Well, I know March Madness is all about Basketball in the US but here is Australia it’s usually a fairly ‘nothing’ month with the kids finally back at school at the end of January, Valentines Day is over and Easter is not quite here.  So we’ve decided to liven things up and create some havoc with a little of our own “March Madness”.

Yep, for the whole month of March, for absolutely no reason what-so-ever, we’re offering a whopping 20% off everything in store.  That’s 20% off my How to Sew Doll Clothes Video Course – either online, DVD set or Best Of Both Worlds, or all my 18 inch and American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns and all my 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Doll Clothes Patterns….absolutely EVERYTHING in store!

If you’re not quite sure what all the fuss is about when people rave about my instructional videos, then try one of my patterns at 20% off the retail price and I’m sure you’ll be back for more.

This craziness end midnight March 31, 2017 so if you’ve been thinking about doing my course, then now’s the perfect time while the price is so low.  And if you’ve been dreaming of all the doll clothes you could make if you just had the patterns, then go wild and stock up today!

Simply enter the coupon code MarchMadness during checkout and 20% will come off the total.  How crazy is that!

Happy sewing

Oh my, this was meant to be ready for release in January but I just didn’t get a chance to put it together in time.  Who else finds there just isn’t enough time in each day to get everything that you want done?

Well lets get started before February is gone too!

First up we have this gorgeous 18 Inch American Girl Wedding Dress by Mary-Jane.  Don’t you just love the sparkle scattered over the fabric and the shimmer of the veil!  This is one very pretty wedding ensemble and looks like there are more to come.

‘Hi Rosie

Your help was wonderful. A huge thank you for your guidance.

I have a lady wanting 3 dresses already!!!

Mary-Jane’

Next we have a petticoat that Tai has been working on.  It’s for the much smaller Blythe doll and it’s wonderful to learn that Tai was able to take the skills she learnt from my How to Sew Doll Clothes Video course and use them on such a tiny project.  Well done Tai!

‘Hey Rosie!  I just wanted to show you I re-watched your videos on casings and frills to whip up a frilled petticoat for my Blythe doll for my monthly sewing group on Facebook.  She’s the size of a Skipper doll and comes from Japan so many of her pattern books are in Japanese – I usually have the pieces but no idea what to do with them.  The frill piece is only 2.5cm wide!!! But I was able to hem/gather/case and seam them thanks to YOUR videos.  My Blythe doll’s clothes owe much of their existence to your website and videos and I just wanted to say thank you for all that you do  – Tai’

The following email from Teri made my heart sing.  She has taken the knowledge and skills from my How to Make Doll Clothes Course to go on to make ‘real’ sized clothing and gifts which is something she has always wanted to do.  I look forward to what Teri tackles next!

‘Thanks to your videos, I knew how to make a ruffle and a lining, so I decided to make the apron reversible.  The serger is wonderful!  I love how clean and neat it makes all the seams.  Each apron is made just a little differently.  I chose each girl’s favorite color and embroidered with their name.  This one is not reversible.  I made a different belt style, too.  

Making gifts is something I have always wished I could do.  It is slow going as I tire easily, but I have to thank you again for the confidence-builder your course has been for me.  All your help and encouragement have been a true God-send.  

 Ever “sew” thankful,

Teri’

I’ve been holding this email and photo from Sue until after Christmas because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise just in case her granddaughter found my blog.  I bet there was one very happy little girl running around with her doll both dressed in their new winter nighties on Christmas day!

‘After searching for a nightie pattern to match the nightie I just finished for my granddaughter, is when I stumbled across your website. The Winter Nightie was almost identical to the one I just finished.  I just want to say, thank you for including the videos. These are the first projects I’ve done on a sewing machine in over 30 years!!  It sure helped me along with the process in re-learning how to sew. They are so very helpful and you’ve done an excellent job!

Thank you so much, and keep up the great work!’

Debra has been very creative combining my Ballerina leotard with her very own colorful tutu, how cute!  Looks like there will be at least four very happy little ballerinas.

‘Rosie,

I was asked to make a “replica” of the costume a young girl wore in the Nutcracker Ballet.  I’ve got plans to make at least three more!

Your pattern was very easy to follow…it was a joy to sew.

