More Lace and Excuses

It’s kind of funny.  I said before that I would post the next project “this Thursday”, and by that I certainly did not mean two weeks from Thursday.  But that’s precisely what has happen.  The excuse?  More like excuses.  First, I had several projects for school to work on including a few “surprise” ones.  Throw in the end of Tax Season which meant being slightly busier at work for a period.  And the biggest and saddest excuse of them all.  A game.  I found a free RPG and since it had been some time since I played one I thought I would try it out a little.  It’s called Ahriman’s Prophecy and it’s surprisingly addictive.  See for yourself if you don’t believe me, you can download it here.      

Anyway, using that floral print fabric, I have made a skirt, a dress, and a bag.  So now here’s the final piece from it, a sleeve-less top.  It’s great because I can wear it together with the skirt sort of like a dress, or with other pieces to avoid blinding people with too much matchy-matchy-ness.  It has shirring in the back so I can pull it on easily and breath easily.  Still are some little quirks to it.  I made the straps slightly too long which isn’t too bad since I “fixed” them.  It just baffles me, I was so sure I measured them properly.  Also, I like the ruffle at the bottom but I can’t help but think that it might not be the most flattering place to stick a ruffle.  Otherwise I am satisfied with the way this came out.

Continuing on, remember Jenny, my Our Generation doll?  She’s the model for this pretty and dressy new dress I made using another commercial doll clothes pattern.  The fabric was an old remnant I got from my mom.  It’s from a stack that she dumped on me, perfect for making doll clothes.  Anyway, I do love how pretty it is, even if it was a pain to sew.  The fabric is so slippery, my poor sewing machine.  Anyway, the pattern was a cinch to use, the only problem with it is that I think the skirt would look better if it was a little shorter.  Same with the sleeves.  Other than that, I love the dress.  I kind of reminds me of a flower girl dress for a wedding.  Maybe I should make some accessories to go with it.  That would be cute right?

This last one is a bag idea I sort of tried before, but in white.  Basically covering the pieces for the bag with rolls of lace before sewing them.  This one I used black lace that is considerably wider than the white lace I used before, so it was noticeably faster to make.  A few other differences with this one is that instead of a zipper to close I used a clasp I ripped from another bag I didn’t like anymore.  Also, with the white bag I made the strap by twisting strands of lace into a cord.  With this one I just folded the lace in half and sewed.  The lace is the perfect width for that, plus it helps to show off the design of the lace.  Over all I’d say it came out well, although I guess it is kind of strange to be making a black bag when it is getting closer and closer to summer.

Here’s the updated list:

• Floral bag
• Wreath
• Doll
• Top
• Doll dress
• Gloves
• Black purse
• Tiny plushies
• Tiny “men” clothes

Six down, just three more to go.  I should have the rest done by Monday at the latest, I mean it this time.  Also,  I should warn you that the next project list will probably up a little later then expected (expected date is the first of May).  I have a quiz, two major tests, and finals coming up in the next two weeks.  Enough said.

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Dressed Duo and Red Shoes

It’s the middle of Spring Break right now.  I could take this time to get a jump on my class work and studying and such, like a good student.  Instead I’m making doll clothes.

The last attempt to make clothing for a Monster High doll came out fairly decent (see Better Late Than..Oops), so I thought I’d take on the next challenge.  Something fitted.  For these two dresses I had to come up with a pattern for a bodice that would fit their oddly shaped figures.  I think they came out surprisingly well considering, did I mention how little experience I have with pattern making?  Good way to learn.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned my “new” Cleo De Nile doll, the one on the right.  I got her from Goodwill recently in a baggie with three other dolls.  Total price: $2.  I was shocked.  I wasn’t expecting to see any Monster High dolls show up in thrift stores for at least another few years, at least not with all their limbs intact. 

Speaking of Goodwill dolls, my American Girl doll has been in need of a pair of shoes since hers were missing when I got her (see Old and New Dolls).  I just happen to have a pattern for a bunch of doll clothes that included a pair of boots, so I whipped these up with red and dark brown felt.  I had plan on making them completely brown, but I realized I was almost completely out of brown felt.  I did have plenty of the red felt though.  Good thing too, they look much cuter this way.

Here she is admiring her new boots.

Here’s the updated list:

• Doll dress
• White purse
• Shoes
• T-shirt
• Heart bag
• Pins
• Cuffs
• Straw bag
• Parasol
• Dress

Five down, five to go.  I’ll have the next one up this weekend.

