Designing doll clothes for 18" dolls: 1857

I am really excited to announce that I have 2 new 18" doll clothes patterns in the shop. 1857 is the curved hem top that I put up quietly a few weeks ago. I didn't announce it because I wanted to finish the perfect A-line skirt to go with it.

I still do photo tutorials for sections of my patterns and provide a link on the title page of the pattern.
You can find out how this top goes together at "1857 Photo Tutorial for the Tricky Bits"
It is another view of basic techniques like sewing in the lining, turning and doing the side seams to complement the diagrams in the pattern instructions.

The skirt is one of those designs that goes with everything. I originally made it with the yoke-like facing and immediately saw that it would look great as a skirt with a yoke on the outside. So I have included both styles.

I have found that if I publish a pattern that is teamed with another garment I get questions about the garment not in the pattern so I have included, as a bonus, the pattern for the cute little fashion T-shirt that I teamed with the skirt. I made this pink shirt from an old polo shirt of mine. It is a medium weight knit and went together perfectly without enlarging the pattern.

The fashion top with the curved hem was one of those designs that I saw for sale as a ladies top and just had to make it for the doll and it goes perfectly with the A-line skirt in both styles.

The top, the skirt and the T-shirt are all easy and quick to sew.

I have had great feedback on the quality of my instructions and diagrams. I try to thank all my customers who leave feedback. A few slip through but I am thrilled that my patterns are so well received.
When I thanked one lady for her good review of "The 18" Dress" I received a convo back with this reply,

Oh, my goodness!!!! i have purchased and downloaded many, many doll clothes patterns over the last couple of years. Let me say that this pattern is without a doubt the most complete, well illustrated, and clearest I have yet to see. Wow! The drawn illustrations are so much better and easier to see than blurry photos with several different fabrics included. I cannot wait to get started!! One last comment, the pattern is extremely reasonable for its quality. Thanks, and feel free to quote me!Sincerely, Carol

So thank you to all my customers. I will continue to create great patterns at a great price for as long as I can. I really enjoy the process.

If you like my patterns please share this blog post with your friends on Facebook or Google Plus or sewing group.

I am working on a few requested designs at present. I love hearing from you what designs you would like to have patterns for. It is such fun to see the ideas come to life on the doll.

Have fun with the new patterns.

1857 Top

1858 Skirt and Top

Happy Sewing,
Val

Find 1857 Curved Top in my Etsy Shop HERE

I thought it might make things bit easier if I explained a few things with photos and add in a few tips to make the construction go smoothly. The side seams are halfway down the page.

When I sew the bodice and lining pieces I always lay the backs on the table with rights sides up.

I then place the front right side down lining up one shoulder. I pin it without picking it up. I place the pin parallel to the edge so it won't twist out of place when I pick it up.

Place the front on top of the other back, pin and stitch. This method is good for fabrics that don't have different sides. Everything ends up in the right place.

Press the shoulder seams open. It is a good idea to crease the hem edge on the back pieces at the same time. Pin the bodice and lining right sides together with not too many pins. Pin and stitch the back edges and the neck.

Pin and stitch one armhole. Pin and stitch the second armhole.

Trim the seams. I clip off the corners of the back neck as I do this. Clip the curves every 1/4".

Turn it through the front. This takes a few minutes.

I use a knitting needle to push out the corners at the back neck.

Use you thumb nails and fingers to get it ready for pressing.

Press it well.

To do the side seams

Open out the back side edges. Open out the front side edges and match the front bodice and lining to the back bodice and lining, right sides together.