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?!

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 (#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!