Update to instructions for 1802 Round Neck Blouse

It is difficult to put yourself out there at the mercy of product reviewers.

I always read my reviews and make every effort to clarify instructions or make improvements and then update the file.

At present I am doing my own review of my early patterns and making some minor changes so they are nothing but 5 star quality. I have left them in the shop as I work through them because there isn't anything actually wrong with them but I am finding that my increased experience with doll clothes sewing and design enables me to find better ways to do things or explain things.

It seems that 1802 was less than perfect in the instructions so I have made some sections more clear.

I also included a sentence about my use of notches. Because doll clothes are so small it is not usually feasible to make notches that match two pattern pieces together.
But sometimes a mark is needed:

• to show which side of the collar you sew or 
• to show where you put your gathering threads or 
• to show which side of a pants yoke is the waist edge. 

You don't need the notch on the collar to show how it fits on the neck and you don't need the notches on the sleeve and bodice to show how the sleeve fits in and you don't need the notch on the yoke to position it correctly.

I know it can be frustrating to start making a garment with your good fabric only to find that you make a mistake because the instructions weren't clear. I am always willing to offer advice or further explanations if you convo me in Etsy or email me from Craftsy.

I have started my Pattern Update News page so you can check if you have the latest version. Just contact me if you think you need the update.

Happy Sewing,
Val

Nearly a year of pattern making!

I have come a long way since my first pattern publication. The Snugfit Anna Blouse is still one of my favourite patterns. It embodies all the aspects of lots of possible variations, value for money and great fit that you will find with all my patterns. Here is my original post.
I have just updated the format of Snugfit Anna to match my latest patterns and taken a few new pictures.

This simple t-shirt has been one of the most used pieces in my doll wardrobe. It seems to go with almost anything.

When I first published the blouse pattern I had the western yoke as an additional file. It is now included in the blouse pattern. The old photo still looks pretty good.

Just a preview of my latest pattern. It is a bulky knit design for sweat shirts and jumpers.

Look out for 1820 Knitfit Polly - Sweaters for Bulky knits. Coming soon.

Happy Sewing,
Val

Pieced Pants from regular pull-ons for dolls

In 2018 I made these pieced pants into a stand alone pattern for the 18" size. It is Pattern No. 1885

I am going to make these trousers from 1813 Gathered Pull-ons

I drew these from a drawing I found on the internet. Front on the left. Back on the right.

Print out the boxers view 4 front and back and the extensions. For Australian Girl Doll use 2013.

Cut the extensions into front and back and attach to the top sections to make a separate front and back with long-long length.

Pinch the bottom edge of the back to find the middle. Draw a line down the centre of the back. Cut the back along this line.

On the front pattern piece measure along the inseam from the mid-long line 3” and put a dot. I used the mid long line because it corresponds with the finished length of the pants. I had to judge the height of the pieces using the finished length.

Measure along the side seam line 1 1/4” from the mid long line and put a dot.

Join the points to get the angle piece for the front.

Place the back and front side by side and mark the dots so they are level with the dots on the front. Draw the line at the correct angle across the side back only.

When cutting out:

I am going to add an extra 1/4” at the hemline so I have plenty of room to make a casing for 1/4” elastic.

I am going to add 1/4” seam allownaces to the centre line edges of the back pieces.

I am going to add 1/4” seam allowances to the angle edges.

The side seams I just cut level with the paper pattern.

Join the pieces. Top stitch along each seam as you sew it. By top stitching you don't need to neaten the seam allowance for the section.

Overlock all the edges on all the pieces if you want to press the seams open.

Join the side seams then make the trousers as for 1813 Gathered Pull-ons View 1.

When you do the hems, overlock the raw edge then turn up 1/2” and stitch close to the fold and the edge to make a 1/4” casing. I threaded 5” of elastic at the ankle and finished like the boxers waist casing. 

I hope you have a go at these. They are really easy. 

Happy Sewing,

Val