A few of my Favorite Things. Must have sewing notions and tools.

A new year is here!! It’s time to clean up the sewing area and start brainstorming projects for 2019.  Before I dive into another fresh year of sewing, I like to share my annual 5 latest “must have” tools and notions for doll clothes sewing (or any sewing really!)  These simple tools can make sewing smaller doll clothes a little easier and you can find all of them on Amazon.  Click here to see my list from last year, and here to see my list from 2017.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small compensation.  See my full disclosure policy HERE.

1. Patty Young’s Turn n More Tool by Riley Blake.

This brand new tool, made by Patty Young, is a game changer for doll clothes. I LOVE THIS TOOL.  In a facebook group one day, Patty asked what tools we would like to see made that had her fabric designs on them.  I suggested a gripping, foreceps type of tool and she not only picked my idea, she sent me one when it was actually produced about a year later! This handy tool is well worth the wait, and also the price tag (about $12). You will use it for all sorts of things- mostly to pull that slipped elastic back out of the casing, or to turn a tiny doll bodice right side out after you sew it together with just one little pull.

2.  Travel Size Craft Iron

This little tiny iron really packs some punch for the price. It gets super hot, has a steam option, and doesn’t turn off by itself (which is an advantage and disadvantage for sure!). I first used one at a sewing retreat a few years back. We plugged it in and left it on all week long.  Lightweight and tiny, it got the job done and is a perfect companion to your doll clothes sewing tools.

3.  KAI Dressmaking Shears

Everyone needs a pair of nice, sharp, high quality fabric scissors. You know the ones- the ones that you lock up yourself each night or threaten bodily harm to anyone found using them for anything other than fabric?  I started using KAI scissors with my paper crafting.  Strong and sharp, I found a pair that was a bit shorter and they are my go to for all of my fabric cutting.  I own three pairs!

4.  Ruffler foot attachment for my sewing machine

I know I’ve mentioned this little gadget before, but yes, this year, my ruffler foot is on my top five list.  It’s just so quick to gather up a doll skirt (like 15 seconds quick!) that is really pays for itself over and over.  I’ve kept a spreadsheet of some of my common skirt length settings (to make the skirt match up with the bodice for example) so I don’t have to figure it out each time.  This foot is also great for the popular ruffled sleeves too, and makes putting a ruffle on a full skirt a breeze!  Be sure to get the one that is correct for your specific sewing machine make and model.

5. Omnigrid 4×8 inch Ruler

I believe I have an omnigrid ruler in every size they make- from 1 x6 all the way up to 24 x 24 inches.  However, even with multiple rulers right at my finger tips, this 4×8 inch one is the perfect size for so many of my doll clothes needs.  It’s easy to use to extend a pattern (make pants from shorts, or long sleeves from short sleeves for example) or for cutting straps, waistbands, and skirts with my rotary cutter.  Keep this handy ruler right next to your work area.

So there’s my Favorite Five for 2019.  Use these few tools to make sewing your doll clothes a little easier and a little more fun.  We’re going to have a great sewing year ahead, stop by again soon!

Blaire Wilson – Girl of the Year – Bee Skirt and Top Outfit

Blaire Wilson is the newest doll made by American Girl®.  She is the 2019 Girl of the Year doll- which usually means she and her collection are only available in 2019.  The GOTY creates a fun buzz in the doll community as her collection is unveiled.  Blaire’s a NY girl- living on a farm to table Bed and Breakfast.

When you purchase your 18 inch dolls, they come fully dressed in what is called their “meet” outfit.  Blaire’s meet outfit is a cheery white sundress covered in bumblebees and purple sandals.   Our January weather is a little chilly, so I got to work to create an outfit she might find a little more comfortable.

The Jumping Jack 3 in 1 jumper set includes the pattern for a universal, knit turtleneck shirt. This go to staple fits any doll’s wardrobe, and can be worn with all kinds of outfits from jeans to skirts.  I found this adorable bee fabric at Hobby Lobby, and used the Four Season Skirt pattern (find it FREE HERE) for a quick project!

The Four Season Skirt is a great beginner project, especially for girls that want to learn to sew. It doesn’t use pattern pieces- just measure out two rectangles of fabric and some 1/4th inch elastic and off you go! Blaire is much happier in a warm shirt and boots!  See more about Blaire HERE, and find lots of ideas for her wardrobe in the Inspiration Gallery.

