Author Archives: hwesterv

Greetings from Maine!  It isn’t every day that I am able to photograph my fashions in front of a bower of sweet peas.  I wish you could smell them.

This lovely print from Liberty’s Wild Flowers collection, Tiny Poppytot was inspired by illustrations in children’s magazines from the 1930s. The design features flowers with symbolic meaning: bluebell for the Greek moon goddess Selene, and the snowdrops and honeysuckles symbolize friendship, consolation, hope and devoted love.  This colorway is unusual and so striking, with shades of purple, orchid, and greenish gold.  The full skirt is have a deep purple tulle underskirt.  A mauve silk cummerbund and side bow are an additional pop of color at the waist.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Poppy Parker, Victoire Roux, FR 2 dolls

Now on Etsy!

This outfit has a story.  When we moved to our little neighborhood in Oregon almost 4 years ago, we made a number of cat friends. One of these was a big black cat named Frazier.  Although reserved at first, once we made overtures of friendship (treats), Frazier became our most devoted and loyal friend.  Every evening he would join us on our walk, following us all around the neighborhood at a stately pace.  Frazier had an owner and a home, but he spent most of his time with us.  He was usually asleep in our bushes during the day, coming out when he saw us with a welcoming chirp. 

About a month ago, Frazier’s owner stopped by to ask if we had seen him.  He had been missing for a few days.  We looked everywhere for him, but to no avail.  Already attacked once a few year years ago by a coyote, we fear that he was not as lucky this time.  We are heartbroken by his loss.  This outfit is to honor our friend the best way I know how.

The swing coat is made from a Japanese cotton.  Made up of squares, each containing a different Asian print, the most prominent design is the black cat with the big yellow eyes.  The coat is lined in dark orange silk and has gold and crystal buttons.  The coordinating strapless sheath dress is made from the same orange silk as the lining with a gold lace overlay.

Rest in peace, darling Frazier.  You are much loved and terribly missed.

This fashion fits most 1/6 scale fashion dolls.

Now on Etsy!

Hello Friends, I am having an end of summer sale in my Etsy shop to clear out merchandise before the new fall fashions.  Just enter Summersale15 at checkout for 15% savings on your entire purchase.  Offer is only until tomorrow, so shop now for best selection!

A stunning print of stylized peacock feathers makes up this dramatic coat.  The colors are turquoise, royal blue, aqua, and kelly green, liberally touched gold.  The coat is lined in aqua silk and has gold and Swarovski crystal buttons.  The matching strapless sheath dress is made from a deep teal green silk with a gold lace overlay.  A striking necklace of Japanese Miyuki fringe beads sets off the strapless dress beautifully.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Victoire Roux, FR2

Now on Etsy!

A lovely metallic silk brocade from India in shades of rose pink woven with gold makes up this elegant evening suit.  The slim sheath has a band of rose pink silk at the waist.  The cropped jacket is lined in rose silk, as is the sheath.  A collar beaded with tiny pearls, gold beads and pink beads adds sparkle.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Victoire Roux, and FR2

Now on Etsy!

This beautiful fabric is an iridescent, embroidered silk.  Pale peach is woven with pink, resulting in a lovely shimmer.  The fabric is embroidered with hibiscus flowers.  The sheath is fully lined in an iridescent guava silk, which is also used for the pleated cummerbund and the lining of the jacket.  The bolero jacket has a richly beaded neckline with beads in shades of peach, pearl, gold, and guava.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Victoire Roux, and FR2

Now on Etsy!

A classic style in a classic print of white polka dots on a bright turquoise ground.  The strapless bodice has a pleated band that stretches under the bust and over the shoulders as straps.  The full skirt invites twirling.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie.  It may fit other dolls, but no guarantees

Now Etsy!

I came across this extraordinary hand made silk recently.  While the predominant color is a slate blue, every other color of the rainbow is woven in as well, including dark red, gold, green, and purple.  The lines of the suit are simple, to show off this beautiful fabric to its best advantage.  A band of iridescent silk, turquoise woven with red, sets off the waist.  This same silk lines the dress and the jacket.  The cropped bolero jacket has a richly beaded collar in all of the colors found woven into the fabric.

This silk is handmade and therefore has slubs and inconsistencies that are part of the beauty of the fabric and should not be considered flaws.

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Victoire Roux, FR2

Now on Etsy!

I have had a large piece of this Liberty fabric in my stash for many years and it is one of my favorites.  It depicts the charming miniature carnations called “pinks” that were a staple in my father’s garden.  I loved them for their beautiful, ruffled petals and sweet, spicy scent.  The old-fashioned carnation name pinks comes from the serrated flower edges, which look as if cut with pinking shears. The name of the color pink is said to come from these perennials, which have been popular in gardens for hundreds of years.

The hostess gown has a boat neck and full skirt that is split in front to reveal the carnation pink silk capri pants underneath.  A hand-fringed sash in carnation pink silk ties simply at the waist.  The predominant colors in the print are pink and turquoise blue with touches of pale green.  

This fashion fits Silkstone Barbie, Victoire Roux, and Poppy Parker

Now on Etsy!