American Girl Doll Aprons

 Welcome to the first apron designs of my collection of reversible aprons for American Girl and other 18 inch dolls.  The first thing that I learned to sew when I was a little girl was an apron.  I still love them.

These aprons are reversible and each one is slightly different. 

 One side of each apron is made with cotton toweling fabric.  In July, I visited a terrific fabric store in Lancaster, Pa.  They had a variety of toweling fabric in vintage prints. 

The other side is a variety of cotton fabric that I've collected.

Creating these aprons is great fun.

This bright red cherry fabric is one of my favorites.

 

I like to display mine on a dress form. If you're interested in purchasing the wire dress form for the aprons, let me know and I will provide you the details.

These aprons are available in my Etsy Shop.  Shipping is always free for the items in the Dressing Our Dolls section of my shop.

 Let me know which one is your favorite. 

An Evening with Dressing Our Dolls

Recently, I held a one hour presentation and discussion about handmade doll clothes.  Using my collection of patterns that date back as far as the 1930's, I showed examples of doll clothes from each decade of the 20th century.  The presentation also included designs that are available today and some of my own designs. 

The event was well attended. Both children and adults brought dolls of their own and were eager to share stories of the clothes that their dolls wear.

My slides include photos of some patterns in my collection and the outfits that I have knit or sewn for them.  Here's an example:

 

I ended the evening by having all the participants take a close look and have their dolls model the clothes in my collection.

The main goal of this program is to encourage individuals to learn to knit and sew.  I totally enjoy this program and am available to bring it to local organizations and groups in New Jersey.

Knit Coat for Corolle Les Cherie Doll

This hand knit coat fits the Corolle Les Cherie Doll beautifully.  The coat is knit in Sky Blue Yarn that is 50% Merino Wool, 25% Rayon, and 25% nylon.  Hand washable.

This coat is available here.  

On this wire dress form, the coat may be displayed anywhere you choose.

The Corolle Les Cherie Dolls are 13 inch dolls that feature sleeping eyes and an all-vinyl body that is delicately scented with vanilla.  These are terrific dolls for children ages 4 and up.

Knit Skirt and Vest for a 16 inch Doll

This simple garter stitch skirt and vest is an ideal beginner knitting project. 

 The original pattern is included in the 1940's book, "I Learn to Knit to Dress My Doll, Primrose"

The skirt and vest are both rectangular in shape.  A simple i-cord is used as the tie for both pieces.  The i-cord can be knit using a knitting spool or double pointed knitting needles.

The pattern is titled "Cinderella" and is designed for a 16 inch doll but it will easily fit an 18 inch doll such as American Girl.  I suggest adding to the length of each piece for the 18 inch doll.

 This outfit was knit on U.S. Size 3 straight knitting needles and Sirdar Snuggly 4 ply yarn.

I Learn to Knit to Dress my Doll, Primrose was published in France and then translated into English by the yarn company, Laines du Pinguin.  The first portion of the book is a story about a doll named Primrose and her adventure at Santa's House.  Following the story, there are detailed directions to teach a child to knit and knitting patterns for 4 outfits including accessories.

There is a note to Mothers at the beginning of the book

"Little girls cannot learn to knit by themselves unless mothers have the time and patience to actually show them how to do it"

I believe that this statement refers to anyone who knows how to knit.  Reach out and share your skills with a child or encourage them to learn by taking lessons.   Doll clothes are a great introduction to needlework


 

Welcome to Dressing our Dolls

I specialize in handmade doll clothes designed in the twentieth century and made by our mothers, grandmothers, and aunts.  I continue to knit, crochet, and sew many of these outfits to fit the dolls that are available today.  These outfits are available in limited quantities and fit dolls such as the Miss Corolle doll, the Corolle Les Cherie dolls, the mini Miss Corolle, and 18 inch dolls such as American Girl and 11 1/2 inch fashion dolls including Barbie.

Dressing our Dolls

In addition, I hand stitch dresses, coats, and sweaters for the 8 inch dolls that were so popular in the 1950's.

Dolls of the 1950's

I hope that you'll visit often.  I'll be offering special outfits including my original designs.  Please sign up for my mailing list so that you'll be the first to know about special offers.

I'll be offering a "wardrobe club" that will entitle you to receive a series of outfits over a one year period that will build a complete wardrobe for your favorite doll while being easy on your budget.

Pieces from my collection are currently on display.  Contact me to schedule a presentation for your group or to bring the display to your facility.

Dressing our Dolls Display