Pattern Review: Heritage Doll Fashions Panel Dress

 I have had this pattern for years, and have been waiting for the perfect fabric. 

Well, I finally went with "good enough." I was thinking of making it with the red and blue checked fabric, but I decided that with the curvy pattern pieces, this would work better with a less geometric print.

And I think I was right, because looking at this dress with the flowered print, I can't even see where the seams are.

The pattern pieces fit together perfectly, and they fit the doll perfectly as well.

I did one mistake, which was totally mine. I sewed the neckline shut before I added the collar. So I had to unpick it and add the collar. I think that the extra work was worth it!

Yes, I have been sewing for Julie a lot lately. I just have been thinking sundresses, and I guess that the 70s had a lot of sundresses? Or I am really inspired by that red and blue checked fabric. Either one.

Makena also got to have a turn at modeling the dress!

Summer Sundresses

 I made four sundresses from the same pattern, all in the same day!

I wanted to sew some doll dresses for my cousin's daughter for the first time. This was the fastest way that I could build a wardrobe.

I used the Liberty Jane Peplum Top pattern. I added a waistband and a longer skirt. I just think it's a simple but elegant pattern.

Here are the dresses, being modelled by Jess, Makena, Evette and Maritza.

I used a variety of colors. I sadly don't know the recipient very well, so I hope that she finds something that she likes in this batch!

Here are some other dresses that I made from the same pattern.

Bonfire Night

 Today is Guy Fawkes Day!

   Remember, remember!
    The fifth of November,
    The Gunpowder treason and plot;
    I know of no reason
    Why the Gunpowder treason
    Should ever be forgot!

The dolls are enjoying a good bonfire to celebrate.

Makena Pictures

 Here's a few pictures of Makena!

I was worried about taking her out, because I didn't want to mess her braids up.

It turned out that her hair did much better than Nellie's hair. I kept having to smooth Nellie's hair down.

Makena was camera ready!

Removing Painted Eyelashes

 I knew that when I got Maritza and Makena, I would want to remove their painted eyelashes. These have been a sore spot with me ever since Nanea, and I particularly dislike the ones on the World By Us dolls.

Luckily, I saw a post on a forum about using "Windsor & Newton - Brush Cleaner & Restorer" to remove markings from doll vinyl. I bought it at Joann. It cost $8, but I was able to use a 50% off coupon. The cleaner was in a locked case at the store I went to, and I had to get an employee to unlock it so I could buy it.

I used this on the dolls with a toothbrush, so I could control where the fluid went.

I used a dry paper towel to wipe their faces clean after removing any sections of face paint.

I was able to use this successfully on Maritza, Makena and Corinne.

I like all three doll much better this way! I think it looks best on Makena in particular. It makes her look older.

Funnily, one of my friends misunderstood me and thought I was removing their eyebrows.

She said she thought that this was a bad idea, but she was going to support me anyway. I agree, it would have been a bad idea! Although I wish that Maritza's eyebrows were slightly higher on her forehead.

Usually, when I get a new doll, I enjoy them a bit as they come before I make any changes.

 But I knew that this was a change that I wanted, and I am very happy with it.

MCM Dolls 2022!

 I picked up my MCM dolls on Saturday. The benefit sale actually asked us on social media not to come Saturday morning if we didn't have to. I didn't see that post. I just got up and went. My GPS actually died on me, and I had to go buy a new one.

I got there about 9:30 am, and didn't have to wait long. I was surprised that I had to park in the street and carry my items across the parking lot to the car, because I hadn't seen the post.

I picked up my items and the items for a friend who couldn't do the pick up this weekend. I am going to meet with them in September to give them their items.

The dolls that I got are Maritza and Makena. They were both brand new, never been taken out of the box, no X on their bottoms.

I was amazed at how long Maritza's hair is! It's past her bottom! It has pretty red highlights. It is really beautiful.

Makena is super cute too!

My friend got Kaya, who was also in perfect condition.

As usual, I had a really good MCM experience. I feel guilty about going on Saturday morning when they were asking people to stay away. I thought the morning would be less busy than the afternoon.

After picking up the dolls, I went to Clausen's Bakery, the India House Grocery store, Joann, St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and Portillo's for lunch. Since I live in a very small town, it was really special to have all of these great shops so close together.

Here is a link to my blog post on the MCM sale in 2023- the very last MCM sale ever.