Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#25) . . .

paper -- the norm around here lately, it seems!  So enjoying my 18-inch American Girl (and a few other) dolls, including the newest addition:  Julie (circa 1974), whom our DD wanted (and I 'may have' too -- just sayin'!

Julie is here today to model her brand-new California Baja  - 'a light-weight woven unisex top which can be worn as a jacket or shirt. Easily recognizable by its vertical and horizontal striped design elements, this doll-size version is a replica of the iconic summer wear, which was introduced to the US from Baja California in the 1970s.  Off-the-shoulder sleeves, side slits, and fringe keep the Baja popular today at bonfires on the beach or campfires in the mountains'.

This Flossie Potter pattern (sold @ PixieFaire) has easy-to-understand, clear sewing directions to quickly add this great staple to Julie's '70's wardrobe -- LOVE it!!!  Thinking her brother Henry may want to borrow this, but never fear, I have yet another striped fabric I'm dying to sew. Once it's done, I think Julie will be fine with loaning out this piece, but Henry will definitely be needing some bell bottoms.

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#24). . .

paper.  Another in my sewing series today, an additional pattern from the one I used in my previous post. You can sew a jumper or a sundress and even add the simple button-up blouse under/over this sundress!

This pattern is by JenWren and can be found here and be sure to visit her blog for other doll patterns, MANY of which are FREE!  She's very talented, very generous and shares a LOT about many dolls in all sizes, as well as historical information!  ;`)

Kit was happy to pose today in our summer heat, managing to stay cool as a cucumber on our patio in her new sundress with coordinating red shoes and barrette!

Think I'll make a simple blouse in white with puffed sleeves this time (same as one in my previous post, but there are 2 sleeve choices!) as a little throw-on for when Kit's feeling chilled. Here in the desert SW I have several tops/sweaters handy @ home and in my car, as I hate when my arms/shoulders get cold. 

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#23) . . .

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Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#21) . . .

paper and I have had so much fun over the last few weeks making Footie Jammies for a young lady who just turned nine using Matilda Jo's pattern. Since I was invited to her birthday tea party, hosted by my friend, Marilyn, and asked to bring a doll, I thought it would be fun to make her two invited friends jammies for their dolls also!

I was so fortunate to have a very sweet lady @ SAS Fabric in Tempe take time to dig through stacks of knit fabric to find this perfect tea-themed fabric and another sweet lady during my next trip there came up with non-slip sole fabric.  I'm such a lucky girl and I highly recommend SAS to anyone who sews for a great shopping adventure!  Finishing off the jammies, I added teaspoon zipper pulls in coordinating colors made with shrink plastic. I wrote 2015 on them to remember the birthday tea.

Then I just HAD to make them something with AG's 2015 Doll of the Year Grace in mind.  Each received a Paris-themed apron (FREE pattern by Lee and Pearl PLUS MORE for signing up for their newsletter!), chef's hat and oven mitt (FREE instructions here) -- all so easy and fun to make! The glittery Eiffel Tower iron-on is sold @ Joanns (both online and in stores).

I needed to add my own label.  With the help of my talented future son-in-law who took my very rough idea using my initials, he turned it into the perfect label I'd envisioned.  I was truly surprised when it was almost as big a hit with the birthday girl as the footie jams!!!  ')  What a sweetie!

For gift bags for the girls, I used my Spellbinders' Eiffel Tower die and bags/ribbons I had on hand: 

I also made a birthday card, but I'm saving it for a later post since this one is photo heavy.  ;)  Thanks for stopping by -- come back soon, as I've done even more SEWING.  ;)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#20) . . .