Here is a closer view of her daisy necklace.  The local craft stores have wonderful selections of charms and beads in their jewelry and scrapbooking sections, at a very low price point.  These little ball chains were already precut (key chains?), but you can easily cut your own from a roll, so I just put the daisy on it and completed Blaire’s outfit.  Find bee themed charms online here: AD:  https://amzn.to/2CUZVsg and the keychains here: https://amzn.to/2VyJSaO.

 

Step it Up! Series: Make a Nightgown with the Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern for Dolls

Sewing doll clothes this weekend?  Snuggle up!  Use the simple to sew Bloomer Buddies PDF pattern to turn the dress into a snuggly nightgown for your doll. This easy pattern that you download and print on your home computer will work on any size doll.  Use this simple pattern hack to the Bloomer Buddies PDF sewing pattern to Step it Up!

First, you need the Bloomer Buddies pattern. It’s available in three sizes where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.  Print out the pieces for the dress with short sleeves.

You will need to make a few minor adjustments to the pattern pieces.  You may be able to lengthen the pieces on the original printout, or you may need to cut it out and then tape it to a fresh sheet of paper first, depending on the size doll you are sewing for.

Using the short sleeve pattern piece, and THIS TUTORIAL, you will need to lengthen the sleeve pattern piece to make it a long sleeve.   Measure down from the side edge, not the center, and draw your new sleeve hem edge straight across, not curved.  For this 18 inch doll nightgown, I lengthened my sleeve by 3 1/2 inches, and used a 3/8th hem/elastic casing.  I used 4 inches of elastic for the wrist.

Sew the dress as directed by the pattern. Choose a snuggly flannel or pretty cotton for your nightgown.  The nightgown Grace is wearing below, is the same dress length as the dress length pattern lines.

Luciana is ready to hop into bed in her Bloomer Buddies nightgown!

Another option is to add a pretty ruffle to the bottom of the dress length.  Here I used a piece of a jelly roll, that was 2 1/2 x 40 inches long. A jelly roll is a quilting fabric precut of 20-45 2 1/2 inch strips like this one Ad:  https://amzn.to/2VNxmED.  I keep a few on hand to use as precut dress and skirt ruffles.  I used one end of the same strip to cut the yoke.  Any size ruffle will do; you can choose how long you want your doll’s nightgown to be.

Your dolls will be ready to snuggle into bed in a new, cozy nightgown.  See more ways to sew the mix and match Bloomer Buddies pattern here and here.  Be sure to pin these images to save them for later!

Click HERE to purchase the Bloomer Buddies Pattern for 18 inch Dolls.

Click HERE to find the pattern in other sizes and value bundles.

 

 

 

 

Tester Tuesday: Playground Pants for A Girl for All Time® Dolls

As a pattern designer for doll clothes patterns, I rely very heavily on the work of my tester group. These women fearlessly sew my “not quite ready for prime time” patterns and let me know how they work, how they fit, and if there need to be any tweaks. I’d be lost without them and really appreciate the time and effort they give me on each and every pattern.

Shirley has tested for me for a few years. Her creativity is unmatched and her beautiful photos show the attention to detail she puts into every single outfit.  Stop by and visit her Etsy Shop to see what she has for sale.  The Playground Pants pattern is designed for cotton fabric, but as you can see, it’s beautiful is soft knits as well.

Find the pattern for A Girl for All Time® Dolls HERE.

Love this cute little ruffle at the top of the pocket!

The Playground Pants pattern for A Girl for All Time can be found in my Etsy Shop, at the iCreateMarketplace, and on Pixie Faire.  It’s also available in 3 other sizes.  See more ideas for this pattern HERE and HERE.

 

Oh Sew Kat! PDF Sewing Patterns for Dolls- Where to Shop!

Here at Oh Sew Kat! Designs, you will find quick and easy sewing patterns to make an entire doll clothes wardrobe for your 18 inch dolls (like American Girl®) as well as other, smaller sized dolls, like Wellie Wishers and Bitty Baby®.  PDF patterns are simple to use (shop and print at home!) and easy to store (computer files- save your pattern pieces for next time or toss them and print them again later).  Read below to learn more about the pattern sites where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold.

Many of us have favorite sites we like to use and choose and collect reward points to buy (yes!) more patterns.  I want you to be able to shop where you like to shop- so I offer my patterns on multiple selling platforms.  Each platform is a little different, and all patterns are not available on all the sites.  Click HERE to find the FREE Four Season Skirt pattern in 3 sizes.

