Lovely Letters and Heartfelt Correspondence

December 31, 2011January 1, 2012 paulawaltonLeave a comment

In these final few hours of 2011 I would like to take a moment to thank you all for making this a wonderful year. I am extremely fortunate to be able to spend my days recreating dolls, clothing, and other treasured flights of fancy from the past. I sincerely appreciate all of you who have provided such unstinting encouragement and kind words. Your notes and phone calls have meant more to me than I can say…

I’d like to share a few excerpts from the correspondence that I have received this year which has touched my heart.

From C. “I am so thrilled to have found your website and to be able to realize a dream I have had for many years! I really appreciate all the time and care you take in just making sure someone feels comfortable in the ordering and purchasing process! Thank you so much!!” C. – I have loved discussing fabrics and dress styles with you… we are kindred spirits. Working on your doll will be a joy!

“Hi! Paula! The class workbook arrived about two weeks ago and to say that I was impressed and excited would be to put it mildly… I just can’t believe that I found you and am going to be making my very own Izannah doll. ” D. D. – your enthusiasm, energy and goodwill shine in every note you’ve sent.

“Hello, And thank you sooo much! she is beautiful!!! O my!!! I’m going to go “play dollz” she is the best! and so are you! I need to name her,…hummm….I’ll let ya know, B.” B. – I simply loved planning this doll with you, playing with all the fabric you sent and getting a chance to chat on the phone. I hope you’ve managed to avoid any more root canals!!

“I really appreciate your blog, it’s very elegant and well done, so thank you as one fellow collector to another. B.B.” B.B. You are a delightful and fascinating correspondent! Thank you.

S. even managed to make me blush with 73 characters of eBay feedback… “Stunning doll! Fast delivery! Amazing quality doll from talented artist!”S. – I’m so happy you have this doll and I hope that you enjoy your Christmas present! Your husband couldn’t have been nicer when he called to order your class. I’m very pleased to have you as a new student. Making your own Izannah will be a great adventure.

From P. “Oh Paula, I love your Izannah on Ebay right now. She is fantastic. Everything little thing about her I am in love with. Do you have some of the fabric from her dresses left over? I’d love to buy one just like her after Christmas. She is worth every penny of her buy it now. Everyone should go check her out.” P. – Your warmth and encouragement are something I appreciate so much. Writing back and forth and having you in my class is wonderful. I would be thrilled to make a doll just for you.

Thank you Paula for being so generous… I feel that I have gotten the most for my money in being able to make as close to a real IW as is probably possible with your class… If anybody will take my advice, I will steer them your way because I believe they will be better off with you. Thanks M. M- you have been a delight to teach! Your thirst for knowledge and dedication to perfecting your dolls is awe-inspiring. I’m very proud to have been able to point you in the right direction.

“I can only say that even though I have been sculpting and making dolls, I didn’t have the information about Izannah Walker doll design that your class has offered, as well as your other sewing information, and ongoing online assistance with the challenging areas of sculpting and mold making too. It’s a lesson as well as the real up close information, like patterns, body design and history. Those of us who never saw a real Izannah doll can get a closer look from this class. Much enjoyed! Thank you Paula.” From M. M. – I so appreciate your support and evident enjoyment of my class. You are an amazing doll artist and your work is outstanding. I love “talking” with you. Are you making any headway in tuning in on your grandmother’s hand made buttonhole skills?

To L. (known as M. to her friends), your phone calls are pure delight. I’m so happy to have been able to provide you with one of the dolls that you have always wanted. For a woman in her 9th decade you are one of the youngest people at heart that I know! It makes me happy to know that one of my dolls is sitting in the antique chair that you’ve had waiting for her for all these years.

There are so many more people that I haven’t mentioned, who have also sent lovely notes my way. Thank you, I treasure them all. You have helped to make my life richer and allowed me to live out my dreams.

May the upcoming New Year be the time when all of your dreams come true!

