Making doll clothes has been a part of my life since I was a child. My mother was always making clothes for my dolls not to mention the fact she started her business dressing antique dolls. It was how she learned to sew when she was a child, and has carried on the tradition now teaching my daughter to sew clothes for her dolls.
So when Nancy Zieman asked me to be a part of her “30-Minute Doll Clothes” Book Blog Tour, I was thrilled to say “yes”, and knew I could enlist my mother to assist. I asked her if she would like to preview Nancy’s new book – 30-Minute Doll Clothes & make up a quick sample to share with you on our blog. She happily accepted.
With my new fabric line by Red Rooster Fabric – Patchwork Pals – just arriving, we decided to create the the Teatime Dress on page 8 of the book using this fabric collection. The tiny prints & gingham are a perfect scale for doll clothing!
Donna (my mother) & I discussed how we loved the simplicity & fashion in Nancy’s book. It lends itself to creative embellishing (one of our favorite things!). We added one of our favorite vintage trims – rick rack – to the edge of the little jacket by simply tucking it under the finished edge with the scallops showing and topstitching to secure.
Here’s a quick tip to make this quick project even faster: When making the shoulder straps, instead of sewing and turning, fold under 1/4” along both long edges, fold in half and topstitch.
Here is our finished outfit. She looks ready for tea & cakes!
Time for Giveaways!!
At the end of the tour, several lucky readers will be selected at random to win some fun prizes. To be eligible, post a comment at the bottom of Nancy’s July 10 blog tour post. Winners will be posted on Tuesday, July 24th.
Nancy Zieman’s Doll Clothes Blog Tour Prizes.
- $25 Nancy’s Notions Gift Certificate from Nancy’s Notions
- 30-Minute Doll Clothes book by Nancy Zieman with Joan Hinds from Nancy’s Notions
- Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Fabric Pack and Panel from Riley Blake Designs
- Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Fabric Pack from Riley Blake Designs
Plus More Giveaways from Indygo Junction!!
In addition to the Blog Tour prizes from Nancy, comment to OUR post below with your ideas for future doll clothes patterns you’d like to see from Indygo Junction (click here to browse our current doll clothing patterns) and you will be entered to win fabric from my Patchwork Pals collection along with one each of our current doll clothes patterns. You have until Monday, July 23rd to comment. One reader will be picked at random to win.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the tour & good luck with all the giveaways!
- Amy & Donna
30 Minute Doll Clothes Blog Tour Continues:
July 18 The Long Ladies at Marie-Madeline Studio
July 19 Ingrid Pinto at Freddies Friends Blog
I really like your Patchwork Pals collection, it seems indeed perfect for doll clothes.
Here are two ideas taken from vintage children patterns: the pinafore and bloomers on this one and the dress on this one (which could be offered in two length to make a dress or a top, and maybe with or without sleeves). Thank you for the giveaway.
Love this dress, my favorite colors. So cute. My nine year old daughter will love these post, my two year old said she wants that doll so I guess she might be getting an 18 inch doll for Christmas. shuttermom77 at gmail dot com
With two little granddaughters and American Girl owners….I must have this. Have spent days making dresses for these two, would love to cut down my time
There are no little girls in my family sew I make ragdolls for other little ones and give them away.Thanks for the ideas to bring the ragdolls up to date.I would like to see some fancy dresses that would be fast and easy to make.
I would love to see some storybook character dresses
I do sew Doll clothes and your patterns are darling! Love the ring around Apron. WHy not try a summer short outfit with a hat to make, a spring good dress for Easter!
I would love anything easy. I am an intermediate sewing mama with a very eager four year old who wants everything she sees at Indygo Junction!!
I’d like to see some sport outfits. I love to make doll clothes to match outfits I make for grands.
Very cute. I always love sweet gingham fabrics.
The colors are so cheerful on the dress. I need this book.
Cute overalls with either pants of skirt bottoms!
Oh! I love all the fabrics and the pattern for this giveaway! I have never made doll clothes, but would love to try and make some for my nieces!
Love your new line, and the cute dress you’ve made. My daughter had a dress made from orange gingham many years back. Guess I did a good job back then
Love the rick rack & apron patterns! All good things come back around!! I’d like to see cultural costume / historical dress & pajama patterns for the American Dolls. Thanks for the Blog Tour.
