Share and Tell October 2015

As you all know, I love receiving photos of the doll clothes you make from my doll clothes patterns and seeing the wonderful fabric choices that are made.

The first to share photos this month is Noelene who has been very busy making an enormous wardrobe for Belle, one of our Australian Girl dolls and the fabrics she used are really gorgeous, in most cases it has turned a simple summer dress into a stunning dress.  I really love the simplicity of the halter dress that she has made from my halter top pattern, it is understated elegance!

‘I have altered some patterns to accommodate the material. The halter top became a dress cut on the cross, the nightie a dress with more fullness and longer and the angel dress a cut off A-line dress. Pyjamas    were given a Chinese collar to match the slight oriental tilt of the material. I found a wonderful material shop in London during a recent visit with lots of fun sparkly and embossed materials, some were just offcuts which took some careful pattern placing.  The white brocade A-line dress has the opening on the shoulder and under the arm. 

Like a lot of your clients it is a long time since I have sewed and I have had so much fun making these dolls clothes. Thanks for making it so easy. I am especially pleased that my granddaughter was thrilled with both the new doll and all her new clothes at the recent 4th birthday.

Keep up the adventure, Noelene’

Next to share her sewing experiences is Alicia and I’m thrilled to hear that she has gained sewing skills and confidence after working through my How to Make Doll Clothes Course.

‘Hi Rosie – I am absolutely loving your sewing course!   Before I came upon your site, I’d created a few simple things around the house, like square curtains and a blanket for my daughter’s doll, but could never quite get straight lines or even hems.  I’m so terribly impractical and not very handy that the basics you’ve been teaching have been extremely helpful.  I’ve watched through Week 4 now and am waiting to make the doll clothes until I’m done because I’m benefitting from these tips – even pin direction and how to use the cutting board and rotary cutter.

Today I decided to practice cutting straight lines and sewing 1/4 inch hems to make a pincushion like the one you have (out of a pillowcase I got at a thrift store).  I’m attaching a picture.   I’m very proud of how straight my seams came out!  (It’s not quite flat in the picture).  And the pincushion is so super-handy that I’m going to make a couple as Christmas gifts.  You have great ideas and a wonderful way of breaking down the steps involved in sewing.

Thanks again! Alicia’

And finally, I’m smiling from ear to ear as I copy and paste this adorable photo from Betty Ann showing a cute summer nightie with a matching  beanie – love the little froggy print J

‘Hi, the pattern is your nightie and my crazy beanie hat.”☺️ ‘

Thanks again to everyone who has shared their sewing experiences and sent in photos as they really do provide inspiration to others.  It’s all about, encouraging people to give sewing a go and having fun.  And I’m looking forward to receiving photos of all your Halloween costumes to include in future Share and Tells.

Now don’t forget my Halloween special too, if you purchase a Halloween doll clothes pattern for either 18 Inch American Girl or Cabbage Patch Kids before October 31st, you get to choose any pattern from my collection to be added to your online membership absolutely free.  After completing checkout, just send me an email telling me which pattern you would like for free.

Happy sewing