Blue and Yellow Wardrobe

The blue and yellow wardrobe is finished. I am pleased with how it turned out. I am only a month late which is good for me.

Picnic Play by Oh Sew Kat

This pattern was sewn first with no apparent issues. I wasn't a big fan of the top as it wasn't fitting as nicely as I had thought it would. It stood away from the neck and shoulders. After some fiddling and putting the top on backwards, I moved the top snap to the point and the fitting issues basically disappeared. I need to replace the star button with a flat yellow one. The shank on the star is too big and thick for a doll's top.

The capri pants fit well and I'm pleased with the results. 

Liberty Jane T-shirt and Leggings

I made these two pieces out of a pair of X-large girls leggings from Walmart. There is enough fabric left for another pair of leggings. 

The top was done using the adaptions I've made to the t-shirt pattern. I added jonquil (yellow) crystals to the neckline for some bling. The capri leggings are a bit long so I need to check the pattern to see if they are the capri length. If so, I will cut off an inch.

I decided to try using Eloflex thread and I had issues with the stitches being too small.

I chose to fiddle with the tension and got it stitching perfectly.

The tension is set at -0.8 and works beautifully. I have three colors of this thread and will use it up and not buy any more. Not worth the price as I can use regular thread and a Microtex needle as effectively. 

I am ready to start making the shoes for this wardrobe. The Plain Jane shoes are cut out ready to sew and glue onto the insoles and soles. I need to read the pattern for the 5th time for sewing the uppers and video once again on how to attach the uppers to the insoles. I am excited and scared at the same time. It is my first foray into making shoes.

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

Regency Dress Completed

 It has been a while since I posted. The Regency era dress is complete. It was a delightful sew and I'm thrilled with the outcome. The pattern is one I recommend if you are looking for a Regency dress pattern. Simplicity 9438.

The dress, on its own looks elegant with all the appliques. 

The back of the dress looks perfect with just a row of appliques added to it. 

I lined the skirt of the dress as the satin is light weight and the lining hides the stitching of the appliques. It worked perfectly. 

When the overlay was added, it was gorgeous and I couldn't stop admiring it.

I found a pearl choker I had made and it finished the outfit. When I have made a couple of pairs of shoes, I will make a pair to go with this outfit. I may have to master gloves to be worn with these gowns. I have a pattern for tea length gloves that I can cut from the dress material. I still want to make a parasol which will be a time consuming project. When things are calmer here, it will be put on the list.

I have another Regency era gown in the design stage. It will be a pale blue. I will cut the design from this piece of fabric daughter is sending me. Yes, I will hand applique them onto the skirt. 

I am now working on a summer outfit that is fun. 

Once it is done, I will be making a pair of shoes to go with it. There is enough to make a pair of sandals which will be a fun make. Then I will try to make the shoes to go with the Regency dress. I do know I will have to interface the fabric to make it feel like the weight of quilting cotton. 

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

A Pinterest Inspired Idea

 Thoughts of doll clothes are always meandering through my head and when I see something on Pinterest, I can get quite excited with ideas. 

Today this happened. This came up on Pinterest today and it made me excited. 

The interesting part was the top and skirt. This pattern came to my mind immediately.

This was a Freebie Friday a while ago. The top is the piece I would use. A soft colored fabric that is plain or lightly textured. 

For the skirt, I would look for a lovely floral that goes with the top fabric. I would use my tutorial on making a 3 tiered skirt. 

To top it all off, I would make a pair of Plain Jane shoes to go with the outfit. Maybe in the top fabric. Or maybe Happy Bankky Crafty Mom's Bow Knotted Sandals. Or maybe both pairs. 

Do you get excited and inspired by what you see on Pinterest?

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

Regency Dress Update

 The Regency dress bodice was done when I sewed the appliques onto the front bodice at the end of June. It wasn't hard to do once I got the rhythm to it. 

I will have to say the sleeves went in like a charm. No gathering at all and a perfect fit. 

The appliques were laid out with the center front marked. I fiddled a bit as they are not exactly the same. 

The skirt was easy to sew but I spent at least 6 days sewing down appliques. Some sessions were short but on good days I could do an hour. On respite days I could hand sew for 2.5 hours before my eyes and hands started to get tired. I finished the appliques today. All I can say is hurrah.

I have started to hand sew the hem down and have one back done. 

I have decided to line the skirt for two reasons. One, the waist seam will be hidden. Two, the hand stitching on the back of the skirt will be hidden. The fabric is light weight enough a lining will help with the drape. 

Once the hem is done and the skirt lining cut out, I will be ready to assemble the dress. Here's hoping it will be done this weekend. 

It really was never my intention to do all the handwork on the dress but when I saw the overlay fabric I knew I had to use the remaining flowers on the dress. What is left is now in the garbage. Nothing worth keeping. 

On a side note -- I ordered enough insoles and soles to make 6 pairs of shoes with white soles and the same number with black soles. Yes, I finally fell down the rabbit hole of making shoes. The first pair will be of quilting cotton and the 2nd pair will go with this dress. More on this later as the materials required is coming from Texas to Canada. I will buy the pattern for the shoes once the materials arrive. 

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

S9438 - Regency Dress Begun

With the hot weather coming, it was time to start the Regency outfit so one of the dolls could walk the promenade. 

