Alice’s Collections Shopping Haul: Doll Clothes, Eyes and a Stand?

This post was suppose to go up several months ago, but I never could get around to it until now.  So pretend it is still March when you read it.

Anna placed a smallish order on the fine online bjd store, Alice’s Collections.  There were just a few items we needed for a few particular purposes.

Within two weeks, the package arrived at our door.  Anna thought this was rather quick, however I would have preferred a speedier delivery.

Anyway, let us see what is inside the box.

First, there is a cleaning sponge included as a gift from the store.  These have been wonderful to have on hand.  Sakura is prone to making a mess of herself and Usagi isn’t much better.

(You’re pretty messy too, Hikaru.)

Now this is wonderous piece, it’s a simple white button-down shirt (also available in black) for Yuki.

A simple, yet classic piece with crisp collar and nicely make cuffs.  It is fairly well made for the rather low price.

It was purchased specifically for Yuki as a present for his birthday next month.  It looks wonderful and hopefully it will look just as fine on him.

And it does, much nicer than his t-shirts in my opinion.  The msd size seems to fit him well enough (Check out the dolls’ profile page for Yuki’s measurements, the shirt is available in several other “sizes”).

Next is something more casual, this pair of pink sneakers.

They were purchased for Usagi for her birthday as well.  I can’t say I particularly like them, but I’m positive Usagi will adore them. 

They are fairly well made though.   With decent topstitching, evenly spaced grommets, and sturdy looking lacings they should hold up well.

And as expected, Usagi is quite happy with them, mostly due to their coloring.

“They are so cute! :)”

They fit quite well, much better than the last pair of shoes purchase for her (see Bjd Unboxing: Doll Family H Body and Shoes?).

Both Usagi and Yuki seem quite content with their gifts.

Now for something wonderful, my new petticoat!

Yes, I have simple be dying to have one of my own for so long.  And because my own birthday is coming soon, Anna added it to her order.

(It’s available in black or white and in SD and Msd size.)

It looks so much fuller in person than on the website, but will it be effective?  Let us see.

Here is my fine skirt without any petticoat.

And now, here it is with my new petticoat.  The difference is almost alarming.

My skirt looks so beautiful and I simply cannot wait to try this with some of my favorite dresses. 

There is, however, a downside to all this new volume.

It certainly takes up a bit of space.

“Oh my, your skirt is so huge, but it’s cute too! :)”

“…what happened?…”

And now an important purchase, a pair of glass doll eyes.

Alice’s Collections was having a special event.  If you purchased certain items you could then purchase a pair of eyes of your choice for only $1, a real bargain of a price.

Not wanting to pass up this deal, Anna purchased a 12mm pair in pink for our small cat doll who was still in need of eyes.

Here is our tiny cat without eyes…

…And here she is now.  She can finally see!

And she keeps staring at me.  Why is see staring at me?

“She thinks your skirt is huge too. :)”

Now the final purchase, a doll stand.

Anna has been eyeing this doll stand for awhile.  She has mentioned many times about the little problem we dolls have with standing still for the camera (See this doll bloopers post).

She is hoping this stand will be of some help.  We shall have to test this idea.  However, that will be for another post.

For now, we will all continue to enjoy our new pieces.

Be at peace my dear readers.

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Of Bjd Fashion: T-shirts for Our Boy with a Tutorial

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

We have had Yuki (the only boy bjd) in our household for quite sometime, but his wardrobe has sadly been neglected.  It was about time for Anna to sew a few new articles of clothing for him.

I was thinking she should start with a nice dress shirt and appropriate accessories, but she decided to make him some t-shirts instead.

She has made three different t-shirts in basic black and white.  They have elbow length sleeves and close in the back with Velcro for easy wear.  They seem a little too basic for my taste, but I suppose they suit Yuki fine.

Anyway, Anna has again generously created a pattern and instructions so that others may be able to clothe their male ball jointed dolls in these simple t-shirts.

Let the tutorial begin.

MSD Boy Sized T-shirt Tutorial

Materials needed:

• T-shirt fabric, great way to reuse an old t-shirt.
• Basic sewing supplies (needle, scissors, thread, etc.)
• Velcro or snaps
• A sewing machine is optional
• Some sewing knowledge is helpful.
  

If you are a beginner at sewing, please check out our video tutorial for doll drawstring tank tops.  It demonstrates some of the techniques you will need to make these tops.

Here is your pattern.  It was made based on Yuki’s measurements which are posted on the doll profile page.

Cut out all your pieces according to the patterns.

With right sides together, pin the back pieces to the front at the shoulders and sew across.

Now get the sleeves and hem them.  You only need to fold once to hem since t-shirt fabric doesn’t unravel. 

And if you are sewing by hand, be sure to sew using a back stitch (as demonstrated in the video), so the hem will be able to stretch without snapping threads.

Once hemmed, you can carefully pin on the sleeves and sew (using the back stitch again).  I say carefully because if you don’t pin carefully around the curves of the sleeve and shoulders, then the ends won’t match up.

It is a good idea to try the shirt on your doll to make sure it fits well at he shoulders.  Re-sew if necessary.

Once sewn, it is helpful to cut little notches in the seam allowance as shown, this keeps the fabric from puckering when you turn it right side out.

Anyway, with the shirt right side up, take the collar and fold it in half long ways.  Then, carefully pin it along the edge of the neckline.  Once pinned, sew on using a back stitch.

After sewing, turn the collar and top stitch (back stitch again) to keep it nice and flat.  You may feel the need to cut off some of the excess fabric.

Now‘s the time to do the side seams.  With right sides together, pin along the sleeves and down the sides.  Be sure to try the shirt on your doll before sewing it down.

Now fold and hem the bottom of your shirt.  Feel free to leave it unhemmed if you want a more de-constructed look.

To finish up the shirt, fold and hem the edges of the opening.  Try the shirt on your doll to decide where to add the Velcro or snaps, and attach accordingly.

And now you have your doll t-shirt!  This one was the first version made by me for Yuki.  The fit wasn’t great at the shoulders and sides, so I adjusted the pattern accordingly.  Have fun making these for your dolls.

End of tutorial.

Now that I’ve had a second look, I feel these t-shirts do fit Yuki quite nicely.

The black one is most becoming on him, despite lacking in any sort of embellishment.  Why did she forego on the decorations?

It’s because Yuki was afraid that it would turn out too “girly looking”.  He is a cute boy, which makes some people mistake him for a girl, surprisingly.  He seems to think plain looking t-shirts and jeans will prevent this somehow.

“Oh that top is so cute!  Can I borrow it sometime? :)”

“…It’s a guy’s shirt…”

“It is? :)”

“….Is it?…”

Don’t worry Yuki, we know you are a boy no matter what you wear.

That is exactly right Anna.  So, maybe the next time you sew men’s clothing, you could make something a little more fashionable?  Maybe with some ruffles?

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.

Give it a try:

• VELCRO Brand Recycled Sew on Tape
  

• Loops & Threads Sew-On Snaps

• Loops & Threads Start-to-Sew Kit

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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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