Featured Etsy Shop: Katherine's Creations & Giveaway!

- This giveaway has ended. Winner announced here. -

Welcome to our third Etsy feature with the lovely Katherine Gabor, owner and creator of Katherine's Creations on Etsy. She has graciously provided a beautiful outfit for one lucky reader as the giveaway to celebrate this post.

The interview is presented first, followed by a review of the giveaway outfit, with the giveaway details at the end of the post.

KC = Katherine's Creations

~Interview with Katherine Gabor of Katherine's Creations~

Lydia: Hello everyone! Thank you for stopping by to see our latest Etsy Feature.

MG: Nous avons beaucoup de chance, we are very lucky, and very happy to present Ms. Katherine Gabor from Katherine’s Creations to you today!

Lydia: Not only does she create beautiful historical clothing, but stylish modern wear as well.

MG: Oui, and on top of that she is now entering the world of male fashion for all the custom boy dolls Big People have created.

Lydia: Please join us in welcoming Ms. Katherine Gabor!

MG: Bonjour Ms. Gabor! Merci pour visiting with us today. To start us off, would you mind sharing with us the story of how you first learned to sew?

KC: I took a class over the summer when I was in 5th grade. It seemed like a fun hobby to pick up and both my grandmothers and my mother were sewing at the time.

Lydia: My! So you have been sewing since 5^th grade! What was our Big Person doing in 5^th grade Marie-Grace?

MG: I believe I heard Lissie mention something about learning where slugs like to hide under rocks.

Lydia: How… admirable… Well then, putting slugs aside, Ms. Gabor, out of all the doll lines available, why did you choose to create outfits for AG dolls?

KC: I rediscovered my childhood Addy doll back in 2010. I fell back in love with her and she needed more clothing. Money was tight so I decided to add to her wardrobe by sewing for her myself. After a year or so of practice and relearning sewing skills and techniques, I decided to open an Etsy store. Back then it never occurred to me to sew for any other doll than an AG doll.

Pink and Brown 1850s Dress is a wonderful example of Civil War era fashion.

MG: A year of practice? That is incroyable! Incredible! It goes to show nothing is easy, well except for procrastination perhaps. You have a wide array of outfits from many time periods as well as modern in your store but do you have a favorite style or time period to design for?

KC: Since Addy has a special place in my heart, I really enjoy sewing for her time period. There are so many wonderful Civil War era patterns right now for AG dolls and beautiful Civil War era reproduction fabrics.

Lydia: I must agree! Our Big Person fell in love with your Civil War era designs when she first saw them so it is quite wonderful to hear that is your favorite time period to create for. Would you mind sharing with us what is your favorite part of what you do? What about your least favorite?

KC: My favorite part is searching for the perfect fabric and trims and being able to see how the outfit is going to come together. My least favorite part is the hand sewing. I hand sew metal snap closures to almost all my outfits now. It takes more time than sewing on Velcro, but it looks so much better and I do not have to worry about a customer snagging their doll's or tights on the Velcro

This Vintage Style 3 Piece Nurse Uniform is both fun to wear and stylish!

MG: C'est merveilleux! That is wonderful! I have very long cheveaux, hair, and I hate getting it caught in velcro.

Lydia: Absolutely! Velcro wrecks complete havoc on my curls, not to mention all our dresses with lace and satin.

MG: You mentioned that snaps take longer to sew on than velcro, but how much time on average goes into an outfit or design? Could you briefly explain the process?

KC: How I wish I had more hours in the day to sew. At this point in my life I can only sew when my two year old naps, so it takes me a couple of naps to finish an outfit. If I have everything I need on hand it I can get an outfit done in 2-4 naps. But if the outfit is a custom request it takes much longer.

Lydia: My! You work on quite the time line!

MG: Oui Lydia Charlotte! Nap time never feels long enough.

Lydia: Since you create outfits from a wide variety of time periods, could you share a little about what is different in your designing process from creating a historical versus a modern outfit?

KC: When I sew my historical dresses I mostly like to sew using civil war reproduction fabric or 1930s reproduction fabric whenever possible.

The collar on the Navy Blue Polka Dot 1930s Princess Seam Dress is perfect for the time period.

Lydia: That means your outfits are made with authentic fabric and an accurate print representing the time period. Fantastic Ms. Gabor!

MG: May I ask, what or who inspires your creativity when sewing and designing an outfit?

KC: Pinterest is awesome for inspiration. I follow a board that daily updates with historical clothing by Jaana Seppala. Most days I have to wipe the drool off my iPad from the gorgeous outfits she pins. Pinterest is also an awesome place to keep vintage pattern covers all in one place too. If I need some 1930/1940 inspiration I will look on Pinterest or Etsy for pattern covers.

Lydia: Ah, the internet is a wealth of inspiration! We shall have to insist on having our Big Person show us Jaana Seppala’s board and look at these designs. With such a wealth of resources, do you ever get a creative block? If so, how do you overcome it?

