Following my blog the other week about keeping the master copy of your doll clothes patterns in perfect condition by using a Chux cloth (a suggestion sent in by Debbi) or interfacing, Crystal, another of my wonderful customers sent in the following email….

Hi Rosie. This is a great idea. I do something similar. I trace my patterns onto heavy duty template plastic (found in with the quilting supplies) and then trace around the template onto the fabric. I then cut it out. It allows me to have the patterns pieces without all the pin marks and ripping like the paper ones do. 🙂

This is a fantastic idea if you use certain pattern pieces all the time and is actually something similar to what I do when making doll clothes for my previous Rosie’s Dolls Clothes business.  Because I use my patterns so often and make so many of the same outfit at the one time, normal paper patterns or ones using Chux fabric or interfacing, would not last very long.  Rather than trace around the pieces and then cut the fabric as Crystal has suggested, I cut directly around the templates with my rotary cutter.  Although this makes cutting out the fabric much quicker, the major disadvantage of doing this is that sometimes I do accidently cut into the plastic template and it can be a little tricky around arm and neck holes.  Because I do it so often, I tend to move the template a little and free hand the cut.

Then what to do with storage of these plastic templates of your doll clothes pattern pieces?  Because the plastic is thicker than paper, the plastic folders that I store my original paper patterns in would end up way too thick.  So I punch a hole in each pattern piece and hang all the pieces for each outfit from wire hooks on a clothes rod in the cupboard of my sewing room.  I have even gone as far as color coding the different doll size patterns (except for a few where I ran out of the particular color I needed and didn’t have time to get to the shop to buy more).

I haven’t used the plastic that Crystal has suggested but I will check it out next time I am at a place with quilting supplies.  The plastic I purchase is from a plastic manufacturer that we are lucky enough to have about ½ hour drive away.  It comes in large sheets about 50” x 26” (127cm x 66cm) and comes in a variety of thicknesses, I think mine is about 1/16”.

So if you are making lots of doll clothes to sell online or at markets, you may like to do what Crystal and I do and transfer your most frequently used doll clothes pattern pieces onto plastic templates.  Your templates will last much longer, you won’t have pin marks in your fabric and you may even find it much quicker to cut out your fabric.

My How to Sew Doll Clothes Video Course has lots more tips that take the frustration out of sewing doll clothes which means it will be a joy and not a chore to sew for your little girl and her doll.  AND it comes with 8 Free Doll Clothes patterns with complete step-by-step video instructions so you can start sewing beautiful doll clothes today.

Thanks Crystal for sharing your tip.  If you are searching for something similar, do a Google search for Plastic Template Sheets and I’m sure you’ll find them online or at your closest quilters store.

Happy Sewing

by Rosie Saw

With Halloween just around the corner it’s again time to think about costumes and I’m thrilled to be releasing a new 18 inch Doll Clothes Pattern today – it’s a gorgeous Angel Costume complete with patterns for the Angel dress, Angel wings and halo!

This pattern is quick and super easy to make.  I’m sure the children would love to join in the fun of creating this wonderful costume, especially with the wings where they can use their creativity and various decorative materials such as tinsel or sequins and glitter if you prefer not to use feathers.

This pattern can also be used to make a wedding dress with the addition of a ribbon around the bodice and a veil.  Or by changing the fabric from white to a color and adding a ribbon around the bodice line, we have a medieval dress or an evening gown.  Wow, the possibilities are endless!

So why should dolls miss out on all the Halloween fun when with this simple pattern you can create a gorgeous costume for your doll so she too can join all the Halloween celebrations!

AND for all my Cabbage Patch doll pattern customers, look out for the Cabbage Patch version coming very soon.

Remember, when you purchase my downloadable PDF patterns and written instructions, you also receive LIFETIME access to my online video tutorial where I show you step-by-step how to make this great doll clothes pattern.   

Happy Sewing

One of my wonderful customers, Debbi, has sent me another great tip that she learnt way back when ‘Knitwit’ was the sewing craze here in Australia (sometime in the 70’s and 80’s) to help preserve her original patterns.

Debbi prints her pattern pieces out using standard copying paper and keeps this as her ‘master copy’.  She then pins or tapes a Chux cloth over the printed page and traces over the pattern pieces with a black Texta or pencil.  The Chux pieces are then cut out and carefully rinsed to get rid of any excess ink and then Debbie uses them as her ‘working’ pattern pieces when cutting out her fabric.

