Question for those of you with the AG patterns

[ErinGoBraugh]

Okay...so this just made my night. I happened to come across Samantha's patterns, uncut, on eBay for a BIN of LESS than what they retailed for. Even after shipping I still saved money. [img]biggrin.gif[/img] I've been lusting after these ever since I came "back" to AG, so I was definitely doing my eBay happy dance. [img]smile.gif[/img]

But here's my question: how easy would you say these patterns are to work with? Do they come with good instructions? I just got a sewing machine for Christmas, and I know how to use it, but I'm still pretty much a beginning sewer. I don't want to hack these things apart before I know how to use them, but is there anything you seasoned sewers would recommend practicing on...like a simple project that would get me used to following instructions and piecing together patterns?

Thanks in advance! [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]

[dianasmama]

first off, I'd copy the patterns or I know some people iron on interfacing to the back of them to make them more durable.

Then, make the outfit out of muslin first and try it all for fit. Remember to watch your seam allowances, I suspect it might be 1/4" for the dolls, but the pattern will tell you.

Have fun and good luck!

[LindaL]

Erin -

Congrats on the patterns. I don't have Samanthas, but the ones I have aren't that difficult to understand. But for heavens sake, don't cut the original pattern copy. Make a copy to cut from and use (either from tissue paper or on a copier). That way, you won't harm the original copy if you make a boo boo! I always copy patterns--especially the ones for dolls--the pieces can be small and can easily get misplaced. That way, my original is still safe and in one piece, and the copy can be tossed or saved for the next time, depending on the condition of it once you are finished with the garmet.

Linda

[dornroeschen]

I have to agree: Don't cut the patterns!!!

I always photocopy them too, and use the copied ones. With small patterns for doll dresses etc. I like to glue them on cardboard - ceral boxes are very handy there - and if the seam allowance isn't already showing on the pattern, add it on the cardboard and then cut them out.

With patterns for "normal" clothing, I will trace it on to tissue paper, and glue those on construction paper, again adding the seam allowances. That way you can move the patterns around the fabric and working out the best way without wasting too much fabric and not having to worry about still needing place for the seam allowances.

[courtneysunshine]

Congratulations on your patterns Erin [img]smile.gif[/img] Especially for such a great price.

The patterns are pretty easy to follow, however, they do not always fit the dolls perfectly. I can't remember the website off-hand, but if you do a search of AG patterns, you will find a website that discusses the patterns and helpful hints from many seasoned doll seamstresses to make them fit your Samantha perfectly. I started with sewing just this past summer and I find the AG patterns really easy to follow. If you are really unsure about sewing, I would also recommend taking a basic class. My daughter is taking a class at a local craft store and they have taught her a lot about reading patterns and helpful shortcuts that save time and money and make a garment really look wonderful.

Kim

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ January 28, 2005 03:00 AM: Message edited by: courtneysunshine ]</font>

[horsemom]

Yes- make copies! Also, the AG patterns are on rather heavy paper, so they don't really work that well when they're cut out anyway. I copied mine to that thin see-through fabric- what's it called fellow sewers? I'm kind of new to this and forgot the name of it... but it has a grid printed on it and you can use it for drafting patterns too... Help! [img]confused.gif[/img]

At any rate, that worked great and I can use them over and over as long as I'm careful when I cut out the pieces not to snip the patterns. When they get worn out, I can just make more copies from the originals.

[josephhswife]

There is a section with little tips on what to do. I'd recommend reading that before you start. Also, read the directions all the way through first so you can see how it's coming together.
I agree with the suggestions to copy the patterns and to start with a muslin or cotton fabric. If you start with the cranberry dress out of taffeta, it could drive you nuts.

Enjoy!

[ErinGoBraugh]

Thanks, everyone...I knew I could count on you all to come through with some good ideas. [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img] I really like the idea of piecing the clothes together out of muslin to check the fit, especially with my "pudgy" white-bodied Sam, as well as the idea of enlarging the seam allowance myself. What would I do without this board? [img]smile.gif[/img]

The patterns should be arriving within a couple days, and I can't wait to see them. And no, I most definitely will not be cutting them apart. [img]wink.gif[/img] I was thinking Sam's lacy whites would be a good project to start on since I could make them out of plain cotton...what do you guys think?