Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Special Doll for Susan

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I’ve just finished working on this reproduction of Isabeau for Susan. She is an 18-1/2  inch tall reproduction Izannah Walker doll. For Susan’s  doll I reproduced the cracked and peeling paint surfaces on the original Isabeau that I made  her mold from. The paint and layers of paste on her nose have been worn away, down to the underlying stockinette, just like on the original.
IMG_0021This doll has an antique pink linen second skin, like many of Izannah Walker’s earliest dolls did. Her dress is made from a wonderful thin white cotton, which has aged to a pale ecru. It has a skirt with four narrow tucks and a gathered ruffle of broderie anglaise, gathered sleeves banded with additional eyelet trim, an antique cotton tape drawstring at the neck of the dress, which is embellished with eyelet and tatting, and a wide waistband with eyelet and embroidered cotton ribbon. Her chemise is made from antique lace trimmed cotton and her pantalettes were originally part of a pair of women’s 19th century panteletts. She has two petticoats made from antique cotton and broderie anglaise. Her stockings were made from bits of antique cotton stockings and her shoes are handmade red leather.

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Arms over your head! Just one last clothing change. 🙂

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The original c.1860’s Isabeau one the right and my newly made c.2016 reproduction Isabeau on the left.

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This little Isabeau  is so looking forward to beginning her travels, as she is longing to make the acquaintance of her new family ❤

Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Restoration and Conservation

Susie’s Lily Too!

IMG_9498It is my very great pleasure to introduce you to “Lily Two”. She is a special commission doll, that is the very first doll made from a mold of the original Lily.  This little reproduction Lily is going to be living with her older sister, the real Lily, and will no doubt acquire a new name of her very own when she goes home. 🙂

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Lily 2 has a second skin made from an amazing piece of dark red glazed cotton. The red fabric once graced the back of an intricate silk crazy quilt. The front side of the quilt has deteriorated over time, and most of the silk has shattered and crumbled. The never washed backing is as bright, crisp and vibrant as when it was new, Because the dark red fabric was originally sewn with a brighter red thread I have chosen to recreate that pairing in Lily’s 2nd skin.

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The fabric for Lily’s undergarments all came from a pair of antique split pantalettes. The antique Lily is going to have waved braid (rick rack) trimmed unmentionables, and so will have a strong zig zag theme. Lily Two’s white underpinnings all have a circular theme, on both the embroidered petticoat ruffle and the tatted chemise and pantalette trim. I liked echoing the geometric design, with the substitution of circles for triangular points. 🙂

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Lily’s dress is made from a fabulous piece antique wool challis. Lily is a small 17 inch tall doll, and this challis has a fairly large size print. This is something you will find in many extant dresses belonging to antique Izannah Walker dolls. I absolutely adore larger scale prints on Izzys ❤ The look is so perfectly evocative of the clothing worn by many antique Izannah Walker dolls. People often feel that they need a small scale print for doll clothing and fail to take into account the reality of the way antique dolls were actually dressed.
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I cut the waistband and neck band of Lily’s dress from a matching border print challis. Notice that the green flower is centered in the middle of her waistband. I cartridge pleated the skirt of the dress onto the bodice using a brown thread. My thread color choices stay true the the original stitching on this piece of fabric, which was also the back of a silk crazy quilt. The seams of the backing were sewn with off white thread, but all of the quilting stitches (which I had to remove one by one) were sewn with a medium brown thread. I have a vast collection of antique and vintage thread that I use to make all of my dolls and their clothing.

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Lily and Lily Two. Now that I have had a chance to do a “practice run” on Lily Two I can move forward with Lily’s restoration. I am in the midst of removing a very ill considered layer of fabric that someone decided to glue on to her shoulders at some point in her life…
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The Lilys! Sisters, best friends and bosom companions through thick and thin ❤ You can see how the red in Lily 2’s second skin and dress print compliments the red in Lily’s antique dress.

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Thank you so  much for dropping by to meet Lily.  We enjoyed having you come visit!  Please come back to see us soon ❤

❤ ❤ ❤ I have been searching for months for thin antique black velvet ribbon to use on the original Lily’s dress.  If anyone should happen to have any that they are selling or know where some can be found, will you please send me a note at paula@asweetremembrance.com ?  Thank you!!!

