Doll Owner’s Corner: Sewing for Dolls

First of the month, time for Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, can talk about anything at all without Hikaru getting in the way.

This month’s Topic: Sewing for Dolls

I want to talk about how sewing for dolls compares to sewing for people.  There are a few differences that you don’t always think about until it sneaks up on you while attempting to sew.  This goes for most dolls, not just ball jointed dolls.

First up, it the difference in size and scale of what you are sewing and using.

You see it here with trims used.  On the left is the sleeve of a sailor school uniform I made for Phoenix Comicon this year. 

I added a very thin ribbon along the edge of the cuff for decoration.  The same ribbon is used on the right for bows to decorate one of Hikaru’s dresses.  Not quite as thin looking now.

Another difference is how easy it is to add details.  Things like adding ruffles or pin tucks to skirts can take quite a deal of time when it’s for a human sized piece.  A ruffle takes considerably less time and effort on a doll skirt. 

Pin tucks can still be tricky since they would have to be smaller on a doll, but they still take less time.  This makes it possibly to make more elaborate outfits for dolls more easily than for humans. 

Moving on from embellishments, there’s the actual construction.

First I have the t-shirts I made recently for Usagi and Hikaru that open in back with Velcro to make it easier to put on.  If I did that to one of my t-shirts people would look at me funny. 

But with doll clothes it’s common and greatly encouraged, especially for bjds.  Pulling clothes over the head can be difficult and the rubbing might ruin their face ups.

Here is a pair of knit shorts I’m making for one of the dolls.  The two legs are cut out and I have it pinned and ready to hem, before sewing any seams.

This is an example of the difference in the order of steps you take when sewing.  I have always been taught to hem things only after sewing seams and such, but with dolls clothes you do it first because it is so small. 

Like if you made a doll skirt and did the sides first, you would have a harder time trying to get the skirt around your sewing machine to hem the bottom. 

Actually this brings up another point.  Because doll clothes are so small, sometimes parts are too small to even use a sewing machine no matter what you do.  Makes hand-sewing a must at times. 

Luckily the small size means it won’t take as long to complete a piece by hand.  Imagine trying to sew a dress for yourself completely by hand.

Now let deal with some of the advantages of sewing for dolls.

On the left is a dress I made for myself last year.  Lovely, I know.  I had enough scraps of fabric leftover from it to make the skirt on the right for Hikaru.  Actually I have more than that, I think a matching doll dress may be in the future. 

I think of fabric scraps as free fabric, and even if I have to buy fabric to make doll clothes I don’t have to spend much because it doesn’t take nearly as much fabric to make something for a doll.  Not even a yard of fabric for a dress for a doll compared to 2-4 yards or more for a similar human sized dress.

Plus things can be repurposed for doll clothes.  Like this doll swimsuit I made a few years back using a sock of all things.  Yes, that is a Barbie doll, and yes, Hikaru will be angry to see the photo. 

Anyway, it is easy to make cute knit clothing using things like socks.  You can also make doll clothes with t-shirts, handkerchiefs and scarves, and even baby clothes.  All stuff available at thrift stores, yard sales, or in your closet.

And one strange advantage for me.  This is a dress I made for myself last Easter.  I have made many dresses like this to wear.  They have a very doll-like look to them which isn’t a bad thing.  But the first time I wore this one, someone walking by told me they liked my “costume”.  Gee, thanks.

Basically, I can go wild with lace, bows and ruffles on my doll’s clothes and no one thinks they look strange or “costume-y”.

Now to those of you who regularly sew for dolls, bjds or otherwise, is there anything I left out?  Please share below.  I wish you luck in all your dolly crafting.

Read More »

Of Bjd Fashion: Mini-Skirts?!

Anna successfully completed another round of sewing in her little blog challenge.  Which means more delightful articles of clothing for our little Usagi, or so I thought.

What did Anna sew this week you ask?  Mini-skirts. 

Mini-skirts!

They are barely long enough to be called a skirt if you ask me. 

(Hikaru we didn’t ask you, and they aren’t that bad, and they look cute on Usagi and if you would try one they would look adorable on you too.  Now let’s get on with it.)

Humph!

Well then, the first “skirt” is made actually out of the same fabric as one of my dresses (See Of Bjd Fashion: Dresses to Sew and a Tutorial) and my favorite skirt (See Of Bjd Fashion: Circle Skirts).  Now that’s a skirt that is actually long enough to be called one. 

Anyway, it is trimmed with the same lovely lace as my pieces, and I suppose Usagi does look sweet wearing it.

The next skirt is made from the same fabric as my favorite dress (see It's Finish! And It's Gorgeous!).  I would almost swear Anna is intentionally using fabric from my favorite clothing just to make me accept these pieces. 

