First in a series of dolls clothes patterns

I have just published a pattern for an 18" doll blouse on my Craftsy shop. This first one has been a fairly long process but now I hope to add to the series quite quickly.
I love to create systems. My doll clothes system consists of three size types:

• Snugfit - this fit is as it sounds. Fairly snug blouses and dresses and light jackets and the like.
• Loosefit - this one is a series of patterns suitable for mid weight fabrics or garments that are meant to be loose like PJ's or over shirts or a raincoat.
• Largefit - is for heavy weight or thick fabrics and outer wear garments.

I set about creating Snugfit patterns for a variety of garments. The bit I am excited about is that the pattern pieces are swappable. All the sleeves in the Snugfit series can be used on any of the garments. All the collars designed for back opening garments can be used with any of these garments. I have even made a cute vest pattern that can be used to make a dress or a sleeveless top as well. 

I had all my test samples done for the blouse and realised I still needed to test out one of the methods for finishing the armhole on a sleeveless blouse. I didn't just want to make another sleeveless sample so I added a fancy yolk overlay to make it look like a western shirt. I think it looks really cute. I will be keeping an eye out for some smaller navy buttons. The ones I have used are just a fraction too big.

I was surprised that the plovers have had another batch of babies. 3 tiny things. These two hatched out the day before this picture. I took this on full zoom from across the road. There is a third one but I couldn't see it at the time. I am happy to say that there are still three babies after a few days now.

Happy Quilting and Crafting,
Val

Playing with Dolls

There is something very alluring about dolls clothes. For me, I can see all sorts of designs that I can make up with 1/2 a metre instead of 2 or 3 metres for adult sizes. It also gives me a chance to play with designs that I would never wear myself.
I like the idea of recreating styles from the past too.

I have been collecting paper doll fashion collections on pinterest and I feel confident I can draft patterns for the styles after completing a gorgeous pinafore and blouse based on paper doll outfits from 1947. The outfit is part of a school days collection probably for a middle class American high school or college student.

I used some vintage glass buttons on her blouse but the only pink buttons I had were the little plastic flowers for the pinafore. I think some little round two hole buttons are needed here. I am sure I have a bag of little buttons somewhere!

The American Girl doll scaling is for a 12 year old but she seems to be able to get away with styles for younger and older girls.

I have a fabulous old book  (1987) with basic pattern shapes for bodices, jackets and trousers that has so many ideas for putting them together. It is a great resource.

The Dolls Dressmaker by Venus A. Dodge

Each chapter starts with lovely drawings of underwear, dress and matching coat.

Most of the ideas are for vintage clothes but the basic patterns can easily be adapted to any style.

I also have some files I downloaded for free on how to change sleeve shapes and dart and seam positions. These are for human clothes but the principles are the same for doll clothes.

1942—Modern Pattern Design

by Harriet Pepin

The site I originally got these files from is no longer online so I had to track down a link. If you are into clothes sewing this book is a classic. There were a couple of chapters I hadn't downloaded so in Chrome I clicked print then opened it in pdf preview and saved it as a PDF. It is also possible to just save the chapters as a web pages.

I didn't even know there was such a thing as "Internet Archive - Way Back Machine" but someone found it and put up the link in a Burda forum.

Here is the link:

http://web.archive.org/web/20070103111428/http://www.vintagesewing.info/1940s/42-mpd/mpd-toc-short.html 

I am trying to draft the pattern for the pinafore and blouse using a drawing program. It is pretty tricky to get the size and the curves right but I will persevere. I am thinking that I will scan and upload my hand drawn patterns then trace around them to get a nice print finish. 

I have been looking at the prices for 18" doll patterns and they range from $4 to $12 for any items. I have spent hours drawing and testing the pattern. I had to redo the straps and throw away some fabric and ribbon. I will try selling at $5. At that rate I will have to sell at least 25 of them to get back my time and skill. May take a while before I make any profit but it is fun to spend time seeing if I can draft the patterns. Now I also need a whole new fabric stash for clothes not just quilts. Most of the clothes fabrics I have, the design printed on will be too large for a doll and most of them are in storage anyway. Nothing like a good excuse to buy more fabric :)

Happy Quilting and Crafting,

Val

Little Christmas Bits 17

Got up really early this morning and made two more pillow slips then wondered what I could make. I had the urge to make something for my 18 inch doll so I rustled through the Christmas fabrics for a piece big enough to make this cute pinafore dress. I even used up some of my ribbons.
I used the overlocker on narrow 3 thread to finish the edges then folded the narrow hems along the surging line. Made it easy. Small seams I didn't overlock and I only overlocked the waistband seams after I sewed them.

My 18 inch doll is from Aldi.
The pattern for this dress (Molly's pretty party dress) and many more are free at Doll Dress Patterns. They are American Girl patterns and even come with some historical stories.

If you are sick of leaving comments (because I am posting every day until the 24th) why not pin me or +1 me

Happy Quilting and Crafting,
Val