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) . . .

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#22) . . .

paper.  My sewing enjoyment remains and the flood of new patterns for dolls of many shapes and sizes (though I prefer 18") keeps me excited to sew more.  However, my nearly three-year-old sewing machine hasn't been very well behaved lately, so I 'hospitalized' it on Wednesday.  Since it's electronic, it had to be shipped from the East Valley to the West Valley for service.  Ugh, a whole week without it finds me sooo wanting to sew.  I think I'll print out more yet-to-be sewn patterns and get some cut out in the interim and be ready to truly put it to the test when I finally get it back.

In the meantime, here's the latest completed creation, made for my dear friend Marilyn's Journey Girl Doll from ToysRUs, Meredith (modeled by my Meredith).

Meredith's sundress for spring/summer fun @ Lake Minnetonka in MN!

I apologize for the too-sunny BG, but I snapped a quick pick shortly before I wrapped this little sundress up to take it to its new owner.  Marilyn bought the very fabric I'd purchased recently, as well as the cute daisy trim she wanted.  Once I had sewn it on, I thought it would really be cute to add tiny green beads to the center of each flower -- she liked them also!  ')

Top from original pattern

 


Wren*Feathers' Heirloom Sundress served as my starting point.  It's a FREE pattern on Jen's fabulous blog created for KidznCats (which are smaller than Journey Girls) and has a drop waist.  It wasn't difficult to up-size, by adding 1/4" at the front fold and cutting it wider @ center back to close using Velcro (rather than adding button bands that her historically-proper dress requires).  I first made a top for my Meredith in order to better fit the sundress for Marilyn at her doll's natural waistline.  I then knew how much to take in the side seams for a better-fitting waistline in which to add the gathered skirt she wanted.  I also decided to lengthen the straps a bit and criss-cross them in back. My Meredith earned a sweet little top for her many fittings to wear with her existing white jeans (borrowed from Kyla, another JG doll)!

If you're looking for LOTS of fabulous patterns for many different dolls and great historical information and tutorials, go check out Jen's website at the link above.  She has many free patterns and then you can show her your appreciation by purchasing some from her Etsy shop (link at top of her blog).  Enjoy!!!  ;)

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?!

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.  :`)