Of Bjd Fashion: Vintage Style Pink Dress Ensemble for Momoko

After much anticipation, Anna has finally sewn a beautiful new outfit for our newest doll, Momoko.

She made this lovely pink A-line dress.  She was somewhat inspired by some of the delightful fashions found in the magazine, Dolly Bird (see Of Bjd Lifestyle: DollyBird Vol. 12, a Japanese Doll Magazine).

It is simply embellished with lace along the hem and a ribbon tied around the waist.

Anna said she made it using the same pattern as Yuna’s blue dress (see Of Bjd Fashion: Yuna’s First Outfit with Tutorial), just with a different type of skirt.  It’s a circle skirt made using this tutorial.

“Um…That dress is really pretty.”

“Why thank you Yuna.”

To add to this slightly vintage inspired look, Anna made a simple pearl necklace similar to my favorite necklace.

And a simple ribbon head band completes the look (see Of Bjd Fashion: Headbands for Dolls with a Tutorial).

Overall, it’s an outfit that suits our Momoko well.  Anna has done a fine job this time, let’s just hope the quality of her doll sewing further improves in the future.

Be at peace my dear readers.

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Of Bjd Fashion: Pink Lace Ensemble for a Birthday

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

My much anticipated birthday was last week.  However, just as last year, the celebration was delayed a bit, but for a wonderful reason.

So Anna could have extra time to work on this…

…My new pink lace ensemble.

A wonderful and well coordinated new outfit consisting of a gorgeous pink lace dress with ribbon rose accents, a pink underskirt, a pink lace purse, and a cameo necklace..  I was so thrilled when I first saw it. 

The dress fits me like a dream.  Anna says the design was inspired by the dress she recently made for herself  and it was sewn using the same techinque from our fitted bodice tutorial video.

The tiny ribbon roses at the straps and on the sash were individually hand stitched by her.  Oh, I do wish she would use them for my clothing more often.

The same exquisite roses were also used for the sweet matching headband (see Of Bjd Fashion: Headbands for Dolls with a Tutorial to make your own).

The purse is relatively simple in design, similar to some from our doll bags and purses tutorial.  It is made from matching pink lace with a long ribbon cord strap and a pearl bead clasp (it actually closes with Velcro!). 

It’s simplicity makes it all the more versatile, it will work with many items in my ever growing wardrobe.

I’m afraid the cameo necklace doesn’t match this new outfit, but it is a thing of beauty in itself.  Anna says she received it from her mother.  It was intended for human use, but with the chain shortened it became perfectly doll-sized.

The underskirt is among the most versatile parts of the ensemble.  With it, the dress is full and elegant.   However, the dress can be worn without it for a lighter more casual look. 

And I can easily pair the skirt with a nice blouse for a completely different style.  Such a versatile and beautiful clothing set.

I do wonder what the other dolls think of it.

“…This dress is so pretty…”

“Wow, it’s so big!  What makes it so poufy?  Is there something under there? Can I fit underneath?!”

Yes my dear readers, this is what I put up with, curious children.  However, it is what comes with looking fabulous.

Be at peace.

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Of Bjd Fashion: Usagi’s New Jeans!? with Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Last month was Usagi’s birthday.  It has officially been a year since she and her friend (the head) came into my care (see Welcome Home, Doll Family-A Unboxing).

In honor of this occasion, Anna created a brand new outfit for Usagi.  I can’t say I am completely thrilled about it for one particular reason.

Anna made Usagi a pair of jeans.

“Yay! Just what I wanted! :)”

Oh dear no, why?!

Jeans, those horrible things that I wouldn’t be caught dead in are now in this household.

And I know Usagi specifically asked for them (see Bjd Lifestyle: Haute Doll Magazine, The Bjd Issue?), but I still don’t understand it.

They have a touch of lace on the back pockets which I approve of, though it’s a pity that this sweet touch is hidden by the top.

The top is a pretty wrap style made with the same floral print material as my skirt.  It is loose fitting, but flattering.

Anna said she was inspired to make it using this doll dress tutorial.  She did have to create her own pattern though.

