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!

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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.

70s Style Calico Top for Julie Albright from Bloomer Buddies Sewing Pattern

Here is an easy 1970s style top to make for your American Girl doll, Julie.  Julie is the BeForever character from 1974.  I was seven years old in 1975, and I had a top that looked just like this one, red fabric and all, but the print was of mushrooms.  I used “Little Ruby” fabric for this imitation calico top and the Oh Sew Kat! Bloomer Buddies sewing pattern.

This outfit was inspired by THIS PIN.  For this outfit, I didn’t make any adjustments to the Bloomer Buddies pattern.  In order to be more authentic, next time I might add a seam allowance and make the front open with buttons.  That will stay on my “to do” list for now.  🙂

It’s easy to add pockets to any pattern, especially square pockets.  I add the pockets after the front is complete, before I add the sleeves as it’s a little easier to work with a flat item than a rounded one.

Figure out what size you want your finished pocket.  On this blouse, my pockets measure one inch square.  Add 1/2 inch to the width, and the length for seam allowances.  I cut my pieces 1 1/2 inch square. With right sides together, sew three sides of the pocket, and turn right side out. Press well, folding the unfinished edge to the inside.

I put my top on my doll, and use scotch tape (the magic, transparent kind) to hold the pockets in place. It’s easier to sew over tape than pins that are longer than your pocket! Use a top stitch or edge foot if you have one to get nice topstitching around the three lower sides of the pocket.  Complete the top as directed by the pattern.

Complete the 70s inspired look with an easy headscarf. Find the full tutorial HERE.

What other outfits will you make for your Julie doll or her friends?  Find more 70s inspiration here in my Inspiration Gallery, as well as here and here.  Don’t forget to visit and follow my Julie inspired Pinterest board!

 

 

Tester Tuesday! Easy Up! Jumper Sewing Pattern for 14.5 inch Dolls

Looking for a quick outfit to make for 14.5 inch dolls like Wellie Wishers and Glitter Girls?  Try the new Easy Up! Reversible Jumper sewing pattern found HERE .  Add a Jumping Jack turtleneck or Playtime Peasant Top to complete the outfit.

The Oh Sew Kat! test group never ceases to amaze me. Their talent and creativity are top notch! I always love checking me email 2-3 days after sending out a patter to test because my mailbox is full of photos like these lovelies below!!

This unicorn princess outfit was sewn by Jenny.

Linda made this adorable spring jumper.  I love the added button detail.

Michele added a cute pocket to her striped jumper.

The instructions (and pattern piece) to make the faux button front version are also included in the pattern.

Willa is out and about in her animal jumper, that is also reversible!

Let your creativity shine as you play designer to create your own version of this simple sewing pattern.  Find the pattern here and also for 18 inch dolls here.  See more Easy Up Jumpers in this post and this one!

Tester Tuesday! Easy Up! Jumper for 14 inch Wellie Wishers Dolls

The Oh Sew Kat! Testers are amazing. They have so much fun testing and checking the patterns I create to make sure they are ready for you!

The Easy Up! Jumper is now available for the 14 inch dolls in my Etsy Shop. You can purchase just that size, or in a value based bundle with the 18 inch size or the Jumping Jack Jumper Set to complete your outfit.

Make a perfect doll outfit this fall.  Look at this adorable denim and gingham!  This outfit was made by Julie.   She used a woman’s shirt to make this adorable outfit, and took advantage of the fun, quilted detail from the shirt.

This adorable fall outfit was created by SewDolledUp81.  Be sure to check out her etsy shop on a regular basis to see what she’s created lately for sale.  The cute shirt was made using the Playtime Peasant Top pattern.

Find more ideas for your Easy UP! Jumper pattern here and here.

Make a Christmas Elf or Santa Outfit with the Boardwalk Boutique Sewing Pattern by Oh Sew Kat!

No, it’s not too early for this!  It’s really not.  Do you know there are less than 80 days until Christmas? You need to get your sewing started now and I’ve got a few adorable outfits to inspire you!  You may have seen these images on instagram or facebook, but they are just too cute not to be shared here as well!

Wouldn’t Luciana make an adorable Elf on the Shelf?

I was working up some holiday ideas, specifically an apron using the Boardwalk Boutique top as a base (details coming in November), and then it struck me. Why not just use the whole outfit?  I immediately set to work and came up with these cuties!! No changes to the pattern- just add some belts, buttons, and ric rac and make some deliberate color choices.  I also think a snowman version would be adorable too!  They fit perfectly over the Jumping Jack Turtleneck Shirt or a short or long sleeve Playtime Peasant Top.

And who says the Gingerbread Boy has to be a boy?  Find the very easy Boardwalk Boutique Halter Top and Capri pattern HERE in 4 popular doll sizes.

