Entry #10

Intermediate

This is my outfit I designed which includes a vest, t-shirt, skirt, bag, flower hair clip, and a pair of flats. I tried to dress the outfit up with the bag and accessories. This outfit reveals this girl is a more classic dresser and would prefer a more fun, modest outfit. I think it would be a great meet outfit for American Girl to make for a future Girl of the Year because it is cute and practical. This girl has a love for classic literature and believes in reading for fun. She is also motivated to learn as much as she can each and everyday and keeps her hand bag close by to store her latest classic novel. One of her favorite quotes is an old Chinese Proverb saying, “A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket.''  She enjoys meeting new people and another tidbit about her is that she loves to take care of her pet dog. 

While I am a beginner seamstress, I was inspired to enter this year’s contest after seeing last year’s amazing entries. At a young age, I desired to sew my own doll clothes. My goal is to be able to design and even wear outfits myself that are fun, feminine, and totally cute! For the contest, I was inspired by things I have worn over the years. You know, those classic pieces that are everyday wearable yet stylish enough for that special occasion, like a lunch date with your mom or friends. Since I really like the way this outfit came together, my next project is to make one in my size ;)

Check out my Etsy shop! 

Here is my sketch:

The T-Shirt:

For the shirt I used a black floral jersey knit which has a lot of stretch to it. I also used Liberty Jane’s trendy T-shirt pattern to get the right fit.  (Liberty Jane is awesome! Btw, they have great dolly sized patterns, too).

Hemming the edges of the shirt (knit fabric does not fray).

The bag: 

To give the bag shape I cut the corners to both of the main pieces and sewed them together to create the bag’s shape. Then sewed them together with the flap and strap. Then turned it inside out.

Sewing the strap…

Cutting corners…

The Denim Vest:

Here are all the pattern pieces cut out.

I repurposed some used jeans and there was just enough fabric in only one pant leg to make the vest. 

I  used the vest pattern to make the lining which is the same blue cotton as the bag. Then I finished of the edges with my serger to prevent fraying. After the lining was added I turned the vest inside out and added the pocket, button, and button hole. 

The Skirt:

The skirt is my own pattern. The base is a shiny white (fake) silk, with a stretchy polka-dot tule overlay. By the way, I would like to mention that this fabric is recycled plastic (which sounds really odd to me).  And all the fabric used for entire outfit is fair trade :)

I started out by measuring my dolls waist then multiplying that by four so the skirt would have lots of gathers. 

Lots of gathers…

Finished Product Photos:

Her favorite book, Heidi.

A book is like a garden, carried in the pocket (or in this case-a bag!)

Her fluffy little puppy wants some attention.

'Aww, I'll pet you Coconut.''

This is the hair clip I made which can also be attached to her belt. And the belt can also be used as a headband…so many stylish possibilities!

__________________

Voting for the 2014 Spring FDC 

Starts On May 28th, 2014.

Voting Ends June 11th, 2014.

Please vote for this entry by commenting below or 

emailing us at nora.demington@gmail.com.

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