Debbie tells me these Chux pattern pieces are easier to pin to the fabric and will last for many years while your ‘master copy’ remains in perfect condition and is always available for future use.  Now that I think about it, these Chux pieces are similar to the interfacing or Easy Trace (costs about $1.50 /m in Australia) that I use as my pattern pieces when designing patterns.

So I purchased some Chux this week and gave it a try.  I found I had to be careful with the Texta as it went through the holes and marked whatever was underneath but it was certainly easier to see than the pen or pencil which made cutting it out easier.  It was definitely easier to pin to the fabric than the paper pattern pieces and the pins did not damage it like they do the paper.

Tracing the original paper pattern onto a Chux cloth

Showing the results using a texta and then pen on Chux and pencil on interfacing.

Chux and interfacing pattern pieces ready to use while keeping the ‘Master’ copy in perfect condition.

So thanks Debbi for sharing this tip with us, whether you use a Chux cloth or interfacing, it certainly will make cutting out your fabric a little easier and keep your pattern master copies in perfect condition.  If anyone else has little things they do to save time or make their sewing easier, please send me an email and I will share it in a future blog.

We all love learning tips and tricks that make sewing easier because that makes it more enjoyable and my How to Make Doll Clothes video course has tons of tips that take the fear and frustration out of sewing small doll clothes.

Happy Sewing

by Rosie Saw

My popular sarong doll clothes patterns in both 18 Inch American Girl and Cabbage Patch Kids are now available with the option to make a short or long sarong.

I had to make an evening outfit for a customer at very short notice (like, I had 1 ½ hours to make it and get it in the post for her) and it had to be red!  So quick and easy was the first priority when choosing the pattern, but it also had to be stunning enough for the doll to shine at her formal engagement.

Well, I got out all my red fabric (I didn’t have time to go to the shops) and laid it all on the table, dismissed those pieces that just didn’t look formal enough and played around in my head with what was left.  I knew the halter top pattern looked great as a formal top when I used satin as I sell a halter top and petti skirt on my other website and it looks stunning (unfortunately, I was out of the red petti skirts at the time).  So I just needed to make an evening skirt.

Yes!  The sarong pattern is so easy to make and all I had to do was make it look elegant.  I added about 3 inches to the length and because the fabric I used was see through, I cut out a lining as well but I cut it slightly shorter.  I hemmed both pieces and stitched them together at the top before overlapping the front and making the casing.  I put the outfit on the doll to check out the results, but something was missing.  I quickly rummaged through my draws of knick knacks and found an old bracelet that was broken, pulled it apart and glued a pearl bead where the stone was missing.  A few stitches later and the outfit was complete. I just had time for a quick photo before wrapping it up and getting down to the post office.

The customer and I were so thrilled at the result that I just had to let you all know how easy it is to use an existing pattern and by making small adjustments or simply using different fabric, you can create an outfit that looks totally different.  Who’d have thought – beach patterns for evening wear!

The great news is that I have added this extra option onto my existing sarong pattern of both the 18 Inch American Girl Doll Clothes Pattern and the 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch doll clothes pattern.  Now it will be even easier for you to make this short sarong into a long sarong/elegant evening skirt because when you purchase this pattern, the two options will be there.  Or if you have already purchased the pattern or my online course in the last 12 months, simply log on and you can print out the new updated version.

Happy Sewing

This is the first of my Cabbage Patch winter doll clothes patterns and I know your doll will love it!   Depending on what fabric you choose to make this Fur Trimmed Jacket pattern, it can become a stylish evening jacket or an everyday casual jacket.  It can be worn over a dress, with a skirt, jeans or tights.  Why not make a casual jacket AND an evening jacket?

Some fabric suggestions and possibilities include suiting fabric, corduroy, polar fleece, denim or velour and if you don’t want to use the fur for the collar, just use the same fabric as you use for the jacket.  Leave the fur trim off the bottom and shorten or lengthen the jacket for a completely different look…. the possibilities are endless!

This Fur Trimmed Jacket pattern includes downloadable PDF pattern pieces and written instructions as well as LIFETIME access to my online video tutorials where I show you step-by-step how to make this great doll clothes pattern.   

Enjoy sewing my doll clothes patterns and I would love to see your photos or videos and share them on my Blog.

