Scanner!!!

2010-09-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have a beautiful new printer/scanner thanks to my wonderful husband! It arrived today and is just lovely. I scanned in seven pages in less time than it used to take me to do one! I am so excited!
In celebration of this new scanner comes this ghastly colored sari for Cleo. I was bored the other day and for some reason decided that coloring would be a good idea. The results are not very pretty. Clearly I need to work on this area of art... but who knows? Maybe with practice I will improve and some day be as talented as Liana!
I used Dr. Ph. Martin's ink for this. The colors are Grass Green and Golden Yellow, your basic green and yellow. I also have a turquoise which I'll have to experiment with soon...
Hmmm... I'll have to make a colored version of Cleo so she doesn't look quite so white! lol

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Monday Morning Scramble

2010-09-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

This morning is a lazy post :) The jeans are from last week, but today Tansy is wearing a sweater. Summer's heat has given way to chilly Fall and it's time to cozy up in those nice, warm, soft, wonderful sweaters.

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2010-09-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Here is Margaret in an elegant silk gown that has been died black in respect of a distant relation's death.

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Exciting news!
Today my husband and I are going house-hunting. It will be our first house, and I'm so excited! We've found several possible homes online (it's so fun to look through the photos and choose which one will suit your needs best), and today we get to tour them.
And, a second news bulletin, my husband just purchased a new scanner/printer! I'm almost as excited about this as I am about the house! The old scanner was big and bulky, took forever, and couldn't be connected to a new computer. I'd have to hook up the old desktop, switch monitors, untangle cords, find a mouse, and the process was so long. But soon I will have a fancy new one! Hopefully my scanning rates will increase. My current process is to draw and ink a large stack of dresses, then scan them in all at once while watching a movie. Which means all the dresses you see are several weeks to months old. Perhaps with the new scanner I'll be motivated to get dresses up as soon as I have them finished.

Another Ballgown for Cora

2010-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here is Cora wearing a charming formal gown. Stripes and bows seem to be the theme for this dress.

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Blouse and Jeans

2010-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple and comfortable outfit for Tansy. A basic button-up, shortsleeved blouse, and a classic pair of jeans.

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Sorry!

2010-09-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry there wasn't an update on Monday/Wednesday! I'll try to make up for it somehow...

Here's Margaret Hale again. Today she is wearing an afternoon dress for tea with an old friend who has come visiting. If you're curious who is coming to visit, read chapter three of North and South.
The book she is reading is The Divine Comedy, by Dante Aligheri.

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Margaret Hale

2010-08-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

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Home from Russia!

2010-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Bold geometrical patterns make this strapless gown stand out!

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1912 Ballgown

2010-08-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

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1909 Travel Dress

2010-08-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

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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