Another Dress for Caroline

 This is another dress made from the Thimbles and Acorns Wrap Front Regency Dress pattern.

I did not realize that the pattern also contains the pattern pieces for a second, simpler doll dress!

This one closes in the back.

I was happy to dive in and make another dress for Caroline.

This dress was supposed to have tucks taken in on the skirt. However, I did have a mishap cutting out the fabric for the skirt and decided to just go with a simpler skirt made from a shorter piece of fabric.

I think it's a pretty dress! I think that this pattern is more versatile than I realized, and I enjoyed making this.

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns Wrap Front Regency Dress

 My first doll dress of the year!

I made the Thimbles and Acorns Wrap Front Regency Dress pattern.

I'm so proud of myself!

I did have to read the instructions carefully on this one.

The sleeves are actually the easy part. They are straightforward sleeves, just long and with a wrist band and snap to create the bunching.

The top was the challenging part, but I got there! 

It's so pretty! I love this fabric print.

Caroline is happy to have a new dress to wear (and to get out of the closet, let's be honest.)

I was very sick over Christmas. It feels so good to be up and doing things again!

Thimbles and Acorns Prairie Dress for RRFF

 I was looking for doll clothes to sew for Ruby Red Fashion Friends, and I was delighted to realize that I own the Thimbles and Acorns Prairie Rose pattern for Wellie Wishers.

Wellie Wishers and Ruby Red Fashion Friends are slightly different sizes, but so far I haven't had any problems with them sharing clothes. The biggest size different is in the size of the heads, not the bodies, I think. It makes them look more dissimilar than they are.

I made this pattern before, in American Girl doll size. You can see my version of that here: Blog Link.

The pattern has both a modern version and a historical version. I was torn on which version to make, but so far I have chosen to make the historical version. I think that they are both pretty.

I think if I make the modern version in the future, I might make the skirt somewhat fuller.

These dolls are somewhat taller and thinner in proportion than the AG dolls. This sometimes feels a bit odd when I am taking picture. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Again, you can see Stella hiding her sneakers under her historical dress. Ha.

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns A Piece of History Dress

I was so excited about the Thimbles and Acorns A Piece of History Dress pattern.

I am a big fan of Thimbles and Acorns. I have always enjoyed her patterns.

And this pattern had so many cool variations!

I wanted to make the Civil War dress for my seven year old cousin, who has an Addy.
I wanted her Addy to have some clothes, but Civil War dress patterns are so complicated, as opposed to the 1960s patterns for her sister's Melody.

I was excited that this pattern seemed to offer a simpler path to making a nice time-appropriate dress.

The dress pattern is all in four pieces- two pieces for the dress and two for the lining. Sleeves and skirts are all part of the same piece.

There are drawstrings at the neck and waist to create the look.

I had one problem with this pattern- I drew the waistline on the front and the back of the fabric pieces, and I sewed a buttonhole at the back of the dress's waist for the ribbon to go through.

However, when I sewed the pieces together, the waist I had drawn on the front was higher than the waist I had drawn on the back. I had to go with the height of the waist on the back, because I had already made the button hole.

Then, when I put the dress on the doll, I just didn't like it. It just looks very awkwardly bunched at the neck and the waist. It just doesn't look right.

I tried washing the dress, and that helped a little bit with the awkward bunching..

I am debating whether to give this to my cousin at all, or just throw it away.

It's been a long time since I have disliked something that I sewed this much.

It makes me hesitate to try any of the other pattern variations.

I just don't get how mine looks close to the dress pictured on the pattern, but that one looks right and mine does not.

Here is a view of the back, with the drawstrings visible:

The lining of the dress is white, and it is deliberately visible at the sleeves, to easily create a more complicated look.

It is of course entirely possible that the waist of my dress is lower than it should be, but that really wouldn't make a difference in the problem with the bunched up seams.

I just don't get it.

Karate Uniform for Dolls

My mom's friend bought two naked Madame Alexander dolls at a thrift store for her granddaughters, and asked me to sew some clothes for them, reflecting their different interests.

One of the outfits I made was a karate uniform.

Mara is my model here. I didn't tie the belt very tightly so it wouldn't wrinkle.

I didn't want to buy a pattern, and I managed to make the uniform from patterns that I already owned.

The granddaughter in question is an orange belt.

I used an orange ribbon for that, easy.

