Author Topic: Sewing for dolls! (Read 6930 times)

lyra · « **Reply #35 on:** May 30, 2008, 06:45:36 AM »

I realized that I need to post a small update- my mom bought me two doll pattern books from amazon recently. Haven't sewn anything from either yet, but that's just because of lack of time so far. They look wonderful!

Simple & Stylish Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls' Clothing

Sew Today's Fashions For 18-inch Dolls

LauraM · « **Reply #36 on:** May 30, 2008, 07:03:29 AM »

Lyra, I, too purchased one of the same book as yours, but have not made anything from them, yet. Both books came with a packet of patterns attached on the back page.

I also find that the big 4 have lots of patterns for 18" dolls that fit AG dolls, and when they are on sale for .99 it's a great buy.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873497724

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873493753

Hoping to get started on some clothes in the next couple of weeks.

cmarie12 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 30, 2008, 07:15:33 PM »

Lyra - I have the Sew Today's Fashions...I love that book!

famorose · « **Reply #38 on:** June 10, 2008, 06:36:48 AM »

I noticed that the AG shoes were mentioned in this thread & wanted to ask if anyone has made them & are there any tricks to making them look like RTW?

I tried several pairs but so far nothing really came out well. I bought a few small pieces of Foamies, extra thick, to use for the soles but trying to cut a clean edge around the sole was next to impossible. McCall's 3469 has 5 designs & there's a web site that shows how to rescale the size. Not all the dolls feet are the same shape.

I might have to break down & buy a few pairs. I'm making 3 fancy Colonial dresses, each in a different color satin & having a ball with left over laces & trims from my stash. But, don't think I can handle the shoes!
Any suggestions?
FranA.

lyra · « **Reply #39 on:** June 28, 2008, 08:48:23 AM »

Stash, I think we missed your post earlier!

Ana has an american girl sized doll from Target, which wasn't too expensive. She really only plays with it when Kate has friends over to play with dolls and she wants to join in, so the inexpensive one works well for her now.

I was putting away scraps last night and realized that I had enough of the fabric I'd made the kids jumpers from to make up a doll jumper for her doll. Here is Molly modeling it:

LauraM · « **Reply #40 on:** June 28, 2008, 11:02:17 AM »

Lyra, that outifit is too cute!! Keep making those doll clothes.........

I spent 4 days last week with my 9 year old DGD teachng her basic sewing. I had bought her her own sewing machine and we made several AG doll outfits as well as a couple of outfits for her. I did all the cutting of the patterns. She also has another 18" baby doll named Annabelle whom she absolutely loves to death, so many of the outfits fit both dolls.

Unfortunately, my camera wasn't working and so didn't get any pictures before she left. I will get some hopefully in a few weeks. She loves sewing and has since called me a couple of times with questions as she's been sewing a little at home.

Before she left, she pulled fabric and patterns and put several in their own ziplock bags so that I can make up some birthday (Oct) and Christmas presents for her.

I found some vintage doll patterns more suitable for Annabelle (the baby doll) that I'll make up for her, too.

I hope to get started on them after August 1.

lyra · « **Reply #41 on:** June 28, 2008, 11:12:48 AM »

Oh, that sounds like so much fun.

I'm glad she had such a good time learning!
Have you seen the simplicity vintage doll patterns that were reissued? I've had a lot of success with them, and the styles are beautiful.

justgail · « **Reply #42 on:** December 30, 2009, 05:27:38 PM »

I've enjoyed reading about all the doll sewing/knitting. AG came out long after I was out of the doll age, and since I don't have a daughter, I'll just have to see what happens in the grandchild departement, hopefully a LONG time from now (DS is 14).

I just wanted share some things my Mom made for my sister and me, many years ago.
http://justgail.wordpress.com/2009/11/08/does-mending-count-2/

Madrona · « **Reply #43 on:** January 02, 2010, 09:21:06 PM »

I did not make these, but wanted to show off my sister-in-law's collection of clothes she made for Kathryn's Corolle doll (a 14" doll), Jenna:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahills/sets/72157623125454006/detail/

It is hard to find doll patterns for clothes other than AG-type dolls. She started from a cabbage patch pattern, and I measured Jenna every which way and emailed the measurements to her. She got pretty close! I don't want to post pics of all of them, but I'll post my favorite -- a pair of dark denim pants, and a sweater she made by cutting apart an old sweater and sewing it back together in doll-size. She appliqued the cardinal from a bit of christmas fabric. She is so crafty!

stashpanache · « **Reply #44 on:** January 02, 2010, 09:38:45 PM »

Madrona, is that the same little girl that was outside in the picture earlier this year? Or is that her big sister?

eta: Oh, I guess I should have said that I went to the Flickr album

Madrona · « **Reply #45 on:** January 03, 2010, 01:01:59 PM »

Yep she's the only one we've got.