Thank you!

Debra’

Lisa has been very busy creating some beautiful new outfits for her all plastic Cabbage Patch doll and I just can’t get over how sweet she looks in her heart print nightie and matching Frill Hat.

With the second outfit, Lisa has used the black and white spot fabric from the sports shorts to trim the neck and sleeves of the blouse to make this a really cute set.

And to round off this month’s Share and Tell, we have an adorable American Girl Winter Pyjama made with love by Kimberly.  This story is what Christmas is all about….creating special gifts and making your own fun!

‘Rosie, Your video tutorials are wonderful! You do such a good job covering every step, plus explaining little techniques and tips. Sewing my first doll clothes was super easy.

I purchased matching Christmas pajamas for everyone in my family, but needed matching jamies for our dolls.  I used your winter pyjama pattern and my husband’s pajama shirt to make 3 sets of pj’s for the dolls. I felt so proud and confident after accomplishing something I never thought I’d be able to do. And my daughters are super excited about the matching clothes. Thank you! 

Funny story though. Christmas was so warm here in Texas, I ran the air conditioning really cold, just so we could all wear our new flannel pajamas.

Thank you again sew much!

Kimberly’

Well, that was sooo much fun with lots of gorgeous outfits and some really wonderful stories.  I hope you enjoyed reading them as much as I did.

Happy sewing

Singing……’I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the ones I used to know.’  Believe me, I’m certainly dreaming of a white Christmas!  You see it’s 35 degrees Celsius, that’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit for my American friends and it must be almost 80% humidity.  Our air-conditioner has broken and the chances of it being fixed before Christmas day is somewhere between zero and one percent!  Ahhhh, to be surrounded by snow.

It’s true though, I have always dreamed of having a white Christmas and I certainly hope that one day I will get to spend Christmas in America and visit one of the American Girl doll stores that I’ve heard and read so much about.  When that day comes, I’ll be asking you all for your recommendations on where I should visit.

So again, this has been a very busy year for me.  We started off by upgrading all the online memberships to LIFETIME access which was a huge success with lots of wonderful feedback from many customers thankful to regain access to all their videos that had previously expired.  This was a major project for my husband, Brad, and our website guru but the response was so positive that it made the many hours they spent on it almost melt away…..a bit like me at the moment!

We then released the Winter Nightie doll clothes pattern and it has proved to be super popular because it’s such a versatile pattern with all the options of with or without a frill, various sleeve lengths and the fact that it can be used as a nightie or dress pattern.

Next came the introduction of Mix and Match Bundles saving you 20% when purchasing 5 or more patterns in one transaction.  The best part about this Bundle offer is that you don’t have to do anything to get the 20% discount, it is applied automatically as soon as the 5^th pattern is added to your shopping cart.  This was also well received and has been another positive improvement to our website.

Then we had to move our attention to my Doll Clothes website because it was an older site and not mobile friendly.  With so many people using mobile devices to browse the internet, we had to finally bite the bullet and modernize that website.  Again, this was a tremendous amount of work and involved a lot more of my time than I had hoped however, I’m thrilled with the result and the feedback has been awesome!  Check it out and let me know what you think…Rosie’s Dolls Clothes.

To finish the year off, we’ve had an amazing promotion which for the first time, has offered 20% discount off everything in store.  In the past, the discount has been for either patterns or my course but this time we’ve gone all out and have been discounting everything storewide by 20%.  This special offer expires on Christmas day so you still have a couple of days to get a bargain using the coupon code Christmas20

On the personal front, we celebrated the wedding of our son to the girl of his dreams.  This was the highlight of our year and I still can’t believe that our little boy is now all grown up and making a new home with his new wife.

So with all that behind us, I am looking forward to getting back into drafting new patterns and filming new videos in 2017.  Thank you so much for sharing this year with us, I loved receiving all your photos and emails.  Wishing you a wonderful holiday season with your families and all the time in 2017 to sew to your hearts content!

Merry Christmas

Oh boy a lot of sewing machines have been working overtime lately getting all those doll clothes made in time for Christmas gift giving.  I know how busy things get at this time of the year so I’m thrilled that you have taken some extra time to take photos and send them in.