. . . paper, as many of you visiting here know!  Once I saw this sweet FREE pattern from Many Small Friends including the perfect French graphic from The Graphics Fairy, I couldn't resist making an apron for my Gotz May (Pottery Barn Kids) doll, as she's a baker/chef who came with a rolling pin and chef's hat, but no apron! ;/

I definitely plan to make her one in pink and turquoise to better match her pink chef's jacket and 2015 American GOTY Grace's baking set, but I wanted to see first IF my printer would print well on fabric.  I had a small scrap of red fabric that would compliment her black/white hounds tooth check pants and chef's hat IF my printer cooperated,  SOOO . . . I had to try my luck!

Everything worked beautifully, except my brain -- as I realized AFTER I had my graphic printed and perfectly centered on my pocket that (DUH!) it's supposed to be centered near the top of the apron itself!  Oh my -- I didn't have enough fabric for another pocket, so just went with it -- LOL!  Since I had 'goofed' on the graphic placement, I had to make my pocket into thirds instead of halves, but I think it works well.  I left my bias tape longer to tie in a bow around her waist, just in case one of my older AGs want to borrow the apron. I did use Velcro on the neck strap though.

I learned along the way that the pigment ink my Canon MX860 uses is best for fabric printing, so I'm psyched now to get some personalized sewing labels made for my doll clothes.

Just LOVE how sweet May looks in her apron and chef's hat, rolling pin in hand!  So appreciative for the fabulous apron pattern, Stephanie, and perfect graphic, Karen, and next time I'll put it up where it belongs!  ;)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#19) . . .

paper, so I wanted to share a darling 18-inch doll Half-Zip Pullover I made. This pattern is by Matilda's Closet, as is my Too Cute to be Ugly Sweater in my previous blog post. 

I was the lucky random winner of her contest, so there WILL be more sewing posts in the near future!  `)  For this pattern, I used fleece and rib knit on the cuffs.  Just LOVE how it turned out!  Her patterns are awesome, easy to follow and sold through Pixie Faire, where you'll find a plethora of fabulous doll patterns for many popular dolls of various types/sizes.

For all you doll sewists out there unfamiliar with Pixie Faire OR anyone who wants to learn to sew, doll clothes are an easy way to start, especially if they're larger dolls (such as 18").  A great way to begin is to go to the Pixie Faire website for several FREE easy patterns she offers, PLUS every Wednesday, PF posts four patterns to vote for your FAV and on Friday, the most-voted-for pattern is FREE!  Sooo, IF you want to learn to sew or already do but need great patterns either free or at a great price, what are you waiting for?  PF also gives you Pixie Perks w/each purchase and before long, you'll earn Pixie Rewards to use on future purchases @ their site -- can't beat it! ;)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#18) . . .

paper . . . and I've done that by sewing this18" doll Too Cute to be Ugly Sweater for May from a pattern by Matilda's Closet available for purchase @ Pixie Faire!  I used pale pink fleece for the sweater and brown fleece for my gingerbread girl.  Her dress and trim are made of felt and the tiny bow from narrow ribbon.

The pattern is easy and goes together quickly, once you've decided whether you want to use a snowman, Santa or gingerbread boy (or girl)!  The pattern includes all the pieces needed to make whichever you wish -- or all three/four. I may just have to make my 18" Gotz Henry (May's twin) a gingerbread boy sweater too?!

If you're able to finish one prior to midnight (MST) December 31st, you can enter yours here on Facebook for a chance to win a $25 Pixie Faire Gift Card -- who wouldn't want to win???!!!  ;)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#17) . . .

. . . paper, using fabric instead.  So today I'm featuring some awesome dance/swim fabrics that I whipped up into the most adorable 'retro' swimsuits using Lee & Pearl's fabulous pattern sold here for instant download @ only $3.99!  Lee & Pearl have several great patterns and if you sign up for their free newsletter, you'll receive a free pattern.  Every so often in subsequent newsletters you'll get a free 'tweak' to one of their patterns that adds more unique ways to utilize a  purchased pattern -- really creative and FUN!
EDITED to add: Just read on Lee & Pearl's FB post that they'll be giving a different FREE pattern for newsletter sign-up beginning in Jan., 2015, which means: IF you sign up before then you'll receive Pattern #1051: Ballet Basics for 18" Dolls FREE before it makes way for the new pattern, and becomes part of their store inventory, BUT if you sign up before Jan., 2015, you'll receive the Ballet Basics pattern immediately PLUS their new free pattern in January -- how sweet is that?!  Hurry & sign up!

