Costume Fun in Miniature, Mignonette Style

 

October 31, 2024

                                                    

About two years ago a couple of mu internet dolly friends and I decided we would like to copy (sort 0f) a mignonette box we had seen at Carmel Doll Museum.  Since there were three of us, we thought each of us could use the Mignonette Book as our inspiration.  We each had the book and could make selections from it. 

Mignonette: Her History, Wardrobe & Miniature World, 1878-1917

By Mathilde and Samy Odin Heritier

https://www.amazon.com/Mignonnette-History-Wardrobe-Miniature-1878-1917/dp/2913684068

 

Every third month we picked an outfit to make.  Once picked we would each do that pattern to fit our mignonettes, all about 5.5 inches, with our own fabrics and interpretations.  I had every intention of using up some small pieces of fabric. 

About August, I began to think about my October decision and decided I would use the picture from “When Dreams Come True” as I had seen on Pinterest and saved to my Board. 

The original Doll is 14.5 inches tall.  A Bebe from Delcroix from the description.  https://www.trocadero.com/stores/whendreamscometrue/items/1339844

                                                            

I knew I would have to redesign as close as possible for my 5.5” mignonette. Mine is a Jumeau reproduction made for me by Sophie Pearson.

Using the picture noted above, I began working out the scale and changes or items needed to recreate this costume.  A very sweet party outfit described on a male doll.  However, my doll was a little girl.  I didn’t care.  My doll, my choice.  

I started with the skirt, which was the easiest thing to do.   All there is to do is a length of gathered fabric into a waistband and a closure.  The edging was serendipity and the black pom poms can be found at hobby stores. 

                                                        

The jacket took a bit more fitting and ingenuity.  Sometimes components are hard to get, make, or imagine how to complete.  I was lucky enough to have a small stash of ¼” velvet ribbon.  Sometimes you just make it work.  But I feel I was as close as I was going to get to the real thing. 

                                                            

Soon, I created and sent off the directions to my friends.  We have collected quite a wardrobe for out little ladies.  If you are a member of the Mignonettes group on IO, the directions are in the files there if you want to give this a go. Finished side and back photos.  

                    

                

In the meantime,

Have Fun, Kathi

 

 

 

 

Organizing in a Thoughtful Way

While I am waiting for the upstairs painter to arrive, I have been a little busy cleaning out the rooms, boxing, (rather reboxing), and moving things to a storage closet.  This makes me sore.  My mind doesn’t sore or tire quite so easily and I have been putting my mind to efforts of how to store and organize when I move back in.  I am too excited about a designated sewing and display room. 

While something is not on display how do I save it and make it look right?  And trust me, I can really overthink things.  And if you ever want to rationalize something you want to do, but have misgivings, give me a shout.  I am good at that, too. 

To that end, I have been playing with the Barbie Costume idea.  I have seen it many places as have you, package a set of clothes so you MUST have it.  I want things for the box these days as well.  I love boxes.  But I digress. 

To that end, I bought some boxes from a packaging company. I think I bought something like a 5’ x 6” and a 6” x 8”  Not really sure.  My excuse is they are packed up again and I cannot measure to be sure.  But your things might be different sizes and there is a lot from which to choose.    

https://www.papermart.com/p/clear-lid-view-top-boxes/11323

My plotting started with which doll fit the box, and which clothes went with her.  That settled the box sizes to buy.  I did not buy every size for every doll, as the 12” dolls will not fit into a box, but most of their clothes will.  That for another blog post.  (I am also a bit conservative with money. So mind your budget!) 

Here is a 6” Cathy Hansen Bru in a small box with her wardrobe.  Small wardrobe for now.  I have plans.  But then I questioned my decision, a doll with clothes or doll clothes with no doll. 

Let’s complicate this further as you see I drift as my mind works.  Don’t be appalled.  If I do the doll in this size box, I will only be able to fit the two dresses, the matching hats, and perhaps some other dolly, shoe, or purse accessories. What happens if I make more?  And how do I make it pretty if I want to compartmentalize?  Pretty scrapbook paper?  I cannot get the same paper as the bottom lining, so would I redo the bottom lining and do fancy folding to get compartments.  Can I make this any harder? 

I wanted to share is virtually the same, a sweet little Jumeau created by Sophie Pearson.  Doll with box, clothes only?  All the same little problems. 

All the time I am fiddling I am thinking about provenance.  Do I do a little card inside that says when it was made, who made it, and who designed it?  And notes about the inspiration?

I have more questions than answers and tons of inspiration.  Until I figure it out it is a nice place to store the items so they are not lost.  Bonus, they pack easily. Now you can be thinking about these things, too.  It would surely take a load off my mind. 

Have Fun!  Kathi

Time Flies!

    I moved two years ago, well a little more than that, and I am still amazed at the time it has taken me to downsize.  I am still working at it!  And I thought it would take me just 6 WEEKS!!  I soldier on.  I am in my umpteenth iteration of furniture and where it should go, and selling things an replacing things, but we finally believe we have a plan.  We thought so before but that is my story and I am sticking to it.  Both of us have lost our parents.  My mother-in-law passed away in April.  We keep adjusting to our new normal, as does everyone.  But we also count our blessings and hope that all of you are able to keep your dolling as a part of joy and that it gets you through your tough spots.  

    It has been since January posting on this blog.  And believe it or not, I have done a few things, with a list of a LOT more.  I want to do better posting on the blog.  (Science and technology have gotten in the way and this is a new try in a new technology for me to upload, so we'll see how it works.  If you are reading this, it does, and now I need to perfect it.)  All this chasing technology and learning, probably good for my mind, but not my wallet.  I would rather be buying fabric.  

    The last Convention I went to for United Federation of Doll Clubs was in Washington D.C.  While looking at the display, I and many others, went gaga over the Chiffonette doll and her wardrobe.  I attended the luncheon of Sylvia McNeil, and received the book of her doll, it is thought it be a Huret, and have longed to make those child dresses of the 1860's.  They are quite simple in look if not in execution.  And one can get many looks from one pattern, by changing trims and changing fabrics.  Susan Sirkis, long my doll dressing idol, did a pattern CD of the Lilas, and I used her patterns with some adjustments to use for my dolls.  So, with so much inspiration form the Chiffonette display and Susan's patterns I went to work on my little 6" Rohmer reproduction.  The porcelain for my doll was created for me by my friend  Kate, and her body was from Create a Doll.  A beautiful tiny leather body.  She is 6" tall. I haven't named her.  

    I decided to gather her and her wardrobe together in a shadow box from Michael's.  I hope you will enjoy her, and this little interlude will give me a little more time to do more posts to share with you.  Many projects planned for the summer.  

    To all the Mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day and I hope all you do is appreciated.  

Kathi