Loved your ideas for the dress and jacket they turned out so cute. Would love to see a cute maxi or Capri set. What a great way to pass on the art of sewing or give as gift to a sweet loved one.
How about some PJs?
I would love to see more matching girls dresses in larger sizes paird up with AG style doll dresses as there aren’t very many larger size girls clothing out there matched up with doll dresses. Would love to see more pants, and skirts and hair accessories for AG dolls too.
I have been dying to try 18 inch doll clothes! Are there any patterns that are available for dolls and in girl sizes like the ones you can buy for WAY too much money in the American Girl catalogs?
Melinda,
Indygo Junction makes the IJ802, Sister Smocks (in girls sizes) and the IJ904, Dolly Dress-Up (the 16″ & 18″ matching doll pattern). Plus in several of our new apron patterns, we include the doll version also – Dressed Alike Apron (has mom, daughter & doll – IJ924) and the Sunny Day Smock & Ring Around Apron both have daughter & doll together!! Thanks so much!!
I love this tour, can’t wait t o get started!!
I would like to see some jeans patterns and some sports outfits like tennis, basketball etc.
Nice fabrics! Would love to see sporty outfits like skorts and hoodies. Coats and hats would be good, too.
Pajama pants!
I think jackets and coats and hats would be great! thanks!
I would love to know where I can buy this book. I just love the outfit and the fabric line. I sew doll clothes for my granddaughter after raising my five sons I finally can do the girls dresses
Hi Margaret, I’m sure you can order this one from NancysNotions.com but they have another book that I found also that looks like a great one by the same authors http://amzn.to/OsLP0y Both look like they are filled with fun doll clothes!! Enjoy!
The matching doll and girl patterns are so much fun! And it’s great for beginning sewing classes; the girls get so excited and making an garment for their doll and for their own use. A simple pajama pattern for a girl and her doll would be a great start for a pajama party!
I love your new fabric line!! Tiny checks are so hard to find in quality fabrics.I would also like to see some Halloween costume style patterns!
Sports outfits, swim suits and Halloween outfits were popular with my daughter.
I love Nancy’s books.
I have a good collection of them.
One of my favorite childhood sewing
projects was to make doll clothes from
Mom’s fabric scraps.
Looks like I have more sewing projects coming with this new book.
Thanks Nancy….Thanks Amy
I think jackets and coats with hats for dolls would be really cute. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would like to see holiday costumes so my grandaughter could play through the seasons with appropriate clothing for her dolls. what a gorgeous book and patterns on your site. now to get my nerve up to try to sew them.
My mom taught me to sew making doll clothes when I was young. When my daughter was growing up I made clothes for her dolls. Now she has a daughter who is four and I made matching outfits for her and her doll last Christmas and now whenever I make something for her, she wants a matching outfit for her doll. Any help with patterns in child and doll sizes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, a busy Grandma
I love make doll clothses i have a book from nancy it older version of doll and child jumper one it helps me a lot to make those cutes clothes for dolls
This is perfect! We were lucky enough to have our little 4 year old granddaughter with us last week. She brought along her American Girl Doll and changed her outfits about every 15 minutes. I can see many new outfits in her future when grandma gets her hands on this book! Thanks Nancy!
I make clothing for my grandaughter’s American Girl
Doll, but I include her in the style and clothing decisions. I cannot wait to show her this fabric and clothing styles. To my grandaughter’s requests; Dress-up clothes, ‘Halloween’ clothing. Also coats and matching hats.
My niece and I have made a few clothes for her American Girl doll and these seem like very cute patterns. She especially likes it when she has an outfit to match her doll. Loved the rickrack trim…would be cute around the sleeve hems too!
I am posting while in Israel. WiFi on the bus. What a country! Reading the blog while leaving Galilee and going south!
I learned to sew while making clothes for my Ginny doll. This certainly dates me. I want to teach my granddaughter with her American Girl. Much easier with an 18″ doll rather than a 8″ doll. I would love to win.
what fun we’ve had spending these summer afternoons planning and creating 30 minute doll clothes for a very special doll “Molly”. my ten year old granddaughter had had a ball.