Please note:  Due to the variety of internet browsers, you should always download your PDF file first, and save it on your computer, before opening it and printing your pieces at actual size.

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ETSY

The full catalog of all Oh Sew Kat! patterns is always found at Etsy.com.  This is normally the only shop to find every single Oh Sew Kat! pattern.  This site is simple to navigate, gives you different options to pay (credit card, etsy gift cards, and paypal), and your patterns remain in your library forever.  Once you place your order (all orders are digital files- no physical patterns will be sent,) you will get an email confirming your purchase with the link to download your file and save it to your computer.  You can also log into your account, and find your patterns in your profile, under PURCHASES and REVIEWS.

Oh Sew Kat on Etsy

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PIXIE FAIRE

Pixie Faire is a one stop shop for sewing patterns for many, many doll types and sizes, and it offers a large selection of Oh Sew Kat! patterns, as well as patterns from 90+ other designers.  PF also offers multiple payment options; an account is required to purchase, but you will also be able to download a FREEBIE FRIDAY pattern each week from various pattern makers and find weekly contests and tutorials as well.  You can also earn credits with your purchases and use them towards the products on the site.

Oh Sew Kat! on Pixie Faire

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You Can Make This

You Can Make This, or YCMT, is a sewing lovers’ dream!  This was the site where I first found my love of PDF digital sewing patterns.  This site offers much, much more than doll clothes, with a large variety of handbags, kids’ clothes, craft projects, toys, and more from over 300 designers.  They offer weekly newsletters, a place to feature the items you’ve made, and also take most forms of payment.  You will need to establish an account, but your pattern files will always be available for you in your pattern library.  You can also earn points for purchases and use them for future purchases as well.

Oh Sew Kat! on You Can Make This

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iCreateMarketplace

The iCreateMarketplace is a new site that is all about dolls all of the time.  It offers a marketplace to buy patterns, notions, supplies, and finished doll clothes and items.  With a select number of designers, your purchases will add up and you can redeem points for further purchases.  There are forums to ask questions, galleries to post projects, and even scheduled chats, sew alongs, and master classes.  You can join for free to take advantage of the full iCreateforDolls experience, or shop without an account in the marketplace.

Oh Sew Kat! on iCreateMarketplace

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Blaire Wilson- Girl of the Year 2019 – New Sewing Pattern Sneak Peak!

If you are new to American Girl doll world- let me tell you that January 1st is always a super exciting day. That is the day that American Girl ® reveals and begins the sales of the new Girl of the Year doll. The stores have a big reveal event, and everyone is excited to see the photos of the real doll as well as her entire collection.  Last year’s Girl of the Year was Luciana Vega- her collection still has availability unlike previous years’ where they pulled all the stock on Dec 31st.

For 2019, AG has released Blaire Wilson…a creative girl from upstate New York who lives on a farm, and helps with wedding planning. Her collection is an adorable mix of dainty pastels, cute farm animals, and bumblebees.  Sounds right down my alley!!

Here at Oh Sew Kat! Designs, we are excited too!! Blaire is on order and will be here any day!  A new redhead to dress! What could be more fun?  As soon as I started to see online glimpses of the Blaire collection, I started to work on a brand new pattern release, that will be a perfect (and quick and easy!) way to add her country style to your doll’s wardrobe.  Or maybe make a few more outfits for Blaire herself.

Here are a few sneak peaks of the prototypes I have created for the new Oh Sew Kat! Backyard Bibs pattern- coming to some of your favorite pattern shops later in January of 2019.  There will be four or five options total, so stay tuned to see more and to see Blaire modeling her new bibs!!  I still need to add a few details (buttons, pockets, you know the drill…) and it will be available in multiple sizes (like 14.5 inch and A Girl for All Time to start) so be on the lookout later this month for this easy project sewing pattern.

Are you adding Blaire Wilson to your doll family?  Find my full collection of sewing patterns for 18 inch dolls like Blaire, as well as other popular doll sizes HERE.  Visit the TUTORIALS page to see more ways to sew Oh Sew Kat! patterns.

