Sew In Style Make Your Own Doll Clothes Book Review

Several weeks ago I entered an online contest on  a Facebook page click here --> Sew in Style Book  they were giving away the book Sew in Style Make Your Own Doll Clothes by Erin Hentzel.  I won the book and it came in the mail today.  In the contest you had to state who you would like to give the book too.  I have two granddaughters and I wanted to share it with the older one.  I want to inspire her into sewing.  She was really excited when I told her about it.  She will be here in a week so hopefully she pick out some patterns from the book and we can sew them.

I wanted to do a book review on it.  After I opened, I was so excited to win this book...it is an awesome book full of tutorials, resources and patterns. As you can see on the photo above and the one below there are young girls in the photos and to inspire them to sew.  I recommend this book for the young, new to sewing, or advanced sewer.  One can never stop learning. This book is packed with projects and patterns. 22 projects.  Book cost 22.95 - so you are purchasing a pattern for approximately a dollar.  Now that's a sweet deal. 112 pages.

 Sew in Style: Make Your Own Doll Clothes ISBN 978-1-60705-765-6  Soft cover book.

 Chapter one is the Go To Chapter - that is packed full of sewing information  and bright colored photos- sewing notions, fabrics, how to cut patterns, seam allowance, trimming corners, clipping curves, list of supplies, glossary, etc.

If you are a visual learner this book has awesome photos. 

Patterns are at the back of the book and are made on thick paper. Patterns - here are just a few of the 22 projects  - skirts, tops, dresses, bracelet, purses, PJ's, sleeping bag, shorts, pants, yoga pants,  headbands, jeans, tunic top - awesome doll wardrobe collection.


Links for Sew in Style
Avery Lane Designs website  http://averylanesewing.com/
Avery Lane Designs on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AveryLaneDesigns
Sew in Style on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/SewinStyleBook
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/AveryLane - to purchase her other patterns and the book.

I have give this book 5 stars *****.  Well written and I cannot wait to sew doll clothes from this book and help inspire my granddaughters to sew too.  On the https://www.facebook.com/SewinStyleBook they are having a summer sewing camp.  Be sure and check it out.  They are giving away prizes too.


I hope to inspire you and your daughters or sons to start sewing doll clothes too and build your sewing skills.

As always, thanks for stopping and browsing my blog.

GiGi

WW 1 Historical 18 inch Doll Nursing Uniform Pattern Review

I had the pleasure of being a doll pattern tester for Genniewren Etsy link on making the WW 1 Nurse Uniform for 18 inch dolls  Being a Registered Nurse - I was humbled and honored to test this pattern.

This was my first pattern to test.  I learned to make sure you read all instructions and not to sew when you are really tired.  I made a couple of mistakes - but they were my own.  The pattern is well written  with detailed instructions and a lot of photos.  I am a visual learner. Sometimes I have to see what the end results needs to be before I can sew it. I have to have a visual in my head. Sometimes that can be challenging to me. The pattern has two variations - two different collars, two different hats, and two different aprons.  Two arm bands and the option of making the sleeve protectors.

At the end of the pattern, there are several pages well written explaining the history of WW 1 nursing and several historical photos of nurses wearing their uniforms. The photo above and below are from Genniewrens  Pattern. 

Here are my photos:

Thanks for stopping and browsing my blog. 

GiGi

Love U Bunches Doll Pattern Review

When Pixie Faire released doll scrubs pattern from Love U Bunches I had to purchase it. Being a nurse myself I wanted to promote nursing within the 18 inch doll section.  Not only can this scrub pattern be used for nursing, but doctor and vet-tech as well.  I made my granddaughters some scrubs for their dolls to play with.  They wanted Vet-tech version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I really like the way Chris Saunders - Love U Bunches writes and illustrates her doll patterns.  I currently own two of them.  Doll Scrubs and Days of the week panties.

 

https://www.facebook.com/LoveUBunches

 

 Days of the week panties - even comes with printable days of the week ( I haven't made them yet...will this weekend)

The patterns are written in color which I really like.  When I copy patterns to cut, I copy them onto card stock and that provides stability when cutting fabric.

 Her photo's are clear and uses several photo's to illustrate how to sew.

 She also uses different colors in her photo's to illustrate sewing lines and techniques. Below in photo shows blue doll scrub top and uses red lines to illustrate sewing line. Black lines to illustrate where to clip in curve.

Below is a photo of how I store my patterns.  I print out on cardstock paper and then use plastic sleeve in three ring notebook.  The plastic sleeve is behind the printed instructions. It also provides a tab separator in between the patterns I download and print.

 

 

 

Some Facebook groups refer to the patterns as LUB (shorter version) so if you ever see this they are referring to Love U Bunches patterns. Be sure to check out her patterns on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LoveUBunches or purchase them on Pixie Faire at http://www.pixiefaire.com/collections/love-u-bunches

She has several to choose to from 2 tops, 2 dresses, pressing tool, and portable closet.

 

GiGi

 

 

 

 

Tutorial on inserting elastic into doll clothes

On my previous post GiGi's favorite sewing accessories that I use for making doll clothing I posted a photo of straight Bodkin.  I decided to make a tutorial on how I use it for those that are not familiar with it.

 

Her is the bodkin laying under the casing I sewed for the elastic.

 Insert the bodkin in one end

 Pull in through to the other end. You will notice the hook on the end. This is where you hook your elastic.

 

 

 

 I pull the elastic through until I have the edge of it and stop. 

 I then sew it so it stays put.  I use to pin it and then pull it through to the side and some times it would come lose and I would have to redo it. 

 You can see from this photo, I still have the bodkin attached to the elastic. I do not pull it all the way through - this prevents tension on the other end.

 Now that I have the other end secured I pull the bodkin out with just enough elastic on the edge to sew.

 Securing the other side of the casing with the elastic.

I have sewn the "back pants" together and serged the raw edges.

 Here is the finished product.  This technique is very fast in inserting elastic into pants, shorts, and skirts.

Here is the pants on the doll. The doll scrubs pattern is from Love U Bunches.  I really like her patterns.  They are colorful and easy to follow.  Check her out on Pixie Faire or on her Facebook page.

 

 

I hope you found this tutorial helpful. As always thanks for reading.

 

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

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.