Welcome to my first Share and Tell blog for 2019.  I have a very special story that I would like to start with because it brought so much joy to my heart hearing how my How to Make Doll Clothes course has helped multiple generations enjoy the craft of sewing.  The following is part of an email that I received from Cherrylmaree, one of my very first customers and whom I now consider a dear friend.

‘Hi Rosie,

I’d like to share with you a couple of things that have been happening here. I just wanted to let you know that following your videos and tips has helped my granddaughter to learn how to use a sewing machine and translate that into making toys and pyjamas for herself. It has been a huge confidence boost for her.  She’s not big on dolls but her sister is very keen and has recently bought herself an Australian Girl (so she can dress her). 

Last weekend my grandson, who is 20, asked me to help him make a memory toy for his mother who recently lost her little dog. I found the way you breakdown the process so helpful in showing him what to do and he was very happy with the result. These shared hours are priceless.

Very best wishes,

Cherrylm’

How awesome is that!  Cherrylmaree, thank you so much for sharing this gorgeous story with me.  The bond and memories you have created with your grandchildren through sewing are truly special.  You can see the pride and confidence beaming from your granddaughter’s face – she’s done a fantastic job and I can see that your grandson has a beautiful heart to do something so special for his mum. 

The next two photos are from Mary who has used my Summer Dress pattern to create two totally different outfits.  The first one is true to the pattern and the second one has been altered.  Can you believe this is the first time Mary has sewn with satin, what a great job she did!

‘Hi Rosie,

I am sending you two pictures of the dresses I made from your Summer Dress pattern.  The print one I made first, to try out the pattern, and I absolutely LOVE the way the bodice comes together!  The satin party dress I lowered the neckline and added some silver trim.  Even though I have been sewing for more than 65 years (yikes!), I learned a new trick regarding the bodice!  I had not tried sewing with satin before, and what better way to try than with a doll pattern – if it flopped, I wasn’t out much money!  But I was thrilled with the results (especially using my rolled hem foot for the hem) and may tackle something fancy for myself!  I am so glad I found you and have been recommending your site and patterns to my sewing friends.  My granddaughters, once they see these dresses, are going to be happy I found you, too!  Many thanks!

Mary’

I love it when someone finds my website, tries one of my patterns and then ‘KAPOW’, they’re sewing up a storm!  Regina started with one summer dress and then about a week later had resized that one pattern and sewn new summer dresses for her whole dolly family!

‘Hi there!! My name is Regina and I love cabbage patch dolls (especially vintage ones!!) I live in super rural Australia and the shipping from USA is so expensive to buy clothes for them. I researched learning to sew my own and tried it before and failed. I couldn’t understand what the pattern was on about. Well yesterday I found Rosie’s website, and I ordered my first pattern for a summer dress. I made it today and I succeeded thanks to her guidance and videos!! I found the gathering a bit hard but I will work on it for next time. Clara is super happy to model her new dress and I’ll be making another one tonight for one of my other dolls who I’m sure are all a bit jealous.’

‘Well it’s been a busy few days in my house!!’

And lastly, we have this beautiful story from Lyn. I love hearing how she has transferred techniques from one of my patterns to another that she already had and experimented by adjusting some pattern pieces to create a completely new outfit simply from the inspiration of some fabric.

‘This is a long story, that starts with Thanks to Rosie for helping me find the right place for the videos. With that help I finished the aqua Summer Dress with a purple batik trim (from a jelly roll) for granddaughter, Casey’s doll. On a roll, I then made her a Christmas dress with a Spotlight fat quarter and calico.

Then I thought I would try the same technique on a pattern I already had for my niece’s (and now my great-niece, Sophie’s) 25-plus year old 12.5” cloth doll. Next, I was inspired by a fat quarter of an aboriginal print that included some lovely flowers that made me think of the flower power motifs of the 60s. So I extended the bodice pattern pieces to mini dress length and used the same technique, adding the flower as an appliqué, wrapping over the side seam. Added bonus … it is fully lined.

Hopefully two happy little girls, and their dolls at Christmas. Meanwhile, my two models are looking very smart. Thanks again Rosie. Phoning me to help was definitely “above and beyond” customer service!’