Paula

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Waved Braid or The Amazing Things You Can Do With Rick Rack

December 28, 2011December 28, 2011 paulawalton2 Comments

I’ve always been rather fond of rick rack. It reminds me of my childhood. The dress I wore to my first day of kindergarten was trimmed with white rick rack and I remember seeing it on countless aprons and kitchen curtains during my youth.

In truth, rick rack or waved braid, as it was first known, has been in existence far longer than I have. 🙂 I haven’t been able to track down an exact date yet, but it was certainly available when this papier-mache milliner’s model was made in the 1830’s.

The waved braid on the dress above is an exact color match to the dress fabric. Both the braid and fabric are cotton and I am speculating that they were dyed to match. The dress is original to the doll. Three rows of waved braid circle the skirt and the bodice is adorned with a lavish combination of braid and knotting.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Waved braid and knotting trim the bodice of this 1830's doll's dress. (click on image to enlarge) Collection of the author.

By 1882, when the following paragraph from The Dictionary of Needlework was published, waved braid was certainly common place and was being used to trim children’s clothing. It’s not a far leap from children’s garments to doll clothes, which explains why waved braid is often seen on doll clothing from this era.

“There are also waved cotton braids, used for trimming children’s dresses, which are sold by the gross, cut into lengths. The numbers are 11, 17, 21, 29, and 33. There are also waved worsted braids for children’s use, which are sold in knots of 4 or 5 yards each, and sold by the gross pieces. The numbers are 13, 17, and 21.”

In the 1880’s it was also popular to do crochet work using waved braid. Some fantastic laces can be created in this manner. I don’t crochet, but if you do and would like to read more about how to make this type of lace, follow this link.

No matter what name you call it by, waved braid, snake braid, corrugated braid, rick rack ( alternately ricrac, ric-rack or ric rac) is a very authentic choice for trimming historically accurate, mid-1800’s reproduction doll clothing.

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How-To Instructions and Photos for Making Another Classic Izannah Walker Dress are Now Posted on My Izannah Walker Class Site

December 19, 2011December 19, 2011 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Merry Christmas to all of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Making students! As my present to the class this year I have posted instructions for making a classic mid-nineteenth century Izannah Walker dress on the class member site. The instructions include a bit of dressmaking history and how-to photos. I hope you enjoy using the instructions to make a new Christmas dress for your Izzy. After all, a girl needs more than one style of dress in her wardrobe!

If you are one of my students who has not already signed up for the class member only site, I strongly urge you to do so. Here is a sample of the bonus class information you are missing out on if you are not using the class site:

– A Tutorial on How to Reduce & Enlarge Patterns

– Making Molds: Instructions on How to Make Three Additional Types of Molds (different than the molds in the class instructions book)

– Straw and Silk Bonnet Tutorial

– Directions for Making a Classic Izannah Walker mid-1800’s Child’s Dress

– Discussions and additional Directions for “Adding the Grace of Age”, Painting Tips, Clay, Sculpting, Tools, Special Accessories, and more…

and best of all it’s entirely free for all class members.

Email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com if you are a student who needs another invitation to the class site (everyone is automatically invited when they purchase the class). Be sure to include the approximate date that you took/purchased the class so that it will be easier for me to look you up in my records. Also for those who have already signed-up for the Ning site but can’t remember how to get there, I am happy to send you a reminder

If you haven’t taken my class yet, but have been longing to do so, this would be a wonderful time to start. Make it your 2012 New Year’s resolution to learn how to create an Izannah Walker doll using the same techniques that Izannah did. I do have a handful of classes ready that I can mail out immediately, so it is still possible to get a class before Christmas if you order today or tomorrow (forUS shipping address only).

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My Current Stock of Antique Fabrics

December 10, 2011December 11, 2011 paulawaltonLeave a comment

I love fabric! Especially if it is old. I thought some of you kindred spirits and doll makers might enjoy taking a look at my collection of Izannah era fabrics. They span the 1830’s – 1890’s, which covers virtually all of Izannah Walker’s doll making career, from her earliest doll, rumored to have been made in 1828; through the start of her doll making business in 1845, as reported by her grand-niece Norma H. Robertson, on to her United States patent in 1878 and her death in 1886.

