Pink Lace for Easter

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Well, a few days after Easter and I’m finally getting around to posting this. 

It’s my Easter dress!

I used that over all lace fabric I bought as SAS (see A Quick and Pink Craft Haul).  I wanted something pink and floral this year and while thinking about that I got the idea to use lace.

I made little roses from ribbon to decorate the neckline.  It took a while because not only did I have to make each one by hand, but I also had to re-learn how to do it.  It’s been a while since I last made them. 

Funny thing is that the last time I made ribbon roses was also for an Easter dress (see Time for Some Catching Up).  Actually a lot of the design for this dress was inspired by that dress.

I added little faux pearl beads to the center of each rose for an added touch.

I used a wide ribbon the same color as the roses as a sash around the waist.

The “sleeves” are made solely from the lace, so they have a sheer appearance.  I originally wanted to make a section on the front of the bodice with just the lace, but I thought that might be a tad too revealing.  Not to mention too complicated and time consuming to complete in such a short time frame.

Instead of hemming the edge of the lace of the skirt, I added ribbon to finish it.  It helps to balance out the top.  It wasn’t exactly the easiest thing I’ve ever sewn.  Those who sew lace and netting a lot would understand.  And I think I would recommend using clips instead of sewing pins.  The pins mostly got in my way and snag the ribbon.

Now for the accessories, because why make a pretty dress without completing the outfit?

I made a pretty headband using the pink and white flowers I bought from SAS.  I actually had to make it twice.  The first time it looked pretty, but I realized it didn’t look as pretty on my head which is necessary for a “head” band.  So I took it apart and put it back together again.

I also made a necklace of faux glass pearls to help tie in the headband and stuff.  I bought these pearls ages ago at Joann.  Makes for a simple yet pretty necklace that I can wear with just about anything, super plus.

Since I bought a ton of fabric, I whipped up a matching purse too.  It’s simple little bag with a flap, similar to several I’ve done before.  The flap closes with Velcro.  I normally use snaps, but I was lazy this time.  It’s so much faster to use Velcro, at least when you use a sewing machine.  I made a larger ribbon rose to finish the bag.

Speaking of larger ribbon roses, I made a pair of them to make the final accessory, shoe clips.  Because my cute white shoes needed a little something to tie them in with the rest of the outfit.  I made them just like the shoe clips I made last year (see Lace Rosette Shoe Clips with a Twist and Tutorial).  A simple and cute way to finish off a pretty pink outfit.

Here’s the updated list:

• Dress
• Accessories
• Jeans
• Baby
• Little dress

Two down, three more to go.  I’m running late with the next two, but I should have them up soon.  Look forward to it.

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5 a Week: Lace Sandals for Dolls with a Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

 

It’s Sunday, and time for week 8, the final week, of this year’s edition of…

 

…The Five a Week Pledge.

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see here for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.

 

This week’s craft:

Doll Sandals

I made five pairs of doll sized sandals with lace and craft foam.

The main ones are similar to some sandals I made last year (see 5 a Week: Sandals for Dolls), just with a few improvements.

I used craft foam for the soles which is a lot more flexible than the packaging foam I used last year, plus looks much nicer.  And I made an extra strap piece in front that helps keep the sandal on the doll’s foot.

That being said, I still whipped up a couple of pairs like this.  Super easy to make and put on, but also super easy to fall off. 

I made them for my ball jointed dolls, but I think this style would be better for a larger doll foot.  Something like an American Girl doll, it might stay on them better or at the very least be harder to lose sight of.

Anyway, both pairs of sandal look great on my dolls (see the doll blog for their reaction). Here’s Usagi relaxing with her new shoes.

I also made this smaller pair for my newer, smaller doll.  They are a little simpler and I used elastic instead of ribbon to keep them on.  Works great for tiny feet, so much so that I think I’ll use elastic for doll shoes from now on.

Sadly I still made one of these sandals for this smaller doll.  What are the odds that I will go a week without losing these shoes?

Anyway, they both look so incredibly adorable on her.  I mean look at those tiny little feet.  Tiny dolls are so cute, right?