I just LOVE these suits and a retro high-waisted bikini is included in this same pattern which I still need to make. Either can be sewn with or without the ruffled back, of course, giving you lots of fun options for a small price! Know what I want to do with the bikini, but just been having TOO much pattern fun to get to it -- yet!

After I'd completed the yellow suit I actually found a wonderful fold-over elastic @ Hobby Lobby which is 5/8" on spools in their "Trims" aisle and is often half-price, a great deal @ $1.50 for 4 yards! In fact, I see it is 1/2 price today online, so may be also in store as it was when I purchased mine.

I found white with smaller dots (in both black & grey), which I think will look more in-scale for these 18" dolls.  They even have a chevron FOE and LOTS of solid colors. That's where I found the silver FOE on the blue suit and LOVE that it coordinates so well with the palm trees in the fabric and compliments that bright silver ruffle!

On a shopping trip to our SAS Tempe fabric outlet I found not only the blue fabric, but the black/white/grey plaid used as a ruffle on the yellow suit as well.  I've since come up with several ideas for utilizing it, including as a main swimsuit fabric and as a fold-over top on my yoga pants seen in this post!  Since I had to buy quite a large piece, but only for $5.99/yd., I'm thrilled I've found several ways to use it.  Also have quite a lot of the blue palm tree fabric, but it'll be more of a challenge to use up, I'm sure -- just couldn't resist it for our blue-eyed Kirsten doll!

Now I'm thinking I'll cut the front just a bit lower and then make Polynesian pareu's, large t'shirts, swim cover-ups, skirts for my non-ruffled suits!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#16) . . .

. . . paper and today I have a free, quick and ADORABLE little knit dress to show you that I downloaded from Jen @ Wren*Feathers' site! Stop by and check it out, plus her many fabulous patterns for sale @ her Etsy shop:  www.etsy.com/shop/jenwrenne.

I'd picked up this sweet little Rayon print knit for $1 @ Joann's a while back. It had been very poorly/crookedly cut, so it was only a small piece, but when I saw Jen's adorable dress, I just had to sew it!

It was sooo quick, easy and I was amazed that it fit  Molly, my older American Girl!  I simply cut the pattern exactly as drawn and used a 1/4" seam, but the rayon is so soft and silky and has 5% stretch, so that may be why?  Regardless, I just LOVE how cute it turned out.

I used a 2.0 double needle and added red stitching @ the neckline, sleeves and hem. I may have to make a red sweater or jacket to throw over this little gem for fall?!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#15) . . .

paper and this is another of those times.  I've sewn quite a few 18" doll clothing items over the summer and wanted to photograph them outside, but it was just too hot and/or humid during our summer monsoon to get that task completed.  Now that we're basking in cool temps (about 60 in the AM w/low to mid-90's for an afternoon high), I've been venturing into the backyard w/my doll friends for some photo sessions.

First up, we have May, a Gotz doll (Pottery Barn Kids), modeling her cute Sorrento Top. The Liberty Jane pattern is available @ Pixie Faire for $3.99 (instant PDF download) and includes different cute ways to finish the neckline besides the braided option. She's also wearing LJC's Yoga Pants as seen better in the photo below and available for $5.99 here bundled with basic pants/shorts in several variations. I love the fold-over waistline where you can play with fun fabrics or simply use one color!

Lastly, we have Journey Girl Meredith (ToysRUs) wearing LJC's Trendy T-Shirt made using a re-purposed knit top of mine that had a stain!  I hoped by centering the glittery palm tree I could get away with using it even though it's a bit large for an 18" doll -- what do you think, does it work OK or is it too much?  This free LJC pattern is available here and it's so easy/cute to stitch up!