Marilynn has been seeing double lately making two of everything for her friend’s great-granddaughters and she’s even used some of the great-grandmothers clothes to make them so they will have extra special meaning to her precious great-granddaughters.  And I love the tip about the button!

‘I’ve been busy sewing doll clothes for the great-granddaughters of a friend of mine so it’s been two of everything I make using your patterns.  Here are some of the photos:

This is the funky fur coat with the beanie made from the great-grandmother’s sweatshirt.  The jeans were made from an old pair of jeans using the tights pattern.  This doll is slimmer than a regular AG doll so it worked out well. 

This t-shirt was made from the great-grandmothers t-shirt and the tights are made from a pair of shiny purple tights that I picked up at a used clothing store.  I had to take the seams in about 1/2 ” to make them skinny tights.  When I make the pants, I always sew a tiny button on the front of the pants so it’s easy for the girls to know which is the front.The dolls each have a summer and a winter nightgown.

Once again, I am so grateful for your website and the fact that I can look at videos to get the clothes made.  Watching the videos just makes it so much easier.  I also like the variety of patterns that you have so I know there will be two happy little girls at Christmas time.  Marilynn’

We all saw last month how Mary-Jane has gotten back into sewing recently and is regaining her confidence sewing doll clothes for her granddaughters.  Well, I’m thrilled to say that she is now working with stretch fabric and making some cute bathers, sarongs and circle skirts.  This is great to see Mary-Jane.

‘Thank you! Here is a photo…getting better every time I sew. It is really is the finishing touches that make all the difference! 

Mary-Jane’

Jen has been busy making a Dorothy costume for Halloween and although she didn’t check that her pattern was printed to the correct size, it’s turned out really well.

‘Hi Rosie,

Your patterns and videos are so helpful. My step-daughter wanted a “Dorothy” costume and I found the perfect pattern on your site. Your videos are super clear and everything turned out fantastic! If the apron looks a little short it’s because I didn’t ensure my pattern printed to the right size but I went for it anyways! I am a beginner but your pattern and instructions make me look like a pro! I have bookmarked your site and will be back for more.

Thanks from Jen’

Matilda, our red headed Australian Girl doll looks great in purple and Lyn has done a great job making some really cute purple winter pyjamas.

‘Hi Rosie, I absolutely adored making up the doll winter jammies and the pattern and instructions were fabulous.  The pants were no problem but the jacket stretched my skills to the limit!! I kept my cool and the videos kept me on track.  I will definitely be back for more patterns soon.

Best Regards Lyn’

Looks like winter pyjamas have been a popular pattern to make up lately – must be getting cold somewhere in the world as it’s really warming up here in Australia!

Patricia has made these winter pyjamas for a Baby Born boy doll following the adjustments that I have listed on my blog, ‘My Doll Clothes Patterns fit the 17” (43cm) Baby Born Doll’.

It’s great to see some boy dolls making an appearance in my Share and Tell bog so thanks for sending this one in Patricia.

I have a few more photos that have been sent in but I’ve been asked not to share them until after Christmas so be sure to keep an eye out for my January Share and Tell blog.

In the meantime, don’t forget that I’m offering 20% off everything in store until Christmas so if you’ve been wanting to get a pattern or try my How to Sew Doll Clothes video course, now’s the perfect time!  Just remember to use coupon code Christmas20 during checkout.

Can you believe that it’s only 7 weeks until Christmas!    And because I know a lot of you are planning to make doll clothes to give as gifts this year, I thought it would be awesome to reduce the price of ALL my doll clothes patterns by 20%.

This means that you can select a few extra patterns to make and add them to the Christmas stocking of that special someone in your life.  Gosh, there are going to be lots of happy children on Christmas morning and just as many beautifully dressed dolls!

 You might even like to make a Santa suit for your doll using my Funky Fur Pattern.  If you want to know exactly how to make this, I’ll give you the link to a blog I did a number of years ago at the bottom of this page.

I’ve also taken 20% off the retail price of my How to Make Doll Clothes video course.  ‘Sew’ if you’ve been toying with the idea of making doll clothes for your children or grandchildren but were afraid that you couldn’t do it because you thought it will be too fiddly, then RELAX.  My course will teach you some really cool tips and tricks that take the frustration out of sewing small doll clothes and you’ll soon wonder what you were afraid of.