I have twin great neices that I would love to make some doll clothes for. I’d like to see
some PJs or swimsuit patterns. Thanks for
the chance to win.
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the Ric Rac with the Gingham.
Deborah
homemakerhoney @gmail .com
Love making doll clothes for my grandaughter. More doll and girl outfits would be great. Any special occasion dresses would be even better.
Like the ideas stated before for the nursing outfits and the coat and hats. What about candy stripers or other professions.
I love rickrack on things and loved your use of the rick rack.
Making doll clothes is so much fun! Easy doll clothes are even more fun!
I want to sew some doll clothes using my 30′s stash! Patterns to compliment the 30′s would be great.
I would like to see some patterns that look like little girl dresses from the 1950′s. That’s when I was a little girl and I would love to recreate some dresses I remember from my childhood, to show my granddaughters. I just need the basic patterns, and then I could use the colors I remember, and add the details that my mom added when she sewed my dresses!
Thanks for all your cute patterns, and great ideas!!
I love your fabric combinations. I made my daughters doll clothes and now my granddaughters. This looks to be a very nice book. Thanks y’all for the giveaways!
I’d like to see a pattern for matching sundresses. They’re definitely quick and easy to make but oh so cute.
I’d love to see a pattern for sundresses. They’re
Love the fabrics, love making doll clothes. Made my own as a child out of scraps from my grandmothers quilting. Love especially the idea of 30 minute doll clothes!!!! Wonderful!!!
I love the mother daughter patterns.
What about a pattern for twins, a boy and a girl?
Oh so cute! I love the hint on the straps as well … that is exactly how I would choose to make them (I love shortcuts!), and the rickrack trim is simply adorable. I actually own an American Girl doll of my own (a gift from a friend) even though I am a grammy. I think PJs would be cute, with matching ones for little girls.
My great granddaughter loves to read through my doll clothes book and pick out those that are “hers” and those that are “mine”. Thanks for the lovely introduction to 30 minute Doll Clothes.
I love the time saving idea that the clothes could be made so quickly. It would be nice to have multi-size patterns because I have dolls in different sizes.
Great for my Four AND Five Year old grandkids
I would love to see a set of fairy tale doll clothes! love your fabrics this set is perfect for doll sewing
cute, cute cute! I’d like to see some dress up clothes for boy and girl dolls– ala Halloween style- cowboys, scarecrows, train conductor, angels etc
susan in ct
Would love to see more playtime doll clothes. Love your patterns and the fabric choices,
The fabric line is great! Love it! It looks adorable for the doll clothes. Can’t wait to try it. I know a couple of little girls that would really like it.
This fabric is so cute! How about a theme about playing outside in the snow? (Snowsuit, mittens, hat, boots, scarf, etc)
Nothing says love like a unique outfit whether it is for yourself, a loved one, or that special doll. The fabric colors and designs are perfect- even for adult clothing.
I have always loved sewing for my dolls. It’s nice to see gingham fabric used in doll clothes as well as ricrac. The appeal is timeless!
Your new fabric collection is beautiful! And sew fun!!
Maybe traditional international costumes would be fun!
Your new fabric collection is beautiful! And sew fun! It might be neat to have traditional international costumes for the dolls:)
I’m just enjoying the tour and the different sites. Thanks
What wonderful prizes! And I love the fabrics. How about some patterns for coats, jackets, hats, doll carriers, quilts. I guess there are more, but can’t think of them. Love these blog tours. Thanks for another chance to win.
I really like this fabric selection. Its so cute.
I would like to see a nursing scrub outfit, what a surprise if I sent my 25 yr old daughter her “Looks like me American Girl Doll” dressed in a scrub outfit made with some cute heart material. She is now a pediatric cardiac ICU nurse!
This outfit is darling. I love the rick rack trim. Two of my granddaughters have these dolls and one is already a sewer. I think this would be a great gift for her. Future projects that would be great would be princess dresses.
Just bought my granddaughter a “my twin” doll for Christmas, and plan to make lots and lots of wardrobe changes. Isn’t that most of the fun of having a wonderful doll like this? Can’t wait to see your new fabric line and the pattern from this book. Excellent combo.