It seems like I made a ton of shoes.  Plus there are many more to come since I also made another video tutorial.  Yay!  Now everyone can make sandals for their dolls.

All you need are:

• craft foam
• lace
• thin ribbon or elastic
• scissors
• needle and thread
• pins
• glue gun (like this one)
• craft glue (optional), I used Aleene’s Tacky glue :)
• And a victim doll

 

Enjoy the video!

With the completion of 5 a Week Pledge, here’s the results:

• 5 pieces of doll sized jewelry
• 5 doll sized drawstring tanks tops plus a tutorial
• 5 doll sized mini-skirts
• 5 doll bags/pursers plus a tutorial
• 5 cute doll sized pairs of shorts
• 5 lace/ribbon necklaces, not for dolls!
• 5 doll sized sun dresses
• 5 pairs doll sized sandal with a tutorial

That’s 40 crafted items plus 3 tutorials, so 43 total.  Not too bad for one hectic summer. 

Now let’s see if I can beat that next summer.  Yep, I’m doing this again next year too.  Not to say that I don’t have something planned this coming month.  Look forward to it.

Give it a try:

• Aleene's Original Tacky Glue 4 oz.
• Creatology Foam Sheet, 12" x 18"
• ArtMinds Fashion Mini Glue Gun

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Lace Rosette Shoe Clips with a Twist and Tutorial

The next project on my craft list is something I made for Mother’s day as well as for myself.

Shoe clips!

I have a set my mom gave me that I love.  I’ve been dying to make more to work with more outfits, and I thought they would make great gifts too.  Which is why my mom found a pair in a cute gift bag on Mother’s day. 

And the gift giving continues.  These were so easy and fun to make that I decided to make a video tutorial.  Shoe clips for all!

All you need are:

• A glue gun
• Lace rosettes (see my tutorial for them here)
• lace, bows, buttons, etc. (here’s my tutorial for ribbon bows)

And a very special item…

…clip on earrings.

I couldn’t find clips for shoes in stores and the prices online seemed a bit much, so I used backings for clip-on earrings.  Easy to find and to afford (these are a good choice).

It’s also helpful to have basic sewing supplies if you prefer more sewing and less gluing, but that’s optional.  Also I do recommend using Aleene’s Jewel-It or a similar glue to attach the actual clips instead of the glue gun.  But that’s just me.

All set, now here’s the tutorial.

Enjoy!

Here’s the updated list:

• dress
• hair accessories
• small bag
• pins
• clips
• doll clothes
• video

Six down, just one more to go.  And it will be up tomorrow!  Look forward to it.

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Just in Time for Christmas?

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info. Thanks!

The good news, I finished all my Christmas crafts in time for Christmas.  Yay!  The bad news, it took me until now to actually post any of them.  At least I don’t have to worry about anyone seeing their presents before Christmas.  Anyway, time to share all fruits of my labor.

First up is the ornaments, a yearly tradition for me.  I made two batches this year just like last year (see Christmas at Last?).

I got these clear ornaments last year at Walmart when they went on clearance (they're available here at Michael's).  I thought they might come in handy, just as soon as I figured out what to actually do with them.

With a mighty wad of fabric scraps, and the help of my niece…

...I created these ornaments.  Loosely filled with cute fabric scraps and then topped with holiday ribbon, also bought on clearrance last year.

For the second batch, I made use of this cute tutorial for felt coasters.  I’ve always thought they would make cute ornaments if made smaller and I was right.

They are made just like the tutorial except I cut the felt squares about 2 inches by 2 inches and I added a loop of ribbon in the top corner before sewing along the edge.  Finish off with a faux pearl in the center of the flowers and they’re ready for hanging.

Next up, scarves.  I bought a couple of fleece blankets on sale a while back, and rather than actually using them as blankets I thought up things I could make with them.  I came up with scarves, but not just any scarves.  Scarves with pockets, so you can use them to either keep your hands warm or keep you phone or what not handy.