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Dolly Dressing

I just wanted to touch base a little about what I’ve been doing and working on lately. 

Anyone hear about Listia?  I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it much here, although I do tweet about it on twitter fairly frequently.  It’s a site where you basically “give away” stuff you have lying around or whatever.  It works like eBay except without money, except for shipping unless you offer to ship for free.  You put up auctions of whatever you want to give away, and other users bid on it using their points.

Anyway, I put up one of those pairs of doll pajama pants I made (see Tiny Jim-Jams) and someone almost immediately asked if I would list more 18 inch doll clothes.  I’m hardly such a person who would turn down such a simple and tempting request, so I whipped up of couple outfits.

You all remember my American Girl doll, Kirsten (see Old and New Dolls).  She’s the model today.  Here’s a simple sundress made from some scraps of green plaid.  This is the second time I have used this pattern and if was definitely quicker and easier to make.  I’ve improved!  I made the stretchy headband just for the heck of it.  It is just a tube of fabric about twice the measurement of her head with elastic threaded through.  Adds a little something doesn’t it?

The next one was intended to be a pillow case dress, but it came out a little short.  Now it’s a long top made with the same plaid.  I made simple little bag to match.  I also made these white shorts to go with the top.  The funny thing is the shorts were originally going to be pants.  Guess they were too short too.

I decided to put both outfits together in one auction, since they coordinated so well.  If you’re interested, here’s the link to the auction.  Hope it goes well.

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Give Me a Doll with Hair

Ready for my excuse?  It’s a good one.  I didn’t post this yesterday like I said I would because I was sick, again.  Something is going around over here and it finally came around to whack me in the face.  Moving on.


I think a few of you should recognize this doll that I bought at Goodwill (see Finally Remembered).  Only a buck but she needed a bit of work.  Her hair was almost hopelessly tangled and frazzled, someone must have really “loved” doing hair.  She was also dirty and still wearing her original lame horrible plain dress.  I couldn’t let her stay like that. 

So before…

…And after.  

I gave her a good scrubbing and wash and conditioned her hair which made it so much easier to tackle her rat’s nest of hair.  Of course I gave her a hair cut, I do enjoy cutting doll hair and there’s nothing else that can be done for damaged hair. 

The dress I made for her is a simple pillow-case dress style, if you look you can find tutorials everywhere online.  I added some elastic to the waist because I thought it looked better that way.  With some matching ribbon tied in her hair, the look is complete. 

She’s a much cuter doll now.  The only thing is that I have no clue what to do with her now.  Do I keep her or give her away, and away to whom?  I have too many nieces and a nephew who would all love her.

Here’s the updated list:

• fabric car
• hankie holder
• birdies
• cat bed
• tiny mittens
• tiny stockings
• doll makeover
• blue dress
• knitted bag
• jacket

Two down, eight to go.  Sick or not the next one will be up by Monday.

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Old and New Dolls

In case it isn’t totally obvious from the numerous posts on dolls and doll clothes, I love dolls and sort of collect them.  I recently added two new “friends” to my collection that I have yet to mention until now.

I was very excited about this one.  It’s an American Girl doll, Kirsten to be exact.  I found her at Goodwill last week for only 3 dollars.  Score!  I mean they are sold for like 100 dollars new, I don’t know about you but I prefer 3 dollars to 100.  Plus since I was little I kind of wanted one, but yeah, really expensive for a play doll.  I can sort of see the point of the price though, her hair is a wig instead of rooted hair like on most dolls and it’s really nice.  Her body feels surprisingly heavy and is very pose-able.  There are signs that she has been played with, (smudges on the limbs, stain on her dress which is hand wash only) but she still looks really good.   Basically she’s the kind of doll you could give to a small child without fear of her breaking it in a week.  She just needs a little cleaning and a new pair of shoes. 

This one I had been looking forward to for a while.  She’s a Monster High doll.  Draculaura from the Dead Sleep line, hence the pajamas.  Basically she’s a cute vampire who likes pink.  I got her from Wal-Mart.com for about 10 dollars, Wal-Mart does have some of the best prices on these dolls especially compared to eBay.  These dolls are incredibly detailed from their interestingly designed heads down to their lovely fingers and toes.  Plus they are the most pose-able fashion dolls I have ever seen.  She can bend and turn in her knees, rotate her wrists, flex her arms, etc.  They have very fine joints, this is also part of the problem with these dolls.  The joints are also sort of delicate, not so much that they break if you so much as look at them, but they may not be suitable for younger children.  The age on the box says 6 and up and I think that might be too low, but then again it probably depends on the child.  Actually another problem is with how some people view this, I have seen reviews on Monster high dolls where people claim that the dolls are cheap, low-quality, and even over-priced due to the fact that their kids broke them so quickly.  Being fragile and being cheap are two different things.  I’ve seen porcelain dolls in stores labeled as being for children, if one of these got broken by a child who played with it would it be considered a “cheap” doll?  I guess it’s really a matter of whether or not you child knows how to take care of their dolls and behaves accordingly.  A child who throws toys should not have a porcelain doll, and a child who’s Barbie dolls are missing parts and have frazzled hair should not get a Monster High doll.  Maybe try one of those pricey American Girl dolls.  But maybe I’m overthinking all of this, what do you think?

