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!

Advertisements

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 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.

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

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.

Step it Up: How to Make a Lace Backed Halter Top with Boardwalk Boutique – Try this Pattern Hack!

Every little girl loves lace and roses! This tutorial will show you how to take the Boardwalk Boutique Halter Top up a step with a pretty, lace back.

Start with the Boardwalk Boutique sewing pattern.

Choose your lacy trim. I use pre-gathered lace because it’s already got a pretty, hemmed edge. When you buy it, buy as wide as you can.  Smaller dolls will use smaller trim. If you use eyelet or lace fabric, simply follow the directions as written.  Use these few changes to add the lace trim to the back of your halter top.

Carefully remove the stitching of the top of the lace trim with a seam ripper. If you lace trim is much wider than the pattern piece, you can cut it off. As you can see in the photo below, my trim was just a little shorter than my pattern piece (no need to turn up the 1/4th hem at the bottom) so I knew my top would be just a bit shorter than the pattern.) . Iron your trim and cut it the right size based on the pattern piece.  Cut out your front, facing, and ties (or ribbon).

Construct the front of the halter top according to the pattern directions, to include the back elastic casing and elastic.  You will have to hem the front piece before you attach it to the back.  Determine how big this hem needs to be based on the lace back piece as seen in the photo below.  Serge or zigzag the front hem, press up, and stitch in place.  With right sides together, sew the back to the front on each side.

It’s kind of hard to photograph these dolls’ backs.  🙂

Try this simple hack of the Boardwalk Boutique Halter Top for your dolls!  See more ways to sew this pattern here and here.

Who wore it best? Bloomer Buddies Springtime Fun Outfit for Dolls

Ready for some Springtime Fun?  Today you choose the look! Who wore it best? Kelly or Harper? This easy, breezy outfit is perfect for the early days of spring!  The pretty dress pairs up with some longer bloomers to add a little warmth and cartwheel protection. This tunic length top and knee length bloomers were made using the BLOOMER BUDDIES sewing pattern which is also available for 16″ Animators and 14.5 inch Wellie Wishers dolls. Find the pattern here.

Kelly: (Truly Me #63)

Harper: (Truly Me #25)

Harper rocked the sunglasses.  Kelly wanted to try it as a dress, but it was too short.  (This is the tunic length- the dress length option is perfect). We had to quickly add a blue hem band to make it work.

So what do you think? Who rocked the Bloomer Buddies better?  Harper in her shades, or Kelly in her cute dress? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Visit my ETSY SHOP and find this and other patterns to download and sew today!

See more Bloomer Buddies Dresses here and here.

 

 

New Sewing Pattern for Disney Animators’ Dolls

Now available on Etsy!!

The very popular Party Time Peasant Dress is now available for your 16 inch Disney Animators’ dolls.  These princesses love their twirl skirts! This easy pattern is great for beginners and the open back makes it easy for little hands to dress their dolls.  Download and stitch one up for your princess today!

Party Time Peasant Dress for Animators

This cute dress offers lots of options to mix and match fabrics and add laces and trims.  Each one will look unique!  Directions included to make the 3 tiered skirt too!  Be sure to visit and follow my Party Time Peasant Dress Pinterest Board.

The Party Time Peasant Dress is available only in my Etsy Shop. Find it sized for other dolls there too (18 inch, WellieWishers, Bitty Baby and A Girl for All Time).

Click here and here to see more Party Time dress ideas!

Easter Dresses for your Dolls

Wow, is it me or does it feel like Easter is early this year? I was happily sewing shamrocks and then I looked at the calendar! Yep, Easter is in just two weeks!! If we blink, we just might miss it.  I wanted to share a little Easter inspiration if you are looking for something to fill a special someone’s Easter basket this year.

These dresses were made using the Sugar n Spice pattern. It’s available in three sizes (so far!) on Pixie Faire, Etsy, You Can Make This, and also in the iCreateMarketplace.

Each season you can use the same dress- just add a different overskirt!! Isn’t this Henry Glass fabric just perfect for dolls?  Here I used the green and yellow dresses. But click HERE to see the Valentine version over a white dress.

Choose a few solid colors and stitch up the Sugar N Spice dress.  Use your specialty fabric for a cute overskirt- a skirt and waistband…so quick and easy! Don’t forget the rest of the accessories included in the Everything Nice pattern or the Bundle (18 inch size).

Here’s the green dress again! With this pattern, I use the same dress over and over.  😉

SHOP THE OH SEW KAT! PATTERN COLLECTION

Sugar n Spice Dress for Wellie Wishers and Hearts for Hearts (available as dress only, or bundle file)

Sugar n Spice for 16 inch dolls like Disney Animators

Sugar n Spice for 18 inch dolls like Our Generation and American Girl dolls

See more ideas to use your Sugar N Spice/Everything Nice pattern HERE!!