FYI for you who sew: Pixie Faire includes many fabulous doll pattern makers and offers Freebie Friday every week, asking you to vote for your favorite 1 of 4 patterns each Wednesday-Thursday. Then the winning pattern is available free that Friday only! Both the Sorrento Top and Yoga Pants were Freebie Friday patterns earlier this summer. I seriously have a huge stash of patterns I've yet found time to sew up, thanks to Cinnamon's kind generosity!

I have a goal of finishing up several items that just need velcro, a snap, a hem, etc. and hope to get more photographed/posted in the near future, so stop back by!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#14). . .

paper -- meaning I'm sewing instead.  I had the pleasure of testing a darling new jacket pattern just released today by Terrie @ http://www.alldolledup-dollclothes.com/patterns.html

Terrie's pattern is sooo adorable, I think, and only $3.50 for an instant PDF download!!!

I just love how this one in camel fine-wale corduroy turned out -- Felicity LOVES it too!  She's a Pleasant Company American Girl, purchased for my DD in 1991.  I took Terrie's suggestion on her pattern to use a 1/4" seam allowance.  She suggests using a 3/8" seam allowance for slimmer/newer Mattel American Girl dolls. I may just have to sew one in another fabric for my slim girl soon -- just too cute with that peplum back, don't you agree?!

If it's cold/windy, Felicity can also button up that top button until she gets back inside:

Now she's all set for Fall!  ;-) 

Thanks for visiting today -- please leave me a comment and go visit Terrie's site (linked right above my photos) for LOTS of great AG patterns -- you'll be glad you did!!!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#11) . . .

paper -- so here's my latest FUN project -- COLOR  your own dress!


Having seen this blog post, I just had to make a doll dress and Emily kindly gave permission to enter mine @ Harmony Club Doll Pages sewing/knitting/crochet contest on FB!


We have an Ikea nearby, but this fabric can also be ordered online. It is a very heavy 100% cotton fabric, but I'm sure any young girl will truly appreciate receiving her very own dress and/or doll dress to color using fabric markers.


The designs repeat every 36" and after grabbing a yard in a rush, I wish I'd bought more than one yard, so as to have more options in smaller-scale drawings to use for my small front bodice piece. I do love that little dog, his dish/house and the swing though!

If you're on FB, I'd really appreciate a 'LIKE' from you and perhaps you'll want to enter your own sewn, knitted or crocheted creation(s)?!  The contest runs through May. Good LUCK!  '~)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#10) . . .

paper . . . and this is the result of one recent session.
Using Doll Tag Clothing's pattern from Freebie Friday @ Pixie Faire on FB, I cut these adorable shorts from two coordinating fat quarter fabrics from my stash. If you're a sewist of doll clothes, you do not want to miss Freebie Friday, which begins with voting for your favorite of four patterns each Wednesday and culminates on Friday AM with the winning free pattern link. You'll not only receive a fabby pattern each week, but an introduction to Pixie Faire's talented designers!
Felicity & I think this pattern is sooo cute and she popped the shorts over her hot pink swimsuit -- it's nearly 100 degrees here today, but thankfully mid-80's are forecast to return mid-week.

This pattern is so easy, well written and goes together quickly with minimal effort -- I'm giving it 5 Stars on my review and recommend it very highly! Cording run through small lime eyelets from my paper crafting stash finish off the 'faux' tie, 'sew' you see my two favorite pastimes mesh well!

Thank You!

I recently won a gorgeous flower embroidered Mexican blouse for an 18-inch doll and since Jen lovingly handmade it, I just had to create a handmade garment-themed thank you card for her. Go check out her blog and her Etsy pattern store (link @ top of her blog) for many fabulous doll patterns in many sizes/styles, including lots of free ones and many historical patterns. You'll not be disappointed!