 

 

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Letter From Dimity

When last we saw our heroines they were bidding each other a tearful farewell and promising to correspond...
When last we saw our heroines they were bidding each other a tearful farewell and promising to correspond…
"Look Izzybelle, Dimity has written to us!" "Be a good girl and I'll read you her  letter."
“Look Izzybelle, Dimity has written to us!” “Be a good girl and I’ll read you her letter.”

www.izannahwalker.com a letter from Dimity

www.izannahwalker.com a letter from Dimity

www.izannahwalker.com a letter from Dimity

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Choosing The Wardrobe for Sharon’s Doll

I thought you might like a glimpse at the details that go into my custom made dolls…

Now that Billie’s doll is dressed and ready to go, it is time for Sharon’s doll to decide what pieces she wants in her wardrobe. She is very excited about choosing her clothing! After all what girl doesn’t love to shop ❤

When we last left off, Sharon's doll was gaily joining in all of the party games!
When we last left off, Sharon’s doll was gaily joining in all of the party games!

A few details of her trousseau have already been decided:

Shoes:

red shoes www.izannahwalker.com

Underwear: Like Anna #3

Anna #3 www.izannahwalker.com

Dress #1: A long sleeve dress in this style in fabric #14

blue dresses www.izannahwalker.com

www.izannahwalker.com

sunbonnet: This style in the black background print fabric.

Isa #1 www.izannahwalker.com

www.izannahwalker.com

Apron: Like the one Isane is wearing in this photo… possibly in the red, black and white fabric…

laundry day www.izannahwalker.com

www.izannahwalker.comAnd now it is time to pick out a few more things!

Winter Cape or Coat:  What about the winter white wool with the embroidered scallops above???

Cape Ideas:

print izannah cape

izannah cape

civil war child capeCoat Ideas:

izannah coatblack Izannah coat

girl with doll and trunk

1860 child coat

white Izannah coat

sister izannah coat

A Frilly White Party Dress:

In this style???

Isane www.izannahwalker.comand maybe one of these fabrics???

white fabrics www.izannahwalker.com

Made from all white fabric perhaps with tucks and lace???

I hope that you have all enjoyed dress shopping along with Sharon’s doll.  Please come back to visit so that you can see her modelling all of her new frocks and accessories.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Billie’s Doll

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

When we last saw our heroine she was thanking her hostesses for the lovely party and telling them how much she would miss them when she journeyed off to her new home...
When we last saw our heroine she was thanking her hostesses for the lovely party and telling them how much she would miss them when she journeyed off to her new home…

Now the time has come for Billie’s Doll to pack her bags and begin her travels westward to the heart-land. I will miss her! The lovely thing about dolls that are on lay-away is that they get to stay here and keep me company 🙂 This sweet young lady has been my faithful companion for more than a year.  Overseeing my studio and offering snippets of helpful advice while I work. ❤

You may click on any of the smaller photographs to enlarge them.

The best place to start is the beginning... Her she is in her
The best place to start is the beginning… Her she is in her “altogether”.

Billie's Doll www.izanahwalker.com

Little hidden bits of blue...  Blue crocheted trim on the bottom of her chemise, a blue rimmed glass button at it's neckline and a thin outline of blue at the tops of he boots echo the blue of her dress.
Little hidden bits of blue… Blue crocheted trim on the bottom of her chemise, a blue rimmed glass button at it’s neckline and a thin outline of blue at the tops of her boots echo the blue of her dress.

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Showing off her new dress, made from antique blue cotton with a "Persian pickle" print (aka as paisley). The dress has a growth tuck in the skirt, gathered split flutter sleeves, and closes with an antique drawstring at the neckline and an antique blue and white glass button at the waist.
Showing off her new dress, made from antique blue cotton with a “Persian pickle” print (aka paisley). The dress has a growth tuck in the skirt, gathered split flutter sleeves, and closes with an antique drawstring at the neckline and an antique blue and white glass button at the waist.