Happy Sewing

Because I do a lot of sewing I am often asked, ‘What sewing machine do you use?’  The person asking is usually looking to buy a new sewing machine and as there are so many machines available today, they are wanting a little guidance so that they can be more confident in buying a sewing machine that has been recommended.  This tends to indicate that the machine has been tried and tested by someone else so should be reliable and perfect for them.

I am always happy to let them know what sewing machine I am using but just because the machine is perfect for me does not mean that it is perfect for everyone.  Before you rush out and purchase a sewing machine, you must first ask yourself a number of other questions:

• What do I want to sew?   If you are only going to do general sewing and occasionally sew some gorgeous doll clothes for your grandchildren, why would you spend a small fortune on a fancy electronic machine with gazillions of stitches when a good basic machine would be suitable?  If, on the other hand, you are like my Mom who sews for hours making fancy embroidered table cloths, doilies, cushion covers, skirts, fancy collars, quilts, etc., then you would be frustrated with a basic sewing machine and would be wise to invest a little more in a good quality embroidery or quilting machine that is able to do the fancy stitches and patterns that you want to sew.

• How often will I sew?  If you are just learning to sew and not sure whether you will like it, I would probably see if I could borrow a sewing machine from a friend or relation or see what second hand machines are available in your local area.  If you know you will only be doing some occasional sewing, you would probably not spend as much as if you were going to be using it every other day.  Because I spend a good portion of my day at the sewing machine and rely on it for income, I want to ensure that my machine is easy to use, reliable and most importantly, robust.  I bought the sewing machine that I use after having it demonstrated to me and having it described as a ‘real workhorse that will last for years.’  And touch wood, it has!

• What features do I need on the machine and what features would I like?  Knowing this will allow you to disregard any machine that does not have the features that you need and if a machine has features that you need as well as some, or all of the features you want, then it will make it onto your ‘short list’ for more consideration.

• How much am I prepared to spend?  This question is important as it will narrow down the range of machines you look at and keep you focused on the machines that are most suitable for you in the price range you set yourself.

Now that you have answered these questions, you need to do some research.  Look online for sewing machine reviews, being careful to look beyond the machine manufacturer’s website.  Talk to friends that sew or seek out local sewing/quilting groups that get together?  These people are usually happy to share their experiences with the various machines that they have used and can put you in touch with a reputable sewing machine dealer in your area.  The last thing you need is to spend half your time rethreading, un-jamming it or running your sewing machine back to the workshop to be fixed so these personal recommendations are priceless.

Whether you decide to buy second hand or new, always ask to try the sewing machine.  It is important to do this so that you can feel how smooth or jerky the machine is and if it is noisy or quiet when sewing.  Is everything easy to access?  Do you need a degree to work the settings out?  Is threading the bobbin a breeze or a nightmare?  Can you change from one setting to another easily?  Most reputable sewing machine shops will be more than happy to show you how the machine works, let you try it and many offer free sewing lessons on the machine you purchase.

‘Sew’ when you go looking to purchase a sewing machine remember to take your time, consider your requirements, do your research and where possible try the machine out.   Doing all this will ensure you purchase the best sewing machine for your needs based on your budget.

Happy Sewing

By Rosie Saw

T-shirts are the most versatile piece of clothing in anyone’s wardrobe and it is the same for your doll which is why these are ‘must have’ doll clothes patterns for your 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kid dolls.  It is the perfect pattern for both girl and boy Cabbage Patch dolls.

T-shirts can be worn under tank tops, with shorts, skirts, tights or jeans.  And depending on what fabric you make them out of, they can be dressy or casual.  With these T-shirt doll clothes patterns you have the choice of short or long sleeves and with the Raglan sleeve design it is super easy to make.

The combinations and variations are endless, so you can see why I’m so excited to be releasing this t-shirt doll clothes patterns today.  It is an easy to make, ‘must have’ pattern to economically expand your doll’s wardrobe!  Remember, when you purchase my downloadable PDF patterns and written instructions, you also receive LIFETIME access to my online video tutorial where I show you step-by-step how to make this great doll clothes pattern.   

Enjoy sewing my doll clothes patterns and I would love to see your photos or videos and share them on my Blog.

Happy Sewing

I absolutely love it when customers send me in photos of their doll clothes creations using my doll clothes patterns.  It is fantastic to see the wonderful results using different fabric and colors and even some alterations to my patterns.  I thought it was time to share some of those photos again.

