Friday, December 7, 2012

Did you know??


Did you know I make dresses, too?  I actually started sewing by making my doll's clothes, mostly Barbie stuff, when I was little.  I am very comfortable making just about anything, and can copy many designs, as long as I have some basic info, and measurements.  I usually try to find a pattern that will work for certain items, especially with curves and neck and armhole shaping.  The rest is easy.

A friend, Melissa, asked me to copy a vintage doll dress for her.  She sent the dress and the fabrics she purchased, and said the doll was a 1964 version of Mattel's Drowsy. 

Here's a picture of the dress.
 
This was a much-loved doll.  The dress is badly worn, with holes in the front and back, faded, and the elastic on the sleeves doesn't stretch.  I looked through my patterns for dolls that measure about 16 inches.  My friend Bernie played with some pattern drafting fabric and traced the basic shape (as we figured it, a challenge with so much damage) so I could compare sizes.  I was going to adapt an American Girl pattern, but found one closer in my old stash of Cabbage Patch Kids patterns.  I must have made a similar dress for my neice when she was a baby (and she has a baby now, lol  Where did time go?) 
 
A note about me:  I love the challenge of copying something.  This had a little applique, red ric-rac trim, and lace collar and around the sleeve.  I also try to improve it, if I can.  The biggest challenge on doll clothes is the size of the pieces, and the small seams and curves.  You need to be more accurate and careful on these than you do on "people" size clothes, which makes doll clothes more difficult to make.  FUN, but a challenge.  I'm always up for a good challenge.
 
 
This sleepy little baby doll is going to love her new dress!  Isn't it cute?  It's a little longer than the original and the skirt is much fuller.  I did copy the applique and red ric-rac trim. 
 
 
Here are both together. 
 
And the back view, with 2 snaps undone.  All inside seams are serger finished, just like I make "real" clothes. 
 
Do you think Miss Drowsy will love it? 

4 comments:

Christine said...

Yes, I am thinking that she is very excited about her new dress! Great job!

DownHome Designs said...

Beautiful job! She'll love it! I love a challenge too, so I know you had fun with this!

sewfunquilts said...

It's adorable, and I hope Miss Drowzsy doesn't have to wait until Christmas to get it!

I love to make doll clothes too.

Kathy Kinsella said...

Beautiful work on this little dress ... what fun to make!