This course is also the perfect gift for anyone wanting to learn how to sew as I start by covering the basics such as types of fabric, how to use various sewing tools and how to sew the basic stitches to create seams and hems.  Then we progress to things like creating frills or ruffles, working with elastic and attaching collars. And all the while, I show you special techniques that I’ve discovered that help make sewing small doll clothes fun.

Included with my How to Make Doll Clothes Course are 8 free doll clothes patterns (9 if you count the tights pattern that comes with the Pumpkin costume) and these are ideal for practicing the tips and techniques that you learn throughout the course.  And they are a great start to your doll’s wardrobe!  To get 20% off all my doll clothes patterns AND my How to Make Doll Clothes video course simply enter the coupon code Christmas20 during checkout.  Offer expires December 25, 2016.

Ready to get started? 

Click here to purchase my How to Make Doll Clothes video course now.

Click here to choose your 18 inch and American Girl doll clothes patterns.

Click here to buy your 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids doll clothes patterns, or

Click here to visit my How to Make a Santa Suit blog.

Merry Christmas and happy sewing

This blog is not only about sharing photos of your doll clothes creations and the successes you have but also about sharing the times when you experience difficulties and how you overcame them.  So I’m going to start this time with some photos that Betty Ann sent in and explain the issue that she was having.

Betty Ann was having a hard time with sewing in the elastic on the one piece swim suit the way that I show in my video and so she decided to use fold over elastic instead and managed this a lot easier.  She sewed one side of the elastic in place and then turned the fabric and elastic over and sewed the other side.

You too may find this an easier option, just remember that if you are going to substitute fold over elastic in this or any pattern, you must reduce the pattern by ¼ inch (6mm) at the part where you attach the elastic because you are no longer folding the fabric over.

I then suggested that she try stretching the elastic a little as she’s attaching it around the neckline (I understand this is not so easy) but it will help the elastic to lay flat on the doll’s chest.  If using good quality Lycra/spandex, you may also like to try sewing around the neckline folding in 1/4″ without the elastic the same way that the armholes are done.  The elastic is really just to pull the neckline in a little so that it lays flat on the doll’s chest and if using good quality fabric, elastic is often not needed.  I feel you still need elastic around the legs though.

Thanks Rosie, I appreciate the extra help and suggestions they really helped a lot……..on my way to try one more time  to make the bathing suit.    I love the bathing suit pattern.  I’m going to use spandex.  Betty Ann

Thanks for sending in your photos and sharing your journey Betty Ann, it’s always lovely to hear from you.  Your bikini version is very cute, I’m loving the pink and white spot.

Nellie was having trouble with her serger and the first thing she sewed when she got it working properly was this pair of pants and she said she can’t wait to get sewing with my other patterns. Well done Nellie and I’m so glad you finally got your serger working correctly as they are wonderful for sewing doll clothes.

Hi Rosie

This is really a huge step forward for me! I have difficulty in my finishing touches…I think I rush it too much. Anyway I got out my old over locker (spent 8 hours threading and rethreading and working out all the tensions!!!) but well worth it.

Here is a photo of a beautiful evening gown that I adapted from your summer dress.

I really do need to say a huge thank you for giving me the confidence to get back into sewing but especially for my young granddaughters and their Journey Girl dolls!

Mary-Jane

I’m thrilled that Mary-Jane has regained her confidence with the sewing machine and I’m sure her granddaughter and her Journey Girl dolls are too!

Here are some outfits that Sharon Henry has made from my patterns and because she enjoys her embroidery sewing machine and my pinafore dress pattern so much, Sharon tells me that she is ‘going to make this pattern a hundred different ways using all kinds of embroidery, etc. techniques.’

I can’t wait to see some of her other versions!

And finally, I just had to share this t-shirt quilt that Teri has made for her son and daughter-in -love (I love this expression).   Now I know this has nothing to do with doll clothes and being a quilt for a King size bed, it certainly doesn’t fit into the tiny and fiddly category, but it is such as awesome idea and I think Teri has done such a great job that I just had to include the following story.

