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!!!

My Sheri Crafts Challenge #143: Buntings & Banners

Our latest challenge is up @ My Sheri Crafts today asking you to create any card/project featuring any style of buntings or banners -- really fun, I think!


I made a bright and colorful 'celebration' card that I'll likely use for an upcoming birthday.  For my base, I used a striped paper for my BG and small polka dot paper from Echo Park, which I die cut using Spellbinders' A2 Polka Dots.  My sentiment is from Just Rite's Celebrations 'Labels One and Bracket Borders One' and my banner was made using Just Rite's 'Buntings and Banners'.  A sprinkling of sequins sent to me from a dear friend finishes off this CAS card.

Anxiously looking forward to seeing your take on our latest challenge!  ')

My Sheri Crafts Challenge #142: Birthday Celebrations!

Over @ My Sheri Crafts we're celebrating birthdays this time around, so why not get a card or two made ahead for that upcoming birthday and join us!  That's what I did:

First is a CAS feminine card, using My Mind's Eye 'Lost & Found' for my BG strip and at the center of my embellishment.  Spellbinders' Delicate Doilies and Petite Scalloped Circles Large were used to die cut my focal pieces.  My birthday sentiment is from JustRite's Birthday Vintage Labels Four.

I also needed a masculine birthday greeting, so chose to go CAS again, using My Mind's Eye 'On the Bright Side' patterned papers. For my background I chose an orange weathered wood design as I like the roughness and texture it gives a man's card and added it to my white A2 card base.  Next I added rectangles cut with Spellbinders' A2 Matting Basics (as was my BG piece) in textured linen and chevron papers.  For novelty, I offset my die cuts on the left and right and added my birthday greeting to them using foam squares.  Finishing off my card are 3 small metal squares I colored orange with a Copic Marker and a piece of orange twine tied with a simple knot.

I chose a gray envelope for my recipient and used the dark gray linen paper again to line the flap.  Always enjoy doing that when I remember and have time to add this simple finishing touch, so will need to do one for my girly card, but had already taken my photo before thinking of it this time!

Okay, get those birthday cards made and join us over @ My Sheri Crafts this week!