Nothing like keeping too many irons in the fire! Want to know what I’m working on this week? Everything! First, I’m finalizing the pattern for the Sprinkler Season Squirts! This will be the third size range of this popular design. It will have 2 cuttings lines: Size one will fit A Girl for All Times, like this lovely Matilda Size… Read more »
Please enjoy your freedom safely! Dress your dolls in their patriotic best and say a prayer for peace. Dress shown is the Double Take Reversible Sundress – Slender Size by Janie Carroll Designs find it in my etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/239220932/double-take-reversible-sundress-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_13
A couple of years ago I found a Pinterest post or two that said you could make doll tights from a pair of sox. Wow, great idea! Except that every tutorial I found left me pondering. What were the measurements that worked? What size sox were these? Could I use sox that didn’t seem to stretch much? Last year, I decided to… Read more »
I’ve done quite a bit of pattern testing for other doll clothing designers in the past. One of my favorite designers is Bonnie Spencer. Here’s the lovely Bonnie, owner and designer at Bonnie’s patterns are first rate! She starts with great ideas, translates them into well-fitting designs, and includes all the little details that make construction proceed smoothly! Here are just a few… Read more »
As promised last week the Janie Carroll Designs newest pattern Sprinkler Season is out today! The Sprinkler Season is one of the first patterns I drafted. It’s a favorite I return to again and again. Here’s an early version: I set out to streamline everything about sewing swimsuits for dolls. The simplicity begins with a single pattern piece to cut for… Read more »
I like to say that thrift store shopping is a little like searching for Prince Charming. You have to kiss a lot of toads before you meet a Handsome Prince! This week I met a prince! Ok, she was more of a Princess…this girl… lying in a glass case display, with nothing on but a price tag! (In case you’re wondering,… Read more »
I’m always extolling the virtue of learning something new. I really try to push myself in all sorts of directions. Sometimes, it’s even a little painful! For 2 years my dear friend, Sarah, helped me out by cutting designs and words for me. I’d send her ideas and samples of fonts and then I’d drive over and pick up the… Read more »
I love the way an idea progresses from the first thought to a final completion. Recently an online friend was asking for advice on how to make ruffles like those in this Weissman brand dance costume (their photo): I started searching for methods or patterns and I got all excited about sheer ruffles of all varieties! Turns out, Rachel Chambers… Read more »
Love this little outfit? Want to make a similar costume yourself? Here’s the Lifeline of a custom order… I love to take on custom projects. It can be very rewarding. If you’re in the business of sewing doll clothes you may be contemplating accepting custom orders. Perhaps a friend has asked you to make something special and you’re feeling apprehensive. I… Read more »
Your project is nearly done. You decide to finish your hemline by machine and it just looks AWFUL! Maybe the stitching is inferior, crooked or twisted. Maybe it just looks…too plain. Let’s think through some possible solutions. First of all, Not what you expected me to suggest? It’s sometimes quicker and easier to fix it the right way. Take out the… Read more »
