Not long ago, I ordered the book 30-Minute Doll Clothes by Nancy Zieman. I had watched part of her online videos on making doll clothes, and they indeed looked very simple and quick to make, yet very cute, so I decided I wanted the book. Courtney saw it last week, and she loved all the clothes possibilities! There are patterns and instructions in the book for all of these outfits:
We decided Marie Grace (Courtney's AG doll) needed a new summer outfit, so we picked the capris and top (top row, center) as the first project. I thought the capris looked just a wee bit too baggy and hung funny in the crotch, so I adjusted the pattern a little. Violà!
OF COURSE they took me more than 30 minutes to make. Ha! I always drag things out with all my decision-making, embellishments, etc. But I would say that yes, it's possible to make them in 30 minutes, probably after you have them cut out, and if you don't get too fancy with the embellishments, etc. (And definitely the second time around would go faster than the first.) I would also say that the book is not for beginners. The instructions are somewhat sketchy, expecting that you've sewn before and have some knowledge of how things go together.
Even having sewed as much as I have, I still made some rookie mistakes. One is pretty blatant here. The top is supposed to be all one fabric on the outside, and the other on the inside. Oops! However, I think I like it better this way! Kinda stylish, don'tcha think???
I just used what I had on hand for trim (well, for everything, actually). I cut the little applique flowers out of the top fabrics and fused them on (with just a few stitches in the center to make sure they stay on, even if the fuse comes loose).
When I started, I thought I had some pink ribbon to put on the capris, but I discovered that I didn't, so I just used the ivory and sewed it on with pink thread. Good enough. The ribbon on the top matched the solid fabric, and both just happened to match these shoes that I'd made before.
The fabric on the pull loops is the same as the top fabric. So there we have one VERY coordinated outfit! :) I can't wait for Courtney to see it this afternoon! Too bad Marie Grace won't be with her. But this is the last day of getting-off-the-bus-at-Grandma's... the last day of school is this Friday! So for the summer, Tuesdays will be full days, and Marie Grace can come along every time if she wants. She and Kit (my doll, above) can have lots of fun together. :)
Kit is starting to get jealous. I still have not made anything new for her! I have ideas, though.....
8 comments:
So adorable. Last week in my middle school, I saw a girl wearing a pair of pants with different patterned fabric for each leg. I'd say your shirt is much more fashionable than those pants!
The outfit is wonderful! I made a pair of shorts for Kendra, another AG doll, for one of the 2 girls down the street. I used a pattern I found for free and the directions were scarce too (hem, join center seam, make casing for the elastic). I struggled for a long while finally ending up taking a pair of my own shorts out of the closet to try and figure it out! Came out cute. I plan to make other pairs as well and tees to go with them for Kendra's AG sister. I'm hoping that the girls' dolls have shoes of their own though. :-) and oh I found the cutest dress...
Cute outfit! I think the top turned out better with your modifications. Your embellishments really make the outfit.
I also have a book of AG doll clothes that have less than great directions. So far I've only made swimsuits and cover-ups from it.
Since make everything in triplicate, I do get faster by the third one. I just have to be careful not to mix and match the pieces!
Thank you all!
Becky, did those pants look homemade? Maybe the girl's mom was a quilter. ;)
Annie Dee... sounds like you've been busy, too! Aren't doll clothes just so fun to make, though?
Kris... swimsuits sound fun! I may have to try one soon. What did you use for fabric?
I just used some stretchy knits that I had around. I've since seen swimsuit materials, at JoAnn's, but the prints are too big to look good on a small scale.
I have one really stretchy knit that should work well. Marie Grace and Kit may have to have twin swimsuits. ;)
Your AG clothes are SO cute. Charlottes doll is still waiting. So sad...
Thanks, Cindy. Poor Charlotte's doll!!
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