6 Dresses from One Pattern: Six Different Ways to Sew the Sugar n Spice Dress by Oh Sew Kat!

When you purchase a PDF sewing pattern from Oh Sew Kat!, you get more than just the look you see on the pattern cover.  With a few tweaks and changes, (called pattern hacks), and some different fabric combinations, you can Step Up! your basic pattern into almost any look you can think of! Today, enjoy these “twists” on the Sugar n Spice Dress pattern.  These outfits can be made for any size doll!  Find even more pattern hacks and tutorials on the Tutorials Page.

 

 

1.  Create a classic holiday dress, similar to the one American Girl® made for the BeForever character, Molly McIntyre.  I used a gorgeous green Kona cotton Sugar n Spice Dress, but the original dress was made of velvet and would be beautiful from that too!  Add a little lace around the sleeves and neckline for a dainty touch.  See more photos HERE.
   

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2. Every dress pattern can be made as a top, and every top pattern can be made as a dress!  Use the Sugar n Spice bodice to make a cute peplum top!  Find the tutorial HERE.
   

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   3.  Every dress pattern can also be used to make a longer dress! Or a nightgown! For the holidays, make the Sugar n Spice Dress in white, and add some peppermint piping and pretty ruffles to make a nightgown that will have sugarplums dancing in her head all season long. Find the tutorial HERE.  I also used THIS TUTORIAL to add the placket in the center front for the buttons.

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   4. And while you are thinking about making long dresses, why not try a fun Hawaiian print and make a MuuMuu style dress! These Sugar n Spice Dresses would be perfect for walking along the beach eating shaved ice!  Use the overdress/pinafore pattern and THIS TUTORIAL.

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   5. Dress up the front bodice of the Sugar n Spice Dress with some tiny ruffles, trim, ric rac, piping, or lace.  Use THIS TUTORIAL to add the placket, and tuck the trim in before you topstitch it in place.  See more photos of these cute, bunny dress HERE.

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   6.  The Sugar n Spice Dress was designed to layer a dress over a dress.  But don’t stop there! Try the overdress/pinafore over a Peasant Top or a Party Time Peasant Dress as I did here for St. Patrick’s Day.  I reversed the overdress, lowered the neckline, and sewed the skirt on with a large opening for the underdress to show through. See more photos and details HERE. 

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   The Sugar n Spice Dress was designed to layer prints over prints over prints.  Or to make solid dresses and change the aprons/pinafores for the season, like this Easter Dress and this one for Valentine’s Day.   It was also designed to be a blank canvas to create any sort of character dress you can think of from Wonder Woman, to Princess Belle, to Cinderella and more!  Visit the Inspiration Gallery to see even more ideas for the versatile Sugar n Spice Dress pattern.How will you make the Sugar n Spice Dress?  Find the pattern for 16 inch Disney Animators’ dolls and 14.5 inch Wellie Wishers™ and Glitter Girls Dolls where Oh Sew Kat! patterns are sold. 

Sew a Holiday Doll Dress with Sewing Patterns by Oh Sew Kat!

Oh Sew Kat! patterns are quick and easy.  Choose a fun, holiday print and stitch up a new dress for your doll this holiday in just an afternoon!  The design is in the details.  Add pretty piping or fun buttons and bows to enhance your dress.

The Party Time Peasant Dress is a quick to sew pattern for dolls, that will give lots of “WOW” when you choose fun, holiday themed fabrics.  This pattern is available in five popular doll sizes:  18 inch dolls, 14.5 inch dolls, 15 inch baby dolls, 16 inch Animators dolls, and 16 inch A Girl for All Time® Dolls in my Etsy Shop.  Because PDF patterns are instant download, and you print them at home, you can sew one up without even leaving your house!

Be inspired by these fun, holiday dresses and sew one up for your favorite doll today!  Kelly’s snowflake dress was made with the Party Time Peasant Dress.

Use the Bloomer Buddies pattern for a Christmas Classic, like Riley’s dress below.

This polka dot dress is also made with the Bloomer Buddies.  I just made the sleeves longer.

Maryellen’s Dress was made with the School Bell Blouse pattern, using this easy Pattern HACK.

Make holiday dresses for your Wellie Wishers 14.5 inch sized dolls too! Willa’s dress is made with the Party Time Peasant Dress.

The Party Time Peasant Dress is also available for A Girl for All Time Dolls.

Have fun putting a holiday twist on your doll clothes this season!!

See more Party Time Peasant Dresses here and here!  Find more holiday ideas here and don’t forget to visit the Inspiration Gallery.  Find the entire Oh Sew Kat! pattern catalog HERE.