I’m teaching my little grandaughters to sew for their American Girl dolls. When they are not here I try to make a few, more simple patterns. I really enjoy the hint on the shoulder straps. I find that the Simplicity or McCalls patterns don’t mark their pattern pieces very well. And the directions can be very involved. I will try some of your patterns. Your fabric line is super wonderful. I love gingham and your outfit is so pretty. I’m so glad you posted so I can buy your fabric and pattern and make more doll clothes.
I would love to learn how to make clothes. This would be a great place to start. Small!!
I remember when my Grandma made doll clothes for my dollies! I think matching baby-doll pajamas would be adorable!
With all the rain we’ve had we are looking for a modern rain coat pattern. Love the apron pattern and the binding on the small shrug!
Amy, I absolutely love your new fabrics! I would love to see some cute Halloween costumes on IJ’s site, something along the lines of a cute witch (similar to the one currently available at the official girl doll website, not sure if I’m supposed to mention them or not!) It could be cute and patchwork-ish like everything you have here. I love Nancy’s creations and am trying to figure out how to comment on her blog, thanks for the entry!
I’d like to see pants, ie, cropped ones (even though I know I can just make pants shorter); also pajamas..fun ones
I would like to see a very dressy dress and some sportswear things.
Pants, tops and maybe hooded coat would be nice. I learnt to sew on doll clothes at age 7 and still sew to this day as well as quilt, knit, crochet, cross-stitch and embroider. Granddaughter is getting to age to start teaching so would love to win. Thanks for the chance.
I would like patterns with multiple sizes like so many of the standard clothing patterns for real people. It would help when the dolls come in different sizes. Patterns for guy dolls would be great, too.
I remember my mother making clothes for my Barbie’s. Now I sew for my own daughters.
I love the patterns with the same outfit for both girls and dolls! I would love to see dolls wearing clothes worn during sports, like soccer, karate and running. And pyjamas/night gown, of course.
Thanks!
Anne Rita
Perfect fabric line for creating doll clothes. I love how the ricrac trim adds some extra spice! Would love to sew some new doll clothes for my grands……….and myself
My granddaughters would love new clothes for their dolls.
And I’d like making them.
Loved the outfit you made, especially the rick rack embellishment. I, too, would like to see more pants, tops, shorts, maybe some skirts and tops, jackets.
I love making doll clothes. I use the patterns from an older book by Joan. Our local Quilt shop has a Doll Club that meets once a month and I’ve learned many techniques.
I learned to sew making doll clothes, and I still love to “play” with fabric.
Maybe some international-themed doll clothes? Or pioneer dresses?
I’d like to see shorts, slacks and tops.
I LOVED MY DOLLS WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. I STILL LOVE DRESSING MY DOLLS. I DIDN’T HAVE A DAUGHTER. SO MY DOLLS ARE FOR ME, UNLESS I HAVE A GRANDDAUGHTER ONE DAY. THESE PATTERNS AND THE FABRICS ARE GORGEOUS. I WANT TO START MAKING DOLL DRESSES AGAIN.
I belong to an heirloom and smocking guild. Each year we purchase an 18 inch doll, create clothes for her and sell tickets to win her. This is how we fund our education classes.
I thank you for the doll clothes patterns. I need to win for my great grand daughter to sew together. I taught her to quilt and she is good. A few boy doll clothes patterns would be nice.
The tea time outfit is so cute—different from most retail patterns I see. I do make clothes for both 18″ dolls and the smaller 13-14″ Shirley Temple style dolls, would like to see patterns for those girls, too!
I love sewing for 18″ dolls–pattern pieces are so manageable! ’50′s style school and play outfits would be fun–maybe vintage Scout uniforms.
I hope these patterns give some insight into how to make clothes to fit other than 18 inch dolls. Not all dolls are 18 inch and I find it frustrating not to find patterns to fit other sizes. I’m not confident in my own abilities to figure out how to make them work.
I would like to make accessories for the 18″ dolls, like purses and shoes.
My grand daughter has a 16 inch doll, so it would be nice to find more patterns for that size. Thanks for the chance!
I’d love to see pj patterns that match girl’s pjs! Thanks!
Love to make doll clothes and this dress is very cute! I watch Sewing with Nancy and I would love to win these prizes!
