The class is now 13 years old I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. When the class first came out my class member help site was on Ning… for all of you who were early members I’m sure you remember how crazy and chaotic that eventually became when Ning kept repeatedly announcing, and then retracting, that they were shutting down all of their small users. If you used the Ning site you will also probably remember how chock full of information it was, most of which was sparked by class member’s interests and requests.
In recent years the class member support has moved to a private facebook page, as new members have purchased the class. I know that most of you long time members don’t really need much in the way of help these days… You’ve mastered the class and no longer need to ask questions, but just in case you have missed chatting with other dollmakers who are working on reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, or if a stray question or two has popped into your head, you may still ask to join my Izannah class help group! Once a student, always a student. It’s super simple, just message me through my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ASweetRemembrance to let me know you’d like an invitation to the group, be sure to INCLUDE THE DATE YOU PURCHASED YOUR CLASS, and that’s all you have to do.
Activity on the class member support page ebbs and flows. Sometimes it is very quiet and then suddenly it will pick back up again. At the moment there are a few new students who are eagerly waiting for their class materials to arrive.
I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. When the class first came out my class member only help site was on Ning… for all of you who were early members I’m sure you remember how crazy and chaotic that eventually became when Ning kept repeatedly announcing and then retracting that they were shutting all of their small users. If you used the Ning site you will also probably remember how chock full of information it was, most of which was sparked by class member’s interests and requests.
In recent years the class member support has moved to a private facebook page. I know that most of you don’t really need much in the way of help these days… You’ve mastered the class and no longer need to ask questions, but just in case you have missed chatting with other dollmakers who are working on reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, or if a stray question or two has popped into your head, you may still request to join my Izannah class help group! Once a student, always a student. It’s super simple, just email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com , message me through my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ASweetRemembrance to let me know you’d like an invitation to the group, be sure to INCLUDE THE DATE YOU PURCHASED YOUR CLASS, and that’s all you have to do.
Activity on the class member support page ebbs and flows. Sometimes it is very quiet and then suddenly it will pick back up again. At the moment there is an ongoing discussion about drafting dress patterns. To go along with this I have just added a resource album that shows sewing and construction details of some of the garments in my mid 19th century collection of children’s and doll’s clothing.
Happy dollmaking everyone! And speaking of that I need to get right back to mine! I have three sweet little cloth girls starring at me saying “I’m freezing!” “When is my dress going to be finished?”and “Can’t you sew any faster?”
Attention Izannah Walker Class By Mail students and Alabama Baby Class Members, Ning just let me know that they are definitely shutting down my Spun Cotton class site on 10/1/16. I have not received notices for my Izannah class or Alabama Baby class yet, but I am sure I will. There isn’t going to be any reprieve this time around. If there is information on the class site you want to save, you should do it now! Also if you are interested in joining a private facebook group for class members only please go to the appropriate Ning class site and click on the discussion about the site closing and post your response. If you are a member of BOTH classes, please post on both sites. The posts on the class sites are how I am keeping track of who votes yes and also who is eligible for inclusion in a private facebook group. Only current class members can access http://www.izannahwalker.ning.com and http://www.alabamababy.ning.com.
I received my advance copy of Prims Winter 2014 issue right before Christmas. Today I finally found a few moments to sit down with a small friend and look over my article, while we shared a cup of tea and a slice of the wonderful nut roll that Mary sent me for Christmas.
You can read all about my portrait face New England rag dolls when this latest issue of Prims goes on sale January 1st. The dolls featured in the article are ones that I made for my Izannah Walker doll making class. They are variations on the class patterns, that allow class members to create additional types of cloth dolls. All told I made five different variations of my patterns for my students. Two of the dolls with painted cloth faces appear in the magazine. The patterns are free for class members and instructions for making the dolls are posted on the class site.
Work in progress. An early photo of one of the dolls shown in my Prims article.
Another view of a doll from my Prims article.
This is my second doll shown in Prims Winter 2014 issue.
Another flat face variation made using my Izannah class patterns.
Two more flat face portrait dolls that I made to inspire my students.
Mary’s sweet yeast dough with a luscious nut filling is an indulgent treat. Mary’s grandmother taught her to bake the heirloom family recipe .
Today marks the 196th anniversary of Izannah Walker’s birth. She was born in Bristol, Rhode Island on the 25th day of September in 1817. You may read more details about Izannah’s life in this post. I wish I could invite you all over to my house for cake and silly party games, but since I can’t, I’m doing the next best thing and having a SALE to celebrate the occasion and to say thank you for being such wonderful customers, students and friends. It is such a great pleasure to know other people who love Izannah’s dolls as much as I do!
