Sewing Pattern Suggestions...

[Skittl1321]

I am looking for recommendations for beginning sewing patterns for my AGs. However, I would really like patterns that look appropriate on the historical dolls, not modern patterns.

I am an experienced quilter and have done some clothing (a shift dress and a t-shirt with a pattern and a historically accurate 14th century cotehardie that was done without a pattern -created by fitting it on me and basting linen then using the linen as a pattern.) As such, I am confident about my ability to sew, but not at all confident about following a pattern or doing things like putting in elastic or zippers.

Do you have any suggestions?
I am really looking for simple dresses for any of the dolls and a cape pattern for Felicity. More elaborate patterns can be suggested, but I'm scared...

Thanks!

[Sakurako]

I wouldn't bother with zippers. No one but Kit and Molly would have had them anyway, if you're being strictly accurate. Snaps are my favorite fastener, since they don't wreck the doll's hair like velcro does.

Most of the major pattern companies have historical looking patterns for AGs. For some reason, I've found that Simplicity patterns for AGs are the most fun to work with and come out great, so I would start with their pattern book.
McCall's has a nice assortment of patterns but they bore me a bit. Vogue patterns are expensive and can be tricky. It just took me two full weekends to make/take apart/redesign what looked like a fairly simple flamenco dress from Vogue. I really don't like what Butterick does for AGs but that's just personal opinion.

An unlined cape with a hood shouldn't be too difficult to make but lining one edge to edge requires patience and basting by hand along the neck edge. Do you want me to look through my pattern stash for a cape pattern that I could recommend?

[Skittl1321]

Originally posted by Sakurako:
Do you want me to look through my pattern stash for a cape pattern that I could recommend?

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">If you wouldn't mind, I'd love that.

[TaffyCheerful]

One of the best solutions to closure I have seen on doll clothes is a worked buttonhole with a button permanently fastened to the buttonhole and a snap underneath. It is easy for small fingers to open and close, but looks like a regular button closure. I call it a faux buttonhole closure, but there probably is a real name I just don't know.

Taffy

[Sakurako]

Of all the patterns on the Simplicity link, my favorite is #7688. That has some neat things to make in it. Not historical, though.

[josephhswife]

I think the Vogue doll collection probably has the most historical items. they are also the most expensive. If you're looking for Kit, it's the best place to go. Joann's has McCall's and Vogue patterns on sale Sat-Monday for the labor day weekend, so that may help.

If you're a quilter, then you're probably comfortable with 1/4" seams which is what most doll patterns use. I'd also recommend a pattern with full sleeves. Fitting in sleeves for doll clothes is a tedious job. Not impossible but sometimes it seems so.

Good luck.

[Skittl1321]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

I looked at the patterns and decided on getting McCalls m3275 and m3627.

After some price shopping I found the best prices as ebay BINs and went ahead and ordered them.

Thanks for the tip about the Joann's sale, but we are going camping and I think my husband planned it to keep me away from the sale [img]smile.gif[/img]