Making doll clothes again

When I was 11 or 12, I don't remember exactly, my mother and grandmother got me interested in sewing.  My sister and I had been given Vogue Ginny Dolls for Christmas.  Of course, we wanted nice wardrobes for our little dolls.  So, since we didn't have spending money to buy new (new outfits and accessories were gifts for birthdays and Christmas), I learned how to make doll clothes (by hand, no sewing machine) from scraps in my grandmothers sewing basket.  I must have had patterns because the little clothes did fit the dolls.

This is my Vogue Ginny Doll in her original outfit and several outfits that I made for her.  She has been safely kept in the blue trunk since I gave up playing with dolls 50+ years ago.  These days little Ginny is showing her age.  She needs to be refitted with strings or bands inside so that her legs and arms are secure.  She is not for play.  That is why I still have her instead of giving her to my granddaughter, Kara.  Kara is 6 1/2 and has a little brother who can be rough on big sis's toys.  Perhaps when Kara is much older.

Anyway, for Christmas last year I bought Kara an American Girl doll and matching pajama sets for Kara and the doll.  So now I am jazzed about making doll clothes again.

My bff Joy loaned to me a bag full of American Girl doll clothes patterns.  She used to make doll clothes for her daughter's American Girl doll.

This is a big savings to me since patterns for 18" dolls range from $16 to $18 apiece.  I was suffering from sticker shock after I looked at all the pattern books in JoAnne's.

The circled pattern is the first one I am going to make.  Want to get it to Kara by Valentine's Day.

So I went shopping for fabric that has a tiny print and is in pink.  Kara's favorite color is pink -- so's mine!  I like to think she gets that from me!

I went to Zoe's Trunk in Chandler, AZ -- SW corner of Elliot and Alma School for those who live in the East Valley.  Zoe's Trunk is mainly a quilting shop, but it has lots and lots of fabric that is perfect for making doll clothes -- lightweight cotton or blends.  You see how this is wrapped?  That is how the salesgirl handed my purchase to me.  Loved this!!!

Here are the fat quarters I bought to make the doll clothes.  Think I will use the center fabric for the dress and the felt for the heart pockets.  I plan to make another dress out of the fabric piece on the left for Kara's birthday.  The piece on the right is for me!  Love the pink roses!!

So.  I will be getting the dress made real soon.  Will update you when it is finished and before I mail it off the Kara.

The last doll

Isn't she pretty? I think she has a lovely face! She has the Victorian look that is so popular today. She would be great to use in an altered art project or to sew together and dress (see below).

Her head is 3 1/2" tall. The arms measure 2 3/4" and the legs are 3 1/8". Included with her are directions for making the body as well as a dress for her. She is made of bisque porcelain and she is in excellent condition -- no chips or scratches. She is for sale. If you are interested, please send me an email and we can work out the details. Otherwise, she is going in my Etsy shop.

I couldn't give her a name. If I did, I might be tempted to keep her! But she does need a home with someone who will take good care of her.

******UPDATE*****

The Victorian doll has found a new home with Becky! Thanks, Becky!! See you soon!!

The rest of the 7 Gypsies book

This ribbon I found at Rust and Roses last week. It was the perfect thing to put over the lace on this page.Next are these darling girls. I cropped them out of a larger wedding picture. I just love their outfits and the flowers. I had some of these old "frames" in my junk drawer so I used this one to frame the pictue of the girl on the right holding a basket of flowers. Love her hat!Next is "Tea for Two". Had this image and decided to use it on the last pages. The image is one I found at Mystic Paper and on the same sheet were the two pictures of the little girls having tea with their favorite doll and teddy bear. Too cute!

I had fun creating this book. Am not sure what I am going to do with it just yet.