Sunday, October 25, 2009


Hello! This is the project Azalea and I were working on last week, a wedding dress for her doll, Sookie. She's begged for one for probably a year, asking nearly every time she looked at the doll. I let her choose the fabrics from my horde and was pleased she picked pieces leftover from my wedding dress (we will have been married five years on the 30th!). I used bits I had lying around, vintage glass pearls from Japan, rhinestone buttons clipped from an old purse and lace I picked up at an auction ten years ago. I think it came out pretty good, even though my sewing skills are limited and I didn't use a pattern. My mom would smile at my attempt and wonder why I didn't listen (she used to be a seamstress). She tends to be a perfectionist.

Here's a closer look, to see the little sapphire necklace Andrew made. I also repainted the doll to look like Azalea. At first, she was mortified to see I had stripped the dolls face of all paint, then gradually, she began to show signs of approval. Oddly, she is very much like my mom - difficult to please. I took my time, but honestly, I am terrible at likenesses! Greg draws them easily, without much effort, but it seems like my eyes are skewed and it takes a lot of looking before I come close. Its something I've been working on. Onto the next project! I'm on a role now, sleepy or not and am determined to be as productive as possible!

9 comments:

mairedodd said...

you are way too hard on yourself! this is a gorgeous likeness and the dress is wonderful! as she gets older i am guessing she and sookie will look more and more alike! wondeful necklace too - sigh, i remember doing this for emily! (not as well as you, but...) enjoy -

Unknown said...

Awww I was thinking as soon as I saw the 1st pic that doll looks like Azalea! What do you use to remove the paint? Years ago in NY I painted Manniquins for a living...how I loved that job! We used oil paints on some and acrylics on others. The doll really looks like her lol...leave it to you <3

Alison Hodges said...

really, really beautiful!

Alice said...

How sweet! I'm amazed that you were able to create this little work of art without a pattern or much in the way of sewing skills!!!

Andrew Thornton said...

Sookie looks good. I'll see her in person shortly. If I can find it, I'll bring the new necklace I made. But... I'm not counting on it. The move has completely shifted my life to another state and I'm not in it yet... literally and figuratively.

And not to worry... mama can make some new dresses for your other dolls.

P.S. Don't let me forget to change the image of your book in the sidebar. It's the "middle" cover and not the current one.

nina said...

i am so impressed!!!!! very very very. what a gorgeous little gal azalea is as well....getting ready to be a big sister....love to you all - xoxoxo

Melissa J. Lee said...

Oh, so beautiful! My five-year-old self (I have to dig down pretty deep to get to her these days) would have envied Azalea.

Sharon said...

I knew the doll resembled Azalea as soon as I laid eyes on her! I am glad you are feeling better and creating, and what a beautiful creation it is! Happy Anniversary to you and Greg!

M said...

Yes, what they said!
The doll is lovely, and looks just like Azalea (what a great name - and one of my favorite plants!).
Congrats, too, on the anniversary, and even more, on the adorable baby!
Thanks for sharing.
M