Dress Makover

I have been working on this dress to give it this great new look.

I was never really happy with the dress I made as a sample in my Snugfit Carol pattern. At the time I couldn't work out what to do to make it work. It fit perfectly but it just didn't look right.

While I was updating my Anatomy of a Gathered Skirt file I suddenly realized that it was the length of the skirt that was the problem. (I don't think she thinks much of her little homemade felt shoes either.)

 

I have now concluded that 6" is not a good length for any skirts or dresses. They need to be 5 1/2" or 7" to 7 1/2" but not in between. This one is now 5 1/2" long or just at the middle of the knee cap. The old one is 6" long. I think it makes a big difference.

I have been making lots of cute self fabric belts lately and thought one would be just right for this outfit.

To make a belt for 3/8" slide buckle cut a 15" strip 1 1/2" wide and fold it to make single fold binding so it is 3/8" wide. Fold in one end then stitch all around. Loop the raw edge end over the buckle bar, check the fit on the doll, then stitch across. Trim the raw edge with pinking shears.

Download "Anatomy of a Gathered Skirt" for all the basics on making gathered skirts for 18" dolls.

Happy Sewing,

Val