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 (#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!