I always get excited when I release my first pattern for the year and this year I’m super excited because I love the flexibility of this Peasant Skirt pattern for 18 inch and American Girl dolls.

It’s such a pretty pattern and can be made with either two or three layers making it a short or long skirt. Then sew the ruffle in the seam or top stitch the ruffles on top for added interest. It’s also super easy to create different looks by playing around with the lengths of the layers.

You can even use contrasting or complimentary colors or prints for each layer to really create an impression!

If you use a knit fabric like I have here on the blue one, you don’t have to hem it or finish the top edge of the ruffle. There’s no need to finish off seams either, so it then becomes a really quick sew.

As an added bonus, I show you how to use your serger (overlocker) to do the gathering and then sew the gathers into the seam. Oh, I do love my serger as it just makes everything so much quicker and neater!

At only US$6.95, it’s great value. Click here to get your pattern and start creating this gorgeous skirt today!

Happy sewing

I honestly can’t believe that I’m sitting down to write yet another Christmas blog, where has the year gone? I don’t know about you but time is going WAY too quick these days and my grandson is already 10 months old!

This year again saw the release of four new patterns in both the 18 inch American Girl size and the 18 ½ Cabbage Patch sizes. I started with the Strappy Top, an easy pattern to get me started back into the swing of videoing and then came the Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways. This has been one of my most popular dresses and it was certainly a challenging one for me to film as I had so many different options to demonstrate, then poor Brad had to organize it onto the website and make sure that everything flowed to the next step correctly. Thanks for your patience on this one Brad. 😊

The Trendy Transformable Top was my next pattern and again, I couldn’t resist giving you several variations on this one too! Then a surprise pattern was the Multi-Size Nappy. I say, ‘surprise’ because I hadn’t planned on doing this one due to the 18 inch dolls not normally wearing nappies. But after a few requests from customers to share the pattern I use to make nappies for my Doll Clothes website, I set about filming and I have to say a thank you to those who encouraged me to make this one as it has proved to be another popular pattern.

The thing that has brought me the most joy this year, has undoubtedly been watching all the members of my Facebook Sew and Show group supporting each other on their sewing journey and sharing their creations with us all. We have nearly 1200 members now and I love the way this group has become more like an extended family with people from all over the world bonding over their love of dolls and sewing doll clothes. I am so proud to be part of this group and would like to thank everyone who contributes because you are what makes this group so special.

A special thank you to all my awesome customers because without your support and feedback, I would not be here. I wish you a wonderful holiday season with your families and I’m excited about what we have in store for 2020!

Merry Christmas

What another amazing year we’ve had and there have been some absolutely wonderful doll clothes created by all you super talented sewers. This is my final Share and Tell blog for 2019 and we’re starting off with this lovely email from Sheena.

‘My Auntie Marilynn has made some beautiful doll clothes for my daughter’s cabbage patch doll from the patterns on your site and I’ve been meaning to pass along the pictures of her work. The clothes are absolutely incredible and fit better than the ones she came with. Here are some of the photos of our very fashionable doll, Ginger!’

Oh I totally agree, Ginger looks very fashionable in all her new clothes. Auntie Marilynn has done a beautiful job making them and also choosing just the right colour fabric to compliment that gorgeous hair too! Patterns used include T-Shirt, Long Pants from the Winter Pyjamas, Overalls, Drop Waist Dress, Fur Trimmed Jacket and the Free Beanie pattern.

And this is a beautiful email from Marilynn, who I’m sure is now this little girl’s favourite Auntie!

‘Hi Rosie. My niece emailed me asking if I knew where she could buy clothes for her 3 year-old daughter’s cabbage patch doll. I said, “Do I”. Then I immediately went to your website and bought patterns for the cabbage patch doll. I made several outfits for the doll and when my niece and her daughter came this weekend I got the biggest hug from the little girl. She wanted to see how they were made so I took her to my sewing room and showed her the patterns, the fabric and the sewing machine. Her big brown eyes took in everything. Then my niece told me that these clothes that I made fit better than the clothes that came with the doll. That’s when I thought, “Thank you, Rosie.” Your patterns made the cutest little girl so happy.

So glad I could help Marilynn.

The next photo is from Nancy who has made a stunning bride using my Wedding Dress pattern. I’m loving the addition of the little daisies onto the skirt, as well as the lace overlay, the gorgeous bouquet and the fabulous veil…..I just love it all!

‘Hi Rosie
I have thoroughly enjoyed making this outfit. She also has the petticoat, satin and lace panties, a lace garter and white satin shoes. Your patterns and videos are so easy to work with and your e-mails are answered so quickly when questions arise. Thank you
Nancy’

Now it’s time for some fun with this cool Witch. Lachapelle did a great job making this costume and creating a wonderful Halloween scene.

‘Hi, I bought many, many patterns from you and, for the first time, I would like to show you one of these.