From 9/25/13 – 9/29/13 all of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, additional custom made dresses and accessories for your Izzy, Izannah Walker doll clothes patterns and Izannah Walker Doll Making Classes are 10% off. This sale applies only to items ordered from September 25th through September 29th, 2013, the discount is not available on prior orders. As always, all items may be placed on lay-away with terms to fit your budget and shipping is free to any United States address. I generally just have two sales per year, my Izannah Walker Birthday Sale and my Christmas Sale 🙂 So don’t let this one pass you by.
Three Finished Dolls Available
I have three very special dolls available for this years Birthday Sale. One of them is created from a brand new mold that I made from my friend Mary’s Izannah Walker doll, Anna. Thank you Mary!!! Anna is 17 inches tall, so she is a smaller size than my other dolls and has the look of a younger, chubbier child. All three of these dolls have very aged appearances, befitting young ladies that were made early in Izannah’s doll making career. They each come with two elaborate dresses, full of wonderful little details to delight the heart of any dress maker, a chemise, pantalettes, petticoat and necklace.
Isabeau #1 SOLD – Thank you so much for stopping by to look at her! Please contact me if you would like to order a custom made doll similar to this one.
SOLD Isabeau #1 comes with a necklace made from hand strung pale pink bone beads.
SOLD Her dress, made from antique pink and black print fabric is adorned with rows and rows of black velvet ribbon.
SOLD Isabeau #1 wearing her winter white antique wool dress. I made this dress from an antique unfinished, so never worn, wool baby’s petticoat.
A surprise sentiment hides inside the waist band of her dress, which fastens with hand carved bone buttons.
Details showing the antique trims used on the sleeves of Isabeau’s embroidered wool dress.
three ringlets
SOLD Isabeau #1 Wardrobe
Isabeau #2 – SOLD Thank you!
SOLD Isabeau #2 shows off her hand strung real coral beads.
SOLD Isabeau #2 is wearing a dress that I made for her from a mid-1800’s brown “coral” pattern print fabric. The dress has full gathered sleeves, two growth tucks in the skirt and a deep 3 inch hem.
SOLD Isabeau #2 in her black party frock. The dress fabric dates to the late 1800’s. Rows of antique black velvet ribbon encircle the sleeves, waist and hem of the dress.
SOLD Isabeau #2 wardrobe
Anna #2 – NOW SOLD THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LOOKING. Even though this one is sold you may order a custom made Anna style doll, and if you love these dresses I have enough fabric to make another set just like them.
SOLD Anna#2 wears a tiny golden thimble on a chain around her neck.
SOLD Anna #2 is shown here wearing her dress made from a very early c. 1830-1840 cotton gauze paisley print. The green, red, brown and ivory fabric is perfect for late fall and the upcoming Christmas season. The sleeves and skirt of the dress have graduated growth tucks.
SOLD Anna’s black dress is made from another very early cotton print fabric. The neckline of the dress is trimmed with antique ivory cotton ribbon, plus a row of antique silk velvet ribbon. Her chemise is trimmed in tiny waved braid (aka rick rack in modern terms).
SOLD Anna #2 Wardrobe
Isabeau #2 & SOLD Anna #2 show off a little Black Magic for All Hallows Eve. Black dresses are one of my favorites year around because they are a neutral accent in any room and the dark color will draw your eye to the doll and make her painted features “pop” and glow.
Are you wondering where Anna #1 is? In the very near future she is going to be living with Mary, her older sister Anna and all of her Walker cousins in Vermont. Members of my Izannah Walker Doll Making Class may read about my adventures in making Anna #1 in a continuing series of posts on the class member site.
To see photos of the original Miss Anna, follow these links:
I am a much better doll maker than I am a photographer. All of the girls look so much nicer in person. If you would like to see more photos of any of the dolls before placing an order, just ask. To purchase any of these dolls please visit my website ASweetRemembrance.com or alternately you may email paula@asweetremembrance.com or call 860-355-5709.
Time worn, well loved dolls are the ones that kindle the fiercest love in my heart, but I know that some of you dearly love newer, more pristine dolls. Don’t despair, I would be happy to make you the Izannah Walker doll that inhabits your dreams and has captured a place in your heart. Call or email me to place a custom order, 860-355-5709 ( 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or paula@asweetremembrance.com. I do have a bit of a waiting list for custom work, so the sooner you order the better.
