18" Doll Clothes Pattern for Boleros and Jacket

18" Doll Clothes pattern by valspierssews

This is the first of my designs to have the huge range of variations included with full instructions for each variation. My other patterns have huge potential with pieces that can be swapped around but I am still in the process of showing what can be done with them.

The variations I have included instructions for are just some of the possibilities with this design. I am really excited to have a go at tracing the 1804 dress armhole over the drop shoulder armhole to create a new pattern piece front and back that can take regular sleeves from other designs and still have the cute bolero style. You can easily do this yourself.

When I first brought out this series of designs I published them as separate modules with a big discount on the price. Module 1 was even offered for free in my newsletter.

If you are not getting my newsletters then you are missing out on some great free patterns and great special offers as well as lots of ideas for using my patterns. I even include the occasional suggestions to make your life easier in general.

Visit my Etsy Shop to get the Bolero series for just $12 AUD (plus taxes if applicable)

Make sure you sign up for my NEWSLETTER for lots of great pattern ideas and offers.

Happy Sewing,
Val

Bolero Mania - So many and So Simple to Sew

The 1870 Bolero Series continues with another must have bolero style.

Module 3 is out now.
Find it in my shop.
1870 Module 3

• Make it in fur or regular fabric
• Make it completely reversible
• also Super easy non reversible version

Modules 1 and 2 are in my Etsy Shop

Module 1 has a square front. It can also be buttoned up.

Module 2 is a cute shrug. Do it in fur or fabric.

I make my designs with a view to using them as jumping off points for creative custom designs. The bolero series provides many variations but there is still room for unique customisation. 

* Lengthen the sleeves and have a turn up cuff (you can use pattern 1868/2068 as a guide for the length)

* Cut off the seam allowance around the hem edges and add a ruffle

* Gradually add to the curved edge from the hem to the neck edge until it is 1/2" wider at the neck. You can now overlap it and do it up like a jacket.

* Place the bodice from 1804 Round Neck Dress on top matching the centre front to the seam line on the front of the bolero and match the necklines and shoulder lines. Trace the armhole for the dress on top of the bolero piece. You can now add many different sleeves to this little jacket. 

These are just 4 ideas that spring to mind.






One of the reasons I kept adding to this Bolero Series as I was creating it was because there are just so many ways to make a bolero and I can't stop until I have designs for them all. Well, I have decided that I just have to stop at 5 Modules because I will never get onto anything else.

Adjusting designs is just so exciting. I keep seeing how I can change things just a bit and I generally don't even worry about making a sample to check for fit - I just use my best fabrics straight up.

That's what I did when I altered the neck on the wide neck dress 1827. The fabric is gorgeous. It feels so nice. It did cost me $27 a metre so I only bought enough to make one dress with sleeves or two without sleeves. I know the dress will fit so changing the neck a bit should not affect the fit. 

I didn't muck around doing a cheap version. I'm not saying that I recommend this for all designs but when you use my designs as slopers and just make small changes there is minimum risk of failure.

1870 Bolero Series is a collection of Bolero variations.
They are great to use as slopers for all sorts of custom designs.
There is no need to make lots of ill fitting test outfits if you like to create your own designs.

Look out for Module 3 of my Bolero Series in my shop soon.

Happy Sewing,
Val

P.S.

If you sign up for my newsletter you won't have to worry about missing my design ideas or any special sales that I have.

Get Val Spiers Sews News

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

Last Name