Thank you.’

I wonder just how many doll witches there were out an about on Halloween this year?

A short time ago I did a blog explaining which of my patterns can be used to make boy doll clothes and Ruth has come up with another option.

‘Here is Fraser in his completed outfit, looking very pleased to be going to the Christmas ball! All made using Rosie’s Winter Pyjama pattern and techniques learned from Rosie’s amazing videos! I will show how I altered the pyjama top to make the waistcoat in the thread below.’

Ruth goes on to include instructions on altering the Winter Pyjama Top pattern to make the vest and includes a photo of the alterations.
Ruth is a very active member of my Facebook Group and along with others, provides lots of inspiration for our members. If you would like to become part of this awesome online community and find out how Ruth altered my pattern to create this very stylish vest, click on the blue Join Group button on my Facebook page.

How stunning is this! Debra, another member of my Facebook group has done an amazing job to create this gorgeous ball gown using my Wedding Dress pattern.

‘My first successful lace overlay, I took all the advice offered about working with satin. The wedding dress pattern no alterations at all.’

Look how easy it is to change the look of a pattern by changing the fabric used. My popular wedding dress pattern has become a stunning ball gown just like that!

Thanks to everyone who sent me photos and shared your sewing journeys with me. This sharing is the best way to inspire others in the doll clothes sewing world to continue on their sewing journey. Keep the photos and stories coming in and I’ll be back with more Share and Tell blogs in 2020.

Happy sewing

Do you hate sewing tiny buttons, or any buttons for that matter, on by hand?  If so, then you must watch this video where I share a cool tip on how to attach buttons using your sewing machine, it’s super quick and easy.  And you’ll love the trick I use to keep the buttons in place too!

If you loved this tip, then you’ll love all the other cool tips and tricks I share in my How to Make Doll Clothes video course.

And if you’re ready to get your serger (overlocker) out of the cupboard and start using it with confidence, then my Learn to Love Your Serger/Overlocker course is for you!

Let me know if you try this tip or are already sewing your buttons on like this?  If you have any tips that you find makes sewing buttons on easier, please feel free to share in the comments below.

Happy sewing

Since American Girl introduced their first boy doll, Logan, I have had countless enquires from people looking for boy doll clothes patterns and I have directed them to a number of my patterns that I consider to be ‘unisex’. It just dawned on me that this information really needs to be available for everyone looking for boy doll clothes patterns for either their 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kid or 18 inch and American Girl size dolls. ‘Sew’, in this blog I have outlined all of my patterns that can be used to make boy doll clothes and hope that some of them give you inspiration to get creative.

Ruth is a member of my Facebook Sew and Share group and the following is what said when she recently posted a photo of this awesome outfit.

“Fraser has just arrived and is headed off to the beach! His shirt is Rosie’s Winter pyjama top, with turned up sleeves and a patch pocket. His shorts are Rosie’s Capri pattern – I added 1cm to the width to make them baggier (ie insert 1cm down the middle of the pattern from waist to hem). I cut the length longer and just turned them up. I am really pleased with my cargo pockets, which I designed myself.”

The following is a list of my Unisex patterns that can be made into boy clothes by simply choosing a masculine colour or print.

Multi sized doll diaper and nappy pattern

Overalls pattern

Winter Pajamas pattern

As well as making cute winter pajamas for your boy doll you can also use this pattern to make a long sleeve collared shirt and long pants.  Or by shortening the sleeves and pants you can easily create a smart short sleeve collared shirt and shorts.

Sports Shorts & T-shirt pattern

This combination can be used to create summer time shorts and t-shirt or summer pajamas.

Summer Dressing Gown Pattern

Lengthen the sleeves a little and you have a winter dressing gown for your boy doll.

Capri Pants pattern

Use this pattern to make boardshorts, just add a little extra length and leave off the trim.

Trendy Transformable Top pattern

You could also add a trim to the neckline and it will look like a regular tee.

Three Way Shoe pattern

Pumpkin pattern

Wizard pattern

This idea came from Karen, who transformed my Witch Costume into a Wizard by simply not cutting the triangles out of the hem or the sleeves and altering the hat to have a rounded brim. Very clever!

Funky Fur pattern

As you can see, you don’t need special ‘boy patterns’ to create a stylish wardrobe for your boy doll. By simply changing the fabric to a plain or masculine print you can create cool looking doll clothes for your boy doll using my patterns. And by shortening sleeves or pant legs, you’ve got even more great outfits.

I’d love to see photos of boy doll clothes that you have created from my patterns and I’d also love to hear from you if you come up with other ideas for making boy doll clothes from my patterns.

Happy sewing

I’m so excited to share your photos this month as there are some really cool adaptions of my patterns as well as lots of gorgeous outfits.