Email (paula@asweetremembrance.com) or call me (860-355-5709) about prices and available fabrics for custom made doll clothing and accessories. Simple dresses made from antique fabric start at $200 apiece. More elaborate dresses with a greater number of tucks, fuller skirts, rows of ribbon or lace trim, embroidery or more costly antique fabrics run from $250 -$275 and may go upwards. Handmade leather shoes are $75. Any custom order is 10% off during the sale. Scroll up to see the new style of dress that I made for Anna #2. The fully lined dress has a slim cut bodice and sleeves, with a cartridge pleated skirt and velvet ribbon trim. The cost of an identical dress is $295, if the dress must be fully lined, or $275 for one with a lined bodice.
I don’t have a pattern available yet for smaller size clothing to fit Anna.
To read more about my Izannah Walker Doll Making Class by Mail follow this link to my website, where you may also order the class. The class comes with unlimited support, plus a class member only discussion site that features extra bonus material and patterns, including five different flat faced heads that work with the rest of your Izannah class patterns so that you can create a variety of different cloth dolls as friends for your Izzys! Sophie and Mae, two of my dolls that I made using the flat faced patterns will be featured in the Spring 2014 issue of Prims magazine.
Time For A Party
After trying on all their new clothes and posing for their photo shoot, the girls and I spent some time in the kitchen baking Izannah a birthday cake. We all agreed that it was the perfect treat to celebrate the birthday of our very favorite doll maker!
The recipe for the cake came from The Best of Shaker Cooking by Amy Bess Miller and Persis Fuller. I chose this recipe because it is one that would have been in use during Izannah’s lifetime and is filled with apples, the perfect seasonal fruit for an autumn birthday. I picked apples to use from our oldest apple tree. It is a very firm, late season cooking apple that I have never been able to positively identify. We grow our apples organically, so they are not picture perfect, but I’m sure apples just like these would have been a familiar site to Izannah.
Apple Cake
from Shirley Shaker Village
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1-1/3 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 apples, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup currants or raisins
powdered sugar
ground cinnamon
Cream butter and gradually add 1/2 of the sugar, beating well. Beat egg with remaining sugar, add to first mixture. Sift in flour, salt and baking powder alternately with the m ilk. Flavor with vanilla. Add apples and currants or raisins. Beat well to mix and turn into a well-buttered 9 inch cake tin, square or round.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees) for 30 minutes. Makes 1 cake.
For the past few days I’ve been exchanging notes with Martha Bishop, a dedicated and prolific doll maker who is a member of my Izannah Walker Doll Making Class. We started out talking about one of Martha’s dolls Taloulah, then as is often the case, our conversation moved on to other topics. Martha’s correspondence warmed my heart and has given me a little glow that I’ve been carrying around with me ever since. People like Martha are why I love teaching! With her permission, here are some excerpts from her emails:
... “I wanted to tell you that a lot of people have been trying to figure out how to make doll heads using molds. I’ve told them many times that I came to you to teach me how to do this, and it was one of the most important things I could have done for myself. After taking your class I was able to do what I wanted, without still floundering around with unanswered questions. I have directed them to you and encouraged them to take your classes. I don’t know if anyone takes my advice, but it is what so many people need to do. People are stubborn and waste time and money trying to figure out how to do things themselves without the benefit of a knowledgeable teacher. Just wanted you to know that.
“I saw your article in Prims with your three Izannah dolls. They did a good job, but then the dolls were beautiful. It was very nice. I am looking forward to the Alabama Baby class. I have read it and intend to get started before too long. These dolls appeal to me in a big way too, especially the black ones. I’m sure I will have lots of questions when I start.
… “I think you should put my comment on your sites, wherever you want. I am glad to let people know that there is help for them, and this class you teach is the best and only place I know of to get the training to make an authentic Izannah Walker doll, made the way Izannah made them. I’ve told people that it’s not just about making a molded head, it’s a comprehensive course that includes so much more about making the dolls, that they would need just as much as mold making . Please use this where ever you want to. I am glad to help. It’s all true.
P.S. the cost of the course is nothing compared to all (they) will benefit from it in every way.
Love, Martha”
Thank you Martha, your words are good for my soul!
For the past couple of years, I have declared Izannah Walker’s birthday one of my own personal holidays and celebrated by having a sale on all things Izannah. September 25th marks the 195th anniversary of Izannah’s birth in 1817.