She looks so much older in that pic than in the others, doesn't she. My little girl is growing up. *sniff*

David2010 · « **Reply #46 on:** July 12, 2010, 03:20:50 AM »

i just got some Barbie Doll Patterns, That seem to be from the 70's!! They are so much fun to sew, NOT. My daughter wants some new dresses. I attempted to put on a sleeve, OMG thank goodness I have a pivot feature on my SM. These sleeves are tiny. Any tips for making them look professional and not homemade?

edited by Kathryn, SG Admin, to remove advertising link.

Roxie5166 · « **Reply #47 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:17:19 AM »

Here's great site that will give you FREE American Girl Patterns. Down load to your computer and print. http://agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html

Enjoy

Roxie5166 · « **Reply #48 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:19:52 AM »

I have both books too and they are great. Love the patterns.

Roxie5166 · « **Reply #49 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:22:14 AM »

Check out http://agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html for FREE American Girl Patterns

ejvc · « **Reply #50 on:** January 20, 2011, 08:55:47 AM »

Just to keep this thread updated, Liberty Jane Couture are offering a lot of new patterns on their website; also check out Med Welch on Etsy, All-Time Fashions on eBay and Sense & Sensibility for a range of historical patterns.

Now then, here's my latest dolly creation, a peacoat from Heritage patterns, modelled by Sonali, an American Girl doll (friend of Chrissa, doll of the year 2009).

Click the photo for interior and construction shots on Flickr.

BetsyV · « **Reply #51 on:** January 20, 2011, 08:59:18 AM »

Very cute, Elizabeth!

And what a pretty face on that doll

melissamade · « **Reply #52 on:** March 08, 2011, 03:52:53 PM »

As far as books or the Big 4, which are the best patterns for Dolls, Pref 18 inch dolls?

I been looking at books and a few big 4, anyone try any?

thanks..

ejvc · « **Reply #53 on:** March 08, 2011, 04:21:59 PM »

Lots. Look at Liberty Jane Patterns for modern stuff. They also have links to the Pleasant Company patterns (now free) for Felicity, Josefina, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha and Molly, and a few other historical patterns. Bunny Bear patterns are reputedly very good (I think she sells on Etsy). I don't really like the Big 4 patterns because I don't think they are either stylish or historical enough, but you may think differently. I like the Pleasant Co patterns but their construction instructions basically stink, so be prepared to improve the construction as you go along. HTH!

melissamade · « **Reply #54 on:** March 08, 2011, 07:07:01 PM »

thanks, I will google these and see what i can find

Liz Schneider · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:37:21 AM »

Hi, all,
I just ordered a Journey Girl doll for my dd. From what I've read it's 18 inches, looks similar dimensions to American Girl. I'd LOVE any of you to write if you have a doll like this, how does the fit compare with other 18" dolls, etc. My little girl still loves baby dolls at 6, but soon will enjoy her first "bigger girl" doll with hair she can style. I grew up with Mme Alexander - prettier faces than AG I think and the upper chest is modeled, so necklines won't show the change to cloth. However, I liked the Journey girls' non-closing eyes and got the new Kelsey model, because blue eyes and dark red hair. I guess I'm still such a girl!

fzxdoc · « **Reply #56 on:** May 16, 2011, 10:00:32 AM »

I just merged three topics about sewing for dolls into one.

I did not merge the topics that are specific to a certain doll, like the American Girl doll, though.

Liz, I have sent you a PM with a link so you can find your way to this topic.

HTH,
Kathryn

Amanteslove · « **Reply #57 on:** May 16, 2011, 10:47:10 AM »

oh what the cutes , i love dolls with handmade dress , just sadly not for who create it . in my teenager i love suit for Barbe clothes , but not have anymore now , but still dream once again do it

especially when impress me Barbe calendar ...

ejvc · « **Reply #58 on:** May 28, 2011, 02:18:30 PM »

More doll sewing, this is a combination of a Regency dress pattern from Sense & Sensibility (they makes human-sized patterns too) and a modified bonnet from Vogue 7624:

It is modelled by Jane, a "Just Like You" or "My American Girl" doll.