I’m going to start with Sharon who is a member of my Facebook Sew and Share group. She has made some amazing outfits and the first two are based on my Wedding Dress pattern. Firstly, she added the sleeves from my Angel costume to create this stunning dress. When I first saw it, I envisaged it done in a satin or velvet fabric with gold trim to create a medieval style dress. Hmmm, maybe I need to give that a try.

For the next dress, Sharon told us that she used the 50’s Vintage Dress bodice reshaped at the bottom to fit the wedding dress skirt, I sewed some ribbon on the sleeves before I made them up and a piece of gold rick rack down the front.’ Perfect!

Because Sharon had ‘acquired’ an Asian doll, she was wanting to make a Japanese style kimono so that she felt more at home and was asking for suggestions on what pattern to use. I suggested the Summer Dressing Gown and the image on the left was her first go using this pattern and an Asian print fabric.

“I extended the sleeves by one inch used a wide gold trim as the sash to make it look a bit more like a kimono.”

I suggested that she adjust the sleeves to look more like the sleeves on my Angel costume and to use the same fabric for both the kimono and the trim. Wow, what a difference! The photo on the right shows her second attempt and I think she nailed it!

“I took Rosies advice and adapted the sleeves to the angel shape and used a same fabric trim, put some white socks on her. Voila it looks more like a Japanese kimono now not a dressing gown. Thanks Rosie!!”

As you can see from the photo below, since joining my Facebook group, Sharon has acquired quite a few dolls and has been super busy creating gorgeous outfits for them all to wear.

Michele has been doing my How to Make Doll Clothes Video Course and is having fun upcycling her worn out denim jeans. Because it was a little thick to turn up twice for the hem, she zigzagged the edges and turned it under once. With the sarong she sewed on a cute rick rack trim.

These are all bonus patterns that come with the course and she even lengthened the sports shorts to create a pair of mini jeans for her doll.

Great job Michele!

“These are just the few I have done from the course! I love it by the way.
Michele”

And the last one for this month is from Sandra who has also been experimenting with my Summer Dressing Gown pattern. She has followed my advice from the blog series I wrote on Resizing my Doll Clothes Patterns to Fit the Wellie Wisher and Disney Toddler Dolls and used the one pattern to create dressing gowns for both her 18 inch American Girl dolls and 14 ½ inch Wellie Wisher doll.

“I loved how this pattern came together! Each one is made from recycled clothing. Reduced the pattern for the Wellie Wisher.”

Well done Sandra and it’s great to see you giving life to clothing that is no longer worn.

Thank you to everyone who has sent in photos of your wonderful creations. I’m sorry if I haven’t shared your photo but I truly do love receiving them and finding out more about your sewing journey, so please continue to send them in.

Happy sewing

Well this was certainly not the next pattern I intended to release, especially as most 18 inch girl dolls are a little too grown up to be wearing nappies, or diapers as my American friends call them. However, after posting a photo on my socials showing all the nappies I had just made for my Dolls Clothes website, I received a request for my nappy pattern. Curious to see if there really was a demand for this pattern, I checked in with members of my Sew and Share Facebook group and found that there were lots of you looking for a good diaper pattern.

‘Sew’ I’m excited to be releasing my new Multi Size Nappy/Diaper pattern for dolls. It includes two sizes and the design of the pattern allows each size to fit a wide variety of dolls. The smaller size will fit dolls such as the 13” (32cm) Little Baby Born doll, 14” (35cm) Little Cabbage Patch kid and 15” (38cm) Miniland doll, while the larger size will fit the 15” (38cm) Bitty Baby, 17” (43cm) Baby Born, or 18 ½” (46cm) Cabbage Patch Kids dolls.

This nappy can be made from a variety of fabrics including cotton and polycotton blends, terry towelling and fleece.  In fact, I often make them with a combination of fabrics using the bright and colourful cotton/polycotton on the outside and fleece or terry towelling on the inside lining.

It’s a super quick and easy pattern to make and they are so much more economical and environmentally friendly than the disposable dolly diapers.  You will find this pattern under Accessories for both the 18 inch and American Girl doll category (even though they haven’t been designed for this doll the larger nappy will fit) and the 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids doll category.

Click here to get your Multi Size Nappy/Diaper pattern today.

Happy sewing

Oh my, it’s been such a long time since I’ve done a Share and Tell blog and I’ve got so many photos to share. Perhaps I will share some now and do another blog in the coming weeks and I’m sorry if I don’t share them all.

The first lot of photos is from Sharon and she has made a gorgeous Wedding Dress, veil and bouquet for her granddaughter’s doll. She even made the shoes that we can’t see. What a clever
lady. I think her granddaughter is over the moon with this stunning ensemble!

“Hi Rosie,

I’ve attached pics of the wedding dress ensemble. In some of the pics, it’s being modeled by my Felicity and one pic shows it on Nanea with my delighted granddaughter Emma.

