Monday, April 7, 2014

Spring has Sprung!

I hope you all are enjoying spring like weather after such a harsh winter.  Here are some pictures of our beautiful azaleas that are bursting with blooms.

                                                                        

 
 
I've also been busy doll making of course, and have finished my companion doll for my Mary Todd Lincoln.  Elizabeth Keckley was the first lady's dressmaker who became her friend and confidant during the time of her husband's presidency and many years after his assassination.  Elizabeth was a free woman of color who bought her own freedom. She worked for many influential ladies including the future first lady of the Confederacy, Varina Howell Davis. 
 
 

 
Elizabeth's outfit consists of a silk taffeta plaid skirt, and a silk dupionni blouse trimmed in brown velvet bands.  This outfit is a copy of the one on display in the Smithsonian.  It  was worn by the actress Gloria Reuben, who portrayed Elizabeth Keckley in the movie "Lincoln".