I like my crafting experiments to be low risk. Dying fabric with natural ingredients fits that bill. I’m not going to accidentally stain my counters, no gloves needed, I can use my regular cookware for most of it. And I don’t need dramatic results or for my fabric to be colorfast. I never wash doll clothes because my samples are not getting played with and if it fades thats ok. There’s really no risk of the dyed fabric coming off … More
Back to work! The kids went back to work on Monday which was also my birthday and that was a great present, just getting back to a normal routine and starting to dig into some new projects. I spent the first half of the day writing out a bunch of ideas and plans in my bullet journal (I’m using that term very loosely – more just like a book of lists)
So the first thing on my list for 2020 … More
It’s that time of year when getting cozy in a pair of festive pajamas is a top priority. These pajamas are worth the extra effort to get them just right. They would make a perfect holiday present for your Make-Along doll. Made with or without piping they turn out super cute.
Download the pattern pieces here and follow along below for instructions. You will need 26″ x 20″ of cotton fabric, 9″ of 1/8″ elastic, three 3/8″ buttons and either … More
I love making art dolls based on literary heroines. I’ve made Laura Ingalls Wilder, Jo March, Anne of Green Gables, the three friends – Betsy, Tacy & Tib, and Jane Austen heroines Elizabeth Bennet & Emma. I really enjoy the challenge of capturing not only their look and spirit but also tackling the historical costumes. I think in a parallel universe I am a costume designer. And in that reality I know all the historically accurate details of every era. … More
The new knitting pattern for the Make-Along Pom Pom Sweater is up in the shop now. Phew, that was hard! Huge thanks to my pattern testers Carrie and Yvonne. Yvonne is an excellent tech editor and really helped me with all the details.
This sweater is worth the effort of making all those little bobbles. There is something seriously huggable about a soft cloth doll in a nubby sweater. I’ve made two so far but really want one for all … More
I’m shooting for somewhere halfway between a custom doll order and a PDF pattern download and came up with Make-Along doll & pattern bundles to offer in the shop this holiday. The doll is already made, by me, and the complete pattern set is enclosed so you can sew up a wardrobe to outfit your doll for all occasions. Plus! bonus! extra! also included are little bundles of fabrics from my stash that I pulled out to make specific outfits.… More
I’m excited to be mixing it up in the shop in the coming weeks. I have a new Elsa pattern to release, new kits with the Elsa pattern in the works, ideas for bundles of already-made dolls + fabric for you to make doll clothes with and a sample sale of dolls that have been keeping me company this past year. Since I’ll be squeezing this all in between holiday merriment with the family I’m going to be just winging … More
A captivating gang of 24 huggable, lovable creatures to sew—from classics like Margot, a topsy-turvy doll, and the button-jointed teddy bear Bjorn Bjornson, to irresistible Evelyn, a wool felt inchworm decked out in mod glasses and a kerchief, and Koji, a fiercely cute spiked softie monster. There’s something for everyone here—from kids to grown-ups and from beginning sewers to advanced dollmakers. Published by STC Craft, August, 2010.