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Learning about her new family... "So this is what Hitty looks like!"
Learning about her new family… “So this is what Hitty looks like!”
No Hittys live at my house, but fortunately I happened to have a post card from my visit to see the real Hitty that is part of the Stockbridge, MA library collection.
No Hittys live at my house, but fortunately I happened to have a post card from my visit to see the real Hitty that is part of the Stockbridge, MA library collection.
Today was such a nice day that she decided to take one more walk in the woods, to gather a few autumn leaves for her scapebook...
Today was such a nice day that she decided to take one more walk in the woods, to gather a few autumn leaves for her scapebook…

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Billie's Doll www.izannahwalker.com

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Doll Making Kit · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Ordering a Reproduction Izannah Walker Doll

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 9 – In Which We Come to the End of Our Story & Say Farewell

“Thank you for coming to our party!” “We’re so glad you could be here.”
“I’m going to miss you!” “Promise me you”ll write.” “I will!”
“Good-bye!” “It’s been such fun!” “We’ve enjoyed having you stay here with us!” “Write to tell us you got home safely!” “Thank you for everything!” “This was the best party ever!”
“I’m going to miss everyone.”
“Me too!”
“I’m sad to see them leave, but it feels so good to put my feet up!”
“At least Lily isn’t leaving yet.” ❤
“I may stay in bed ALL day tomorrow…”
“I’m just going to stay right here on the floor!”

WHAT THEY ARE DOING NOW

Anna is busy packing. She will be leaving here bright and early on Tuesday morning for her new home.
Anna is busy packing. She will be leaving here bright and early on Tuesday morning for her new home.
Billie's doll is ready for her dress fittings and will be leaving here very soon. Look for her upcoming farewell post.
Billie’s doll is ready for her dress fittings and will be leaving here very soon. Look for her upcoming farewell post.
Sharon and I are still talking over the details of this young lady's wardrobe. She'll be happy to model it for you before she goes home. <3
Sharon and I are still talking over the details of this young lady’s wardrobe. She’ll be happy to model it for you before she goes home. ❤
Lily #1 has picked out her dress and jewelry and is patiently waiting for me to make them so that she can go home with her older sister. They plan to quilt together during the winter.
Lily #1 has picked out her dress and jewelry and is patiently waiting for me to make them so that she can go home with her older sister. They plan to quilt together during the winter.
Hannah #1 has found a new home! She will be helping me look through my fabric stash for just the right material for her dress. Once she is finished she will be going home just in time for Christmas. <3
Hannah #1 has found a new home! She will be helping me look through my fabric stash for just the right material for her dress. Once she is finished she will be going home just in time for Christmas. ❤
Hannah #2 Is still available for sale and at this point you may still choose her clothing fabrics and styles. <3 $1250.00 fully dressed with free shipping in the U,S,
Hannah #2 Is still available for sale and at this point you may still choose her clothing fabrics and styles. $1250.00 fully dressed, with free shipping within the U. S. ❤
Lily 2 is also still available for sale. If you love early, worn and primitive then Lily may be just the reproduction Izannah you have been longing for... $1250.00 fully dressed, you may still pick out her clothing if you purchase her now.
Lily 2 is also still available for sale. If you love early, worn and primitive then Lily may be just the reproduction Izannah you have been longing for… $1250.00 fully dressed, you may still pick out her clothing if you purchase her now.
A full instruction book + patterns comes with each head. The unpainted head/kit is $200 and the painted head/kit is $375.
2 Izannah Kits finished and ready to mail – 1 painted & 1 unpainted. A full instruction book + patterns comes with each head. The unpainted head/kit is $200 and the painted head/kit is $375.
Zanna & Izzybelle are still having their tag sale through midnight tonight. ((/27/15)
Zanna & Izzybelle are having their tag sale through midnight tonight. (9/27/15) shop here
and Izzybelle is still to tired to move!
and Izzybelle is still to tired to move!

Thank you for coming to celebrate with us!

Love ❤

Paula, Zanna, Isabeau, Isane, Izzybelle, Ismay, Hannah, & their Providence Cousins

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 7 – In Which The Party Continues & Games Are Played

“Tag!” “You’re it!”