If you order a custom-made doll or doll clothing you may choose from any of these textiles. In most cases, I only have enough of each to make a single dress, although there are a few exceptions. Some pieces are just large enough to use as trim or for accessories.

I spent the entire summer scouting for antique fabric and lace, so I currently also have a good supply of exquisite whites for dresses and undergarments.

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Fresh Out of the Molds!

October 28, 2011October 28, 2011 paulawalton2 Comments

I just finished taking these two heads out of the molds and thought I’d post a quick photo before I start sewing the fronts and backs together. Removing the pressed cloth heads from the molds is one of my very favorite things! I am always constantly amazed that it is possible to actually make fabric do this!!! It is just like a small miracle every time. I rank it right up there with seed germination :), another of my own personal favorite small miracles.

One of these heads is already spoken for, and will soon be fashioned into a custom doll for Denise B. The other is available at this time. If you think that you would like to reserve it for a custom made doll of your own, you may call me at 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com. I can tell right now that both of these heads are going to turn into really wonderful dolls!

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October 5th Studio Update – SOLD Thank you very much for looking :)

October 5, 2011October 7, 2011 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Blue dress left 400_7947 — This doll presents a beautiful time worn appearance with characteristic Izannah cracked paint and soft antique fabrics and lace.

Thank you for taking the time to drop by and look at my dolls. At the current time all of the dolls that I have completed are sold. You are always welcome to place a special order or email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com and ask me to put you on my “New Doll Alert List” 🙂 so that I know to email you when I post photos of new dolls. (The “New Doll” list is different from my regular mailing list).

This doll has a very sweet rounded face with the look and coloring of a young child. She is available for sale with two dresses, one made from washed and faded, soft indigo and the other from a graphic black and white half mourning print.

Indigo dress 400_7949 — Her antique indigo print dress has two growth tucks in the skirt and is short enough to show her lace trimmed pantalettes and red painted boots.

Blue right 400_7944 — She has two ringlets in front of each ear and short wispy hair that goes to the nape of her neck in back.

Red boots 600_7933 — See the scallop tops of her red boots peeping out from under the lace trim on her pantalettes.

Full blue 400_7952 — Hand gathered lace trims her linen chemise and pantalettes.

Back hat full 400_7954 — All dressed for Halloween with her witch's hat and cobweb lace shawl.

Black hat half 400_7961 — Contrasting antique black pindot fabric bands encircle the neckline, waist and sleeves of her dress.

Black hat close 400 7963 — Trick or treat!

To read more about this doll please visit my website A Sweet Remembrance. If you would like additional photos or have any questions call 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com .

Doll Clothing · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Reference Materials · Shows · Where to Shop

Inspiration

October 4, 2011October 4, 2011 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Last month, when I went to the Harwinton (CT) Antiques and Design weekend, I happened across this fantastic portrait. At the time I had just spent several days painting scallop topped boots on what felt like an entire army of tiny feet and sewing yards and yards of gathered white ruffles and lace. Finding this painting felt like the hand of fate.

Doll-and-Portrait_7927 — This doll has been sold, but you may special order a similar doll of your very own.

We’ve hung the portrait in our parlor, so that she over looks the wing-back chair and Sheraton sewing table, where I sit in the evenings to do my hand sewing. That way whenever my thread tangles, I have to rip out stitches, or just generally need a bit of encouragement, I can look up for inspiration. This tiny girl is a gentle guide to the look and feel of long past childhood, that I strive to convey in all of my dolls. I am so happy to have found her!

Portrait closeup 400_7840 — She looks as if she could have been a model for one of Izannah Walker's dolls.

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Happy 194th Birthday Izannah!

September 25, 2011September 29, 2011 paulawalton2 Comments

Izannah Walker was born 194 years ago today on September 25, 1817. Happy Birthday Izannah! To commemorate the occasion I’ve created a special Izannah Birthday Doll with an outstanding eleven-piece wardrobe. I’m also having a birthday sale, from today 9/25/11 through next Sunday 10/2/11, all reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, Izannah Walker Doll Making Classes, Izannah Walker Doll Clothes Patterns and Spun Cotton Ornament Classes are 10% off. This sale includes custom order dolls and as always you are welcome to place items on lay-away. If you have any questions, want to place an order, or would just like to chat about Izannah and her dolls and mine, I can be reached at 860-355-5709 or paula@asweetremembrance.com.