Thank you again for your wonderful pattern, instructions and video! I look forward to making more of your patterns and learning your wonderful tips and tricks to make sewing doll clothes easier and quicker.

I also made the bouquet with a “thumb holder”, a necklace, and satin shoes…those don’t show in the pics, but they added the perfect touch to the dress.

Blessings,
Sharon”

This next photo makes my heart sing!  I absolutely love hearing about young girls learning to sew and can only imagine the wonderful memories that both Ruth and her granddaughter will create spending this precious time together.

“My granddaughter, Bella, having her first sewing lesson with Granma and Rosie! She has done SO well! The Beanie pattern is so super super easy for a 9 year old to do as a first sew!

Ruth” 

Great to hear

Dianne has been super busy creating a wonderful wardrobe for her granddaughters.  She made two of everything but I’ve cropped them so that I could include most of the photos.  The overalls look super cute and I love these two different versions of my Drop Waist Dress 5 Ways.  The first option is a striking black and white dress and by swapping the gathered skirt for the pleated skirt she has created a sweet school uniform.  Love all these Dianne.

“Hi, I have made them for my granddaughters. I have asked my daughter to photograph them on the dolls. In the meantime, I have attached what I have made using your videos. I am now sewing the girls the nighties.

Best wishes
Dianne”

Karen has made my Pinafore Dress and teamed it with some shortened Capri Pants. Trimming everything with lace has given this outfit a really ‘pretty’ look. It is ‘sew’ sweet Karen.

“Just had to share my latest project with you a made the pinafore dress with a shortened version of the capri pants and here are the results. I love them.
Thanks
Karen”

How cute does Kay’s Cabbage Patch doll look in her beautiful new Summer Dress!

“Hi!
Here is my cabbage patch girl in her new Summer dress! I have made two of these dresses from your pattern and I absolutely love it!
Kay”

I love it too Kay.

Thanks to everyone who has sent me photos and shared your sewing stories with me, I really do appreciate you taking the time to do this and I know those who read my blog always get inspiration from them.

Happy sewing

For all my Cabbage Patch Kids patterns fans, I’m thrilled to announce that the Trendy Transformable Top pattern for 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids is now available. It’s a great basic pattern to have in your collection as you can create a variety of different tops, all with a stylist boat neckline.

Transform this Trendy Top pattern from a basic sleeveless singlet into a casual t-shirt by adding either short or long sleeves. Or complete a massive transformation into a stylish sweater by opting for the diagonal hem. Simply mix and match the different elements to create many different tops. It’s going to be hard deciding which one to make first?

You can even use your serger/overlocker to give the hemline a lovely lettuce leaf affect by using the rolled hem feature.

As usual, I’ve thrown in a really cool tip that makes sewing with knits super easy. Make sure to watch the videos so you don’t miss this tip. Yes videos! All my patterns come with step-by-step video instructions where I show you how to make the outfit.

Don’t like sewing with knits? No problems, you can make these tops with a woven fabric too, just remember to finish the raw edges (your serger will come in super handy here) and I explain what you need to do differently for the sleeve when it comes time to attach the sleeve.

Can you believe, you can make all these tops from this one pattern and get a great tip thrown in too! That makes this pattern fantastic value at just $5.95!

‘Sew’, what are you waiting for?  Get your Trendy Transformable Top for 18 ½ inch Cabbage Patch Kids dolls today!

Happy sewing

I’m so excited to be releasing my new Trendy Transformable Top pattern for 18 inch and American Girl dolls! It’s sure to be a staple in your dolls wardrobe with its stylish boat neckline and many pattern options.
It’s such a versatile pattern because by just changing the sleeve length or going for the sleeveless option, you can transform this top from a super cool summer singlet or casual short sleeve tee, into a snuggly warm winter sweater. And by switching things up some more you can create a stylish evening blouse by opting for the dramatic diagonal hem.
To add more interest to the hemline you can also use your serger/overlocker to do a rolled hem creating a lovely lettuce leaf affect.

As usual, I have included cutting lines for the taller, 20 inch Australian Girl doll and as you can see, it fits the 17 inch Baby Born doll beautifully too.
As an added bonus, I show you a really cool tip that makes sewing with knits super easy.
Can you believe, you can make all these tops from this one pattern? That makes it fantastic value!
Finally, I have to say a big thank you to Mary O’Connor, a member of my Facebook group, for suggesting this name. It perfectly describes how this one pattern allows you to transform your fabric into many different tops. And it’s TRENDY too!

Get your Trendy Transformable Top for 18 inch and American Girl dolls today! Which one will you make first?
P.S. It’s a quick and easy pattern to sew and although I have designed this top to be made with a knit fabric, you can use a woven fabric too. Just remember to finish off the raw edges and in my videos I explain any other alterations that are needed.

Happy sewing