Here's the back:

Bonnet detail:

More photos/embroidery detail
here.

And I was inspired by this dress at the London Museum of Childhood:

This dress was part of a sewing exchange that I did on a doll forum. I got a very pretty 1860s dress in return.

Lisa · « **Reply #59 on:** May 28, 2011, 02:24:14 PM »

Very sweet, Elizabeth! Such fun to see someone actually using the decorative stitches. Love the bonnet...is that ball fringe on it?

And can we see the 1860's dress you got in return?

Thanks!

Lisa

BetsyV · « **Reply #60 on:** May 28, 2011, 06:26:11 PM »

How cute! I love her freckles too

alyssarealubit · « **Reply #61 on:** June 26, 2011, 01:25:15 AM »

I had a sewing class back when I was in high school. The first thing I ever sew was a dress from my grandma. But it was ugly. It didn't look great, but then, on the second try, I sew a Piglet stuffed toy. I got the pattern from my teacher and I was so happy that it looked great! My cousins found it cute so they begged me for days just to have the stuffed toy

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Modified to comply with site rules

shams · « **Reply #62 on:** July 24, 2011, 03:00:38 AM »

OK, I don't sew doll clothes, but if you do and if you like vintage styles, check this out on ebay. It looks so cute (I have no affiliation):
Item #350479105012

fotoguy · « **Reply #63 on:** June 08, 2012, 05:43:47 PM »

My girlfriend wanted to learn to sew and I didn't know how myself, so I learned by sewing doll clothes so that I could show her. In the month that I've been practicing, I think I've come a long way. Here are a few of the outfits for 18" dolls I've made. 3 are from patterns, the ancient Egyptian is my own design.

Linda Dean · « **Reply #64 on:** June 08, 2012, 08:49:31 PM »

Thanks for sharing the pictures of your doll clothes. I have six dolls to dress to be given to the "Salvation Army Toy Store". Parents get to come in and pick out gifts for their children. I will post my pictures when I get my dresses made.

datcat23 · « **Reply #65 on:** June 08, 2012, 09:48:00 PM »

Thankyou for this topic. I don't have a AG doll, but what I do have is a cloth bodied vinyl head doll that was my sister's favourite from her childhood. I have been trying to find basic patterns for her that I can adjust to her long thin shape. First I need to get her "refurbished" as she is old enough to have the fabric perish along some of her seam lines. I recently had her rewigged at a local store, but they don't have the skills to redo the body. My niece and daughter are too old for dolls, so I plan to dress this doll, and give it to my sister as a memory gift. We both have so little from our childhoods, that it will be nice to give her something precious back.

Ambimom · « **Reply #66 on:** June 09, 2012, 12:49:41 PM »

Long story short (too boring) I ended up buying an "Our Generation" doll from Target, which was on sale, to sew these American Girl doll patterns http://agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html.

In my research, I ended up doing a measurement comparison of all the various 18-inch dolls, so that the clothing would actually fit. I'm attaching a link to it here. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/54361686/Doll%20Comparison.pdf

It'll save you hours of alteration

Construction tip for sewing doll clothing: Sew everything flat until the very end. When constructing the blouses sew the cuff to the sleeve FLAT. Sew the sleeve to the armscye FLAT, then sew the underarm and sleeve in one continuous side seam.

Linda Dean · « **Reply #67 on:** June 09, 2012, 04:49:35 PM »

Thanks for the links. The dolls for the Salvation Army aren't American Girl dolls.
They come from Michaels and don't cost much.
I've already heard that they are smaller than the AG dolls.
I'll post pictures when I have them finished.

Lyn-J · « **Reply #68 on:** August 19, 2012, 11:28:30 PM »

Outfits for DGD3's doll (Gotz Hannah)
I used McCall's 6480. I made some slight changes to the pattern.
The brooch, chains and necklace are made from a refashioned Claire's necklace.

Doll1 by Lyn-J, on Flickr

Doll2 by Lyn-J, on Flickr

doll3 by Lyn-J, on Flickr

Doll4 by Lyn-J, on Flickr

Linda Dean · « **Reply #69 on:** August 20, 2012, 11:50:03 AM »

Your doll outfits are so cute.
I think I have that pattern.

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Author Topic: Sewing for dolls! (Read 6930 times)