She has decided to provide the pattern, so that others may benefit from it.

A beaded necklace is the final piece to make this outfit complete.

Anna insists that others may wish to make jeans for their ball jointed dolls too.  Why, I simply can’t comprehend.

However, I am a patient and generous doll, and will allow Anna to share her tutorial.

MSD BJD Jeans Tutorial

 

Materials needed:

• Denim (old jeans work)
• Scissors
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Pins
• Snaps or soft Velcro
• Pencil or pen
• Pattern
• A Doll
• Any lace or decoration you want.
• Some sewing skills (yours or a friend’s)

Here is your pattern.  As marked on the pattern, you will need to cut 2 of the leg pieces and 2 pockets.  The pockets are completely optional, they are just fun.

For these jeans, it’s best to use a stretchy denim because it will insure a better fit, and it tends to be thinner which works better for dolls.

Also, keep your doll handy while sewing these jeans.  Try them on frequently, especially when sewing the waist and seams.

First, pin your pieces at the “Back” part with the right sides together and then sew it.  I would highly recommend using a sewing machine for this, but you can sew by hand too.

Now at the “Front” part of both pieces fold where it is marked on the pattern and sew along the edge.  This part will be the fly.

Now you will hem the pant legs by simply folding up the bottom and sewing it.  You can double fold it if you wish, but this makes it less bulky.

Your dolly jeans should look like this at this point.  Now for some decorating.

It is optional, but you can sew two rows of stitches down the center of each leg to give the look of side seams.  This is also a good time to add appliques or other embellishments too.

For the waistband, all we do is fold it down and sew across just to keep it simple.  Using the pattern as is will give you a fairly high waisted pair of jeans, so cut it as marked if you want a lower waist.

Now for the pockets.  Mark with a pencil or pen on the wrong side of the fabric where you want the pockets.  Then sew along the line. 

I just did this for the front pockets, but you can do this for the back pockets too or for any other details you want to add.

But if you want to add the back pockets, here’s how.

First we take our pockets and cut small pieces from the corners as shown.  This makes the next step easier.

Fold the sides and sew.

The top side is done last.

If you wish, you can add lace or other details to them.

Just need to pin them in place and sew along the edge of the pockets.  Take your time, especially at each corner.

Almost done, you will need to pin together the “Front” parts and sew as marked on the pattern.

Next is to pin the inseam, starting at the bottom hem, up the leg to the crotch.  And then do the same to the other leg, then sew them both up.

Turn it inside out, and you got yourself a near complete pair of jeans.

All that’s left is to sew on a snap or some Velcro to close it.

And now you have a new pair of doll jeans.  You can also make regular pants the same way.

End of Tutorial.

Don’t you think they look cute on Usagi, it’s a shame Hikaru is so biased about them.

Hmm, I suppose they suit Usagi well, and it is just one pair of jeans.  Nothing to get too worked up over.

“I want some too! Can I please?”

Oh no, not you too Sakura!

“But what about my friend?  It’s his birthday too! :)”

Yes Usagi, but he is a head.  A head can’t receive nice new clothes.  Isn’t that right Anna?

That’s right Hikaru, but that can be easily fixed. 

Time for a special announcement.  The head will soon have a body.  I placed an order for it among other things and it will come in any day now.

(…You didn’t mention this to me.)

(Yes I did, you just weren’t paying attention.)

Then that means soon this head will be a doll?  A male doll? 

…Oh dear…

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Of Bjd Fashion: Yuna’s First Outfit with Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

After much delay, Anna has finally sewn an adorable little dress for our newest ball jointed doll, Yuna.

A simple and pretty yosd sized dress, it suits Yuna quite well.

As a service to my lovely readers, I have insisted that Anna provide a printable pattern for this dress as well as detailed instructions for its construction.

Let the tutorial begin.

Yosd Bjd Sleeveless Dress Tutorial

Materials needed:

• Fabric
• Snaps or Velcro
• Pins
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Lace and other trims of your choice.
• Pattern (download below)
• Iron (optional)
• Patience (optional, but helpful)

Here’s the pattern for the dress.  It was designed to fit Yuna loosely, so please check out her measurements to ensure a good fit for your dolls.

