Thursday, September 15, 2011

 

Welcome to my Blog!
I plan to take you on a Seasonal Journey of Monthly Themes of Inspiration and Creativity. My journey started when we bought our daughter an American Girl Doll. I am a Designer and my interest in designing clothes goes back to the days when I played with dolls and made my own clothes for them. So here I am many years later, as a Mom, designing for dolls again, only now I can bring my years of designing, crafting, thrift shopping and "thinking-outside-the-box" to the experience!
So, sit back, relax, get out those craft supplies, go bargain hunting, get those creative juices flowing and enjoy the ride!

Embroidered Sun Dress-
Last Days of Summer!
This dress is easy to make! How can that be possible? Just sew two side seams, and with a little hand sewing, you have a beautifully detailed dress for your doll! And it only cost me $1.00!  I'll show you how...
 


First I started with a infant dress (this is size 18 months) that I bought at a second hand children's clothing shop for only $1.00. It has beautiful embroidery, lace and ruffle hem detailing. Because I had a great start with this dress, all of the hard work was already done for me!

1) Turn garment inside out.

2) Put on doll and pin side seams to fit, making sure you take in the same amount on both sides
3) I cut to 1/2" for the side seams. I trimmed the seam to 1/4" later. Having the 1/2" now gives me some "wiggle room" if I cut off too much.
4) Cut off the straps at front only, close to seam. Keep the loops and buttons in the back.

5) The width of point to point placement of the straps in the front was too wide for the doll. I changed it to 3 1/2" by tucking under the underarm edge and hand sewing. I also wanted to keep the nice ruffle, so I made sure I kept the ruffle along the edge. The above photo shows the original edge on the right and my alteration on the left. Double check against the doll for correct width. Do both sides.

This Photo shows how the underarm seams look on the right side.
6) Sew side seams making sure you match at the ruffles and turn right side out and put on doll. Check for fit. Trim side seams to 1/4" and finish edges.
7) Press seams and put on doll.
8) pin the straps in place at the front and sew by hand in place. Make sure the straps are the same length.


A"Sneak Peek" for September-
"Back to School"
"Back to School" outfit includes:
 Long Sleeve Top, Quilted Vest, Corduroy Skirt and Leggings.

Backpack includes everything on her "Back to School" Supply List:
Backpack, Lunch box, Sandwich, Apple, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Water Bottle, Pencil Case, Yellow Pencils, Box of Crayons, Pencil Sharpener, Calculator, Spiral Notebook, Spelling Sight Word List, Homework Folder with Homework, Library Book, Composition Notebook, and Legal pad.

Check back soon to find out how to make, shop for, and use found objects for all of  the "Back to School" items shown above!

Thanks for visiting! Stop by again soon!
Donna


9 comments:

  1. I am very proud of my sister and her creativity. This is great! Anyone with a love for dolls will find this a great site/blog on making one of a kind clothes and accessories.

    Donna, this looks great!

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  2. I just happened on to your blog and am so excited to get started!! Thankyou thankyou thankyou!! My girls were just given some 18 inch dolls by my grandma and they are so excited to start creating for them!!! I will be following you now for sure!!! Thank you for all the sharing, can't wait to see more!! :)

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    1. Hi Hallie,
      I'm so glad you found me! Thank you for your kind words. Happy creating!
      Donna

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  3. I just found your blog from Pinterest and I posted a link on my FB. You are sooo creative! I not nearly as talented with a sewing machine (so I dont see any reconstructed vest jackets or backpacks in my future) but I can totally see re-working baby clothes into doll dresses. KUTGW!

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  4. Thanks, Jenn for your kind words and a FB plug! Have fun making those dresses!

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  5. I started searching on the Internet for AG doll clothes ideas and happened upon your blog. Great ideas and such bright and cheery outfits. I have a project going to make 75 pieces of AG doll clothing by Oct 1st using leftover fabrics. I don't have access to thrift shops (wish I did) but can use some of your ideas anyhow. Thanks.

    PS...I am a former Maine girl.

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    1. Wow, I like your very ambitious project! Have fun with that! I'd love to hear how it goes! Even if you don't have thrift shops near you, you can always raid your own closet (or a willing friend's) for great stuff!
      PS.. I love Maine, but there has always been a part of me that would love to live in Europe... even if only for a little while!

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  6. I think I might just be in love. You have saved my daughter's Christmas. We really didn't have money to spend on doll clothes, but that's what she REALLY wanted for the doll that was given to her this summer. You've SAVED me! I can do *this*! Thank you!!!

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    1. Yeah! Have fun creating! And have a great Christmas!

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