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Alexandra comes with an extensive trousseau, her clothing and accessories are all hand-made with early materials and textiles.
I love very much the early wooden pandora dolls, they are a delightful piece of history, and they have become my great inspiration since the day I started this fabulous journey in the doll making. Today, I want you to meet my recent creation, Alexandra. She stands 18" tall, jointed wooden body with cloth upper arms. She has beautiful antique glass eyes; her wig is made of antique mohair in a lovely dark brown color. Something to remark of her painted facial features is the dot highlighting of brows and lashes, unique characteristic that distinguish these types of dolls. Alexandra has quite the presence! Please scroll down to see step-by-step photos on how I have dressed her and all the details of this doll. If you are interested in purchasing her, contact me at: soniakrausedolls@gmail.com
The shift is considered the most basic garment of the 18th century woman's wardrobe. It plays an essential role because not only does it protect her clothing from the body moisture, but also will protect her from the roughness of some elaborate textiles.
A pair of stays will be worn over the shift and dickie petticoat
As I started my source for materials to make a pair of stays for Alexandra, I found an 18th century quilted silk textile, in saffron yellow color, it's stunning! These luxury silks were produced in Central Asia and China for many centuries and specifically this color became extremely popular in Europe during the 18th century.
Blue double cloth pockets, late 18th century Italian silk damask textile.
Petticoat: Soft cotton muslin with machine-made valenciennes lace, Victoria Era.
During the 18th century women worn layers of petticoats, not only to achieve the desired fullness and shape to the dress, protect the luxurious textiles against the elements, withstand the cold in winter, but also, they were a crucial part of the etiquette rules (dress code) for a lady's social standing.
Cotton Stockings: off-white color. Victorian Era. Dainty antique French silk ribbons are tied around her legs, just below the knees to hold up the stockings.
Shoes: Late 18th century silk damask with antique French metal embellishments.
Alexandra is wearing an English Gown (English) or Robe a l’Anglaise (French) with ruched robings detail – that I made inspired by a gown dating to around 1760-70. The blue floral silk has a dainty, very fine floral pattern, it dates from the Victorian Era.
The ruched robings are adorned with a delightful French trim with silk floss, metallic threads and silk rosettes, ca. 1920's.
The soft colors of the entire gown are blending so beautiful, the combination of colors and textures are so pleasing to the eye!
I made this accessory for Alexandra, inspired by a French letter case that dates from the third quarter of the 18th century. This textile is part of my collection of early embroideries, it depicts an intricate embroidery work, a spectacular craftsmanship!
It comes with a miniature bone letter opener incised with her first initial. To make it more realistic I have put inside a fragment of a vellum handwritten document, dated 1693.
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