It is comprised of the many favorite t-shirts collected by my son and daughter-in-love during their high school and college years.  They simply don’t have the storage space for these, but they are too sentimental to throw them out.  So…I offered to *attempt* making a t-shirt quilt with them.  The selection grew to the 56 shirts you see in the finished quilt.  Due to the sheer size, I quickly decided to skip the sashing and border ideas, opting to make a simple 5/8″ border from the backing fabric.  Each square is 12″x12″ with a 1/4″ seam.  I had to piece the backing together as it was not wide enough off the bolt.  That was an education as I learned how to match the repeated pattern.  It took me a whole day’s work to achieve ultimate success with the process…many thanks to YouTube video tutorials!  It was truly a labor of love!  I never would have considered such a project if not for the confidence you have given me with my doll clothes sewing.  

Thank you again to everyone who sent in your photos and shared your stories.  Now back to the sewing machine to get all those doll clothes finished in time for Santa!

Happy sewing

I received an email from Beth whose granddaughter has a favourite doll – a My Child Doll.  Because this doll has very wide hips she was stumped on how to make clothes for her.  This was rather frustrating for Beth as she really wanted to make some doll clothes for her granddaughter so she could play with and dress her favourite doll.

I knew exactly what Beth was talking about as I have a My Child doll too and she does have a rather awkward shape.  So off to my sewing room I went on a mission to help Beth.  Below is my reply to her and as I thought it may also be of interest to others I decided to share it in my blog.

 Hi Beth

I have tried each of the 18 inch bonus patterns from my How to Sew Doll Clothes video course on my My Child doll and attached the photos for you to see how they fit.  I have also included some additional patterns of mine that would be easy to adjust.

The bonus patterns that fit without adjustment include the sports shorts, crop top, frill hat and underpants.

Bonus patterns that can be easily adjusted:

• Tights from the pumpkin costume – cut ½” from the top of the front and back pieces.
• Halter top – cut ½” from the edge that says ‘place on fold’ and place the new edge on the fold and when threading the strap through, pull the gathers in closer (this will take extra out of the front of the top)
• Summer nightie – you will need to shorten the hem about 2” and the elastic in the straps about 2” and sew the straps using the alternative method that I show.  You may also need to shorten the elastic around the top about 1-2”
• Sarong – cut about 1 ½” from the top to shorten the skirt

Other patterns that can be altered easily include:

• Ballerina – leotard needs to be shortened by folding pattern in half around the waist and folding up about ¾” (this will take 1 ½” from the length of the leotard).  The tutu and skirt fit without adjustment.
• Summer Dress shortened or use the crop top and add a frill to make a summer dress.

I don’t have a photo but the capri pants can be worn as long pants – just cut ½” from the top the same as I have suggested for the tights.  And the handkerchief top can be worn as a dress – just shorten the strap about 1 ½”.

You may also find some of my blogs on resizing doll clothes patterns helpful and they can be found on my Rosie’s Resources page.

I hope this helps someone else to dress their My Child doll too as they are such pretty dolls and it would be a shame if they were forgotten about simply because they have no clothes.

Happy Sewing

How scary is this?  Our biggest discount ever is back and this time you will have more than 48 hours to get an awesome bargain!

We’ve had so many people ask for us to extend our Halloween special because they just didn’t hear about it in time to take advantage of a whopping 50% off ALL our Halloween doll clothes patterns.  ‘Sew’ this time we will have it available until midnight October 31, 2016 to give you lots of time to decide which Halloween pattern you want to make.  Mind you, at this price you can afford get them all!

To get 50% off your Halloween doll clothes pattern, simply use coupon code Take50.  Remember, this special must end midnight October 31, 2016 so be quick!

To view all 18 inch and American Girl Halloween Doll Clothes Patterns OR to view all 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids Halloween Doll Clothes Patterns.

Happy Halloween

Oh, I can’t believe it has been four months since my last Share and Tell blog.  I’ve had lots of gorgeous photos sent in and it’s my absolute pleasure to share them with you now.

If you read my last blog you would have seen the alternative way the Teri has been making my frill hat.  Well this is some more of Teri’s work and as you can see she is sewing for her childhood doll which is a little bigger than the 18 inch American Girl doll so she has been altering the patterns accordingly.

