Monday, January 23, 2017

Small Finishes

With our youngest granddaughter's birthday coming up in less than a week, it was time to finish up her special gifts. She received an 18 inch doll for Christmas and we figured that dolly needed her own bedroom ensemble.  And so, here is what we have as of today:

The quilt was the first item started and finished - of course! Featuring a vintage bear fabric in the Bear Paw block.

A closer look

The back is a piece of vintage 1980s Strawberry Shortcake fabric that has been in the stash for a long, long time, barely large enough to fit the size of the quilt.

My husband spent a few  days in the shop constructing a Mission style bed which we then finished with a natural stain and several coats of polyurethane. As always, he built it sturdy enough to withstand its probable occasional use as a step-stool by either birthday girl or her little brother. While he was reorganizing the shop he also found a prototype stand built probably 10 or 15 years ago, voila a night stand!

Next, we needed some accessories! Can you tell I'm having fun with this?! Since our Abby is a dog lover, of course dolly needs a little dog with his own basket bed complete with cushion. And, the bed needed a mattress, sheets, a pillow and pillowcase.

I've spent the last day rummaging around the house for other miniature accessories and some vintage linens are being pressed into action as well.
Love that tiny picture frame!

How about a bedside throw rug?

Lastly, the result of my sad attempt at making pajamas. The fabric is soft and pretty, but extremely slippery. Pinning the seams was an absolute nightmare since the pins kept falling out and the fabric slid around as it was being stitched. After seeing that the pattern I had for the bottoms was not going to fit the doll well, I ended up throwing away the last of that fabric, and adding a wide eyelet flounce to the top and we're calling it a nightgown.

The ensemble as of today
Since taking these photos I finally found a tiny Golden Book from the 1980s in an unpacked box from our move two years ago, perfect for the nightstand for dolly's bedtime story. Still working on how to construct a bedside lamp. I have some large wooden spools that can be used for the base but have yet to figure out what to use for the lampshade foundation that I could then cover with ruffled fabric. There's still time ...

One more small finish - an anticlimax really - the two Dresden plate Christmas placemats are done and now put away along with the runner, awaiting their turn to shine next next holiday season. Hurray for small finishes!


12 comments:

Dana Gaffney said...

Everything is sooo cute! I fell in love with the bear fabric you used for the quilt, then oh and ah followed as I saw all of the rest. You've done great and it does look like so much fun :)

Debbie said...

I am not sure who will enjoy this set more....you in the creation and design, or the granddaughter who gets it.The little quilt is precious, and the accessories just are special in all ways. Hubby did a great great job on the bed and stand. The Christmas mats and runner will look super next year!

Barbara said...

Oh my goodness. That is absolutely precious!

Janet O. said...

Oh, my goodness!! That doll ensemble is going to thrill your granddaughter! I'm thrilled and it isn't even mine, I don't have a doll, and I'm not a little girl. : )

Norma said...

This ensemble is fabulous! I did something similar for my grandaughter many years ago (she is 21 now), but my attempt was nothing compared to this. Good job!

Elaine said...

What a fantastic gift :)

Ruth said...

What fun! I know exactly how much you are enjoying getting the doll bed and accessories ready! But you are much more creative than I am. The bedside stand, rug and other items are wonderful. Good luck with the lamp. And it's great that your DH made the bed as that makes it extra special. I still have the doll bed my Grandpa made for me ages ago. The dresden plate placemats are lovely.

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh my! I am in awe of your ensemble for your granddaughter. She will be absolutely thrilled! I can't wait to see how your lamp turns out :*). My favorite is the little bedside table, but no, maybe it's the little doggie in the basket, or is it the tiny bed linens?......

Heidi said...

Fabulous! The furniture & bedding, the DOG! She will be thrilled!

audrey said...

Absolutely adorable! What a blast to be putting this together and then you get to see her face when she gets it I hope?

Mary said...

Wow! What a keepsake!

Needled Mom said...

I would hardly consider those as "small" finishes, unless you consider the size. The ensemble for the little one is incredible. I can see house of happy time playing with those. It is like a dream gift for a little girl. I love the bed and table.

It is nice to have a jumpstart on next Christmas. Very nice mats.