Noela sent me in heaps of photos showing the huge collection of doll clothes she has made for her granddaughter and I know she would love me to share some of them with you.  I believe the next project is the Halloween series and some bike shorts so I can’t wait to see photos of those.

I love the way Noela has used her serger to create a lettuce leaf hem on the sarong, it looks gorgeous and I bet Santa was a hit too!

Judy has done a fantastic job creating some wonderful outfits for her granddaughters and these are just some of the photos that Judy sent in.  I look forward to seeing even more.

Ann has used my winter pyjama doll clothes pattern for the top and bottom and put some darts in the top at the front and back to give it a more fitted princess style look which is more flattering than the loose fitting pj top.

Kelli looked terrific for St Patrick’s Day this year.   The blouse even had little shamrocks all over it which was just perfect!

Sharon has been adjusting my 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch doll clothes patterns to make them bigger to fit her larger CPK doll and she is doing a marvelous job.  I am looking forward to see photos of the sports shorts and other outfits when she gets them made.

Another Sharon is doing an American Girl project and is making 75 items for her granddaughter’s doll beginning May 1 and ending October  1.  She is planning to make all these items from fabric she has on hand or fabric donated.  Sharon has made a great start with these three dressing gowns and when her granddaughter turns 7 in October it will be a wonderful surprise package for her.

Cherryl has been helping her friend Kayla learn to sew following my How to Make Doll Clothes video course.  Kayla has done an awesome job making a cute crop top and shorts set and I love the fabric on the sewing machine pin cushion

Mirjim adjusted my winter pyjama pattern to fit her daughter’s favorite teddy, ‘Humphrey’, so that she would have a buddy to take with her on her first school camp.  How cute!

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send me in these wonderful photos… please keep doing so as I love receiving them and hearing about your sewing adventures.

If you would like to learn how to sew beautiful doll clothes like these then please check out my awesome How to Make Doll Clothes Course.  I’m very excited to say it is now available on DVD!  Or if you ready to start sewing your own doll clothes right now please visit my extensive range of Doll Clothes Patterns which all come with step-by-step video instructions so it’s just like having your own personal sewing lesson right there in your own home.

Happy Sewing

Wow, it certainly has been a long and challenging process having my How to Make Doll Clothes course made into a physical DVD product.  But I am over the moon to finally be able to announce that it has arrived!  Yes, you can now purchase my ‘How to Make Doll Clothes’ video course as a DVD set so you can keep it forever.

The course has over 130 videos, and you still receive the 8 Free 18 inch Doll Clothes PDF Patterns with their own video tutorials where I show you step-by-step how to complete the outfit.  This means that when you purchase my How to Make Doll Clothes’ DVD set you receive a whopping 10 DVDs with all the videos and 1 CD with the PDF pattern pieces and instructions.

As an introductory offer, I am selling this fantastic course for a low $37.00 so if you want your copy to keep forever, buy it now!

Happy Sewing

T-shirts are the most versatile piece of clothing in anyone’s wardrobe and it is the same for your doll which is why this is a ‘must have’ doll clothes pattern for your 18 inch, American Girl and Australian Girl dolls.

T-shirts can be worn under tank tops, with shorts, skirts, tights or jeans.  And depending on what fabric you make them out of, they can be dressy or casual.  Made from shiny spandex or panne velvet and teamed with a gorgeous petti skirt your doll will be ready to dance the night away.  Or using cotton jersey or the fabric from your old t-shirt, you can make a cool t-shirt for your doll to just ‘chill out’ in.

With these T-shirt doll clothes patterns you have the choice of short or long sleeves and with the Raglan sleeve design it is ‘sew’ easy to make.

The combinations and variations are endless, so you can see why I’m so excited to be releasing this t-shirt doll clothes patterns today.  It is an easy to make, ‘must have’ pattern to economically expand your doll’s wardrobe!

Remember, when you purchase my downloadable PDF patterns and written instructions, you also receive LIFETIME access to my online video tutorial where I show you step-by-step how to make these great doll clothes patterns.   Yes, all this online support absolutely FREE! 

My 18 inch American Girl doll clothes patterns range will also fit the Canadian Girl, Australian Girl doll, the Gotz doll and other similar 18 inch dolls.

Enjoy sewing my doll clothes patterns and I would love to see your photos or videos and share them on my Blog.

Happy Sewing