Thanks to everyone for sending me your photos and allowing me to share them here on my blog. I love the inspiration that comes from this sharing and appreciate my gorgeous sewing community so much! Wishing you lots of time to sew and be creative in 2019.

Happy sewing

Happy New Year everyone!

To get you all excited about sewing this year, I’ve decided to release my popular Sewing Machine Pin Cushion pattern as a Free Pattern. Even though it’s free, it still comes with my step-by-step videos where I show you how to make this super handy pin cushion.

You’ll find it’s perfect for keeping your pins handy when at your sewing machine. It even lets you remove pins as you sew and pop then in the pin cushion without taking your eyes off your project. No more having to run to the other table to get your pin container or placing them loose on the bench because you just can’t get up right now. I honestly don’t know how I would survive without mine!

So, if you don’t have it yet, then head to my new Free Patterns page and add it to your shopping cart now!

If you already have this pattern, then I’d love you to comment below and let me know what you think about it or send me a photo and I’ll include it in my next Share and Tell blog.

Happy sewing

Where has the time gone? I can’t believe that I’m sitting down writing my Christmas blog already and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one feeling like this. Sometimes we can feel like we didn’t get anything done but when I sit down and look back at the year, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with my patterns business whilst also growing my doll clothes business too.
Firstly, I released some pretty fun patterns this year for both the 18 inch American Girl size doll and the 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids doll. I started with the 3 Way Shoe pattern which is proving popular with Cabbage Patch lovers who are struggling to find matching shoes for their Cabbage Patch dolls.

The came the Fun ‘n Frilly Top which included a Bonus Dress pattern. This is such a quick and easy pattern to sew and looks so cute in all the variations that it’s hard to decide which one to make first.

My last pattern for the year was the cute Overalls for All Seasons with both short and long versions and I have to say, it is one of my favourites as it suits both boy and girl dolls and can be made super girly with pretty fabric and the heart shaped pocket or made in denim for a more traditional look.

In-between these patterns, I released my Learn to Love Your Serger/Overlocker online course. I was compelled to do this one because I kept hearing how so many people have a serger, or overlocker as we Aussies call it, but are too afraid to take it out of the box when they are such awesome machines that make sewing doll clothes (or anything for that matter) super easy. I love my overlocker and want you to learn to love yours too! I’ve had some terrific feedback on this course and am so glad that I took time out from producing my patterns to do it.

I have a list a mile long of patterns I want to release so I plan on getting an early start in 2019 and will hopefully make a decent indent in this list. So keep your eyes on your inbox as I’ll be sharing the news with you all as soon as my first pattern is ready.

It’s been so exciting to see my Facebook group grow from strength to strength with lots of amazing members who are all so friendly, happy to share what they’ve been making and eager to help others by answering questions and offering suggestions. I am honoured to be part of this group. I must thank Karen Thomas for suggesting our monthly sew-along, it has been tremendous fun watching everyone participate and seeing all the wonderful creations. She has also stepped up into the role of Moderator, helped me co-ordinate these sew-alongs, and been a tremendous all-round support. Thanks Karen!

I also have to thank all of you for your amazing support and encouragement. I truly love receiving all your emails, messages and photos. Without you purchasing my patterns, contributing to my group and spreading the word, Rosie’s Doll Clothes Patterns would not be here. ‘Sew’ a big THANK YOU from my heart to yours!

Remember if you’ve been thinking about buying a pattern or two, or maybe trying one, or both of my courses, then now’s the time to do it! Using coupon code CHRISTMAS you will get 20% off all my doll clothes patterns and courses. But hurry, offer expires December 25th, 2018.

On a personal note, the end of the year has seen me be a very proud Mum watching my daughter graduate from university. With this also comes a little sadness as I know she is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, leaving me to pick, pack and dispatch my orders for Rosie’s Dolls Clothes all on my own….and not to mention how lonely I’m going to be with no one to do jigsaw puzzles with, bake with or just ‘hang out’ with. I’ll miss you Honey.

On a more positive note, hubby is still around and eager to help me get my patterns and videos loaded to the website. ‘Sew’ let’s get cracking!

Merry Christmas to you all and I look forward to sewing with you in 2019.