My card was made using Spellbinders' A-2 Fancy Ribbon Threader and Decorative Dress Forms dies and tiny Tim Holtz hanger, as was this previous one. I hand threaded embroidery floss through the frame's edges and ribbon along the bottom. The simple dress is adorned with narrow ribbon and a treasured little pearl-bedecked bow that was given to me by my SIL. It's a treasure because it belonged to my sweet MIL who passed away this month at the age of 97 1/2. I shall miss her sweet face and her plethora of sewing knowledge. As she was ever-present on my mind when I made this card, I wanted to share something from her that made me smile.  :`)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#9) . . .

paper and I've done just that once again! Liberty Jane Clothing has had a fabulous "We Decide Wednesday' pattern poll on FB the past 2 weeks and once all votes are tabulated on Friday, Cinnamon has given away the winning pattern FREE for 1 day only!

The Maxi Dress pictured below on American Girl Kirsten was last week's winner and this is the one I made with a Cotton Lawn remnant that I paid a whopping $.43 for @ Joanne's. It's a little over a half yard, so I'll be able to make at least one more outfit from this lovely inexpensive piece. I finished it a few days ago, but just fashioned a little necklace to go with it today. Of course, you could make this same pattern into a shorter dress or even a top and it includes two bodice variations also. It's no longer free of course, but is only $3.99 and an instant PDF download, so you can begin sewing instantly -- LOVE that!!!

All you ladies who enjoy sewing for dolls as much as paper crafting need to definitely check out Pixie Faire on FB & join in the fun and if you hurry, today's pattern is still available for a few short hours!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (No. 8) . . .

paper and that's just what I've mainly been up to lately.  I had an uncontrollable urge all the while I was making Christmas cards last Fall to be sewing doll clothes, mostly coats (for some unknown reason) and have one I hope to be able to finish up and post soon.  However, there's a new beautiful 18" lady residing here and I just had to sew her something new to wear.

Truthfully, I made this fun reversible wrap halter top previously for my vintage American Girl Dolls (larger than Mattel's) and it works okay, but I'd prefer both the neck and front ties a bit longer, so I think Kyla (a Journey Girl doll from ToysRUs) will be sporting this from now on. Besides, since she came with orange gladiator sandals and white denim pants, this top works perfectly/reverses to an orange/white print and the skirt gives her mix/match options.

A 'little birdie' (pun intended, Jen!) told me that these dolls were excellent for the price and when I actually saw them, I couldn't resist. Her eyes & lashes are gorgeous and her hair is so soft! I'm really sorry I didn't get Dana too when I was there, as she is so cute with her short hair and glasses and will have to come live here soon!

Kyla's darling skirt is a pattern that I'd LOVE to have in my DD's new svelte size and she could really use new clothes right now and is a total skirt/dress-wearing girl anyway! I'd even love this gathered pocket skirt myself -- sigh! Luckily for you the doll-size pattern is FREE @ the link below -- enjoy!!!

Gathered Pocket Skirt: http://jenwrenne.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/happy-autumn/  Take some time to look around, as Jen has many darling patterns you'll love -- quite a few free and for sale!

Unfortunately, the reversible wrap top was a free pattern, but appears to no longer be available from Even Ada Couture -- sorry!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#5) (Oops, this s/be #7) . . .

paper --  this is the fifth seventh in my series of posting handmade American Girl doll clothing made from patterns from various sources, both free and purchased ones.  I'd intended to get this sweet little dress posted over a week or so ago, but my dear sweet hubby of nearly 35 years had a medical emergency. Thank God, he is much better and we hope to have many more healthy, wonderful years together!

This darling little dress modeled by Kirsten (an original Pleasant Company AG doll from 1990) is from the Feedsack Fun: ebook of 1930's patterns, available in several different sizes in one pattern -- all original designs created by JenWrenne. The above link is for her fabulous Etsy storefront!!!  She's a very lovely and TALENTED lady and her awesome blog (including lots of FREE patterns you'll LOVE!) can be found here!  Please go visit Jen's blog and her Etsy store -- you'll NOT be disappointed!  She also does fabulous contests every so often and has one open through November 22nd!

