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Post by Libby on Jul 7, 2009 10:42:20 GMT -5
Yep, I've printed the pattern and cut it out, but I still need to find a good fabric. I haven't even got as far as cutting it out This is my first time using a pattern I am so nervous!
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Post by purples on Jul 7, 2009 11:07:00 GMT -5
Don't worry, Libby! I am terrified of the AG patterns, but I actually made Kirsten's bonnet from her patterns the other day and it turned out great! I'll post pics in the craft section when I am finished her school dress.
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Post by Melissa on Jul 9, 2009 10:08:10 GMT -5
Don't worry, Libby! I am terrified of the AG patterns, but I actually made Kirsten's bonnet from her patterns the other day and it turned out great! I'll post pics in the craft section when I am finished her school dress. Before I got into making doll clothes, I'd only sewn with patterns a couple times and not for quite awhile. A lot of the doll clothes I've made, I've drafted the patterns for-mostly simple stuff right now, but last year I decided to try using one of the AG patterns for a school project, as well as another non-AG pattern. I made about 5 costumes from the Nutcracker and used Josefina's nightgown pattern for Clara's nightgown. It actually came out well (sewed everything by hand) and now is Rilla's (TY dog) nightgown. A few of the instructions might seem a bit tricky but that can go the same for any brand of patterns. I also find sleeves the trickiest-sewing them onto the bodice. It gets easier with practice though I finally got started yesterday (I wanted to finish up the pants to Heather's PJs, first). Since I already have Sam's Lacy Pinafore outfit, I'm altering the dress pattern to make another dress from her books (original illustraions version of Meet Samantha). So, it won't look like the Lacey Pinafore dress-the front is altered and it has different sleeves, etc. I'll be sure to post photos when I'm done, as well as a link to the dress in the illustration
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Post by purples on Jul 9, 2009 10:21:37 GMT -5
That sounds pretty, Melissa! I can't wait to see your finished product!
I am trying to decide on a fabric. I have a very pretty solid blue, but I think it might be too bright for such a delicate-looking dress.
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Post by puppyluv on Jul 12, 2009 16:44:30 GMT -5
Don't worry, the patterns aren't too hard. This is my second dress from an ag pattern, and it gets easier each time.
Mine is looking good. I put together the bocice backs and front and attached the neckband. Then I gathered the sleeves. Still to do:
1. but sleevebands and lace on sleeves 2. attach sleeves to bodice (the hardest part) 3. hem and gather skirt 4. attach bodice to skirt 5. finish the back, add snaps, finishing touch sort of thing
and decide if I want to do the pinafore.
Is anyone else sewing yet? Do you have tips for putting the sleeves in? I've done it once before. It went a little wonky, but still looks fine.
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Post by purples on Jul 12, 2009 18:22:35 GMT -5
Darn! My sewing machine broke while I was attaching the sleeves for Kirsten's school dress, which I was finishing up before I started Sam's dress! The stitch size won't change, and it's stuck on the very smallest size, which will only sew through a very thin cotton. I'll get it serviced in a few weeks, but I can't sew until then
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Post by puppyluv on Jul 13, 2009 16:40:25 GMT -5
Sorry, purples. What broke on it? I did mine all by hand because my sewing machine is messed up right now. I actually found it easier by hand than with the machine because you can see what you're doing and move the cloth around for a better angle. Machine stitches are neater, though. So, I'm mostly done-all I have to do is put on the velcro/snaps and add a couple buttons down the front! It's on my doll right now, and it looks great. Here are problems I ran into: - ballooning sleeves (but they look ok on the doll)
- knot slipping through the loosely woven fabric
- something else, but I forget.
It looks great! I might make kirsten's pinafore for it, because it's for my pioneer doll (I made the skirt longer and chose an appropriate fabric, and I'm adding buttons)...but I also want to make another dress! It was really fun. I really wish I could post pics, but I'm not allowed. SORRY!!!
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Post by Melissa on Jul 13, 2009 22:10:04 GMT -5
I finished mine on Saturday I sewed it by hand. I haven't sewn on a machine much; I'll probably try some modern separates this week (I have a little, portable machine). Also, some historical clothes I like sewing by hand-it's a bit more authentic, in a way. The dress was pretty easy to sew by hand (just a bit more time-consuming)-except trying to do velcro-that was hard and I just basted it. I have to iron the velcro to get it to bond to the fabric more, but I'm not in a hurry-plus, Samantha doesn't want to take the dress off right now, haha. I also had to redo one of the sleeve seams because the band didn't match up on the short-sleeve part. The triangle piece came out a tad small but that's okay. The dress is the one in chapter 3 ("The Tunnel") of Meet Samantha, original illustrations (I also like Sam's expression in the illustration). Here's what the dress looks like in the illustration: And here is Samantha modeling her dress* *tights from Scarlet Snow outfit; hairbow from Sam's Christmas outfit.
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Post by purples on Jul 14, 2009 8:41:45 GMT -5
That looks amazing, Melissa! It looks just like in the book!
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Post by Libby on Jul 14, 2009 10:46:58 GMT -5
Wow! Puppyluv and Melissa, you are so far on. I haven't even pinned my patterns yet Gorgeous dresses
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Post by felicityfairy on Jul 15, 2009 9:01:15 GMT -5
WOW! Melissa your dress is amazing!! It is just like the book. I'm going to make the birthday dress too. I'm going to sew it Thursday when my friend comes over for a sewing day.
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Post by puppyluv on Jul 16, 2009 19:26:48 GMT -5
my friend comes over for a sewing day. Good idea! Maybe I'll do that too... If you don't mind. I love the dress, Melissa! Do you know of a link to the original illustrations for the historical characters' books, or do you have the books? If you know a site, could you share it?
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Post by agruthie08 on Jul 20, 2009 15:55:31 GMT -5
I'm taking a sewing camp this week and next week! Next week, I get to make tons of AG outfits!!!!
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Post by felicityfairy on Jul 20, 2009 18:24:29 GMT -5
^That is so cool! I hope you have fun.
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Post by agruthie08 on Jul 20, 2009 20:34:19 GMT -5
Thank you!
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