Now the circle skirt, or in this case a half circle skirt.  I originally wanted to make a full circle skirt for someone, but then I went fabric shopping.  I discovered this lovely Asian style fabric (here's a similar on Amazon).  I thought it was perfect, but I thought because of the direction and design of the fabric it would look funny as a full circle skirt.

Then I remembered this tutorial for a half circle skirt.  It is actually quicker and easier to do, and it worked great for this fabric.  Yay!

Since I can’t make clothes without making matching accessories, I made a cute little kanzashi flower hair clip.  I thought this style would be fitting for the fabric pattern.

Now something a little silly.  I wanted to sew something cute for a couple of little boys, something that also wouldn’t seem too “girly” to at least one of them.  The solution: donut plushies. 

They are made of cream colored felt with blue icing and red and white sprinkles.  They were pretty easy to make once I figured out how to turn the body right side out.  If you look closely you will see a seam running  between the legs.  That’s the secret.

I opted to add eyes without a mouth.  It kind of looks like the donut hole is their mouth anyway.  It’s funnier that way.  Hope the kids enjoy them.

Now some doll clothes.  I already made a post about these here on my doll blog. 

Anyway, I made my ball jointed doll a dress coat with some white fleece I also got on sale last year.

I think it came out well except for a few little things.  First the way it bulges slightly at the top where it opens.  I suppose if it bothers me enought I could just add another snap to keep it closed.

The second is the way the collar sticks up, I can’t decide if I think it looks cute like that or not.  Then there’s the way the hem looks uneven in the photo.  It’s just the way it’s hanging though, the hem is perfect, maybe if I iron it?  Hmm.

Anyway, in adition to the coat I also made two doll sized hats.  A white beret to match the coat and a red stocking cap just for fun.

They both look adorable on my doll.  I opted not to add a pom pom to the stocking cap both out of laziness and versatility.  Because I used red felt to make the hat, it is stiff enought to wear pointed up or flopped down.  When pointed up it looks like a little knome hat which is super cute.

I also made my doll a pair of shoes and some tights, something I haven’t shown on my doll blog yet.

The tights were made from an old pair of tights I had that got rust stains in unfortunate areas.  Sad because they were only worn once by me.  Anyway, now I can finally get some good use out of them.

The shoes are made from black felt with cardboard for the soles.  It took a great deal of time for me to design a pattern for them, but it was worth it.  I may post the pattern in the future if anyone is interested.

Now for the kit, a sewing kit.  I made several little sewing items for my 5 a Week Challenge (See 5 a Week: Needle Books and 5 a Week: Mini-Pin Cushions) and I thought I could use them to assemble a cute little sewing kit as a nice gift.  Just needed a pair of scissors, a measuring tape, and…

…a pretty pouch to hold it all.  I used the same fabric as the half circle skirt.

Just a simple pouch with a flap and a snap to keep it closed.  Came out really cute, enough to make me what to make more.  Maybe another day.

Now the final project, more skirts!  I enjoy sewing and wearing poufy pretty skirts and dresses, but they can be a bit chilly this time of year.  I’ve heard it mention multiple places online the idea of making and wearing an underskirt made from fleece or flannel.  Just the thing to keep your rear warm.

I decided to give it a try, so I whipped up these two skirts from white fleece.  I decided to use the half circle skirt tutorial again.  They came out great, so cute.  I still haven’t tried them out outside.  Hoping they will make a difference.

Here’s the updated list:

• Donuts
• Skirt
• Circle Skirt
• Kit
• Ornaments
• Scarves
• Accessories
• Shoes
• Coat
• More Ornaments
• Hat

Eleven down and out.  Now I can just relax for the rest of the year.  Happy New Year!

Give it a Try:

• 3.5" DIY Clear Plastic Ball Ornaments, 6ct. by Make Market®
  
• 3/8" x 15yd. Satin Double Face Ribbon by Celebrate It® Classic
  
• 6 Roll 60 Yards 3/8" Christmas Ribbon for Crafts
  
• Eugene Textiles Solid Polyester Craft Felt
  
• 9" x 12" Basic Felt by Creatology™
  
• White Fleece
  
• Cherry Blossom Flower Fabric by The Yard Pink
  

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5 a Week: Sandals for Dolls

It’s Sunday, so it’s time for week 5 of…

 

 

The Five a Week Pledge

 

If you haven’t been around here, it’s where you pledge to do five things each week of your choice (see the first week for more info).  I pledged to make five small crafts each week.  Feel free to grab a button and join me.  If you already have, post a comment or a link to share what you accomplished.