Happy sewing

Well my last Share and Tell blog for 2018 certainly reminds me how special sewing can be and how passing on skills from one generation to the next or even learning together can help create some awesome memories for families. And the same can be achieved by upcycling a special garment to pass on special memories to the new generations – see the story at the bottom of the page

I love seeing young girls take up sewing and learning from their grandmother so it was super special when Julie posted this photo in my Facebook Group. It shows the gorgeous pinafore dress that Julie’s 12 year old granddaughter made as part of our September Sew-Along. Julie is obviously doing a wonderful job teaching and she has an awesome student so I’m sure they will make lots on precious memories sewing together over the years to come.

Julie, please pass on my biggest congratulations to your granddaughter, she should be so proud of her effort.

The I received this email from Lauryn that absolutely made my heart sing!

‘Hi Rosie, I’ve mastered the collar!! Thanks for your great videos, I find they help so much! It’s just under a month since I learned to sew and I actually had no intention to, I have an autistic son who got a sewing machine for his birthday and I had no idea how to use it to teach him so I taught myself and we made a couple of small things together. I realised I really liked it! My daughter is getting an Our Generation doll for her birthday next month so I can’t wait to give her all the clothes I will have made! I’ve attached a couple of pics of pyjamas, they’re not perfect but I’m really pleased with them! Thanks again!
Lauryn x’

I can just feel the pride and joy that Lauryn was feeling jumping out from this letter. It’s awesome to hear that my videos have helped her achieve such great results after such a short time. Go Girl! What a truly wonderful reason to start sewing and I do hope her son enjoys it as much as she does and maybe her daughter will give it a try too. Just imagine the fantastic memories they will all create together! I’m so looking forward to hearing from Lauryn again to find out what she masters next.

I love that Julia has repurposed an old sweater to make my Free Beanie pattern. It is such a quick an easy pattern to make and can be made from lots of different fabrics from polar fleece to a jersey knit to knitted fabric.

‘I couldn’t wait to try Rosie’s free beanie pattern. The videos were, as usual, great and easy to follow.. Thank you Rosie!!!
YES, it was an old sweater I had tossed…Thank you, I can’t wait to make more and more and more!!!’

Julia, it looks like you spent hours hand knitting that gorgeous beanie. Well done!

Karen has done an amazing job recreating a replica of her neighbours cheerleading outfit. I can just imagine how excited she was to receive this for her birthday. Well done Karen!

‘I absolutely love your videos that accompany your patterns. It is so much easier to see what I need to do rather than just read it. I have never made clothing before, you make it easy! So happy to have found you!!

For the cheerleading outfit I used the basic 3 Way Skirt, the top of the pattern is in black material. Then I split the bottom half of the pattern into 3 sections to make the green and white bottom of the skirt. For the top I used the Crop Top shown over the red skirt on your web site. I made it a little longer. The green square with the G on it and the white stripes I made separately by looking at her picture in her uniform then placed it on your crop top. That’s it!

Until I found you, I had never made any type of clothing before, only quilts. Your videos really are worth their weight in gold!  : )  Karen.’

Oh boy did we have some amazing Halloween creations during our October Sew-Along. I just love, love, love what Robyn created using my Overalls for All Seasons pattern. She did fancy stitches all over the overalls and made this super colourful long sleeve shirt from my Blouse pattern. She completed the look putting matching trim on the overalls and topping it off with a cute wig made by stitching 8 ply acrylic to ½” wide cotton tape using small stitches. The best part is everything Robyn used she found in the bottom of her cupboard! I cannot help but smile when I look at this photo, it just screams FUN!

And here is another more ‘traditional’ wedding dress. Becky has used her and her mother’s wedding dresses to create some very special wedding gowns that will help keep wonderful memories alive and be passed down through the generations. What a wonderful idea and absolutely precious!

‘Hi Rosie,
I finished the doll dresses yesterday for my mother’s great- granddaughters. I made a total of four dresses and they are all alike. My mother was VERY tiny when she got married so I didn’t have a lot of material to work with. Two of the dresses are entirely of her material and two I needed to use some of the fabric from my dress that I had already cut apart. I did have to make some alterations on the skirt size in order to have enough fabric but it worked. The necklace I made with a rosette-type flower from her veil headpiece. The veil itself is too far gone to do anything with it. My mother was married in 1941 so the fabric is age worn and very delicate. I hope these girls will appreciate the dress and keep it as a memento to share someday with their daughters.
Thanks for the pattern. Becky’

Thanks to everyone who contributed to my Share and Tell this month, there sure was some amazing and inspiring stories.