For those of us who remember 'feedsacks', this is such a fabulous array of darling dresses that Jen has beautifully drawn for our enjoyment.  I also LOVE that Jen gives lots of historical information along with her patterns -- she's truly an educator & doll lover!  I just purchased a couple more patterns from her and now have so many that it's hard to know what to sew for my DD's dolls first -- a great dilemma to be in -- Hee!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today; I love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave a comment. Thanks!!!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#6) . . .

paper -- and oh my, did I ever LOVE making this ADORABLE little Penny Lane Jacket by Liberty Jane Clothing -- it is my FAV, at least at the moment, but I'm sure it will be a top FAV for years to come!

I purchased Linen fabric for this little beauty and I'm sooo glad I did, as it is just sooo sweet!!! I used what I believe to be a tiny piece of vintage fabric, probably from my Mother's stash from many years ago and just love that it went so well with the linen, IMHO!  Ohhh, what I would make IF I only had more of this sweet little flowery print -- sigh!
I've also used some possibly vintage buttons, but who remembers where all those buttons come from?! Molly is modeling for us today, wearing her Peplum Top and Skinny Jeans (also from LJC), but this top is not quite ready for 'prime time' yet. I absolutely LOVE that sweet green fabric that I found at my local Wal-Mart of all places and I'm ever so tempted to make myself a top from it -- that's how much I like it!
The first Peplum top I made is a bit too snug on my original/plumper American Girl dolls. The added 10% is a bit too much though, so more tweaking will happen as I just adore this top and will get it's fit perfected soon. When I do, you know I'll post it!  ;~)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#5) . . .

paper -- LOL!  I also love using fabric and my beloved sewing machine and spent a bit of time sewing my very first Liberty Jane Clothing patterns: Skinny Jeans from their Jeans Bundle and Peplum top. These patterns are so beautifully designed and fabulously detailed that I LOVE them even more than I thought I would!

I used a silvery stretch 7 oz. denim fabric remnant from Joann's for my skinny jeans. This pattern has ALL the sweet details a pair of jeans should have, including front & back working pockets and top stitching everywhere.  I used a twin needle and two coordinating threads on all the pockets as shown in a close-up of the back pockets below.For the Peplum top, I used another remnant piece and recycled zipper from an old wallet -- gotta love recycling!  ;~)  I just think this top is perfect because the fun detail-stitched pockets show below the peplum's gathers. The top is completely lined except for the peplum itself and goes together so easily following the pattern's excellent instructions. I love how the sweet little blue flowers in this fabric coordinate with this denim, but have another fabric I'm anxious to stitch up another peplum top with now too! Fabric is as addicting as all those  pretty papers I can't resist -- hee!  Check back or follow my blog, as I will be posting several more AG Doll outfits as soon as time permits stitching, photographing and posting -- thanks for visiting!

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#4) . . .

paper --!  Found some adorable fabric with owls on clearance @ Joann's, so HAD to have it for a doll dress. I've accumulated so many sweet doll patterns recently and once I decided which pattern to cut with this one-way owl fabric, I purchased a banana cream solid for the bodice and underskirt -- LOVE how it turned out!

I used the Garden Tea Dress designed by 123 Mulberry Street available for $3.99 @ Pixie Faire (formerly Liberty Jane) for this dress -- LOVE this sweet pattern and to me that adorable back bow just MAKES a simple dress outstanding!

I also recently knitted an easy sweater (from this free pattern) in green yarn and Molly's modeling it too. This was the perfect 'starter' pattern to complete a small project, as I've knitted very little and long ago. Just using a skein of yarn I had, it turned out fine, but a lighter weight yarn might be better. Still a very cute little pattern with 4 options included and my favorite price too!  ;~)