18 inch doll Infinity Scarf - Free Pattern & Tutorial on backdrops for photos

Here in Kentucky - we are snowed in from the five inches of sleet and snow (mostly sleet), so I am taking advantage of my workplace being closed and sewing.  I tried out Pixie Faire's (Liberty Jane Clothing) free pattern tutorial.  I used black Jersey Knit to make the infinity scarf.  The top shown here is a modified version from Summer in Paris pattern I purchased from LJC.

 

Here is the link for the free tutorial for the infinity scarf.

http://www.pixiefaire.com/blogs/doll-tips-and-tutorials/8536969-easy-infinity-scarf-tutorial-for-dolls

I also made my own back drops for my photo shoots when I take photos of the dolls. I purchased foam core board from the Dollar Tree store ($1 each) and purchased brick and decking board/fence scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby when it was on sale for 50% off and I used a glue stick and glued the sheets onto the board.  I put brick on one side and decking fence on the other side.  I cut out a small piece 12 x 20 and glued brick scrapbook sheets onto the board to give the appearance of walking on sidewalk or patio. You can do a lot with scrapbook paper and three trifold poster board also.

Here is the dish I purchased at Dollar Tree (see blog on Thrifty Doll Finds #3) and I used my circle punch and cut out vinyl for the dog pet dish - realistic look just like the ones you buy for real pets.

Happy Sewing/Crafting,

GiGi

Making Isabelle's Doll Dress form

I have had the dress form pattern from Liberty Jane Clothing for a long time and after seeing Isabelle's dress form I decided to make one.

 

Liberty Jane Dress form pattern from Pixie Fair http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-accessories/products/dress-form-for-18-doll-clothes

 

 

I went to Michaels craft store and found the wooden candle stick (3.99), thin wooden base (package for 2.79) and I was going through the dollar bin sections and found these awesome drawer pulls for 1.00 dollar. There were only three colors - pink, purple, and teal. I used my 40% coupon on another item and since I am a teacher I got to use my 15% discount on total purchases so I paid less for them.

 

 Here is the dress form unassembled.  Making the dress form was not hard at all. Pattern instructions were clear.

 

 

 Isabelle is trying to decide on which fabric to use.

 

It's not perfect - was my first try. Cannot wait to make more. If I can only find the Our Generation sewing machine that Target sells - then Isabelle's sewing room will be complete.

 

Thanks GiGi

 

Denim Jackets for the AmericanGirl Doll's

I recently had a request for two custom denim jackets - dark and light colored denim jackets on my Etsy site.  I had already purchased the jacket pattern from Liberty Jane/Pixie Faire site. 

http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-jacket-patterns/products/denim-jacket-18-doll-clothes

I also found a Youtube video on making this jacket from kkollect http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COF_-W7m4aQ

Here are my end results:

 

The "Mountain Dew" bottles in photos are a thrifty find at local Wal-Mart store.  They are actually lip balm containers which makes perfect size for doll drink.

I have only been sewing for almost two years and I love sewing. I call it my cotton therapy.  I still have a lot to learn and I truly enjoy sewing doll clothes for the 18 inch American Girl dolls and I have started recently sewing for the 15 inch doll - Itty Bitty twins.

As always thanks for stopping by and I hope I have inspired you :) to follow your dreams too.

GiGi

Ballerina Bedding for Isabelle - girl of the year

Awhile back I found some beautiful fabric with ballerina's posing in different positions. Shimmering purple fabric with pink leotards and ballerina slippers. I paired it up with some pink and purple fabrics that also have the shimmering pattern throughout the fabric.  I used Sew Urban four piece bedding set to make this set. 





I have the four piece bedding listed on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/179548119/ballerina-bedding-for-american-girl-doll?

Thanks for stopping by and browsing.

GiGi

Pattern Roundup for Isabelle - 2014 GOTY

I have been purchasing patterns and pinning items for crafts and handmade items for Isabelle - American Girl Doll of the Year 2014 (GOTY).  I decided to make a post here on my blog that is handy for references for patterns to purchase to make ballet clothing and accessories. I have also included tutorial links for ballet studio.



Here is Isabelle Palmer 2014 American Girl of the Year

Here is a pattern Ballet Class from Doll Tag Clothing sold on Pixie Fair website, that I purchased and love making the leotard and tulle skirt.  I do not knit but the pattern includes a tutorial on knitting the leg warmers. http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/ballet-class-18-doll-clothes

Here is a pattern for ballet slippers by Miche Designs sold through Pixie Faire website. http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/ballet-slippers-18doll-shoes

Here is another great pattern from Doll Tag Clothing for gym class clothing for top and pants. http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/gym-class-18-doll-clothes

Here is a Yoga pant pattern from Liberty Jane clothing sold on Pixie Faire website.  Comes with bonus pattern for shorts and basic pants.  http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/yoga-pants-18-doll-clothes

Leotard pattern can be used for Ballet or gymnastics made by Stacy and Stella and sold through Pixie Faire at http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/gymnastic-leotard-18-doll-clothes

Every doll needs a sports bag to carry her items in and here is a new pattern just released this month Sporty Bag by Doll Tag Clothing.  I cannot wait to make this bag.  So many fabric choices to use with these bags.  Here is the link http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/sporty-bag-18-doll-accessories

Here is a pattern for Wrap pants made by Doll Tag Clothing that can be used for Isabelle or any other 18 inch doll for workout or dance routine. This pattern is sold from Pixie Faire.  Here is the link http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/wrap-pants-and-bikini-top-18-doll-clothes

Liberty Jane clothing has a free swimsuit pattern that can be used as a leotard  - link http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/free-swimsuit-18-doll-clothes