If you wish to start making your own memories and need a little help ‘teaching’ your young ones how to sew, or if you need a little guidance sewing small doll clothes yourself, then now’s the time to save 20% off my How to Make Doll Clothes video course with my Christmas special. Or if you just want to purchase some of my wonderful patterns with video support then you can save 20% on those too. Simply use coupon code CHRISTMAS during checkout. Offer expires December 25, 2018.

Happy sewing

I don’t know about you, but every Christmas things get rather hectic around my home and I’m trying to think of unique, personalized gifts for our family members. When my daughter was younger I used to love whipping up a selection of new outfits for her dolls because I could always use fabric I had in my stash and they were so quick and easy to make up that I could make them either when she was at school or after she had gone to bed. And the best part was, they were ‘one of a kind’ and ‘made with love’ so they meant just that little bit more to both of us.

Because I want you to experience the joy of giving something you made this Christmas I’m offering 20% off my How to Make Doll Clothes Video course so you can learn the easy way to make doll clothes for your loved ones. And with 20% off my Learn to Love your Serger (overlocker) online course you can finally gain the confidence to use your serger and create some awesome Christmas gifts. Or maybe you’d like to give the course as a gift, just let us know and we will get that organised for you.

There’s 20% off all my doll clothes patterns too! That means you save 20% on all 18 inch American Girl size doll clothes patterns and you also get 20% off all 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch doll clothes patterns. WooHoo!! You can give a complete wardrobe to your loved ones and save twice! Firstly, you will be saving because you made the outfit yourself and didn’t have to spend a fortune on brand name clothes, and secondly, you saved 20% on all your new doll clothes patterns!

To get this great discount, simply enter coupon code: CHRISTMAS during checkout. Offer expires 25th December, 2018.

Oh, by the way, if you would like to have some fun and make this awesome Santa costume for your doll then check out my blog, American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns Santa Suit, and I’ll tell you how. It’s super easy and looks so cool!

Happy sewing

I am very proud of the fact that I offer a 100% money back guarantee on my How to Make Doll Clothes and my Learn to Love Your Serger (Overlocker) Courses and am pleased to say that the majority of my customers have been thrilled with the content and I haven’t had to worry about refunds.

The other day however, a lady who purchased the online course with the intention of using it to help her teach her granddaughter how to sew sent me an email requesting her money back.  The following is a snippet of her email.

‘I purchased this course with an eye toward teaching my granddaughters to sew as I learned, by sewing doll clothes with my grandmother. This isn’t possible using your course since there is way too much bad information. I want them to learn things the correct way so that when the time comes, they can transfer from doll clothes to sewing for themselves and have the information they will need to make that transition without having to relearn everything.’

At first this reminded me of the doubts I had when my friend first suggested that I should create my How to Make Doll Clothes course.  ‘I’m not professionally trained’, ‘my way is not the “correct” or traditional way’, ‘nobody wants to know this stuff’, and the list went on. 

Thankfully my friend reminded me that it doesn’t matter if you’re not professionally trained but how much experience you’ve had and how good you are at doing what you do.  She also pointed out that there is never a right or wrong way to sew something, only a difficult way and an easy way and so long as you are happy with the results, there is nothing wrong with doing things the easy way. 

And this is what I had been doing for years – finding easier ways to make the doll clothes I sell as doing it the right way was far too difficult and time consuming especially when I had to make LOTS of doll clothes.  Finding an easier way doesn’t necessarily mean you are cutting corners, it just means you are finding more efficient ways to do something.

In sewing, as in all classical crafts, there are ‘traditional’ methods of doing things but often this makes things more technical or complicated than it needs to be. My aim is always to make sewing as accessible and enjoyable as possible, regardless of your skill level.

I was feeling rather sad as I issued a refund to this lady and it wasn’t because I was issuing a refund BUT because I thought about all the fun the children that would be learning how to sew from this lady would be missing out on.  To me sewing is not about being perfect and having to do something a particular way because that’s how it has always been done.  Sewing is about having fun creating a garment or an project, experimenting with new techniques and even making up new techniques, making mistakes and learning from them, finding easier and better ways of doing things so that ultimately you can enjoy your sewing journey even more. Ultimately, it’s all about getting creative!

