Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Doll Clothes and Cakes

First, I am going to start out with some yummy goodness. Kaitlyn, youngest daughter loves to bake and decorate cakes. We have tried at home to work on this but it isnt' something I have done. Well, the young woman who will be making the wedding cake was so kind and had Kaitlyn over this morning for cake decorating lessons. Kaitlyn had an incredible time, learned so much and is going to decorate another one tomorrow. We also had to make a dash to Wal-Mart for a special knife, more tips and other goodies.

Doesn't it look beautiful?


How about this view? It tastes just as incredible, too. More time on the treadmill in my future.



I finished the American Doll Wardrobe for my friend's daughter. I used the book "Sew Today's Fashions for 18-inch dolls" by Joan Hinds. You can check out this book and others at this site

Lots of pictures and I will hit the high points, I started taking the pictures but dd#3 took over, so bear that in mind while checking out the clothing.

Wool coat, added decorative stitching on the collar and cuffs. I might need to add another row of snaps, this needs the double-breasted look of 2 rows of buttons. The pattern is designed for that.


Here is the stitching.



Then to go under the coat, a pleated wool skirt from the same fabric, a sweater vest and a knit shirt. I might have to make another shirt, this doesn't look the best. I think it might look better on the doll.



This fancy dress came from a Big 4 pattern, I think Simplicity and it was all the Disney Princesses. I didn't want to make this but the girls insisited, I am so happy I did, the dress is darling and the doll will be ready for a Valentine's dance. I used some flannel backed satin (the only formal type fabric I had) added ribbon for the straps and lace on the bottom. I had a small rose to add to the bodice.



This might be my favorite, quilting cotton in pretty blues and pinks, rick-rack at the hems, pink fabric sash and bow.




Summer outfit, capris with rick-rack at hem. Gathered blouse with lace trim and ribbon.


Close up of the trim, I added decorative stitching to the ribbon.


Pleated denim skirt with knit top




Another top







A nightgown and then I made a matching one for the little girl.









Low-rise jeans, with tag in seam (you can see it just a bit on the left). The jeans have belt loops and I used ribbon to make 3 different belts. She can mix-and-match with all the tops.





Another top for the capris.





Another top





I am so pleased with all these cute clothes and like how they will be a SWAP. Also, I didn't purchase anything to make all these clothes, I had the fabric, trims and notions in my stash.
One more thing that made this fun, I cut out all the pieces on New Year's Day and my daughters all helped. They would pick out the outfits, find the patterns and picked the fabric. A nice way to spend the afternoon.
Thanks to all for the kind comments on my last post. It is a new transition in life but a happy one for her and I am starting to see the changes in our relationship. She has called each night to chat, talk about insurance, wedding plans, etc. Life is good!







12 comments:

  1. These are all adorable and the cake does look yummy!

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  2. The cake decoration looks fantastic! I used to make my own doll clothes when I was a little girl.. Your doll clothes look awesome!

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  3. Anonymous10:07 AM

    Years ago when I was planning my wedding my youngest sister was taking a cake decorating class. When I commented about the class to the woman who was going to make my wedding cake, she invited my sister to come by her house and she helped my sister to decorate a cake for our rehearsal dinner. It was lovely and I know my sister was so proud of it. It was her first commission.
    LoisK

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  4. I LOVE those doll clothes Lori --- I'm hiding this post from my DD -- she'll want me to make them *all*! Absolute favorite is the floral cotton dress in pinks/blues with the ricrac trim! Great decorative touches on all of them!!!
    Margaret

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  5. The doll clothes are just wonderful! I would have thought I'd died and gone to heaven if I had those when I was a child! My niece has a bear from Build-A-Bear workshop; if you know of patterns for the bears, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

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  6. Lori, I too need to hide your post from my two DD's, who are *all about* American Girls right now! I am planning a "Dollypalooza" day at my house for the kids who sew (probably in February); I'll definitely check out the book you used. The one I've used a bit is called 'Sew Kool 4 Kids' by Martha Pullen-- it has basic kid clothing and basics for dolls. Where did you get your 18 inchdressform??

    Congrats for your DD! I'm sure you are excited for her. That cake, BTW, looked like a resolution-wrecker. ;)

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  7. Very cute doll clothes. It brought back memories of my "youth". Doll clothes were my first attempt at sewing. Yours are excellent! And that cake..., A slice would certainly help me get through the rest of the afternoon.

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  8. Please congratulate Kaitlyn on a job well done. The cake is beautifully decorated.
    In our state, Cake Decorating is a category in 4-H. Maybe there's a Grand Champion ribbon in Kaitlyn's future. :)

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  9. the cake is fantastic! i'll take a great big slice, please. :)

    the doll clothes are adorable. using up bits and pieces is one of things i love about sewing doll clothes. great gift!

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  10. I love making doll clothes for 18" dolls - you can do so much! These are adorable!

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  11. So cute!!! Thanks for sharing with us.

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  12. Love the doll clothes! I really like your embellishment ideas. I'll be referring to your pictures often. Thanks for sharing!

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