Izannah Birthday Doll

Doll clothes 600_7865 — SOLD - Birthday doll and her wardrobe.

Even though I was rushing to beat the rain and falling darkness, I had the best time yesterday taking photos of this doll. It was great fun to “play dress up” with her. Her extensive wardrobe includes three dresses, two chemises, two pairs of pantalettes, two petticoats, an apron and a real coral bead necklace. If you’d like to add more pieces to her wardrobe I can make her hand made leather shoes, a cotton sunbonnet and a straw bonnet.

White closeup 400_7854 — SOLD - This dress has wonderful sleeves, notice the rows of gathers at the top of the sleeve by the shoulder line.

Brown dress 400_7869 — SOLD - This view shows the yards of 1/8th inch velvet ribbon encircling the sleeves, skirt and waistband.

SOLD - The fabric for this dress is a very old 24 inch wide pumpkin orange on white print with small brown leaves and red berry dots.

Doll w apron 400_7873 — SOLD - Here she is wearing her brown and red dress, which is made from another fantastic early fabric.

White doll close 400_7876 — SOLD - She comes with a real coral necklace, which matches the Turkey red embroidery on her linen apron.

Feet 400_7874 — SOLD - This view shows her tiny stitched toes peeping out from beneath her pantalettes. The pantalettes have Turkey red embroidery to match her apron and crocheted lace in a triangle pattern that echos the zig-zag stripes in her dress fabric. Look at the coordinating fabric lining the "false hem" of her dress.

White closeup 400_7899 — SOLD - She's all dressed for a party in this sheer cotton dress embellished with row upon row of lace insertion.

White Closeup 400_7880 — SOLD - Two long ringlets curl in front of each of her ears. Thank you for looking!

To read more about, or purchase this doll please visit my website A Sweet Remembrance. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or provide additional photos, just ask 🙂 860-355-5709 paula@asweetremembrance.com.

Make a Wish

This year the girls and I baked a pound cake for Izannah’s birthday using a c.1754 receipt that I found in The Williamsburg Art of Cookery. This receipt is old enough to have been a well loved family favorite by the time Izannah was born. Here’s the recipe so that you can bake one too.

Pound Cake

Beat one Cup of Butter to a Cream, slowly beat in one and one third Cups of Sugar. Add one Teaspoonful of Mace and beat in five whole Eggs, adding them one at a time. Sift in two Cups of Flour, turn at once into a greased and floured Pan or Mould and bake slowly for one Hour.*

*I baked my cakes in a 300 degree oven, 30 minutes for the doll size cakes and two hours for the larger version.

Click here to see the recipe for last years Birth-day Pudding.

Thank you for stopping by to party with me and don’t forget to light a candle and make a wish for Izannah!

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A New Birthday Dress

September 25, 2011September 26, 2011 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Carmel, California was one of the stops on our west coast vacation. Naturally I couldn’t go to Carmel without a shopping trip at the Carmel Doll Shop. I had a wonderful time browsing through the shop.

Michael and David were fantastic, even though they were away at a doll show, they arranged for one of their employees to come let me into the store. Thank you Samantha, you made my shopping a treat.

My find of the day was a great button front brown print day dress/morning coat that is just the right size for my 18 inch Izannahs. Every girl deserves a change of clothes :). Take a peek at my first antique Izannah modeling her “new” birthday dress.

Ironically the show Michael and David were doing was in Bellevue, Washington. We had been in Bellevue the day before and knew about the Doll Show, but I decided not to try to squeeze it in before we flew out to San Francisco. If I had known they were there I would have managed a brief stop on the way to the airport 🙂

We rounded out our day in Carmel by having tea at the Tuck Box teashop and buying licorice at the Cottage of Sweets (they have more than 50 varieties).