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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-01-2003, 09:12 AM (1 of 15)
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Anyone out there make doll clothes? Any tips? On a whim I bought myself a 16 inch doll. No, she's not one of those expensive fashion dolls but she has the same size body. Actually she is one of a team with super powers fighting the never ending battle against evil. She has big round Japanese cartoon eyes. We're doing a personality makeover starting with a glamorous red gown. Anyway, I figured I could make her the clothes I'm to old and fat to wear. The only doll clothes experience I have is some clothes for Cabbage Patch Kids when my youngest was small. I did Barbie once for my oldest and about went nuts with the tiny size. So any hints or tips would be great. Also -- does anyone have an idea where to get shoes? The only ones I saw in this size on the internet cost $20 a pair. Over the weekend with the Labor Day sales at the Outlet Mall and no sales tax week I got two pair of Nine West for $30. I'm not paying more for the doll's shoes than I do for myself. |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 09-01-2003, 12:04 PM (2 of 15)
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I don't do dolls clothes but my daughter has been giving Barbie a makeover! Shes has painted her skin white with enamel, dyed her hair black and given her black eyes and lips. Black satin held together with teeny weeny safety pins and the net you get washing tablets in dyed black as an over-dress. Scarey. That is one Barbie you won't find down the Pink Isle in ToysRUs! There is an article on the site somewhere about sewing dolls clothes - If you search for a thread called sewing for dolls you will find Big moma has some advice.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 09-01-2003, 12:12 PM (3 of 15)
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Yes, I make doll clothes - even Barbie size. I cheat though. Instead of trying to make facings or turning under arm or neck seams I make two tops and sew right sides together and then clip seams and turn them right side out. Voila! Nice neat finished seams and very quick. Sewing with Nancy had a lady on one time that did other short cuts too and has a book out. I have a book for multi-size dolls with a wide variety of pattens and it's great to use for basic clothes or as a starting point. I have a tendancy not to follow patterns and to add ruffles, trims, sequins, etc. to really make fancy dresses. My granddaughter loved getting a box of Barbie doll clothes from me but alas, she is 11 now and that is no more. If you don't want to invest in a book, pick out one of the pattens from the major patten makers, Simplicty, etc. good luck 
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: jcook
Date: 09-01-2003, 01:16 PM (4 of 15)
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As far as the shoes go, I have read somewhere about making them yourself as well. Maybe it was in an older Burda magazine, I'll dig around and see if I can find it. They used leather scraps, sold in craft stores in various size bundles so in theory, you could get a few pairs of doll-sized shoes pretty cheaply. I'll post back and let you know what I find. Jill |
User: jcook
Member since: 08-16-2000 Total posts: 50 |
From: KayTee
Date: 09-01-2003, 04:20 PM (5 of 15)
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I make clothes for my great-niece (2 yrs. old) with matching doll clothes and just tried making shoes for the doll - it was really simple. Some of the major pattern companies have a pattern for shoes you might want to try. (Be warned though -- this activity is VERY addictive!) |
User: KayTee
Member since: 12-06-2002 Total posts: 98 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-01-2003, 08:50 PM (6 of 15)
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when I was a kid (low those many years ago.....) the 'big' pattern companies used to make patterns for (barbie) doll clothes.... thats how I learned to sew and my dolls were the best dressed in town...I wish I still had the patterns...I could make a fortune ! Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 09-01-2003, 08:56 PM (7 of 15)
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I love google.... www.morrisseyagency.com www.bevscountrycottege.com www.oldpatterns.com they all have old doll clothes patterns....and theres more listed. www.google.com Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-01-2003, 10:09 PM (8 of 15)
There was a baby shoe pattern floating around free somewhere that would do for doll shoes... (like a Mary Jane) Check Nancy Zieman's site on her free projects... It is very simple... I said like a mary jane but it buttons around the ankle, not over the instep...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-02-2003, 07:46 AM (9 of 15)
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Thanks for the links Chrys -- I found some Gene patterns that will fit and weren't in recent Vogue books. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions. And, Mamahoogie, I think the idea of skipping the facings is great. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-02-2003, 08:40 AM (10 of 15)
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Here is something that might help too. Written by our own Shelly Moon. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/projects/barbie.shtml MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Sherri
Date: 09-02-2003, 09:07 AM (11 of 15)
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Have you tried livingsofts Doll Shop. It has great clothes for Dolls. Sherri My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-02-2003, 10:15 PM (12 of 15)
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Mary -- Thanks for the link to Shelly's piece. Not only was it entertaining -- I learned something. You all will be glad to know my doll is no longer clad in a mini super hero skirt. She now sports a lovely red ball gown and pearls. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Magot
Date: 09-03-2003, 01:03 AM (13 of 15)
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She sounds a whole lot more wholesome than Queen Mab dressed in black cobwebs that we have upstairs...I'm just waiting for Barbie to get into heavy bodypiercing and tatoos...
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: VCMOM
Date: 09-03-2003, 12:59 PM (14 of 15)
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Dorothy, Try the Clothtilde catelog or online store. I have made a lot of doll clothes for the American Girl dolls. . She has patterns, books and supplies. I think she sells some already made shoes and has leather scraps and patterns if you choose to make your own. Have fun! Wallmart does carry a good selection of tiny buttons for your creations too! Have fun! Lori |
User: VCMOM
Member since: 10-31-2002 Total posts: 74 |
From: grammyC
Date: 09-05-2003, 08:55 PM (15 of 15)
| Not sure where you're located, but Michael's have shoes that fit the American Girl Doll and if your doll is close in size, may work. One of the Michael's had just white slipons ($2.99) and another one had both white and black ($1.99). I use the 40% off coupons from the paper so they're a real bargain. Good luck with your doll-fun stuff. Pa |
User: grammyC
Member since: 07-17-2003 Total posts: 8 |
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