Anna Celeste is the second doll I've made from Sarah Elizabeth Kellner's
China Doll pattern, which is available on Ravelry. The original pattern makes a doll about 14-15 inches tall when worked with sport/dk yarn and 3mm needles. I wanted a doll slightly smaller, so I knit her with 2.75mm needles, took out an increase row in the torso, shortened her arms a legs proportionately, and also made her head in the round in one color, so I could add a wig. Anna Celeste turned out 11 3/4 inches tall, with a 5 1/2 inch waist and hips/bust 7 inches.
This pattern is great! The resulting doll is an amazing reproduction of the antique china dolls, and becomes a wonderful canvas to create period costumes. Anna Celeste is wearing a 1850's inspired walking suit, with blouse, belted skirt, and Zouave jacket. All are separates and removable.
1850's Blouse
1850's Belted Skirt
1850's Zouve Jacket
In addition to the walking costume, she also has a simple side-to-side camisole and pantaloons:
1850's Camisole and Pantaloons
This camisole top would be the perfect beginning for an 1850's style evening dress, simply attach a full skirt (like the belted skirt) to the camisole, and add some frothy sleeve and bodice treatment :-)
I would like to make Anna Celeste a trousseau, placed in a keepsake box. Maybe she is about to go to Europe, and if so, she will need some traveling companions too.
Anna Celeste is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing the clothing patterns with us. I can't wait to make them. (((HUGS))) Verna
ReplyDeleteShe is amazing Beth - what gorgeous work. Funny I just downloaded this pattern today after seeing someone else's 'China Doll'
ReplyDeleteMe encantan los modelos que has creado.
ReplyDeleteShe is really lovely and her clothes are so gorgeous. I have made Fiona MacDonald's Faeries they were so easy to do and fun.
ReplyDeleteThank you and gracias, Typs, Isabel, Serenata and Verna!
DeleteWarmly,
Beth
Beth,
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful doll makes me wish that I could knit!
- Momma Cat
You are such an inspiration! Your dolls are lovely and the costumes you created for your China Doll are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much, Momma Cat, Joyce, and Kimber!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I hope that you will soon be hookin' and that your neck and shoulder pain are a thing of the past. The best of making is sharing, my friend :-)
Warmly,
Beth
Gorgeous! You do such beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lois :-)
DeleteWarmly,
Beth
Kouzelné panenky, chtěla bych ji uplést, ale potřebovala bych návod v českém jazyce.
ReplyDeleteDěkuju!
DeleteBeth, I don't have much time right now but I"m going to have and try this anyway; Can you tell me which brand yarn you used with your 2.75 mm needels so I can try and find a substitute?
ReplyDeleteHi Helene!
DeleteI used some stash acrylic sportweight yarn. I tried to use a cotton sport, but the results were not at all satisfying. So I would recommend a yarn with acrylic and/or acrylic and wool, in a sport/dk weight. Something like 50grams/120-140 meters.
Hope this helps! By the way, I made my doll a little smaller than the pattern, by removing the last set of increases in the torso and shortening it a bit. Also shortened the arms and legs, and made the head in one color so I could add a wig cap. If you are interested in more details of these changes, email me at: dollmaker46203 [at] gmail.com
Warmly,
Beth