Arabella Doll Progress- Part 2

Well I was able to complete the list of items from my prior doll post. So made a partlet of silk organza and used silk thread to decorate and attach to doll.  Here are the images step by step.

Unwrapped the hair and added yellow gold silk net woven with gold warp and silk weft over a base of silk organza. Thinking there is some from net or hair decoration from the painting details. It’s not easy to tell up close since most internet images get pixelated upclose. Although  on the bun used gold wire and silk to make a hairnet. I do plan on adding pearls as a finishing touch later.

I was them able to make the sleeves with organza under layer. So when the doll is posed you can see the lining underneath. Then from handmade bobbin lace I made ruff and cuffs and attached to the sleeves and partlet respectively.

So have all the under layers done and just need to work on all the outer gown construction and details before adding them to Arabella. Very pleased at how I am able to more effectively work through the patterns in my head and work the concepts to physical completion.

It’s a labor of love and despite some loss it’s helping me cope. Not looking forward to working tomorrow. Although much better with the break for my mind and grief. Will not be the same without my primary seamstress assistant, Mr. Boo. Though talking about him makes me think a book of Boo stories needs written. A project for another day.

Here is Arabella in her current array of finery. This will be her state as the outer layer is finished but clothes for the most part. Though as that layer is fastidiously made decorated and attached there will be updates.

I must say there is going to be so much gold work on this layer it will be interesting to see and feel the weight of this garment as compared to dolls I made in the past.  My next one after this will even have more gold work couched  on it so there will be definite weight to that one for certain.  This is another 10” size doll. I like the size as the scale is not impossible to get the details out in the correct context.

Excited, anxious, grieving guilt, and relief are all wrapped in this project. Though I must be patient and allow the proper time to do the rest to the correct finishing work.

Feeling like a ball of emotions.

THL Marrin O’Kealy