 

This week’s craft:

Sandals!  For Dolls!

Another craft for dolls, but this will probably the last for a little while.  My bjd shouldn’t get all the fun.  Plus with these she now has enough clothing to officially be considered fully dressed (see her reaction on the doll blog). 

I made the shoes based on this cute bjd sandal tutorial.  There’s just a few differences.

I only used one layer of foam instead of two because if I had used two layers I would have ended up with platforms, not the look I was going for exactly.  I just attached the straps to the sides of the foam really well letting the lace on the edge re-enforce it.

Instead of making ankle straps like in the tutorial, I just added ribbon to tie on the sandals.  It makes it easier to fit and looks really cute.

One problem I had was that the lace I used was wider than the foam.  When I attached it to the edge of the foam I had to trim off the excess at the bottom.  I tried to just glue it down instead with the first pair of sandals, but it looked terrible.  Trimming was the better option indeed. 

Since it’s been five weeks since I started this challenge, I thought it best to recap what I’ve accomplished.

I’ve made:

• 5 Beaded Bracelets
• 5 Lace Brooches
• Plus 1 Lace Appliqué Brooch Tutorial
• 5 Ball Jointed Doll Sized Circle Skirts
• 5 Ball Jointed Doll Sized Lace Tank Tops
• 5 Ball Jointed Doll Sized Lace and Ribbon Sandals

25 plus one bonus is 26 crafts completed in five weeks.  Not too bad.  A very helpful person left a lovely comment referring to this as a “productivity challenge”.  Looking at these numbers I’d say it is a pretty accurate term.  I’m feeling optimistic about the next five weeks of “productivity”.  Look forward to it!

Update:  I made more doll sandals that are even better than these, plus I made a tutorial for them! Check it out!

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Wordless Wednesday: A Good Use for Cute Ribbon

 

Before.

After.

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Over the Rainbow

All right!  Finally posting something other than a LinkUp.  I have actually made several things over the past few weeks that I just haven’t gotten around to posting.  Sadly none have anything to do with my pink pants.

Anyway, Halloween is tomorrow as we all know, so I thought I should show off what I did for a costume. 

I found this Dorothy costume at a yard sale for $2.  It had several problems.  Too big, too open in back, crooked buttons, frumpy skirt and sleeves, stains, crooked ric-rac, etc., and did I mention that it was too big?  Time to work a little Halloween magic.  So here’s the before…

…And after.  The skirt was an easy fix.  I just had to shorten it by about 4 inches and move the button in the back to cinch the waist.  The top was a different story.  I literarily had to take it apart, chop off a few inches everywhere, and sew it back together.  I also added a zipper to the back so my entire back wasn’t exposed.  Now it fits me almost perfectly.  All done?  Nope.  It takes more than a blue dress to make a Dorothy costume, so time for the accessories.

I found this basket at another yard sale for only 25 cents.  Best deal.  I used some scraps from the costume to make bows.  I just cut strips using my pinking shears and tied them to the sides of the basket.  Easy and cute.  The little doggie was a birthday present from some reaally good friends of mine.  Yep, my birthday was yesterday. 

Moving on,  what’s a Dorothy costume without ruby slippers?  For these I started out trying to make shoe covers.  I’d seen some in stores, but didn’t like the price or the quality.  Anyway, I cut up an old Christmas stocking and used my shoes as a guide to make a pattern.  It was easy enough, but I was having trouble getting a good fit until I realized it would be easier to just sew the fabric right to the shoes.  Luckily I had an old pair of ballet flats that would have otherwise been tossed.  Several minutes of sewing (and one broken needle) later, I had my slippers.  Now I have one complete Dorothy costume that cost less than $5 to make.  Yay!

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