Now occasionally you will experience frustration and feel like throwing your sewing project out the window – we all do at some point, but it’s important that if something is not working as it should, don’t be afraid to try something different.  Tweak the design a little or tweak the technique a little, in my eyes it’s okay if you don’t always follow the instructions because if you’re happy with the end result and your way was easier for you, then you’re a winner! 

If you have found an easier way to do something related to sewing doll clothes please let me know as I would love to share it with everyone.

Happy sewing

Where has the time gone? It’s been ages since I did a Share and Tell blog and there are lots of gorgeous photos I have to share with you all so let’s get straight into the first one which is from Barbara who has made my Winter Nightie pattern for a Waldorf inspired doll and she’s used unicorn print fabric which seems to be sooo popular at the moment with little girls.

‘Here is a picture of the nightgown I made. I loved the pattern and really loved the video directions. This is a Waldorf inspired doll I made and it fit perfectly…….Your site is excellent and full of useful information. I was happy to find you.
Barbara’

I’m happy you found my website too Barbara., you’ve done an awesome job and I can’t wait to see what you make for this adorable doll next.

Next we have some photos from Pauline who has been busy making doll clothes and sending some of them half way around the world! The best part is that the recipients have been so thrilled with their gifts that they have made a special ‘thank you’ card that would melt your heart!
‘Hi Rosie

I thought you’d like to see the lovely thank you card I received from the nieces of my son’s partner – Breege – who live in Ireland. I had sent them some dolls clothes from your patterns and they have really enjoyed playing with them. Amelie even used her birthday money to buy a new doll to fit the clothes!

The first photo shows the doll wearing the pyjamas and slippers I had made. The other photos show some of your other patterns with trimmings added.

Thank you so much for your patterns, Rosie. I’ve really enjoyed making them and my 2 granddaughters and now Breege’s nieces have really enjoyed playing with them.

best regards
Pauline’

The last couple of months we have been having a lot of fun in my Facebook group as we’ve introduced a monthly Sew-Along. The first month the members who wished to participate had the choice of sewing either my Pinafore Dress & Skirt pattern or the Overalls for All Seasons pattern and OH MY GOSH, we had lots of wonderful creations. Then this month we have been working on Halloween outfits or Melbourne Cup attire (for the Aussie ladies) and again, there have been lots of awesome outfits so I’d like to share some of them here.

The first group are some from the pinafore Album. Helen made the first one adding tiny trim to the ruffles and adding extra fullness to the skirt. I loved how this turned out and ended up buying some of the very same fabric. Norma adjusted my pinafore pattern to fit her Maru doll and the result it just gorgeous. I’m also loving how Deborah used a vintage hand embroidered placemat for her pinafore. Deborah ended up being drawn as the winner of our random participation prize which is the choice of one of my patterns, so congratulations Deborah. Ruth followed my video on pleating and created box pleats on the skirt of the pinafore instead of gathers to make this adorable school uniform.

The next group of photos are from the overalls album. Laurie made both the long and short versions of my Overalls pattern using an old pair of jeans and shirt – didn’t they turn out awesome! She was also thrilled that the 18” short overall pattern also fits her 15” Bitty Twin. Check out the cute ‘sloth’ fabric that Karen used for her long overalls. Originally Karen was not going to have a pocket but found with the large print the seam down the middle was too obvious so reshaped the pocket and ‘fussy cut’ it to showcase one of the adorable sloths and now the front seam is far less noticeable. Great job Karen. Then we have this super cute overall made by Vera. She added lace to the hem to make it more ‘girly’ and matched the heart pocket to the blouse which she made from the bodice of my 50’s Vintage Dress pattern. How clever is she!

This month has show to be super fun with lots of fantastic Halloween costumes. The first one is Julie’s interpretation of Dacula’s Bride from my Wedding Dress pattern. She originally went looking for black satin but couldn’t pass by this spandex especially seeing as it was on sale! Although this was an unusual fabric choice, Julie went slowly and the result is absolutely awesome! I wonder if Linda went a little ‘batty’ making these cute Winter Pyjamas? The black contrast on the collar was a great idea.

