Suggestions for Beginner Doll Patterns?

I've spent entirely too much time online today searching for doll clothes patterns, figuring that as I my mother and grandmother have hordes of fabric in their closets and cabinets, this would be the best way to get more clothes for my dolls.

But the more I look at the patterns, the more worried I get that I'll just be wasting fabric.

Does any one know of some cute, yet simple patterns that a beginner could not totally mess up?

I do have some sewing experience, mostly hemming pants, making simple curtins or dresses. Plus, extensive experience with embroidery and cross-stitching. But I'm very unsure of myself when it comes to sewing doll clothes because of the diminutive size.

Suggestions and hints, or links to informative pages on doll sewing would be as welcome as pattern suggestions.

Thanks!

I have Simplicity patterns, and believe me, you can't possibly screw them up. Pretty straightforward.

Go to the thrift store to find "practice" fabric. You wouldn't believe what some people take there...I have YARDS of upholstery fabric in a gorgeous paisley pattern that I got for two dollars (have no clue what I'll do with it, but it's an example of what you can find). I think I'm going to use it to make a couple of simple doll sleeping bags.

I've also gotten material that you can use for clothes there as well - and if you ruin it, you've wasted probably about twenty cents if you paid two bucks for the fabric.

Good luck - if I can figure it out, anyone can.

I also bought the book SEWING FOR DUMMIES, which explains basic stitches and abbreviations in patterns. I'd bet you could find it at a local used bookstore very cheap.

I think the sewing for dummies line is probably the best to start with. Really, any of the patterns fabric stores sell (Simplcity, Butterick, McCall's ) will be fairly easy, just take your time. I wouldn't work with a Voque pattern for your first few projects though...Good Luck! You will have so much fun, once you get the hang of it!

Shelly

If your interest is in historicals, the Pleasant Company patterns themselves are very well explained, although some of the dresses are detailed and take a few more steps. Good luck with your sewing!

Not offended at all by the "Dummies" series.

Just went and bought the two modern ones in the Simplicity catalog at Wallie World.

Mom said she had a couple of yards of just plain muslin which I is, I think, fairly cheap, and Mom says will be easy to stitch on.

I think part of my intimidation factor was that I was looking at some Vogue patterns a Friend of mine had for her daughter and it was a bit over my head.

Both of my girls need sleeping gear, so I'm going to start with the gown.

I also have a lot of old, but in good shape, twin sheets from college days that just sit in the dresser under my larger sheets. Is it possible to recycle them as practice material?

Editted to add: Aren't the historical patterns retired? I'd love to have them for future projects, but don't know if I can afford them.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ August 14, 2005 06:53 PM: Message edited by: Chrysa1is ]</font>

Chrys - yes, you can use sheets as recycled practice material. That's a good idea.

Where do you live in NC? Maybe we could get together with our girls one weekend and have an "AG Sewing for Dolls and Dummies" party! LOL - [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Live halfway between G'Boro and Charlotte... But my College Best Friend is working on her Doctorate in Chapel Hill, so head up you way at least once a month.

Would be great to have a sewing day! Maybe I can learn some tips that way.

And I'm glad that sheets would work. Haven't thrown them out, because it's such a waste, but don't think used sheets would sell, even if they are high count (( the perks of growing up in a textile town)) ... plus I prefer to recycle things. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Oooo... maybe I could even make doll sheets with them, or a try my hand later at a sleeping bag!

LOL! This is all too exciting! Better just start with the nightgowns and see how they turn out.
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The AG dolls are a good size to sew for. I'll try to look when I get back from church tonight and give you some pattern numbers to some easy clothes. The original AG patterns are retired. You can buy them on e-bay, sometimes you can get a deal. Have fun. I really enjoy sewing for the dolls.

Chrys - let me know when you can come up. I'm by myself most of the time (DH works in the Middle East) so the door is always open! [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Joann Hinds has put together a lot of patterns for the 18 " dolls. Her patterns are very simple. They would be great for a beginner. Her is a link http://www.infinitefreedom.com/index.html