Here is another pattern  from Liberty Jane clothing that can be used for gym workout - love the shorts http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-swim-dance-patterns/products/rash-guard-and-swim-shorts-18-dolls

Here is a pattern to make the wrapped top to go over leotard sold by All dolled up at http://www.alldolledup-dollclothes.com/patterns.html

Strappy leotard by All Dolled Up

Warm up top by All Dolled Up

Fingerless gloves  free tutorial by Doll It Up http://www.doll-it-up.com/doll-size-fingerless-gloves/

Doll Diaries has a free tutorial in leg warmers http://dolldiaries.com/doll-craft-doll-size-leg-warmers/

Here is a pattern from Simplicity 1711

 

McCalls 4986 Has some patterns to use for ballet/gym class

I just love watching video tutorials from My Froggy Stuff.  Here is a video tutorial on making a ballet studio

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0QdPMsw7Q and here is the link for the printable items to use for studio

http://myfroggystuff.blogspot.com/2014/01/how-to-doll-martial-art-room-and-ballet.html


Isabelle sews and designs clothing also.  Target sells Our Generation  toys for the 18 inch doll and they sell Our Generation sewing dressmaker that has a sewing machine, pattern, sewing box, garment bag, sewing notions iron, ironing board that is the perfect size for the American Girl doll or any 18 inch doll.



Here is a link to my Pinterest board that is dedicated to items for and related to doll sewing that I have pinned that can be purchased or make your self.
http://www.pinterest.com/instgigi/ag-doll-sewing-toy-accessories/

Liberty Jane clothing sells the pattern on Pixie Faire to make your own dress form. Here is the link http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-accessories/products/dress-form-for-18-doll-clothes


Here is the link to my Pinterest board that is dedicated to Isabelle GOTY 2014 and ballet items.  http://www.pinterest.com/instgigi/american-girl-2014-isabelle-and-ballerina/

Hope this helps you with your sewing and crafting for your Ballet doll(s).

As always thanks for stopping by.

New items for the 18 inch doll boutique

Wow, cannot believe I have not posted in such a long time.  Upon returning back to work in August, I feel as though my life has turned upside down.  Work is very busy with promotion from Associate Professor to an Assistant Professor - huge note book I have to put together to submit and then all the busy work our nursing programs re-accreditation, not to mention the two overload teaching jobs/task I have taken on top of my regular teaching load.  I was appointed the program coordinator over the med-surge course.  I feel like I have no time for my hobbies.    I am so exhausted we I get home now.  I am sure some of you are going through the same thing.  But there is hope - there is light at the end of this tunnel.  LOL.  I have been sewing some and selling a lot locally and I have been selling a lot on Etsy too. My doll backpacks have been a huge hit. 

My husband made me some school desk and I have been using those for my photo shoots.  I have been making some school doll supplies too - pencils and folders.

Here are some photos of what I have been making since my last post and selling.


Pink Paisley - another very popular design.  Ruffled pants.  Shirt is made from LJC summer in Paris. top pattern

This is a very popular ruffled outfit - I have request to make more.  The "Paris theme" outfit.

 This denim ruffled outfit, sandals, chevron backpack and school supplies I made and donated to the college I work at for the Scholarship auction.  Dennis made me the chair and desk. 

 Peace design backpack

Here is a better view of the doll size pencils I made and school folders.  I tried to purchase popular style of cardstock - chevron and dots.

 Here are the two school desk my husband made.  I made the chevron backpack and pencils and folders.

 Aqua Teal ruffled outfit - top/dress combo.

 Below is a black and blue custom Alpha Cheer embroidered ordered I did for a customer on Etsy. I used the "glitter" sheets found at Hobby Lobby back in the craft section to embroider the A with.  Turned out very nice.

 Cheerleading - Practice- Lounge outfits I made.  I embroidered the word cheer on the back of the shorts.

 Embroidered zebera megaphone on short outfit

 Cheerleading - Practice- Lounge outfits I made.  I embroidered the word cheer on the back of the shorts. Another very popular design.

Athletic pants and T-shirt - ready to workout or play ball.

I am currently on our mini fall break and have been making some new items.  I will try and post new items that I have made this week tomorrow.

As always, thanks for stopping by. 

GiGi

New on Etsy - Backpacks for American Girl dolls

I came across this pattern on the Liberty Jane doll clothing site http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/18-inch-doll-bag-and-purse-patterns/products/urban-backpack-18-doll-accessories and just had to get it.  I love this pattern.  I still consider myself a newbie to sewing because there is still a lot I need to learn.  I have never sewn a purse with a liner - truth was scared of doing it.  I have made 6 backpacks. The part that takes the longest is cutting out all of the fabric for outside backpack, lining, and the interface for it.  I love sew with it.  Cannot wait to sew more designs and some for boy dolls too.

I made the granddaughters backpacks too from one of their favorite characters - Hello Kitty.

These Backpacks are listed on my Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/GiGisDollCreations

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 I just love how this necklace looks on the doll too. It is child's bracelet that I purchased at target.  Reminds me of the bubble gum necklaces (very popular) that small girls (even teens and women) are wearing now.  I have seen them on facebook pages - BubbleGum Diva's. I got the chalkboard easel at Michaels for $1.00.  Just the right size for dolls.

The picture below is my favorite.  I just love black and white clothing.

 I did not sew front pocket on this chevron backpack because it would have hidden the chevron. 

 The silver "Toms" shoes located in the above photo - I made using the fabric glitter sheets.

 

 

These would make great gifts. What are your favorite colors/designs for backpacks?

Thanks for stopping and browsing.

 

GiGi