The top of the karate uniform is made from Thimbles and Acorns' Minoan Wrap Skirt and Blouse pattern. All I did was length the sleeves.

I have made this pattern before, to be Minoan rather than modern, ha.
You can see that sewing project here on my blog.

I made the pants from the QT Pie Painter Pants. I did simplify the pattern so that the front and back of the pants were one piece each.

You can see where I sewed this pattern before here on my blog.

Anyway, I was pleased to not have to buy a pattern, and I hope that this will make a little girl happy on Christmas.

Farewell to Freebie Friday

Pixie Faire is ending Freebie Friday. Instead, they are offering, a buy one, get one free each Friday.

Here is what the e-mail said:
"we are mixing things up for our Friday pattern give-away. Moving forward we are going to do a Friday BOGO (buy-one-get-one-free) Deal each week. Similar to the 12 Days promos, the new Friday BOGO offer will be set up for a specified collection each week, for one day only - this Friday the collection will feature a beautiful assortment of fun patterns that we know you'll enjoy! Watch for the announcement in the Friday newsletter and check the site on Friday, the BOGO collection will be highlighted on the main homepage slider."

I don't really mind the change. I never expected Freebie Friday to last as long as it did, and I have a huge stash of patterns to draw on. It gave a great boost to my week, every Friday.

What I wish is that they would announce a day ahead of time what the BOGO will be.

I have limited Internet access on Fridays, so it would be nice to know if I need to go to the library or not.

Also, if I am going to spend money, I like to spend time contemplating my purchase and not be forced to do it immediately with a time constraint.

They are also discontinuing the Mod Monday, but I don't care because no one I know ever won.

Another announcement was a bit weirder.

Apparently, Shari Fuller of Thimbles and Acorns now owns Eve Coleman's Keeper Dolly Duds brand?

Does that mean no more KDD patterns?

It's weird.

Here is what the Pixie Faire e-mail says:

"Shari has two pattern collections on Pixie Faire, Thimbles and Acorns, her original brand - and after years of collaborating with designer Eve Coleman on the Keepers Dolly Duds Designs brand, Shari is now the owner of that brand too! "

I received an e-mail from Shari recently that said, "Was actually working on it when eve decided to move her patterns to PF." 

That doesn't really suggest that she now owns the brand.

The project that she says she was working on it is resizing her new pattern, A Piece of History dress, for 14 and 16 inch dolls, which I am looking forward to.

Doll Clothes Pattern Books

This isn't exactly new news, but I don't think I have blogged about it yet.

Both Thimbles and Acorns and Keepers Dolly Duds have released some of their patterns in physical book form.

The Thimbles and Acorns book is Laura Ingalls Wilder themed. It is titled "A Long Winter in Dakota Territory" and the author is of course Shari Fuller.

You can find it on Amazon here.



The really great thing about this pattern book is that is has patterns for three sizes- American Girl, A Girl for All Time, and 14 inch dolls like Wellie Wisher and Hearts for Hearts.

That makes this book a real bargain if you sew for all three sizes!

The Keepers Dolly Duds book is called "Keepers Dolly Duds Presents the 19th Century Collection" by Eve Coleman and Shari Fuller.

You can find it on Amazon here.



This book has some great patterns in it, and again at a great price.

I already own all the KDD patterns, and they are only 18 inch doll size, not 3 sizes like in the Long Winter book.

So the one I will get first is the Thimbles and Acorns pattern.

It's great that we have this option to by our favorite patterns in book form, however!

A New Thimbles and Acorns Pattern

Thimbles and Acorns has released a new pattern on Pixie Faire.

It is called "A Piece of History Dress."

This pattern looks super versatile.



The pictures with the pattern show that the same pattern can be used for dresses from the following time periods:
Greek Chiton, Early Renaissance Gown, Colonial Shortgown, Gaulle Dress, Regency Dress, Pioneer Dress, Civil War Dress, Edwardian Dress, 1920s Dress, 21st Century Dress.

That's a lot of time periods! 

I think this pattern looks like a must-have.

On a related note, Keepers Dolly Duds have moved their patterns to Pixie Faire, but not all of them seem to be listed there yet.

This does not inconvenience me, but I find it annoying!

Thimbles and Acorns Minoan Wrap Skirt

I have made the Thimbles and Acorns Mioan Wrap Skirt before.