Thank you for your ideas. I always made my girls doll dresses. Now I am making dresses for my grand daughters dolls. I will love to see more patterns for all kind of dolls.
How about some pajamas? I don’t see any PJ’s currently.
I learned to sew and honed my tailoring skills by making doll clothes for my dolls, had fun making doll clothes for my daughter and nieces, and now have the joy of making them for my granddaughter.
Your patterns are darling! I would like to see a capri pant set, or something for winter. Where I live in Canada, we have winter like weather 10 months of the year! I hope I win. Thanks!
I’d love to see some fantasy and dress up clothes. Sheri’s suggestion of a nursing (or doctor) outfit is also a great idea!
What is there about new doll clothes that makes us want to get out dolls and play? I can’t wait for some granddaughters to play dress up with.
Three of my granddaughters are returning (tomorrow!) after having lived in India for two years. I look forward to making doll clothes with them this summer.
Our Lakes SewCiety Guild will begin a charity sewing project in the Fall. We will be each purchasing a doll and creating a 4 seasons wardrobe. the wardrobes will be displayed and then donated to a local charity for Christmas gift giving. Your patterns, fabric & notions are very timely and will bless a group of girls! -Denise
Since I had 4 sons, I LOVE making doll clothes. The girlier the better! I own all of Joan Hinds books and several by Nancy and I’d love to add this one to my collection!!
How about some historical eras, can use to teach kids history. Civil war both girls and boys,(drummer boy)
I love making doll clothes and these are so cute and easy to do.
Great idea for making the straps, and I LOVE the rickrack trim on the bolero! I would like to see a hoodie or hooded jacket pattern…. and some cute PJ’s!
Thanks!
Winter coats and hats of different styles and cute summer shorts and tops.
I would love to see a pattern for nightwear!
Love the dress and jacket, your new fabrics work great!
I would love to see a cute little swimsuit and cover-up. Perfect for the summer!Thanks for the chance to win such a generous prize.
I always loved making doll clothes to match each outfit I made for my daughter! I would like to see the matching doll patterns for your existing patterns such as Urban Prairie dress and bubble shorts!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
I love your patterns and ideas for mixing up the fabrics for these cute babies.
I started sewing for my dolls way back when Shari Lewis and Lambchop were on Saturday mornings ! I plan to make matching outfits for my grands and their dolls. They have 15″ and 18″ sizes.
I love the tea time doll dress pattern. I would like to see a pattern for a short and long cape, muff, and hat. It’s so hot now, I’m thinking winter and cooler weather! Thanks for the give a way.
I especially like the bright and fresh colors of the fabrics!
Doll clothes were not my favorite thing to make, but seeing the joy it brings the granddaughters makes it worthwhile! I really like the tea dress shown!
I just love the print you used on the little jacket! Your apron patterns are so neat.
Some matching purse or tote patterns for girls and their dolls might be fun.
I love making doll clothes for my two granddaughters. These patterns would be wonderful to own!
I would like to know how to alter the patterns for a 15″ doll. One of our granddaughters has the 18″ doll, but the younger one has the 15″ doll. It would be great if there was a pattern for matching tutus – girls and dolls.
Loved the dress. Would like to see night clothes including night gown and baby doll pjs with matching outfits for the girls.
Love the dress. Linda gerig
This grandma needs to learn to do this!
This could be my latest addiction… Love it
Gingam and Rick rack are always timeless. Love the outfit.
I WISH I had some little girls. All of my “little ones” are boys.
Love the tea dress, I always made doll clothes for my girls, & love making them.
Hi Amy & Donna, i would really like to see more clothing for the 15″ doll. that has been the favorite size “baby doll” for our girls for years. thanks, scarlette
I would like a nursing outfit….I have some leftover scrubs fabric and would like to make a uniform.
Love how you & your mom embellished the Tea Time dress! Thanks for sharing your quick tip. I will certainly try this techinque.
I’d like to see more doll dress patterns with inset sleeves and unique collars. Thanks for asking!
I’d love to see a pattern for a classic coat/jacket and matching hat. I love your apron patterns – I hope I win!!
Ooh la la, I love what you did with the new fabric line, and the pattern on Page 8. That rick rack just really makes it all come together for that real vintage look! thanks for sharing!