Make Do With What I Have

The last year I was working, I purchased quite a bit of fabric for the dolls. It was called inventory. I was also given several pieces to add to the inventory. And it fills 4 tubs. As I sewed doll outfits to display in the store, I got some patterns and I bought more when they came on sale. I also got a lot of free patterns from Pixie Faire through their Freebie Friday and pattern testing. Add lace and buttons and I'm set for quite a while. 

Though not full here, the closet is now full and 80% is for the dolls. 
Though I love looking and buying fabric for the dolls I am learning that I must

MAKE DO WITH WHAT I HAVE

Use up what fabric I have on hand. 

• I really wanted to make this dress with new fabric but I hunted through the stash, found the fabric, matching ribbon and thread and started the dress. Another search found the lace trim that I added. It actually turned out better than I had thought. 

• Use up the whole piece of fabric. Having it sit on the shelf or in a tub means I have to come back to it again. It is still stash. While the fabric was perking in my mind, I finished sewing it up. I only purchased the white cotton eyelet for the skirt. I now have that fabric gone and two doll outfits in the inventory tub. 

Pattern Alterations and Hacks

• Oh Sew Kat got me thinking in this direction when she added lace to her Four Season skirt pattern. I am looking at adding a different fabric instead of lace to give a coordinating look to an outfit. And tulle could be added underneath. Several different looks from one pattern. 
• Using a bodice as a top. I took the bodice from Butterick  6265 and lengthened it 1/2". I'd like to add 3/4" the next time. I made the bodice the same as I usually do to make a dress. I serged the bottom edge and turned it up less than 1/4" for a finished edge. Perfect to go with this skirt. At this length, I can add a 2.5" gathered peplum as Oh Sew Kat did for one of her dresses. Or I can draft one from the course I took. That will all happen. 

Conclusion

• If you need patterns buy them. I have well over 100 patterns in my inventory and I need to focus on using them. This doesn't mean I won't be buying more patterns as I will be. What I'm trying to do is sew more of the patterns I have.
• It is nice to have a small inventory of doll fabrics and trims. Having as much as I do has put me over my stress threshold. Also, I bought a lot of .5 meter (20") lengths and I am realizing they are not enough for some of the patterns I have acquired. I have to think basic once again but I'm happy with that. When I buy, I now pair a pattern to the fabric and it remains as that. 

This is a brief plan of what I am doing at this moment. It is making me think hard about a lot of things. Thank you Oh Sew Kat for making me think outside of my mindset.
Happy Doll Sewing.......................................

Designer's Patterns, Hacks, and Tutorials

It has been a while since I last posted. I've been busy with other things and haven't done any sewing for the dolls. But, it doesn't mean I'm not thinking and designing. And searching the internet. 
On my morning excursion, I looked at Oh Sew Kat. I saw this designer mentioned in a post on Facebook. I am so happy I did and wanted to share her with you. (I have no affiliation with her at all; I discovered her this morning.)

Oh Sew Kat and Her Tutorials and Hacks

This designer has basic patterns that a beginner can make with success. And, what I love about her is her pattern hacks and tutorials. They are graciously shared on her blog. 

When I was looking for her skirt hack/tutorial, I didn't realize her Four Season Skirt pattern is free if you sign up. And, she tells you how to add lace to this skirt that even a beginner can handle. How neat is that.

When I saw the skirt, I knew I wanted to make it to go with some knitted items I have planned. Plain or with lace depending on the season or look. I'm also looking at her Popsicle Top for an easy sleeveless cotton top to go with the skirt and knitted items. 

But what else did I like about her pattern hacks and tutorials? Changing her Sugar and Spice dress into a peplum top. This top goes well over leggings, capris, and her Sixth Grade Skirt pattern. I didn't stop at these two tutorials/hacks. I only chose these two to give you an idea of what is on her blog. 

It is designers like this that make me purchase their patterns. Acquiring one for free is a bonus. I am already thinking about what fabric from the doll's stash I'm going to use. 

Thank you Oh Sew Kat for sharing what you can do with your patterns. 

Happy Doll Sewing................