KC: If I ever struggle with an outfit while sewing, I will put down my project and walk away from it. Time away from it helps clear my head.

Occasionally she will create clothing from Felicity's era, such as this 1700s En Forreau Gown.

MG: Now I know that you have recently started to create outfits for boy dolls as well.

Lydia: Boy dolls?

MG: Oui! Many people have created custom dolls to be boys and they look très beau, very handsome. Ms. Gabor, what inspired you try your hand at sewing boy doll outfits?

KC: I decided to try sewing for boy dolls because members on AG Playthings message board were complaining about the lack stylish clothing for their boy dolls.

Lydia: You make is sound so simple, but surely that couldn’t have been so easy! What are some main differences between designing and sewing for boy doll clothes versus girl doll outfits?

KC: A really big problem right now is the lack of boy well made and drafted patterns out there. I am hoping this changes as 2015 chugs along. There is a big difference between in the cut of a boy clothing and girl clothing. For example boy button down shirts are baggier width wise and longer. Girl button down shirts are more fitted. The same thing goes with skinny/slim jeans. Boy skinny jeans are baggier in the crotch and longer in the legs. Girls skinny jeans look like they are painted on and the length of the pants leg stops by the ankle. I do not have any pattern drafting skills, so in between projects I am playing around with adding seam allowances on girl patterns to see if I can properly adjust them for a boy.

Her modern outfits are equally as detailed and well made, like this Button Down Shirt, Capri and Slouchy Sweater Set, which is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or even the start of spring!

MG: C'est étrange, how strange that boys have to worry about crotch bagginess. They have such difficulties! It is most admirable that you are venturing into this area Ms. Gabor! There are so many boy dolls and so few clothing options for them.

Lydia: Indeed Marie-Grace! And it would appear we cannot even lend them our jeans because ours do have the appropriate bagginess.

MG: Before we wrap up, is there any advice you would like to share with the readers?

KC: I encourage anyone who wants to pick up the hobby of sewing to do so, but it does take time and lots of practice. You would laugh at some my projects that went wrong. I'm still learning new tips and tricks all the time.

Lydia: Don’t forget the one word bonus Marie-Grace. You know how Lissie loves it so.

MG: Ah, merci for reminding me! Ms. Gabor, your one word bonus is: Steak or Sushi?

KC: Steak. Sushi freaks me out.

This adorable Pink Daisy Print Dress is cheerful and looks like it could be another beautiful dress made for Kit by her Aunt Millie from a feedsack. 

MG: Thank you so much again for taking the time to join us and answer our questions! 

Lydia: Yes! We are all looking forward to seeing your boy outfits when you release them. You can stay notified with Ms. Gabor's latest projects at these links:

Etsy Store - https://www.etsy.com/shop/kgabor19

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherines-Creations/129162887179594

Instagram - #katherinescreations

MG: C’est vrai, it’s true! And in the mean time we shall enjoy your historical and modern outfits currently in your store. Let’s all have one more round of applause for Ms. Katherine Gabor!

Lydia: Now we will go over to Lissie and Sawako Lilly as they present the review of the outfit Ms. Gabor has generously provided for the Giveaway. 

~Review~

Lilly: Thank you Lydia Charlotte and Marie-Grace! We are so fortunate and grateful to Ms. Gabor for providing this beautiful dress for us to review and giveaway. Lissie here.... Lissie? Where are you? It's our turn!

Lissie: BAM! Here I am! What do you think?

Lilly: Are you- Is that- Why are you already dressed Lissie?

Lissie: Because fashion can wait for no one, not even a scheduled feature!

Lilly: *Ahem* well then, here you can see Lissie modeling the 1860s Purple School Dress. 

Lissie: Oooo, modeling. I like the sound of that. Sounds... delicious!

Lilly: Oh Lissie, I really don't know if I can do this. I can name all the bones in the skull but I haven't a clue when it comes to fabrics and sewing.

Lissie: Don't worry Lilly! Let's start from the top! Let everyone admire my beautiful collar!

Lilly: Good idea Lissie! You can see the dress' white collar is edged with lace, giving a bit of flair to this school dress.

Lissie: Don't forget to mention how extra grand I look in lace.
Lilly: I don't think that's relevant to the review Lissie, now hush and let me continue.

Lilly: Down the center of the dress' bodice is a straight row of small, white buttons for decoration.

Lissie: Don't forget to mention how extra grand I look in buttons!

Lilly: Lissie! *ahem* The fabric is very thick and high quality, perfect as a cool weather dress.

Lissie: Like today! Not spring, not winter, but a wanna-spring-winter day! Or a... wansprinter.

Lilly: .....

Lilly: The white sleeves are attached to the bodice for ease of wearing and characteristic of the wide, bell shaped sleeves from the time period.

