When I first decided I wanted to make a doll, little did I know what I’d started.
I keep seeing clothes I want to dress dolls in. But mostly, I haven’t the first idea how to go about making them. Let alone in miniature.
Practically, my dressmaking experience consists of knocking up a few skirts and having a go at a couple of frocks (neither of which fit me.)
As half the fun of a doll is being able to dress and style it yourself, I’m determined that the clothes are removable, not stitched in place. (I do seem to like making a job for myself.)
Which means they also have to fit over heads and arms.
As I am by no means the first person to make either dolls or dolls’ clothes, I turned to t’internet for patterns and tutorials to get me started.
But if there are any, I haven’t been very lucky finding them. And those that do exist aren’t designed for the dolls I’m making.
You can’t make clothes in miniature the same way you do when they’re full-sized. The sewing machine doesn’t like such tiny stuff.
Which means lots of hand sewing, and working out styles and techniques that work on a tiny scale.
I’m actually loving the challenge!
My latest doll’s coat-dress started from this image:
I wrapped a piece of fabric around the doll and off I went. No pattern. No instructions.
No flippin’ idea, really.
But I rather like it now it’s done.
In fact, I wish I had one. ♥
I want those stockings!
Me too! Making doll’s clothes is just wardrobe wish-fulfilment!
That dress is brilliant! Well done for making such a tiny frock; I love the covered buttons and the bobble trim. Probably a bit weird if you made yourself one to match, I guess?!
http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/
The covered buttons were left over from a bracelet I made yonks ago! They didn’t have shanks, so they are decorative rather than functional (the dress fastens with a concealed press-stud inside.) It’s the style of the dress I like… I’m not sure I have the pizzazz to carry off that print – or giant bobble trim – on a scaled-up version! 🙂
Loving the dress it’s great and the fabric you used is so bright and fun – it works really well.
Does she have a name? X
Not yet – any suggestions?
Oh my that’s hard – the wife thinks she looks like a Pippa!
Your comment prompted me to ask for inspiration on Facebook – and so far I’ve had about 70 suggestions! I think I’ve got enough great doll names now to last me the rest of my life!
Amazing! I’m so pleased I look forward to meeting them all x
Pippa will always mean these dolls to me!
I had no idea!
My sister and I were big collectors of Pippa and her friends when we were children. Her kids have them now!
I just love these……think you’ve found your niche! 🙂 xxx
Love them! I’ve been making dog coats. Love a new direction to kick start the snoozing creativity.
Would love to see your dog coats!
Love the! I’ve been making dog coats. Love a new direction to kick start the snoozing creativity.
Love it! 🙂