Darling Daphne in Drapery

 

I was so happy to recently score this Tonner Fashion Icon Daphne because I think this head sculpt is the most beautiful one Robert Tonner has ever done.  That, and she was meant to wear vintage fashion.  I was looking for something to do the other day, and while looking through the many patterns that I've drafted but haven't sewed up yet I decided to give this one a try.  I used a lightweight rayon print because of its drapability.  The lining is not ruched so the challenge was to fit the draped front over the fitted lining and get everything to match up.  It worked out with some adjustments.  The dress on its own is pretty but it definitely needed some accessories.  I didn't really know where I was going with the hat.  It didn't look like much.  But a couple of tucks and a tulle bow later, it turned out pretty cute.  

Silk Organza Party Dress for Gene

 

I had some fun with Gene Marshall a couple of weeks ago.  This dress wasn't commissioned.  It was just something I wanted to try so it is available if anyone is interested.  It is inspired by a vintage design but I changed the skirt to a full one to showcase the organza.  The dress is created from a grape colored silk taffeta overlaid with lilac silk organza.  The full sleeves are a beautiful lace over organza.  SOLD

Vintage Dress and Bolero for Gene

 

This is another commission outfit for Gene Marshall done from a picture of a vintage sewing pattern from the 50's.  The client chose this vintage cotton voile from Frenchfashions.net.  I'll admit to having some initial misgivings about the scale of this fabric but in the end it worked out well.  Instead of doing the original jacket which covered up the bodice of the dress, a bolero was chosen instead.  The dress and jacket are both completely lined in green silk habotai.  

Tonner Lacie Churchill in Vintage

 

This is Tonner's new doll, Lacie Churchill.  She has a little bit different body than his other 16" dolls. From the waist down she's Grace or RTB-101 but her waist is between Grace and the original Tyler body.  The bust measurement is about the same.  She came in a beautiful lace skirt and bustier but my dolls don't want to dress like everyone else.  Since I love the 50's fashion, and she gives me Rita Hayworth vibes, I wanted to put her in vintage.  Although not as sexy as Rita Hayworth usually dressed, these are a couple of patterns based on vintage designs that I did a while ago and hadn't sewed up yet.  I put a full skirt on the dress because the coat is full and can handle it.  I only had to make minor adjustments to the waist to fit this doll.  In fact, there is enough give in the waist that it should also fit Grace.  

The coat is made of a drapey rayon and lined with the same cotton lawn as the dress.  The collar and belt are dark blue raw silk.  Scroll to the end for the inspiration pic.  

Vintage Tiger Lily Dress for Gene

 

This was a commission to recreate a dress from 1950 for the Gene Marshall doll.  Scroll to the end for the inspiration photo.   The client wanted a fabric with an Asian feel and chose this tiger lily print cotton lawn by Selma Cardoso on Spoonflower.  The dress has a draped overskirt, cuffed sleeves, and a mandarin collar with a front snap closure.  The red belt is faux leather.