Ah, the first day of school.  I remember spending way too much time choosing my outfit for that occasion, and I have to admit that I’m pretty happy that those days of my life are long (long) behind me.  I thought it would be fun, however, to celebrate the back-to-school season with a couple of outfits for Dianna Effner’s Little Darlings doll.  I’m letting you in on my secret sketch book, so that you can see how my designs begin.  There are always changes along the way, so what I end up with is sometimes not exactly how the idea started.  Check out the end result…..

Final “First Day of School” set

I ended up with more box pleats on the skirt than I had originally planned.  It just looked better to me having a fuller skirt.  Also, I added the tiny 1/8″ buttons on the green sweater.  It needed the little detail, even though they are not functioning buttons.  Also, I couldn’t find Petersham ribbon in 1/8″ navy, so grosgrain was used for the attached belt and bow (*gasp*).

My little Matilda in a blond wig. Still adorable, don’t you think?

The little dress is sleeveless.  The cardigan is for wearing in the chilly morning, while waiting for the school bus.  It would certainly come off by recess time.

Sans cardigan

The complete set

So what do you think?  Next week, you’ll get to see the “Back to School” outfit (hint: you can see the sketch of it in the first photo).

This is going to an eBay auction tonight!  Wish me luck!

Have a great weekend everyone!