Make a Santa or Elf Apron for your Doll with this Boardwalk Boutique Pattern Hack

Here is a quick and easy sewing project (which doesn’t even have very much sewing!) to dress up any doll for the holidays~~

Make this easy apron, with fabric or felt.  Use the Oh Sew Kat! Boardwalk Boutique PDF Sewing pattern for this quick and easy pattern hack.

You only need the FRONT pattern piece.  This pattern hack is super easy if you just use felt, but you can certainly use other fabric and fun materials like fringe, cotton balls, jingle bells, htv, vinyl, embroidery, scraps, felt etc.  I used felt for my samples because I wanted a “no fuss” project, which is also very inexpensive and available at every craft store.

1. You only need to print the front pattern piece.  On your paper pattern piece, measure over 1/2 inch from the center fold and draw a new fold line.  Cut off the extra 1/2 inch and use this as your new center fold line.  Cut off all of the seam allowances, top, sides, and bottom. (Especially if using felt, which does not fray.) . Draw a line across the top from where the front meets the strap, to your new fold line. This “fills” in to make a top that goes straight across.  If you like the look of the squared off front, just realize you will have to trim those edges in step 5.
2. For the length, measure up 1/4th to 1/2 inch up from the “Cut here for ruffle” dashed line and draw a new line. Use this as your new hem line.
3. Cut out the front pattern piece on the fold of your fabric. Do not cut into the square neckline, leave that filled in so it’s straight across the top.
4. Using a heat and bond product, or a careful edge stitch, add a 1/2 inch wide, black ribbon across the middle to form the belt.  Trim even with the apron sides.   Add lace or a white band across the bottom, turning in each side’s raw edge by 1/4th inch.  If you want to add a Santa beard, or a pointed elf collar, cut them from felt, and bond or sew them to your apron.
5. Enclose the top, raw edge in a 5 inch piece of bias tape and stitch.  Do the same for each straight side edge, turning the raw end of the bias tape under at the hemline. Trim to be even with the edge of the apron.  (You could also use ribbon or even fold over elastic.)
6. Cut 2 straps (also of bias tape) 30 inches long.   Mark the center of each strap and place it at the middle of the armhole.  Place your apron in between the bias tape and pin in place, working your way out to the edges, attach the bias tape and when you sew, continue the seam from one end to the other so the strap is sewn together and the apron is sandwiched in between.
7. Try it on your doll and trim the straps to the length you prefer with a diagonal cut. If you used bias tape, you will not need to turn in the raw edges.
8. Using ribbon, a buckle, or glitter heat transfer vinyl, cut a one inch belt buckle and attach it to the apron.  Add buttons, bells, pom poms etc (glue or sew on) if desired.
9. SNAP or Hook and Loop Tape VARIATION IDEA:  Cut your ties to 18 inches each.  After you finish the apron, try it on your doll and add velcro or snaps at the neck and waist, trimming off the long ties for a more fitted, easier to put on apron.

It’s the perfect way for your doll to keep her special holiday dress clean!

Would you rather a full outfit for your doll? Find the Elf, Santa, and Gingerbread outfits from this same pattern HERE.  Find my 5 Favorite Holiday pattern hacks HERE.

 

Shop for the Boardwalk Boutique pattern in 4 sizes HERE.

Make a Classic, Holiday Doll Dress with the Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern

Are you looking for a simple sewing pattern to make doll clothes gifts this season?  You’ll find a whole selection of easy level sewing patterns that you print at home from Oh Sew Kat!  Take a look around the website, especially the Inspiration Gallery, and see all the fun ways you can make a simple pattern look completely special and unique!

Try this easy version of the Bloomer Buddies pattern.  A classic green, Kona cotton, a red ruffle (I used pregathered eyelet), some red baby piping, and a holly felt cut out will give you the perfect classic Christmas dress for your 18 inch or other sized doll.  She will be ready for her photo with Santa!

I used my Big Shot Die Cutter and some felt to make the cute little holly accent for this dress. You could easily use your cricut machine or other e-cutter as well!

I just love this classic look for the holidays! Make this dress for Disney Animators or 14 inch dolls like Wellie Wishers dolls too!

Find the Bloomer Buddies Pattern for 18 inch dolls (like American Girl, Our Generation, and more) here and see more ideas to make with it here and here.