Mignonette as Little Red Riding Hood

It was not my intention to write a second blog posting this month, but sometimes its a go.  And, there's not much more to add to what I've learned on the history of Little Red Riding Hood, but extensive research might prove fruitful...if I was writing a thesis.  Which I'm not.  I'm just having fun sharing.

After making over the Iacono doll, I wanted to do just a bit more.  I hadn't made anything new for my favorite Wendy Lawton doll, Mignonette, in ages, and it struck me that she needed a new costume.  She's been displayed for a few years in the Bo-Peep costume I'd made her, so it felt natural to make her a Red Riding Hood one as well.   And, of course, the color theme would need to be pink - or at least have a lot of pink in it.

Some of you might recall that Mignonette was designed by Wendy after an antique Simon and Halbig mignonette with trunk and trousseau.  Boneka, then, beautifully recreated the  

costuming with all the details in the antique trousseau.  They were all pink.  Included were reproductions of all the little accessories, which included two little lamb figurines.  This is where I got the idea to create the Bo-Peep costume for her.  At any rate, it was time to play with her again.

I don't know why my Iacono Red Riding Hood fell flat with the audience on Facebook, but my guess is that many people like the Iaconos just as they are.  For when I shared a photo of Tales of Red Riding Hood with her marionette theater, I received lots of comments.  Undoubtedly the theater is the focus, and its why I love the doll, too.  Still and all, I sew for myself, and if I'm pleased with the outcome, I'll share it.  And, let's face it, my vision is personal.  I don't expect others to share it, or feel the same way I do when a project is complete, but its all part of the creative process, which again, is what this blog is all about.

Speaking of vision...and personal...I continue to be awed at the vast and varied illustrated renditions of this story.  I haven't shared any of the DeviantArt images I've found on Pinterest, as they might offend people.  DeviantArt is an official site, a community of artists sharing uncommon art.

By definition, deviant means departing from the usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behavior.  Now if you clip off the "especially..." part, some of my work might be considered...at least a departure.  So undressing a used doll, giving her a new wig, eyes, costuming...identity, might bother some folks.  I make no apologies.  Dolls are to be played with, especially damaged dolls that would love a new chance at grace.  I digress.  But my point is that even I will often pass over something that is different.  What I do enjoy sharing is a love of childhood imagery, and Mignonette is the perfect little doll for fanciful antique costuming.

When I first saw this die cut bookmark, most likely taken from an antique fairytale book, I became interested in making one for a doll.  There was only one 

doll in my collection that would look darling in it, so I undressed Mignonette and began designing with the paper towels.

I love everything about this costume from the pink apron to the yellow cloth in her basket.  And, because she's a special Lawton doll, I chose to make her costume in silks and velvet.  

I began with a pair of white tights.  Again, there is no doubt that they are the perfect solution to simple undergarments.  

Next I tackled the shoes.  I struggled with these little black shoes with the silver-centered buckle.  These should have been pretty straight forward, but I'm making them over the tights.  If you make them directly on the feet (as lasts), the bulk of the tights on the foot would not fit within the shoe.  Its tricky, but worth it.

Mignonette wears a white batiste chemise with puffed sleeves and a fully gathered neck edged with a band.  The band is on the straight, not the bias, so it has a bit of stand.

A red silk skirt goes beneath the pink panier or apron and both are sewn into the one pink waistband to reduce bulk.  I think these aprons had pull strings sewn into them so that the apron could be worn long, or cinched up the sides when the girl was working.  Its a lovely look, but it was equally functional.  What they were actually called is unknown to me.  If you know, please share this with me.

Her vest is also silk and fully lined.  Its was a tedious time turning this thing inside out through the shoulders, but I did it.  

Her Little Red Cap is velveteen.  This is such a sweet costume.

I wasn't up to making another bottle and bread loaf out of Paperclay, as I wasn't too pleased the way the bottle came out, AND it takes a long time to air dry.  Also, I noted that in this illustration, the bottle was brown and it was accompanied by some kind of round red tin.  I think there's a brown pop top or spout on the top of the tin.  I studied it under a magnifying lamp and its only my guess that tinned biscuits or bread could have been the idea for this artist

Big sigh later, I remembered why I learned needle felting in the first place.  To make accessories easily.  So that is what I did.  You can sculpt with needle felting like no other medium.  Why not create the bottle and tin this way?

I included a small bouquet of daisies to pick up the yellow in the silk basket cloth.  Mignonette is a royal little doll.  She deserves the best.

Tomorrow is my birthday and having this costume done for it was my intention.  I've had so much fun this month with the Red Riding Hood theme and will follow it through for at least another week.  

I treated myself to a MIB Jonal teapot, and the very sweet, child's tin litho tea set seen in the following photographs.  I found an adorable "back and front" birthday card, printed it, cut it out, and set it up on my bedside table.  Its been a joy to have these treasures decorating spaces here and there.  And, now Mignonette is gaily dressed and will be in this costume until the next time I play with her.

I included a "sandstone" wolf to display with her.  I was tempted to needle felt the wolf in the die cut book mark, but keeping authentic to her trousseau and provenance, I chose a figurine, much as the sheep were.  To me this was more fitting.

I hope you'll enjoy the light and fanciful images below. 

For those unfamiliar with Wendy Lawton's Mignonette and Her Malle du Voyage, she's a 9" wood body and porcelain doll.  She was made in 1999, and the mahogany body on this doll was the last time Wendy would use these bodies.  She went with another vendor for a lesser wood at this time, so the dolls from 1999 back, are very dear.

Wishing you all a lovely rest of this September.  We're just around the corner from the fall equinox and to date, Christmas is 99 days away.

Love, Melissa