Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#13) . . .

. . . paper and I've been busy, busy with Jen @ Wren*Feathers' Summer 2014 Sew-Along featuring 13"-14" dolls, H4H/Corolle.  She's offering a free pattern Friday of each week if you sew and post a Flickr photo and email her your link before midnight on Thursday night. We're just beginning Week 3, but you can also purchase previous patterns in her Etsy store or just start now if you'd prefer! Of course, her wonderfully varied patterns are also available in many other popular doll sizes as well.

I chose an older fabric at the bottom of my large stash with a beloved small paisley print in shades of pink/orange, which I think turned out really cute for this little peplum-type top. I love paisley prints for some reason and think I was reluctant to use this fabric up, which is how I feel about papercraft supplies sometimes too -- kinda silly since I still keep accumulating more & more -- YIKES, sooo we'll see IF I can break that trend! I also made a pair of white denim shorts from Jen's free Week 1 pattern for Mosi to wear with this top!

Since it's Friday, we already have our next sweet pattern to begin sewing, 'an A-line jumper' or 'pinafore dress' with/without pockets. Jen gives lots of great ideas in her patterns, so I'm thinking what to make. Perhaps this top won't really work since I added the peplum 'skirt', but that's OK since Mosi is a new doll and has only 3 total outfits at this point anyway -- a girl always NEEDS more clothes -- LOL!

Having too much fun sewing (honestly, fabric is as addictive as paper for me!), but I'll be back tomorrow with another paper crafted post. ;~)

Sew, Sometimes I Craft Without (#12) . . .

paper, but with fabric instead!

Jen of Wren*Feathers is doing another Summer Sew-Along -- YAY!!!  She is such a lovely/talented enabler (trust me on this!) of all things doll-related, and I'm thrilled she's doing another sew-along.  This time she's offering a new pattern each week for 13"-14" dolls like Hearts for Hearts and Cheries, though you can up/downsize if you're inclined to sew for a different doll.
All the sweet little details are in her link above, but briefly 1) she 'hinted' we may want to purchase a 13"-14" doll (LOL!) and 2) IF you upload a photo of your sewn piece weekly on her Flickr like and email her your photo link, she'll send you the following week's pattern free -- my FAV price -- LOL!
Of course, I had  to purchase a new doll (duh!) and make her a pair of pants using the first week's free pattern. Sadly, I had to await the arrival 'forever' of Mosi, Hearts for Hearts 14-inch American Indian doll, so I made her a summery top to wear with her new capri pants. Think she'll need sandals soon, as she arrives in a dress/leggings/boots.  For her top I used the bodice from another free pattern of Jen's, modified with no collar/sleeves since it's already quite hot here in the desert SW! ;-)

You can still grab the pants pattern and if you email her a link to your pant's photo by this Thursday, she'll send you next week's pattern!  (I apologize this is up right before the deadline, but I've had computer issues all day!) ;(  Regardless, if you love sewing for dolls of any size, don't miss Jen's fabulous blog and Etsy store.  Happy stitching!

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 (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 (#3) . . .

paper!!!  What have I been up to -- having fun with my DD's AG dolls and my now 1-year-old Singer Quantum 9960 sewing machine and a fun sewing challenge that's helping me learn/re-learn sewing techniques 'in miniature'. I found on Pinterest (of course) a Summer Sew-Along, wherein Jen shares a free 18-inch doll pattern(s) each week. So far I've completed seven separate pieces and have the eighth about half done due to some issues I'm having with a presser foot I purchased to complete it. Hopefully I'll get that issue resolved and can finish and post that piece soon -- it's sooo cute, I think it'll be my favorite one in this series!

For now here's photos of my DD's three dolls in their mix/match summer wardrobe:

(mock-smocked top/A-line skirt)

(halter top/capri pants; t-shirt/capri pants; ruffled dress)

The orange top features a great trim that was sent to me by a sweet online friend -- thanks, Charlotte! The white t-shirt's flower was appliqued from one cut from the pink fabric on the two pieces seen on either side of it! So if you (or your own DD) would like to 'sew along' just click on Jen's sew-along link above, download the free patterns and enjoy!!!