My doll is not an American Girl doll, so I am having to adjust the patterns slightly.  Here are the Sports Shorts and modified Crop Top that I completed today.  I am excited to see the finished product so quickly!  You really do make it easy.  Rosie, here is the latest outfit I just finished today.  I had to shorten the straps to fit this doll.  I also made the sweetest underpants for her…something this 50+-year-old doll really needed.  The tights are my next project.  I’m sorry to keep peppering you with emails, but I am so excited to see the finished hat.  I just had to show you the completed outfit.  I never dreamed I could sew like this.  Thank you for your excellent guidance.  You have given me such confidence.  

“Sew” grateful, Teri.

And one more from Teri.

Here is my first attempt at the 50’s Vintage Dress pattern. I only had to lengthen the bodice a bit to fit this 20″ doll. I really love this pattern…so many possibilities! Thank you, Rosie!

I am having so much fun and learning a lot with your video tutorials.  Thank you for providing such thorough, clear instructions.  Your recent price reduction and added discount gave me the incentive to give it a go…and I am so glad I did!

 Still having “sew” much fun,Teri

I’m so thrilled to see Teri having so much fun and making such gorgeous outfits for her pretty doll.  She’s doing a wonderful job.

Do you remember Frances’ cute Bimbambola 18 inch doll from a few Share and Tell blogs ago?  Well, Frances has been busy again making Bimbam a lovely new Fur Trimmed Jacket and Vintage Dress. 

I think Bimbam is super happy with her new clothes.

Erica has made a cute crop top and long pants for her doll.  Loving the groovy fabric used for the long pants.

Hi!

Here is a picture of my doll with the pattern I have bought from you. The templates and instructional videos are great and I am learning all the time.

Sincerely Erica!

Hi Rosie, 

Here is a picture of my niece’s Cabbage Patch Kids Doll Natalie modelling her new outfit. The tutorial videos were very helpful in finishing the pattern, thank you! 

Regards,
Jess 

Cindy posted these photos on my Facebook page and I just had to share them here.

Gwen loves her new nightie! and I can see why…it’s gorgeous    

Made a cute dress for Elenor using your 50’s dress pattern. 

Yes I think it’s very cute Cindy and you did a great job highlighting the pink in the fabric with the pink collar and trim on the sleeves.  The pink shoes complete the outfit.

I just had to include this last photo and message from Leevonora as it got my heart is singing the day I received it. Helping people achieve their dreams is just so wonderful and I feel totally blessed to be doing what I’m doing.

Dear Rosie, 

I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am. I have wanted to sew doll clothes for my granddaughter and myself for about 5 years now, but could never understand the directions in the patterns. It was so frustrating.  Then I found you on YouTube. I purchased How to Sew Doll Clothes Course and 7 of your patterns.  Now I am sewing to my heart’s content, and with great results right from the start. I am enclosing a photo of my second outfit. You changed everything Rosie. How can I thank you? 

So grateful to you. You are doing what no other pattern company has had enough sense to do. You go Rosie! 

Thanks, Leevenora

Thanks to everyone for sending in your photos and stories, I know we all love to see what you have been creating and reading about your sewing adventures.

Until next time

Happy sewing

I love receiving feedback from my customers and especially when they come up with an alternative way to sew my pattern up.  Teri purchased my online course a couple of months ago and has been busy sewing doll clothes for her gorgeous dolls ever since.  While making my Frill Hat pattern up she found an alternative way to attach the frill to the cap that worked better for her and she has kindly sent me photos and an explanation of what she did so that I can share it with you all.

She followed my instructions for making the cap and the brim but then uses the following method to attach the frill.

1. Measure the circumference of the top of the hat.

2. Gather the brill to match the circumference of the top of the hat. (I separated the gathering threads and pulled first from one side to the half-way mark of the brim and then pulled from the other side to the half-way mark of the brim. It is very easy to keep the gathers even all around this way.)

3. Pin the brim to the top of the hat, matching back seams together first.

4. Follow Steps 7-9 of my original instructions to finish the hat.

5. Here is the finished hat.

I have to say a huge thank you to Teri for sharing this with us.

Happy sewing