Aug 21, 2011

me and my dolly...

I am having such a good time sewing little girls dresses that my quilts and such have been placed on the back burner.  The simplicity of the dresses mixed with beautiful quality fabric has me bewitched.



Isn't this American Jane fabric adorable.  I purchased it a while back to make a quilt for my grandson but since that hasn't happened yet (nor is it in the near future) I couldn't resist using it to make a little dress for my nieces, little girls first birthday.



Of course, I added some covered buttons...

and a beautiful red gross grain ribbon tied in the back just to finish it off.



I thought about buying her a Dick and Jane type book to go with it but then it dawned on me (at work while I was staring out my office window) that a little, old fashioned cloth doll would be darling.



I made a rough sketch right then and the wheels in my head began to turn in overdrive.

Last night I had a chance to make one up, with a matching dress, of course.


I just love it!  I have some adjustments to make to the arms and my daughter says the head looks a little gumbyish so I will tweak that a little but overall I am so happy with her sweet face and playability.  My three year old grandson loves her, too and has asked for a little boy doll of his own.

I was careful to think of a toddler playing with her so I made sure that nothing could come loose and cause any kind of choking hazard.  As tempted as I was to use buttons to embellish, I stuck with simple embroidery stitches and think it looks quite charming in a rustic sort of way.

I hope she will be drug around, chewed on and played with for years to come.  The best thing is she is completely washable.



The doll pattern is still in the tweaking stages.  I'm hoping to add the dress and matching doll to my items for sale in a Christmas craft show I've been ask to sell at.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear...

Patty

Simplicity pattern# 5695

12 comments:

Jo said...

These are soooo cute. What a lucky little girl to have someone make her things. I love the fabric and the little doll is cute. I wouldn't change anything about her.
Hope you have a wonderful day.

Hugs,
Jo

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Patty, simply lovely, I would def buy these at a craft sale :D
Karen x

Carolyn said...

Hi Patty!!

They are beautiful...the doll will will loved with hugs and kisses and the dress will be envied!! I love the fabric too!! BEAUTIFUL!!! :)

I also just noticed your entry of the bags/purses from the previous post (I missed seeing it until now!) WOW! So pretty!! You have an awesome talent!!

Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

It's fabulous!

NanaDiana said...

That is just the cutest thing ever. I love sewing for my "girls" and the fabrics and choices today are just amazing. You did a wonderful job and I LOVE her matching dolly! Make sure you get some pictures of her in the dress holding her "twin"..xo Diana

ps...she is perfect just like she is-don't tweak a thing!

Gwen said...

Patty, these are all just adorable! LOVE the dress!

camp and cottage living said...

The fabric is perfect for a little girls dress-just adorable!
I used to sew my daughter dresses.
Now I need to start sewing for her daughter.
Thanks for the inspiration!

Beverly said...

Your neice is going to love them. Love the American Jane fabric and the little doll you created is so cute. Yes, you should defintely make some to sell in the craft show. You have been a busy lady.

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

That is so adorable, what little girl would not be thrilled to get that set! The doll is precious!
Lovely work...
Tina xo

cathleen said...

Patty....I am loving your little girlie sewing. Your fabric selections are always so pretty!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I always enjoy new friends. I look forward to exploring your blog further. I can already say that I'm in awe of your sewing talents. As much as I'm crafty, I didn't inherit the sewing gene.

Have a lovely weekend.

Helen Philipps said...

I love your delicious choice of fabrics and the dress is adorable. How sweet to make a little cloth dolly too, and it will be lovely to make a little boy one for your grandson. Have a happy week, Patty.
Helen x