But today I present....Karen (Harrison) Dosier of ThreadsofTroy!
Karen's answers will be in bold. All outfits seen are from Karen's Etsy.
1. What inspires your creations?
It all starts with the doll. Every historical doll has a specific style to her clothing based on her era. I try to stay true to that period of clothing. I do use some other dolls to model once in a while. For instance, Lanie, Rebecca, and Ruthie have modeled for other periods - Regency, for example.
2. What's your favorite outfit you've made?
That's really hard to say. I've made so many I truly love. I guess the most recent is the 1850's raspberry and white cross-over ensemble with the white bonnet and fabric flowers. Another favorite is the white sailor dress on Rebecca. I also love the teal paisley with the solid underskirt and bonnet with the special serpentine stitching. I pretty much designed the different elements of this ensemble. I made this design originally as a Friend of Kindred Thread for their September French Quarter Boutique. The NOLA girls hadn't even been released yet.
3. When did you decide to start making 18 inch doll clothes?
I was doing a local craft show and decided about four year's ago to start making 18 inch doll clothes. I made mostly modern clothes then, and was happy that I usually sold out my inventory. Most of my customers were moms and grandmothers buying for their daughters and granddaughters. I decided to join Etsy and give up the craft show. I didn't like the pressure of having to produce so much for just one day of sales. I decided I preferred sewing historical clothes and realized my customers were now the adult collectors.
4. What is your favorite era to make doll clothes for?
I really love to sew for all eras, but since the NOLA girls are so new, I do find I keep going back to making dresses for them. It's fun to use a lot of the reproduction fabrics I have and pair them with trims and embellishments. I love the very feminine style with all the ruffles, ribbons, and laces. I'm very excited that there will be a new historical doll this September. There is much speculation as to what her era will be.
5. Do you know how to knit, quilt, or crochet?
I have been quilting for a several years and I do know how to crochet, but I don't do it often. My mother and sister are the knitters in the family. They also sew and quilt. I love making quilted table runners for my home. I have a different runner for every season or holiday.
6. On Etsy, what are some of your favorite shops?
There are just too many great shops to mention. I do find I am drawn to other period clothing seamstresses. It's always amazing to see other designs using the exact same pattern as what I may have used. Every seamstress has her own vision and every dress is different just by changing fabric and trims.
7. Does sewing "make you happy"?
Absolutely! I've always loved dolls; and what could be better than sewing for these lovely girls, dressing them up, doing their hair, and having a photo shoot to list on Etsy! It's also great to be able to make a little extra money to feed my habit, so to speak. Etsy is a wonderful community of like minds, and I've "met" many wonderful people here - both sellers and buyers.
Thanks Karen! Be sure to check out Karen's Etsy here..
Sincerely,
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