Because of my upcoming Izannah Doll Making Retreat, I am starting the sale a little bit sooner and running it a smidge longer too. That way if you have questions you’d like to ask prior to ordering items, there is plenty of time for me to answer before and after the retreat.
Orders for the finished doll, patterns and the class by mail will be probably be shipped out after October 3rd, when the retreat is over. Right now, I am working on three custom made dolls, so any new custom orders will be added to my calendar after these current commissions. I do ask for a 25% deposit when you place a custom order, or you may set up lay-away payments of varying lengths.
You may place orders through my website A Sweet Remembrance and call or email me to order custom made dolls and doll clothing.
This year’s retreat is now a sure thing, it is definitely going ahead as planned! If you were hesitant to sign up before the classes met their minimum enrollment requirements, wait no longer 🙂 There are only a couple of spaces left!!!
I’m really very happy and excited!!! I can’t wait to welcome all of the retreat participants to my home and studio. I love teaching, so this is going to be a treat for me 🙂 I’m also looking forward to talking with everyone about Izannah, dolls, doll-making and mid-19th century clothing non-stop for six days! What a perfect way to observe the 195th birthday of one of America’s most beloved doll makers.
DATE S & TIMES
Session 1 – Friday September 28, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, Saturday September 29, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, and Sunday September 30, 2012 from 1:00-4:00.
Session 2 – Monday October 1, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, Tuesday October 2, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, and Wednesday October 3, 2012 from 10:00-4:00.
A three-day condensed version of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class starts on Friday morning, September 28th. Students will need to order my doll class and sculpt their doll head, plus gather their materials ahead of time. Once you get to class we will be making two types of molds, forming pressed cloth heads, and constructing the doll’s body. This is a wonderful class for anyone interested in antique cloth dolls, for those who would like to learn to incorporate pressed cloth heads into their own doll designs, and for doll makers who are interested in learning how to make and use molds. Tuition is $300 for 15 hours of classroom time, which includes plaster, plus $250 for the doll class. (Current Class by Mail Students will not need to order the doll class, just pay the tuition.)
For those of you who are interested in learning how to paint and finish your reproduction Izannah Walker doll, I will have an additional three-day class on Monday October 1st – Wednesday October 3rd. In this class you may finish the doll you started in the first part of the retreat or you may paint, construct and dress a reproduction Izannah Walker doll using pre-molded and pre-sewn body parts that I will make for you prior to the class.
I will cover complete painting instructions for using traditional oil paints on your doll and we will also discuss the pros and cons of water-soluble oils. After your doll is painted you will learn how to assemble the doll and the “second skin”.
After completing your doll, the focus of the class will switch to the fine details of making reproduction mid 1800’s doll clothing suitable for Izannah Walker dolls. We’ll start with my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Clothes Pattern for an 18- 1/2 Inch Doll and move on from there to explore some of the intricate and exquisite techniques that make 19th century dress making so beautiful. You’ll have the chance to see and examine numerous garments from my collection of antique doll and children’s clothing. Attendees will need to purchase one of my doll clothing patterns and do some prep work prior to 9/28, so that we can make the most of our class time. Tuition is $375 for 18 hours of instruction, which includes painting supplies, plus $29 for the pattern (the pattern comes with the doll making class instructions, so if you are taking both classes, you do not need to buy the pattern for the second session). If you want me to make all of the parts for your doll prior to class, add $450 to the cost of your tuition.
Doll # 1
Doll # 2
Choose from head style # 1 or # 2.
SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR
It was pointed out to me that at Gail Wilson’s A REAL MOLDED CLOTH IZANNAH (17″) RETREAT attendees were not expected to sculpt their own doll heads and make their own molds 🙂 (Gail provides the heads of an Izannah inspired doll that she has made in metal molds).
The main focus of my classes has always been to teach you how to make dolls as accurately as possible , from start to finish, in the same manner that Izannah Walker made her dolls*. I consider my class to be a Master Level class, and I want the people who take it to acquire some serious doll making techniques and skills. I’m not trying to hand you a kit (there is nothing wrong with kits – I think there are some marvelous kits on the market – they are just not what I’m offering) to assemble, I want you to learn how to do things for yourself and the reasons why certain processes are done the way they are.
However I do realize that there are some people, that desperately want to try their hand at making a reproduction Izannah, who lack the confidence or experience necessary to make the doll without significant assistance. So for everyone who does not feel that they are a Master Level Doll Maker, for those wanting to make a doll made from a mold taken from an actual antique Izannah Walker doll, or for people who want to relax and enjoy the retreat as a bit more of a social occasion, new this year is the option for you to have me make a head and body parts for you prior to class! Selling unpainted, unfinished doll heads, bodies and limbs is not something that I normally do, and certainly not something that I want to do on a regular basis. They are available to retreat attendees only.