There’s still two weeks until Halloween so that’s plenty of time to make a Halloween costume. You’ll find my 18 inch and American Girl Halloween patterns here and my 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Halloween patterns here. Remember that all my doll clothes patterns come with step-by-step video instructions so you can whip up a witch in no time at all!

If you would like to join my Facebook group and be part of a really fun sewing community full of supportive members who provide endless inspiration, simply go to my Facebook page click on ‘Join’, answer a couple of easy questions and as soon as I see your request and approve it you’ll become part of this special group. Just be aware that I’m in Australia so please be patient because with the different time zones around the world, it may be a few hours before you are approved.

Happy sewing

Hope you’ve been enjoying using my 18 inch American Girl and 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids patterns to make doll clothes for the Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls.

In this blog I will be showing you how to adjust my Halloween patterns and my popular Wedding Dress pattern to fit these 15 inch dolls

Cabbage Patch Fairy Costume

Shorten the skirt 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5cm).  To do this easily, take the extra length off the top of the skirt piece i.e. measure down 1 – 2 inches (2.5 – 5cm) from the straight edge and fold the pattern piece over.  Make a note that this fold line is the cutting line for your Bitty Baby pattern and this way next time you want to use it you will have that note there to remind you.

Cabbage Patch Angel Costume

This one just requires the hem to be shortened ½ inch (1cm) so is a very easy alteration to make.

Cabbage Patch and 18 inch American Girl Pumpkin Costume

Cut the body of the pumpkin 24 ½ inches x 20 ½ inches (62cm x 52cm).  This will shorten the finished length of the pumpkin body piece by 2 inches (5cm).  Move the arm slits 1 ½ inches (4cm) further around to the sides i.e. Change Step 8 2) & 3) to read the following:

8. Attaching Face to Body of Pumpkin

• Measure and mark a point 3 4 ½ inches (7.5cm) (11cm) to the left of this centre mark. Rule a line up from here 2 inches (5cm) and down from this mark 1 inch (2.5cm) to give you a line 3 inches (7.5cm) long.  This indicates the first armhole.
• Repeat for the second armhole – measure 3 4 ½ inches (7.5cm) (11cm) to the right of the centre mark and place a new mark. Rule a line up 2 inches (5cm) and down from this mark 1 inch (2.5cm) to give you a line 3 inches (7.5cm) long.

This allows the dolls arms to sit more naturally through the slits.

Cabbage Patch Witch Costume

Again, another easy alteration for this one.  You simply need to shorten the hem 1 ½ inches (4cm) or you may prefer to cut taller triangles out from the hem so that the hem is more ragged and some parts drape on the floor.

Cabbage Patch Wedding Dress

The wedding dress fits the Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls nicely and only requires the hem to be shortened about 1 ¼ inches (3cm).  The petticoat and veil can be made as per the instructions.

You may like to use the Wedding Dress as a Christening gown without the petticoat and make it as per the pattern without any alterations so that the skirt falls below the feet, you may even like to add extra length to give the Christening gown a more regal look.

I have really enjoyed discovering and sharing with you how many of my existing patterns fit the Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls just as they are, and how the other patterns only require minor alterations e.g. shortening the hem.  I’d love to see photos if you have made any of these patterns for your 15 inch Bitty dolls and then I can share them in my Show and Tell blog which is always a great way of inspiring others.

Happy sewing

‘Sew’ did you have fun using my patterns from Part 1 to make doll clothes for your Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls?  Well, I’m back with Part 2 of this blog series to show you which of my doll clothes patterns will fit the Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls with only slight adjustments.  I will explain exactly what each of these adjustments are.

I feel confident that you will be able to do these minor adjustments yourself as they are mostly just shortening hems or straps.  Where I have suggested shortening the length of a pattern piece, for example the One Piece Swim Suit, this simply requires you to fold the pattern pieces and smoothing out the join.  If you need to shorten them 1/2” (12mm) draw a line at the waist and another line 1/4” (12mm) above the first line.  Fold along the bottom line and then bring the pattern piece up as you fold along the top line.  The picture below shows the two lines that have been drawn on the front piece and then the back piece after it has been folded along these lines.  You then simply smooth out the curve when the fold is.  Shortening the overalls will work the same way.