I gave that outfit away. Here is the blog post with the pictures and more information about Minoan art.

I made it again, in time for Zia and Amelia to be Minoan girls for Halloween.

I used the same fabric again, but this time I made two different outfits by reversing where the colors are used.

I will say that dressing up as a certain culture for Halloween is not always a good idea.


Here is Amelia:

And here is Zia:

They both look pretty adorable!

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns Country Girl

Laura Ingalls got a new dress. Yes, she is spoiled.

Yes, it is completely historically inaccurate that she has so many clothes.

No, I don't care.

This time I made the Country Girl pattern from Thimbles and Acorns at Pixie Faire.

This pattern has a lot included! There is a historical dress, apron and bonnet and a modern variation as well!

I made the historical dress and apron. I did not make the bonnet or the drawstring pockets for the apron.

Here is the front of the complete outfit. I like the colors of the fabrics that I used.
The dress has pockets, and the apron has slits so that she can reach the pockets through the apron.

 Here is the back of the dress and apron. I think the apron closure is quite graceful and pretty.

Here is the dress on its own. It has a resemblance to Kirsten's meet outfit, which was unintentional.

The skirt is longer than Kirsten's, which makes Laura look more adult.

I really like this pattern. It was easy to follow, but it looks satisfyingly elegant.

It has so many components that it just feels very satisfying.

I highly recommend this pattern.

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns Charlotte Dress

I made a new dress for Laura! This is the dress from the Thimbles and Acorns 18 Inch Cloth Doll Pattern.

Patterns for Addy Walker- Civil War Patterns

On Pixie Faire:

Flossie Potter 1800s Simple Stitches

Heritage Doll Fashions 1864 Harriet's Yellow Dress

Kindred Thread 1865 Cape Island Dress

Keepers Dolly Duds Amy's School Jumper

Keepers Dolly Duds Beth

Keepers Dolly Duds Sunday Stroll

Keepers Dolly Duds Civil War Dress and Apron

Keepers Dolly Duds Jo's Writing Dress

Keeper's Dolly Duds Meg's Ball Gown

Thimbles and Acorns 1860s Civil War Era Dress

Thimbles and Acorns Civil War Shirt

Thimbles and Acorns 1860s Civil War Uniform

Thimbles and Acorns A Piece of History

Thimbles and Acorns 1870 Primrose Chemise

Printed Patterns:

Keepers Dolly Duds Simplicity Pattern 1391

From Bunny Bear:

Bunny Bear Cherie pattern This is listed on her site as being both a 1850s and a Civil War era pattern.

Bunny Bear Civil War Dress Pattern

From Wren*Feathers:

Wren*Feathers Addy Soutache Dress

On Etsy:

Carpatina 1860s Garibaldi Shirt Skirt and Blouse

Pemberley Threads Meg Dress

Pemberley Threads 1860 Crinoline

Elsewhere on the Web:

Fancy Frocks 1865 Jo and Meg

Fancy Frocks Circa 1862 Dress and Fichu Collar

You can get her Pleasant Company patterns at AG Playthings.

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns Prairie Rose

Thimbles and Acorns patterns cost a  little more than some pattern designers.

I think that they are truly worth the price tag. They are extremely well written and researched.
This pattern company is very special.

The  Thimbles and Acorns Prairie Rose pattern is particularly good value. It includes a historical dress design, a modern dress design, an apron pattern, and a pattern for a bonnet. Bang for your buck!

This is part of a series of patterns for Laura Ingalls. I am a huuuuuge Laura Ingalls fan, and this makes me very happy.

Medieval and Renaissance Patterns

Most of my patterns lists are for named characters, but it was suggested that I do a list of Renaissance and Medieval patterns, and I am too much of an art history lover not to follow through on this.

I was surprised at how many patterns exist for these periods!

Medieval Patterns:


Carpatina Medieval Wedding Dress

Fashioned by Rebecca Regal Maiden

Jinjia Mixed Goods FREE Fantasy Adventure Dress and Accessories

Melody Valerie Couture Ivy Cape

Lee and Pearl Medieval Lady's Wardrobe

Mother of Nine Circular Cape

Read Creations Medieval Cape

Read Creations Medieval Dress




Renaissance Patterns:

Carpatina Tudor Style Tunic

Lee and Pearl Pirates Patriots and Princes (with a little tweaking)

Read Creations 3-Looks-in-One Tudor Ensemble

Read Creations Tudor Jewelry

Swish and Swirl Catherine Howard Gown

Thimbles and Acorns Hampton Court Gown

Thimbles and Acorns Side Laced Kirtle

Wren*Feathers Princess Costumes Patterns (includes a Renaissance dress)

There is also Simplicity Pattern 1134.