*It is not known how Izannah Walker acquired the heads from which the molds for her dolls were made. She may have hired someone else to do the sculpting, used a commercially available dolls of the period, or done her own sculpting.
ADDITIONAL FACTS AND TIDBITS
Classes will be held at my 18th century farm. We will be working out of my studio building and a tent**, so that you can enjoy a bit of autumn splendor, if the weather cooperates.
Students will get a tour of my antique doll collection, which features cloth dolls including Izannah Walker originals, and early papier-mâché milliner’s models (plus more), as well as my c.1790 house.
Classes run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, September 30th. On Sunday class will start at 1:00 p.m., so you will have a chance to go to church, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, or go shopping at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, one of the best flea markets in New England.
On Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday I will whip up something simple for lunch, using fresh produce from my gardens, or you may choose to bring a lunch with you. Tea and coffee will be available all day, because I work best with constant infusions of caffeine :).
You will need to bring supplies along with you, as they are not included in the classes. A supply list will be sent out well in advance of September. The exception to this is that I will provide all the plaster you need during Part 1 and all painting supplies for Part 2. If you are flying in and weight is a consideration, you may make arrangements to have silicone mold putty sent here directly. You may also choose to purchase an optional material kit at an additional charge. It includes enough of nine historically-correct reproduction fabrics, six antique buttons, antique lace, cotton or wool tape and cotton stuffing to make one complete, fully-dressed 18-½ inch doll. Fabrics may vary from those pictured.
I have numerous sewing machines that you can use; you are also welcome to bring your own portable machine.
Due to space limitations, class sizes are going to have to be kept fairly small. Sign up early to avoid being disappointed, especially if you want me to pre-make a head and body parts, as I will only have time to make a few of these.
Tuition is non-refundable. What is the reason for this policy? Once you book space in the class, it will potentially keep other people from being able to sign up and also will affect whether or not the class will meet the minimum number of required students. People need to be able to make their travel plans in advance, so if you register and then cancel it creates huge problems.
** I regret that the classes are not handicap accessible, because of the terrain and antique buildings. Please note that the messy, smelly parts of this class will be held in tents:), weather permitting .
HOW TO REGISTER
Simply place your order on my website; or call me at 860-355-5709 or email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com, to sign-up or to ask questions. Payment is due when you register. You may send a check, money order, or Paypal payment. Lay-away of a limited duration is also an option. Lay-aways must be completed before the start of the retreat.
2012 Izannah Walker Dollmaking Retreat September 28th – October 3rd
Let’s try this again! Last year I offered a similar retreat, which didn’t get off the ground due to a lack of confirmed registrations. I had quite a few people call me who wanted to sign up for the class after the August 15th deadline. So I’m giving it one more try because I think that it would be great fun and a wonderful creative experience! If this is something thing you’ve been wanting to do, don’t put it off. If I don’t get enough people together to hold the retreat this year, then I’m not going to go to the trouble to plan another one.
When scheduling this retreat I asked potential students what dates would be best for them. I received a variety of answers that left me with no clear dates. So instead I consulted my calendar and decided that the best possible date would be Izannah Walker’s 195th birthday. Izannah’s birthday falls on a Tuesday this year, so I stretched a bit to begin classes on Friday September 28th. We’ll make time for some memorable birthday celebrations while you are here.
I’m offering two different three-day classes this year. You may sign up for just one, or both. Also new this year is the option for you to have me make a head and body parts for you prior to class!
An Overview of the Retreat
Part 1: Making Izannah Molds, Pressed Cloth Heads and Bodies
A three-day condensed version of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class starts on Friday morning, September 28th. Students will need to order my doll class and do some homework ahead of time. Once you get to class we will be making two types of molds, forming pressed cloth heads, and constructing the doll’s body. This is a wonderful class for anyone interested in antique cloth dolls and for those who would like to learn to incorporate pressed cloth heads into their own doll designs. Tuition is $300 for 15 hours of classroom time, plus $250 for the doll class.
Part 2: Painting Your Izannah, Constructing the Doll, and Reproduction Dressmaking
For those of you who are interested in learning how to paint and finish your reproduction Izannah Walker doll, I will have an additional three-day class on Monday October 1st – Wednesday October 3rd. In this class you may finish the doll you started in the first part of the retreat oryou may paint, construct and dress a reproduction Izannah Walker doll using pre-molded and pre-sewn body parts that I will make for you prior to the class.