The Following Patterns Fit the 15 inch Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin Dolls With Minor Adjustments

AG Winter Pyjamas – Shorten hem of pants 1″ (2.5cm)

Cabbage Patch Summer Dress – Shorten hem 1 – 1 1/2″ (2.5 – 4cm)

Cabbage Patch Fur Trimmed Jacket – Add 1/2″ (1.2cm) to sleeve length

American Girl T-Shirt fits but to make a little looser – Add extra 1/2″ (1.2cm) to centre front – Extend long straight edge of back pattern piece 1/4″ (6mm)

American Girl Winter Nightie – Fits but is a little firm around the shoulders and chest – Shorten hem 2″ (5cm) if sewing ruffle on hem.

Cabbage Patch Winter Nightie – Shorten wrist elastic to 4″ (10cm) – Shorten hem 1 1/2″ (4cm) if sewing ruffle on hem.

American Girl and Cabbage Patch One Piece Swim Suit – Shorten length of swimsuit at wasit 1/2″ (1.2cm)

Cabbage Patch 50’s Vintage Dress – Short dress verions is fine as is. – Long version shorten hem of 3/4″ (2cm)

American Girl 3 Way Shoe – Normal shoe is fine as is. – Boot needs to be shortened 1/2 – 3/4″ (1.2 – 2cm)

Cabbage Patch Pinafore, Dress & SKirt – Shorten hem 3/4″ (2cm)

American Girl Funky Fur – Shorten hem of pants 1″ (2.5cm) – Shorten hem of sleeves 1/2″ (1.2cm) – Shorten hem of jacket 1″ (2.5cm)

American Girl Santa – Same as for Funky Fur

American Girl Overalls for All Seasons Long version – Shorten hem of pants 1/2″ (1.2cm) – Shorten Straps 1/2″ (1.2cm)

OR American Girl Overalls for All Seasons Long version – Shorten hem of pants 1/2″ (1.2cm) – Shorten top of bib 1/2″ (1.2cm)

Cabbage Patch Overalls for All Seasons Long version – Shorten the length of the body of the overall 3/4″ (2cm) OR – Shorten Bib 1/2″ (1.2cm) & shorten straps 1/2″ (1.2cm).

Cabbage Patch Overalls for All Seasons Short version. I think it looks fine as is however, you may like to – Shorten the length of the body of the overall 3/4″ (2cm) OR – Shorten Bib 1/2″ (1.2cm) and shorten straps 1/2″ (1.2cm).

It was very exciting to find that these patterns will fit the Bitty dolls with only minor adjustments and I’m thrilled to be able to share this information with you.  Enjoy adjusting your patterns and making new outfits for your Bitty Baby and Bitty Twin dolls.  And of course, please send your photos in so that I can share them in my next Share and Tell blog.

In Part 3, there’s more great news as I concentrate on my Halloween patterns and Wedding Dress.

And remember, it’s still September!  This means we are still celebrating ‘Sewtember’ with 20% off all doll clothes patterns.  Use coupon code SEWTEMBER.  Offer expires September 30, 2018.

Happy sewing

Ahhh, so many good things happen in September.  It’s the beginning of Spring here in Australia and that’s my favourite season, it’s my birthday, my wedding anniversary and of course in America it’s National Sewing Month! 

‘Sew’ let’s celebrate ‘Sewtember’ with 20% off ALL Doll Clothes Patterns, for the whole month of September.  Yep, that means 20% off ALL 18 inch and American Girl doll clothes patterns and ALL 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch doll clothes patterns.

This makes it the perfect time to grab your Halloween costume patterns for either 18 Inch American Girl Dolls or Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls.  Will it be the Pumpkin, Witch, Angel, Fairy or will you use the Pinafore and Blouse patterns to make Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz?  Maybe your doll wants to be a pretty Ballerina this year or perhaps she dreams of being a beautiful bride wearing a gorgeous Wedding Dress.

And with Christmas just around the corner why not plan ahead and pick up all those patterns you want to make as Christmas gifts.

To take advantage of this awesome offer, simply enter coupon code SEWTEMBER during checkout and save 20% on all doll clothes patterns now.

Offer expires 30 September, 2018.

Happy sewing