Simplicity 1392 might be usable as well.

Patterns for Caroline Abbbott- War of 1812

Caroline is retired now, but that doesn't mean she can't have new clothes!

On Pixie Faire:

Dollhouse Designs Georgiana 1812 Regency Gown

Flossie Potter Sisters Doll Clothes

Karen Lorraine Designs Regency Style

Keepers Dolly Duds Double Cape and Bonnet

Keepers Dolly Duds Regency Pinafore

Thimbles and Acorns Bib Front Regency Dress

Thimbles and Acorns 1808 Grecian Renaissance Dress

Thimbles and Acorns Wrap Front Regency Dress

Thimbles and Acorns Palestrina Petal Reticule

Thimbles and Acorns A Piece of History Dress

Thimbles and Acorns Regency Foundation Garments

Thimbles and Acorns Three Straw Hats

• On Etsy:

Carpatina Regency Dress and Spencer

Carpatina Regency Redingote and Bonnet

Dolls at Heart Camila Regency Dress

Dolls at Hearts Camila's Regency Petticoat

Dolls at Heart Designs Camila's Regency Spencer Jacket

Dolls at Heart Regency Dress

Dolls at Heart Regency Evening Gown

Hint of History 1812 Day Dress

Jen Wrenne Regency Pattern Set

Mother of Nine 1808 V Neck Dress

Mother of Nine 1809 Regency Dress and Coat

Mother of Nine 1810 Regency Dresses

Mother of Nine Regency 1811 Summer Dresses

Mother of Nine 1812 Regency Dresses

Mother of Nine Day Dress

Mother of Nine Regency Feather Tail Spencer

Mother of Nine Regency French Empire Dress

Mother of Nine Regency Underdresses

Mother of Nine Regency Early 1800 Dress

Mother of Nine Regency Ruffled and Pleated Dress

Mother of Nine Tear Drop Hat and Poke Bonnet

Pemberley Threads Elinor Dress

Pemberley Threads Elinor Dress Sleeve Variations

Pemberley Threads 1815 Emma Morning Dress

Pemberley Threads Jane Bonnet

Pemberly Threads Marianne Spencer Jacket

Pemberley Threads Regency Chemisette Pattern

Vintique Designs Regency Ensemble

The Pleasant Company patterns for Josefina, especially the one for her Christmas dress, might also be utilized for Caroline.

Patterns for Felicity Merriman- Revolutionary War Patterns

Felicity is coming back TOMORROW!

There is great rejoicing among the American Girl community!

Now, what can we sew for her?

Patterns for Kirsten Larson, Laura Ingalls and Marie Grace and Cecile

Kirsten is one of the three original American Girl dolls. However, she's been retired for a while, and doesn't seem to get much love in the pattern department.

Summer at the Little House

Laura Ingalls just re-joined me in my new home. She feels right at home, because there is a log cabin for her to visit.

We had to take lots of pictures, of course!

Pattern Review: Thimbles and Acorns 1960s Wrap Dress

Thimbles and Acorns has a new historical pattern, the 1960s 1, 2, 3 Wrap Dress.

This pattern is timely in more way than one. First, American Girl will be releasing 1960s historical Melody Ellison this summer. Secondly, Simplicity just released a pattern like this for adults, so it seems to be on trend for human fashions as well.

I bought the Simplicity pattern for my sister, who is learning to sew and loves vintage clothes. When I showed the pattern to my best friend, I joked that she could have a wedding dress that is a wrap dress, and it would be a great conversation piece. She already had her wedding dress, but she said that she would have been interested otherwise. And then she asked me to make a wedding wrap dress for her doll Kit.

Pattern Review: Thimbles And Acorns Minoan Wrap Skirt and Blouse

I was so excited when Thimbles and Acorns came out with the Minoan Wrap Skirt and Blouse pattern.  I wrote, "I did not know that I need this in my life, but I do."
I was not kidding. I am so thrilled to have this pattern.