“Too much running… I’m losing my shoe…”

“Let’s play hide and seek”

“Isane you’re it!”

“Alright… One… Two…”

“Anna, give me your hand and I will help you up.”
“Isabeau, can you give me a boost from behind?”
“Plenty of room for two of us!”
“When we duck down, will you shut the drawer?”
“I’ve found my hiding place.”
“If I bend my knees I think I can fit!”
“Izzybelle, we can still see you through the glass.” “Find another hiding place.”
“How about now, can you see me now?” “Yes, we can see you!” “No more glass doors!” “Find a new spot!”
“I don’t think Izzybelle really understands how to play this game. Do you?”
“and what on earth are those cupboards for anyway???” “Haven’t you heard? They are going to hang on the walls and be high rise efficiency apartments for the Queen Annes…” “I don’t think I’d like apartment living…”
“I think we have found the BEST hiding places!”
“I think so too!” “I’m all set, how about you?”
" Yes, I'm all set too."
” Yes, I’m all set too.”
"Come on Lily, I'll find us the perfect places to hide!"
“Come on Lily, I’ll find us the perfect places to hide!”
"You hide behind the bears..."
“You hide behind the bears…”
"...and I'll duck down beneath the other dolls."  "Just pretend I'm not here."... giggle...
“…and I’ll duck down beneath the other dolls.” “Just pretend I’m not here.”… giggle…
"Hurry Isabeau, we need to hide!"
“Hurry Isabeau, we need to hide!”
"I am hurrying!"
“I am hurrying!”
"Just don't forget to let me out if Isane doesn't find me..."
“Just don’t forget to let me out if Isane doesn’t find me…”
"How about now, can you see me now?"  "Is THIS a good place?"
“How about now, can you see me now?” “Is THIS a good place?”
"How ever did she get up there???"
“How ever did she get up there???”
"... 98 ... 99 ... 100!"  "Ready or not, here I come!"
“… 98 … 99 … 100!” “Ready or not, here I come!”
Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

The Dolls Have a Slumber Party – Happy 197th Birthday Izannah – Part Three

Doll's slumber party www.izannahwalker.com

The dolls are all nestled together around a roaring fire.  They are so glad that you came to join them tonight!  This is the very last part of our all day celebration of Izannah Walker’s 197th birthday.  If you missed the first two parts of our party you will want to scroll down or click here for part one and here for part two.

"Does everyone remember how to play Shadows, or should we reread the rules?"
Now that you are here it is time for the party to start. “Does everyone remember how to play Shadows, or should we reread the rules?”
"That was so much fun!"  "Please pass the popcorn"  "Is there anymore hot cocoa?"  "Izzybelle, you are hogging all of the shawl!"
“That was so much fun!” “Please pass the popcorn” “Is there anymore hot cocoa?” “Izzybelle, you are hogging all of the shawl!”
"Andrew, please tell us one more ghost story before bedtime!"
“Andrew, please tell us one more ghost story before bedtime!”
Since Isabeau is one of the oldest dolls, she plays "Mother" and tucks in all of the rest.
Since Isabeau is one of the oldest dolls, she plays “Mother” and tucks in all of the rest.
Andrew refused to sleep with the girls and  instead has settled on the folding campaign bed with the dog.
Andrew refused to sleep with the girls and instead has settled on the folding campaign bed with the dog.
Hmmm... I still here a lot of whispering and giggling in there.  It sounds as if the dolls have been listening at keyholes again for they all seem to know about the new baby girl that is due to join our family in January.
Hmmm… I still hear a lot of whispering and giggling in there. It sounds as if the dolls have been listening at keyholes again, for they all seem to know about the new baby girl that is due to join our family in January.
Tomorrow we will have to have a very stern chat about what is proper and what is not.
Tomorrow we will have to have a very stern chat about what is proper and what is not.
For some of the dolls are certainly old enough to know better!
For some of the dolls are certainly old enough to know better!
... but for tonight I can not bear to scold them.  For what is dearer to any dolls heart than the thought of having another small girl to play with?  So sleep tight little dolls and dream of play time and adventures yet to come <3
… but for tonight I can not bear to scold them. For what is dearer to any doll’s heart than the thought of having another small girl to play with? So sleep tight little dolls and dream of play time and adventures yet to come ❤

