Reproduction Dress Finished

It has taken nearly a year for this project from beginning to end.  It was well worth the journey.   Here are some photos of the dress…..

Dress in Full Round

The dress has one small triangular section of stiffener in the front center.  The rest is completely soft.  The detail of the embroidery which was digitized and stitched out by Ann Donahue of Feisdress is completely amazing.  Hats off to her because I don’t believe there is anyone else in the world who could have done this.  To copy the embroidery in such accurate detail from photographs, and then stitch it out with such a beautiful detail is truly a work of art.  It did take a very long time, but it was agreed by all that it was worth the wait.

Dress laid out in presentation box

Here you can see the very small pleats in the front.  It does help it lay right on the doll, and is just how the original dress was constructed.

Dress on American Girl Nellie

In the photo the dress seems a bit longer than it really it.  They did wear the dresses longer 25 years ago, so it is the appropriate length.  Dresses did fall below the knee at that time.  Nellie is our doll, and this photo is just for display.  The family has purchased their own doll who will wear this dress and will take her place as a family heirloom.  Please do not copy this photo or post it anywhere else without permission.  The family really only wants to see the dress on their own doll.  They will send pictures of that as soon as possible.  The collar looks beautiful and was such a perfect touch.  It so completed the authenticity of this reproduction.  Thank you to Kristine Baker for her detailed work.

Back with cape

In the original dress the back medallion was split by the zipper.  It was created in two parts to allow for zipper insertion.  We had to go a different route.  The medallion was moved down so it could be included whole.  What a job for Ann to make a complete medallion out of one that was done in two sections!  Then there really was not enough fabric to insert the zipper which was needed for the dress to be put on the doll.  We discussed several solutions, including a side zipper, or maybe making the dress two pieces.  In the end, what I did was create a button hole for the skirt portion of the zipper area.  I then used the edge of the sewn fabric to sew down the zip.  I fray checked the whole area and it seems very sturdy and stable.  It did not pucker at all, and thus the medallion lays flat and is displayed nicely.

Full side view

Bloomers, socks and headband

The headband was a chainstitched band of orange bordered by two chainstitched bands of gold.  They were sewn onto a strip of boning covered in black velvet.  All done with invisible thread.  The little touches can make a huge difference, and a proper presentation really adds to the customer reaction and ultimate enjoyment.

There is no doubt this was a labor of love.  It could not have been done without the hard work of all involved.  Many thanks to Ann and Kristine as well as the Kearney and Sheridan Families.