Grace and Dolly in the Big Apple

Birthday Week!  Oh, c'mon.  I can celebrate all month if I want.  Why not?  While California's forests burn around me, and the days of clear, blue skies are gone until the fires go out - which could be mid-October - and the dentist puts me through the wringer, I need to keep my spirits up and play.

So, yes, I'm working on "the other" special project for September, now that Year of the Rooster Gracie is done.  However, I had to take a quick break from it when the Virtual Doll Convention Club Grace box arrived on Friday.  I'd already purchased a fat quarter of mini animal print fabric to make Dolly a dress, just in case I found myself inspired.  

Rachel gives us YouTube introductions to the Club Grace offering of the month, so I now have extra time to plan for Dolly's complimentary outfit.

Am I into animal print?  No.  But I was, in the 80's.  In fact, I'd borrowed money from my mother while we were in Hawaii, so I could buy this very sexy and feminine dress in a zebra print.  I know I have a photo of us having dinner one night in Oahu, and I was wearing it.  The 80's were difficult and complicated for me, so any music or fashions associated with that time, evoke sad memories.  I think I crossed that bridge a couple of months ago and made it to the other side unscathed and have been feeling stronger overall, so I jumped in, feet first, into making Dolly a complimentary outfit for Club Grace September.

The theme was Brunch in the Big Apple.  Believe it or not, I was in New York in 1989, and wasn't impressed.  It was too much.  Too big, too tall, too smelly, but an experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss.  It was summer.  And I recall taking a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty.  Also saw Les Miz there.  Did not do any shopping though as there were 

sights I wanted to see. Like Central Park.  So maybe, this month's Club Grace gave me an opportunity to reflect on the past a little.  And, the funny thing was, I really wanted to do something with Remmie Lou, who seems all but forgotten these days.  I adore bulldogs, so I will never forget Remmie Lou.

Let's start with the box.  A while back, Diana Vining started designing interior artwork for these boxes, making them keepsake boxes to store the month's garments and extras in.  I think Diana has done an extraordinary job with this.  They are gorgeous, and the artwork is superb, well planned and executed.  

Inside this month's box were the standard story card that Diana writes for Grace, a shoe box to make for the blue jeweled shoes "Grace must have after first glance in a boutique window", great stickers, a keychain and a newspaper featuring a surprise of Rachel's baby daughter.  

Silly as it may seem, I think my favorite addition in the box was the tiny apple confetti.  I set these boxes out in my studio when they arrive, just as seen in this photo, and I enjoy looking at them until the next box arrives.

And I was thrilled to make Dolly a matching dress, and shoes and purse!  

But first I had to do something for Remmie Lou.  This month she gets to go shopping with Grace and Dolly.  Pedestrians part the way as the three girls click down the avenue, as they are in awe of Remmie Lou's September sapphires collar and matching gold chain leash.  

She is allowed in every store and boutique, and gets all the attention, showing off her beautiful necklace.

I try to do something with Remmie Lou with each outfit I make for Dolly.

I'm wondering if she got a Halloween costume last year.  I don't recall.

And I am so hoping Grace gets a new Halloween costume this year.  If she doesn't, you can be sure I'll pull Dolly's witch costume and Grace's cat costume out and dress them up.  Remmie Lou will get a costume then.  I already know what I'll make for her.

Dollys' dress is fancy because of the print, but it's a simple dress of high bodice, long sleeves and full skirting.  It's in the accessories that I spent the effort.

I wanted her to have a pair of shoes like Grace's, and a similar shoulder bag.  Dolly's gets a back-to-back D logo on hers for Dolly Dingle.  Inspired by Grace's Channel bag, I have to pat myself on the back for that one.  The shoes came out darling, too.

Another addition in the Club Grace box were two shopping bags you could fold up to create, two little perfume bottles, and a pair of apple earrings for Grace.  She's wearing them, but you can't see them.  Clever.  Rachel had FUN putting this box together.

September means fall is near and, in many places, already present in the turning of leaves.  The image below is of Grace and Dolly's favorite shopping alley in the Big Apple, full of bookstores.

I do not know if my current project will be done by the 18th, but it's a goal.  I'm so ready to begin playing Halloween and making a couple of costumes for dolls.  Cissy never got a Halloween masquerade party costume.  Peggy Sue needs a new one.  But that is the official day I turn 65.  The 18th.  I love birthdays.  I love all my friends' and family member's birthdays, too.  It's that special day that says, I'm glad you were born.   We all need to feel special once a year.

Love, Melissa