 

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

I guess this would explain the doll's sudden urge to dust the high chair every time they walk past...
I guess this would explain the doll’s sudden urge to dust the high chair every time they walk past…
Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

First Sneak Peek at a Head From My Newest Mold

I've just taken the two halves of this head out of my newest mold, taken from Ismay, the antique Izannah Wallker doll I bought at the UFDC convention!
I’ve just taken the two halves of this head out of my newest mold, taken from Ismay, the antique Izannah Wallker doll I bought at the UFDC convention!  I think it is going to turn out to be an amazing doll!!!
Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Stray Comments

A Day In Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester, MA www.izannahwalker.comOn Friday I spent a wonderful day at the home of Peggy Flavin, who is a very talented doll maker and good friend.  I got to know Peggy last year when she attended my Izannah retreat and from the very first moment we met I felt like I had known her forever!

Cape Ann www.izannahwalker.comVisiting Peggy was such a treat and definitely one of the highlights of my year. This was the perfect season  to drive up to Cape Ann, as the leaves are just starting to show their true glory.  Autumn deepened the further north I went.  However even a fall drive through New England can not compare to the joys of visiting a true kindred spirit.  Not only does Peggy make and collect dolls, but she lives in a beautiful 18th century home.  Every bit of her house is filled with wonderful treasures, remarkable details, and love.

Since our mutal friend Susie couldn't be with us on Friday, Peggy and I arranged the next best thing. Peggy's doll Lucy and one of my Izannahs, that will soon be headed to live with Susie, to have a nice chat by the hearth and a bracing cup of tea.
Since our mutual friend Susie couldn’t be with us on Friday, Peggy and I arranged the next best thing. Peggy’s doll Lucy and one of my Izannahs, that will soon be headed to live with Susie,  had a nice chat by the hearth and tea party.
Edyth and Peggy
Edyth and Peggy
My dolls asked Lucy to share her knitting tips, as they all admired her cozy warm shawl very much.
My dolls asked Lucy to share her knitting tips, as they all admired her cozy warm shawl very much.
Best friends <3
Best friends ❤
There is no better way to spend an afternoon than playing dolls with your friends!  One of the Isabeaus that I just finished making is going back home to Texas with Edyth.
There is no better way to spend an afternoon than playing dolls with your friends! One of the Isabeaus that I just finished making is going back home to Texas with Edyth.

An added pleasure of my visit to Peggy, was getting to meet and spend time with Edyth O’Neil, extraordinary rug hooker, antique dealer and doll collector.  The three of us spent all afternoon talking about dolls, dolls and yet more dolls!  Listening to Edyth brought back memories of my mother, aunts and grandmothers, as they all shared her soft Texas drawl and expressions.  In the evening we had supper at the remarkably cozy pub that Peggy and her husband Dennis own.  Both the food and the company were amazing.

Haddock with salsa, panko bread crumbs and cheese at Halibut Point in Gloucester, Ma.
Haddock with salsa, panko bread crumbs and cheese at Halibut Point in Gloucester, Ma.

On Saturday morning we were all up early, so that Peggy and Edyth could attend a meeting of the Doll Collectors of America and I could head to Sturbridge to pick up some of my furniture that Angel House has been reupholstering.

I had a splendid visit to Gloucester and can’t thank Peggy and Dennis enough for making me feel so welcome!

I did manage to squeeze in a visit to the Wenham museum to see their remarkable 15 inch Izannah Walker doll.  She is so small and perfectly delicate...
I did manage to squeeze in a visit to the Wenham museum to see their remarkable 15 inch Izannah Walker doll. She is so small and perfectly delicate…
Back home again with a full load and a happy heart!
Back home again with a full load and a happy heart!

**  Peggy and Edyth both have wonderful blogs. Peggy is just getting hers set up.  What she has so far is excellent.    Edyth’s blog is long standing and always an interesting read!

Click here to read Edyth’s account of our afternoon.

Click here to go to Peggy’s blog.