Lissie: Don't forget-

Lilly: Not now Lissie, we all know you look grand in bell sleeves but we need to focus on the dress, not you. Now please turn around so we can see the back.

Lissie: *sigh* You know, this isn't what I thought modeling would be like. It's a good thing this dress is pretty or I would be really bored.

Lilly: The bow looks funny Lissie.

Lissie: Yeah... Our Big Person is awful with bows, no help for it. But I wear it with style!

Lilly: The back of the dress closes with snaps.

Lissie: Infinitely easier than velcro! I tied my hair up just in case it would get caught, but since it's snaps, I didn't have to worry about it.

Lilly: Now it's time to take off the dress so we can get a closer look at it.

Lissie: Does this mean... I can talk endlessly about myself now?

Lilly: No.

Lilly: The dress is made from a Civil War reproduction fabric created by Judie Rothermel. She works with Marcus Fabrics and makes not only stunning Civil War reproduction fabric but also 1930s reproduction fabric too.

Lissie: Fabric can be reproduced, but no one can reproduce General Washington!

Lilly: The sleeves close with snaps as well, much easier to use and more flattering than the velcro that AG uses on the sleeves of Kirsten, Addy, and Samantha's outfit.

Lissie: And the snaps make it easy to hide dangerous contraband like dark chocolate in those giant bell sleeves!

Lilly: ...Is that why the sleeves were so large?

Lissie: Obviously! Nothing says 1860s like dark chocolate in the sleeves.

Lissie: The only thing better than the front of a dress is the back!

Lilly: How so? All the decorations are in the front.

Lissie: Ah, but all the skill goes to the back.

Lissie: Look Lilly! It's a secret message sewn into the dress!

Lilly: Don't be silly, that's Ms. Gabor's clothing label she includes on all her clothing. My! Look at how tightly those snaps are sewn on. Not even a tornado could whip those off.

Lissie: It doesn't have to withstand a tornado, just my awesomeness!

Lilly: The inside of the dress is neat with no fraying ends.

Lissie: Everyone likes to see the clean guts of a dress.

Lilly: I'm not sure clean guts is the proper term for finishing edges Lissie.

Lilly: Here you can see a close up of the serged edges, all straight and neat, meticulously done.

Lilly: And here you can see where the decorative buttons on the front bodice attach. 

Lissie: The sash that ties in the back is sewn onto the sides of the bodice. The seams are watertight and straight and neat as an uncooked spaghetti!
Lilly: Overall, this dress is not only historically accurate and beautiful, but also easy for both adults and children to use.
Lissie: Or modeling dolls.
Lilly: Yes, especially modeling dolls. Now we'll go to Cecile and Samantha, who will explain how you can enter to win this lovely dress! Lissie, where are you going?
Lissie: Sorry Lilly, a doll model's work is never done!

~Giveaway~

Lissie: I'm back!

Cecile: Shhh Lissie! You must model en silence, silently.

Lissie: Oh moon pies and cheesecakes, fine!

Sam: Hello everyone! Cecile and I are here to tell you how you can enter to win this beautiful 1860s Purple School Dress for your lucky doll.

Cecile: Il est facile, it is easy! All you must do is visit Ms. Gabor's shop and tell us which is your favorite outfit and why.

Sam: The giveaway is open to all entrants, including international readers as well. 

Cecile: There is no purchase necessary-

Lissie: Ask for gold! Ask for candy! Ask for golden candy!

Sam: Shhhhh Lissie! We can not ask for such extravagances. If you are under the age of 13, please ask your parent or guardian to enter for you.

Cecile: This is très important! Do not forget to include your name with your entry! You can comment using the "Name/URL" option. Put your name in the "name" option and you can leave the URL part blank.

Sam: Thank you again so much to Ms. Gabor for providing us with such a lovely dress to give away.

Cecile: Oui, merci Ms. Gabor! Bonne chance! Good luck everyone!

- This giveaway has ended. Winner announced here. -

The giveaway will run from Feb. 23 - Mar. 5 (midnight Central USA time).

To enter:

Visit Katherine's Creations' Etsy Store by clicking here. Share with us your favorite item in her shop and why. (theme, design, style, time period, etc.). 

For bonus entries:

Favorite Katherine's Creations' Etsy store. (include username in comment for verification)

"Like" Katherine's Creations on Facebook (click here to go to the page) (include username in comment for verification)
"Like" Lissie & Lilly on Facebook (click here to go to the page) (include username in comment for verification)

Follow/Google+ this blog. (If you are already a follower/google+, just comment with your account. ^_^)

Share about this giveaway on social media (Facebook, Your Blog, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, Google+, Pintrest, other forums, etc.) - Be sure to include the link(s) to your post(s) in your comment so we can verify where you shared. 

*max 9 additional entries*

The winners will be announced in 2 weeks on Friday, March 6th on this post, so check back then! ^_^

- This giveaway has ended. Winner announced here. -