Pin these images for later and see more Holiday Outfits for your dolls HERE.  I used ribbon ties for all of these outfits to keep them quick and easy.  They take so little fabric (less than a fat quarter!) and are so fast, you could really stock up for your fall craft shows with these!

I tried the elf outfit with and without a ruffle tucked into the neckline.  Depending on the shirt you layer with it, both look cute!  Just be sure to attach the belt (I stitched black ribbon across the front and made a buckle with glitter HTV.) before you sew the side seams.

A little ric rac and some red and green buttons create an easy Gingerbread outfit.  Add some fun striped socks and layer it over a Playtime Peasant Top for a complete outfit. (Red high tops are made by AG).

Have you started sewing for the holidays! Share what you make with me on Facebook and Instagram (hashtag #ohsewkat).  Still soaking in the pumpkin spice?  See this same pattern stitched up like a pumpkin HERE.

Need a santa hat to complete your outfit? Find one for free here at YouCanMakeThis.

Look!! It’s the same pattern!!

Download and Sew Your Own Today.

Tester Tuesday! Easy Up! Jumper for 14 inch Wellie Wishers Dolls

The Oh Sew Kat! Testers are amazing. They have so much fun testing and checking the patterns I create to make sure they are ready for you!

The Easy Up! Jumper is now available for the 14 inch dolls in my Etsy Shop. You can purchase just that size, or in a value based bundle with the 18 inch size or the Jumping Jack Jumper Set to complete your outfit.

How’s this for crazy cute?  This outfit was made by Shirley.   I adore the gingham pleats to really give a playful “little girl” vibe.  The purple shirt was made with the Jumping Jack Turtleneck pattern, also by Oh Sew Kat!

This adorable Halloween outfit was created by DollClothesbyShirley.  Be sure to check out her etsy shop on a regular basis to see what she’s created lately for sale.

She even made a matching treat bag! The pocket is easy to add to the pattern with any shape you like.

Find more ideas for your Easy UP! Jumper pattern here and here.

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Easy Jumper Sewing Pattern for Dolls: Easy Up! Jumper

The Easy Up! Jumper is an easy sewing pattern with lots of wow.  Fabric covered straps and a cute side contrasting pleat let you mix and match fabrics and colors.  This galaxy fabric was perfect for the Girl of the Year, Luciana Vega.

For this jumper, I used the simplest version of the pattern.  I left out the side triangles, and used Fold Over Elastic (FOE) for the straps.  Perfect fit and perfect look!!  I layered the jumper over the Jumping Jack Turtleneck Shirt which you can find HERE.

Once the jumper was done, I wanted to give it a little more.  Using my Ad: Cricut Maker, I cut out the saying, “Reach for the stars” from heat transfer vinyl and ironed it to the front of the jumper.  You can find sparkly HTV (and other colors too) at most crafts stores and at Ad: Amazon.

Download and sew your very own Easy Up! Jumper today or PIN IT FOR LATER.  With just one afternoon, your doll can easily send her own message to the world.  See more Easy Up! Jumpers here and here.  Find the pattern here.

New Wellie Wishers Sewing Pattern – Easy Up! Jumper now available

Bring on the PUMPKIN SPICE!!! A brand New Sewing Pattern is now available- get your Wellie Wisher dolls ready for the cool, fall weather with this easy, pull on style jumper.  Make it reversible and get two dresses in one!

This pattern is perfect for beginners. Put it on your doll with a turtleneck from the Jumping Jack pattern or a Simple, Sweet Tee.

Find this fun, new pattern HERE for Wellie Wishers and also fits Hearts for Hearts dolls.  Find it HERE for the 18 inch dolls.

You can also purchase it as a bundle with the 18 inch doll size, or bundled with the Jumping Jack (turtleneck) pattern for a little extra savings.

See more ways to sew the Easy Up! Jumper here and here.

Holiday Dresses to Make for Your Dolls

Is it too soon? 🙂   Have you thought about the special girls in your life that might enjoy new clothes for their special dolls this holiday season?  Here are a few ideas to inspire you to ring in the season! Click on each photo to go right to the Oh Sew kat! sewing pattern I used.  Visit my Etsy Shop to find a full selection of patterns for dolls from 14-18 inches tall.

Four Season Skirts ^^ Find this free pattern HERE.

FREE SKIRT PATTERN FOR DOLLS (3 SIZES)

Jumping Jack  ^^

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Party Time Peasant Dress  ^^

Sugar n Spice Dress Pattern Hack ^^

See more holiday doll clothes ideas HERE and HERE.

VISIT THE OH SEW KAT! INSPIRATION GALLERY TO SEE MORE DOLL CLOTHES IDEAS.