If you are a bit of a beginner at sewing, please check out our Fitted Doll Dresses tutorial.  It is a video tutorial that demonstrates most of the techniques needed to make this dress.

Now let’s get started.

First you need to cut out all your fabric pieces.

As mentioned on the pattern, you will need to cut out the bodice pieces from your fabric and a lining fabric.  I chose to use the same fabric for the lining.

Now you need to pin the front bodice to the back pieces at the shoulders with the right sides together.  Then just sew them.  Repeat this with your lining.

After sewing, press out the seams with an iron. 

You can also press it out by rubbing it with the back of a spoon or your finger.  This trick only works well on small pieces like doll clothes, especially when made with cottony fabrics.

Now for the lace ruffles, which are totally optional.  You first need to cut a strip of lace about twice as long as you want it. 

Sew a running stitch along the edge of the lace as shown, then pull to gather it to the desired length.

(That’s my favorite lace!  Why did you use it for this dress instead of one for me!)

(You say that about all the lace I use for your clothes.)

Carefully pin it along the arm area and sew it in place.

Continuing on, place the bodice and lining right sides together and pin around the neckline.  Make sure the lace ruffles aren’t in the way.

After sewing the neckline, pin and sew at the arm area too.  Make sure that the lace ruffles are smooth while you pin.

This part may be a little tricky.  Starting at the back pieces, you want to turn the whole thing right side out.  The hard part will be the shoulders.  Once done, press it out.

If you want, you can sew along edges (a.k.a. top stitch) to make it look nicer and help it stay flat.

(Why are the photo backgrounds changing?)

(Because I took some of these photos at work in the break room.  The great thing about sewing doll clothes is that I can pack my stuff and work on them anywhere.)

(If you can work anywhere and anytime, would you mind explaining why it takes so long for you to complete any of my clothing?)

Now to pin the sides of the bodice.  Check the fit on your doll and then sew.  Press out the seams.

Before the next steps, it helps to trim a little from the lining along the edge.  This will reduce some of the bulk.

The bodice is finish!  Now to start on the skirt.

First to pin and sew the hem of the skirt.  You can add some lace to the hem if you wish.  I chose to add the lace to the front of the skirt instead.

Now gather the top of the skirt to fit the bodice.

With right sides together, pin the skirt to the bodice.  Make sure the gathers are nice and even before sewing.

Press it flat and topstitch again if you wish.

Now at the back of the dress, start pinning from the top to a little past the top of the skirt.  I use my thumb as a guide.  Sew and repeat.

Now to pin the back of the dress together to sew the final seam.  After that there is one final thing to do.

Sew on snaps!  Or Velcro if you wish.  Try the dress on the your doll to see where to place the snaps.

Now the dress is done and ready to decorate.  I added pearl “buttons” and a tiny lace rosette with a ribbon bow. 

 

Now that the tutorial is complete, let us discuss this darling outfit further.

In addition to the dress, Anna made some accessories.  First is the pretty hair piece Yuna is wearing.

It is a simple headband made from two pieces of lace and a bit of elastic.

It adds a beautiful touch to her hair.

Anna also made this felt bag.  It was made using the same methods from a previous tutorial (see Of Bjd Fashion: Felt Doll-Sized Purses).

It is a versatile color and it is nice accented with a lace bow.

It adds the finishing touch to such an endearing outfit. 

And now Yuna doesn’t need to borrow clothing from Sakura any longer.  What does Sakura think of Yuna’s new outfit?

“Yay!  You look so cute!  That dress is so pretty.  The headband is so pretty.  Do you think it’s pretty?  Do you like it?  Yes?”

…..

“Me too!”

“Wow, what a neat bag.  Do you think it will hold a lot of stuff?  I want one too, do you think Anna will make me one?  Maybe in pink?”

It would appear that Anna needs to start sewing again.  Hopefully her next sewing project will be completed in a more timely manner.

For now, we are at peace.

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