I chose to make my first Regency outfit using Simplicity 9438. 

View C was my choice as I wanted an overlay and plain sleeves. 

I knew exactly what fabric I was using for the dress; ivory satin that looks a bit like silk on the wrong side. The overlay was going to be a bit of a mystery as I needed to dig in the tub of fancy fabrics to see what I had. 

As I was looking/digging for the satin, I found a piece of lace left over from a doll's wedding dress made in May 2017. It was a piece left over from the center as I had used the border for the skirt of the dress. It had a few embroidered flowers on it and was perfect for the overlay.

But, did I have enough? Out came the pattern and I had enough with some scraps left over for later on. 

I decided to make the overlay first. I carefully cut out the skirt and bodice pieces and started to sew it up. A lot of time was spent basting a 1/4" to turn over to finish the arm holes, neckline, front and hem. The white thread showed but I was prepared. Trim I was gifted was perfect for edging the openings and hem. 

I carefully prick stitched the trim onto the overlay and the end result was as I had hoped for. I closed the front with a hook and eye.

Other than a good pressing, it was done. 

I started the dress yesterday. The pattern was traced onto pellon tracing material and then the pieces were cut out. 

The bodice was done first. After 2 false starts of sewing the wrong sides of the back to the right side of the front on both the outer bodice and lining, I got the shoulder seams done. I next stitched the neckline, clipped the curves, turned it right side out and pressed it well. Onto the doll it went and, of course, I had to see how the flowers cut from the overlay would look. 

The overlay covered up the flowers.

I fiddled around until I got something I liked but am not sure if I will be putting them on the dress. 

The next step is to serge the side and back seams of the bodice and the side seams of the sleeves (they are lined). I can then attach the sleeves, sew the side seams and the bodice will be done. Next will be the skirt.

So far I am enjoying this pattern. I have taken it one stitch at a time and am pleased with the results so far. I need to cut a piece of bias so I can cover the waist seam as I'm not a fan of exposed/serged waist seams. It is just me. And I have plenty of fabric left as I started out with 2 meters of the satin. 

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

First Three Pieces Are Completed

 The first half of the doll's wardrobe is complete. To recap, I made the Backyard Bibs, a t-shirt, and a sweater with hat. Pictures of the Backyard Bibs is in the previous post. 

T-Shirt

I used the Liberty Jane t-shirt pattern that is free. I've done a tutorial on how I changed the pattern. I posted a 4 part tutorial in May 2021. I used a Micotex needle and laid the fabric out fully to do the neckline and sleeves and tried not to stretch them.

On this version of the t-shirt, I add some hotfix crystals to the neckline. I wanted a bit of glam but not a lot as the jumper covers a lot of the crystals. 

It looks great under the jumper. 

Simply Sweet Sweater

I am a tester for this pattern and it was an easy pattern to make. I could put it down when necessary and not worry about a pattern row being missed. I had to make the sleeves 2 rows longer than called for. 

I added a cat button to the hat (blue eyes to match the blue in the yarn). 

It also goes well with the jumper. 

I bought the leggings and fabric for the next 3 pieces that I hope to sew in July. 

The leggings are an Xlg and I should be able to get a t-shirt and capri out of them. The t-shirt will have yellow crystals on the front. The blue and yellow fabrics will be made in this pattern. 

At the moment, I'm sewing a Regency dress and will report on it when I'm closer to being done. 

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

Down the Path of Idea Changes

 Life has been running smoothly the last while. I have had a bit more time in the sewing room which has been nice. It keeps me balanced and able to cope with the bad days of which have been few and far between. 

First up the 1914 Frock

All the top stitching and hand sewing of the roses was worth it in the end. 

Doll's Wardrobe

When I decided to make a doll's wardrobe for the little girl I sew for I realized it would take me down the path of idea changes. It did which makes planning so hard.

1. Backyard Bibs

I got them made and what a delightful pattern to sew. I used fabric from the stash in a navy blue textured looking fabric. 

The back has a bit of a pleat where you overlap the center backs to close. It is barely noticeable and it shows in the instructions. 

Will I figure out fixing it? After some thinking I don't think so. 

2. Peasant Top Ummm T-shirt

The peasant top went sailing off into the sunset. First of all, I didn't have plain fabric for it and secondly, it wasn't working with other clothing items. So, after a bit of thinking, I decided on a t-shirt. It will fit in with the wardrobe much better. 

After a dig in the leggings bin, I found white leggings for the t-shirt. I also dug out my pattern and I'm ready to start this project. I'm going to add some crystals to the front to glam it up a bit.

3. Sweater vs Cape

A sweater crept its way into the wardrobe and it has gotten me back to knitting. I was asked to test a simple pattern which can be picked up and put down as necessary. No pattern rows to remember. I chose a yarn that has the navy blue in it. 

I'm almost done the sweater now and have the hat pattern to test. I will put white buttons on this sweater unless I find navy ones in the button stash. We won't hold our breath on that one.

I'm not sure if the cape will be made or not. It is on the wait and see list as I may make a winter wardrobe also.

The rest of the pieces seem to be following the plan and I seem to be coordinating them so they can be mixed and matched. Once the t-shirt is done, I have to make a Regency dress for my dolls and cut out an easy quilt top. Then back to the last 3 pieces of the wardrobe.

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