I will cover complete painting instructions for using traditional oil paints on your doll and we will also discuss the pros and cons of water-soluble oils. After your doll is painted you will learn how to assemble the doll and the “second skin”.
After completing your doll, the focus of the class will switch to the fine details of making reproduction mid 1800’s doll clothing suitable for Izannah Walker dolls. We’ll start with my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Clothes Pattern for an 18- 1/2 Inch Doll and move on from there to explore some of the intricate and exquisite techniques that make 19th century dress making so beautiful. You’ll have the chance to see and examine numerous garments from my collection of antique doll and children’s clothing. Attendees will need to purchase one of my doll clothing patterns and do some prep work prior to 9/28, so that we can make the most of our class time. Tuition is $375 for 18 hours of instruction, which includes painting supplies, plus $29 for the pattern (the pattern comes with the doll making class instructions, so if you are taking both classes, you do not need to buy the pattern for the second session). If you want me to make all of the parts for your doll prior to class, add $450 to the cost of your tuition.
You may take just one class or sign up for both. Both classes are intended for fairly experienced doll makers. To get the most out of them you need to already know how to sculpt, paint and sew. I need to have a minimum of 5 students registered (per class) by August 15th in order to hold the retreat.
If you already have one of my Izannah doll clothes patterns, or are currently a class member in my Class by Mail group, then obviously you would just need to pay the classroom tuition (and body parts fee if you want me to make them for you) when you register for the retreat.
General Information About Both Classes
Classes will be held at my 18th century farm. We will be working out of my studio building and a tent*, so that you can enjoy a bit of autumn splendor, if the weather cooperates.
Students will get a tour of my antique doll collection, which features cloth dolls including Izannah Walker originals, and early papier-mache milliner’s models (plus more), as well as my c.1790 house.
Classes run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, September 30th. On Sunday class will start at 1:00 p.m., so you will have a chance to go to church, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, or go shopping at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, one of the best flea markets in New England.
On Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday I will whip up something simple for lunch, using fresh produce from my gardens, or you may choose to bring a lunch with you. Tea and coffee will be available all day, because I work best with constant infusions of caffeine .
You will need to bring supplies along with you, as they are not included in the classes. A supply list will be sent out well in advance of September. The exception to this is that I will provide all the plaster you need during Part 1 and all painting supplies for Part 2. If you are flying in and weight is a consideration, you may make arrangements to have silicone mold putty sent here directly. I have numerous sewing machines that you can use; you are also welcome to bring your own portable machine.
Due to space limitations, class sizes are going to have to be kept fairly small. Sign up early to avoid being disappointed. If I do have to cancel, due to lack of registrations by 8/15, I will refund your tuition. Otherwise tuition is non-refundable. What is the reason for this policy? Once you book space in the class, it will potentially keep other people from being able to sign up and also will effect whether or not the class will meet the minimum number of required students. People need to be able to make their travel plans in advance, so if you register and then cancel it creates huge problems.
If you are purchasing the pattern or the doll class by mail and are sure you will still want them, even if the retreat has to be canceled, I will send them to you as soon as you register. Otherwise, I will mail them to you just as soon as I have five confirmed students.
There are several hotels and inns located in New Milford. The Homestead Inn is the closest to me, and is within walking distance of the town green. Restaurants are plentiful on the green and in the historic downtown area, although it helps if you like Italian food . If you don’t mind a short drive, Kent, CT, just north of New Milford on Route 7, has some nice places to stay. Last year Yankee magazine named Kent as one of it’s Top 25 Foliage Towns.
* I regret that the classes are not handicap accessible, because of the terrain and antique buildings.
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).
I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. When the class first came out my class member help site was on Ning… for all of you who were early members I’m sure you remember how crazy and chaotic that eventually became when Ning kept repeatedly announcing, and then retracting, that they were shutting down all of their small users. 
If you used the Ning site you will also probably remember how chock full of information it was, most of which was sparked by class member’s interests and requests.
It’s super simple, just message me through my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ASweetRemembrance to let me know you’d like an invitation to the group, be sure to INCLUDE THE DATE YOU PURCHASED YOUR CLASS, and that’s all you have to do.
If you used the Ning site you will also probably remember how chock full of information it was, most of which was sparked by class member’s interests and requests. 
Izannah Walker Journal 