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Tiny Jim-Jams

Due to recent trips to different thrift stores, I have assembled a decent collection of cute fabric remnants.  Two of these were of the softest, cutest material and best suited for pajamas.  But who could wear pajamas made from a remnant?

How about our favorite 18 inch doll, Jenny?  Here she is wearing a pair of pajama pants made with a print featuring mushrooms and flowers.  She is holding the extra pair, there was plenty of fabric and I thought an extra pair would come in handy.

The other remnant was a simple floral print and it wasn’t large enough for more than one pair of pants.  However, there was enough to whip up a quick tank top to match.  All she needs now is a blanket and slippers and it’d be perfect.  Maybe later.
Here’s the updated list:

• Bags
• Bracelets
• Barrettes
• Doll pajamas
• Doll makeover
• Wristbands
• Red skirt
• Ears
• Costume
• Handkerchiefs

Five down, five to go.  The next one should be up this Friday, I hope.

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Finally Remembered

…To take pictures that is.  I have made several trips to different thrift stores over the past few months, but I never mentioned most of them because I would forget to get the camera out until weeks later. 

This weekend there was another half-off sale at Goodwill that I felt I had to attend due to the number of great items I spotted while browsing before the sale.  It’s an odd habit of mine, I see something I like, see the price, hate the price, come back for it when it’s on sale.

Here’s what I got:

Pink and green felt, more green than pink but for good reason.

A remnant of really soft fleece in a cute floral print.

A decent amount of a orange print, already have plans for it.

Four really cute plates, they’re microwavable and dishwasher safe.

An 18 inch doll, she’s a Springfield Collection doll (those ones they sell at Michael’s and Joann) and she was only a dollar.

A Fisher Price Little People camper, it make animal noises and I know a little guy who would love it.

An 18 inch Cinderella doll, perfect for a certain princess loving little girl and it was only 50 cents!

The total cost was just a little more than 6 dollars.  Not too bad right?  Let’s see if I can beat that next time.

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Meet Jenny

Finished the last project on the list.  First, some introductions are needed.

This is Jenny.  She is an Our Generation doll I got at Target for about $20.  A little pricey considering I rarely pay more than $2 for dolls if even that much.  But as far as 18 inch dolls go, she’s a bargain.  I mean have you seen how much American Girl dolls go for, I’ve see used ones go for 3 times as much as Jenny. 

What I like about her is her eyes.  Most commercial dolls with blonde hair have blue eyes, but hers are green.  Most people wouldn’t even notice or would think “so what?”, but I think it’s a big deal.  Dolls need to be individuals, even mass produced ones.  Now back to topic, Jenny needed some more clothes.  What’s the point of having a doll like this if you can’t dress her.  And frankly, although the outfit she came with is pretty, the quality of the sewing leaves much to be desired.  Typical of mass produced commercial doll clothing.

With the help of some commercial patterns that were given to me, I whipped up this simple shirt and pair of shorts.  It was a McCall’s pattern and let’s just say that there is a reason for my preference to Simplicity over McCall’s.  But I think it still came out okay.  I love the neck on the top.  I can’t explain the exact appeal of it, I just think it looks really nice and neat despite how plain it is.  Maybe because it is doll-size, everything looks cuter when it is this small.  The shorts should look familiar, I used the same fabric that I used for my shorts before (see Super Five).  Now we match, except Jenny looks better in hers.  Especially with those tights, I think they are so cute with the shorts.  Can’t wait to make more clothes for her, just not too many matching outfits, that would get too weird even for me.

Here’s the updated list:

• hair combs
• napkins
• headbands
• wrist band
• short sleeve blouse
• doll clothes
• skirt
• shorts
• scarf
• more broaches
• dress

Eleven down and out.  And finished almost 2 weeks sooner than scheduled too.  I’m good.

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