Anyway, it uses the same lovely lace and the color works well with Usagi’s summery top.

This red skirt is different from the others.  Although it is thankfully longer, it is a bit plainer. 

I’m surprised at Anna, she could at least have added some lace or a pocket.  The design is dependent on the somewhat bright pattern.  I suppose it would be appropriate for the upcoming holiday.

This final skirt is made from fabric similar to what was used for both my favorite dress and skirt.  The off-white floral is gorgeous.  If only it were at least a centimeter or two longer, maybe I could try…no, nothing.

After some consideration, I suppose the shorter skirt isn’t a completely terrible idea.  At least it isn’t on Usagi, they seem to suit her, at long as behaves herself while wearing them. 

As for myself though, it is simply out of the question.  I absolutely will not wear something that short, and that’s my final say on the matter.

“But Hikaru, we made one for you too!”

“I asked Anna to so we could dress up together. :)”

“You will wear it right? :)”

…. …..

…I seem to be in a dilemma.  What do you think?

Read More »

Of Bjd Fashion: Sweet Doll Tank Tops

Anna has been hard at work on her little blog challenge to make several more articles of doll clothing for Usagi.

Usagi now has several casual knit tank tops.  Perfect for this warm summer weather.  As usually she seems quite content with them.

This first one is my personal favorite.  It’s trimmed with some delicate lace.  Like all of these tops, it gathers nicely around the neckline and ties into sweet bows. 

This particular technique is one Anna refers to as a “pillow case top”.  I don’t see what it has to do with bed linens, but it is very attractive in casual clothing.

This next one is a little different in that it ties in a bow at the front of the top instead of the shoulders.  I suppose it makes changing one’s clothing speedier, but the look isn’t quite my cup of tea.

This one doesn’t appear to be finished at all.  It’s not even hemmed.  Anna claims that this is intentional.  She claims it looks “deconstructed”.  I think it looks “lazy”. 

She used fabric for the ties instead of all the beautiful ribbon and lace we have on hand.  I know I won’t be wearing it, but my precious Usagi will.  I suppose I should drop it, but…

And the final top is simply sweet.  Pretty pink ribbon tied into bows at both shoulders.  Comfortable, but still very becoming.  I very much approve of this one at least.

Anna also made this helpful video tutorial on making these quaint little tops.

Now everyone can have a new summer top, well almost everyone.  But I don’t necessarily need to have one, even if it would be nice.

“Hikaru, we made one for you too! :)”

“Now we can match again! :)”

I suppose since Anna and Usagi went through the trouble, I might as well wear this fine top.  In fact I have a lovely skirt that would be perfect with it.  Enjoy the summery tops and be at peace.

Read More »

A Doll’s Birthday, Or it Was

I have never been so livid in my entire life.  Anna forgot my birthday.  That glorious day when I came into her life. 

It was last month and she let it go by without a word until now.  And she has to nerve to come to me now and ask me about my birthday.

It will be ages before I am ready to forgive such atrocity.  Until then I can’t even look at her let alone speak.

“But don’t you want your present?”

“Anna let me help make it especially for you! :)”

…Thank you…

What could it be?

!!!

!!! !!!!

Wow, for once Hikaru is speechless.  Anyway, I made her present as part of a challenge I’m doing on my craft blog.  I did the same thing last summer to make clothes for Hikaru and this time I will be mostly making things for Usagi.

I only partially forgot Hikaru’s birthday, I got the month wrong.  For some reason I got it in my head that she was unboxed in June instead of the end of May.  Which is why I waited until now to make her present as the first project of that challenge.

Her birthday present is jewelry, two pearl necklaces and a pair of chunky pearl bracelets.  I’ll let her describe them now.

Yes….First off is this wonderful pearl necklace!  A classic piece that will work beautifully with all my lovely dresses!  I had been wanting a string of pearls for ages now, how did Anna know?

And in case that string of pearls wasn’t enough, Anna even added a ribbon and pearl choker.  It would look perfect with my favorite pink dress (see Its Finish! And Its Gorgeous!).

And yes, “chunky” is one way to describe these lovely bracelets.  I have to wonder if they are perhaps a tad too large for my delicate wrists.  But I believe they will work with my more casual outfits.

Anna was kind enough to make a bracelet for Usagi as well.

Usagi was sweet enough to help make my precious gift, so it is fitting to give her a small reward.

I am still a little irritated.  Anna does indeed own a calendar, such an important date was surely properly marked?

I suppose Anna can’t help being human at times.  And she didn’t completely overlook my birthday.

But next year I will mark the calendar myself, in such a way that she will be sure to notice.  It will be impossible for such a mix up to repeat.  For now I am at peace.

Read More »

Doll Owner’s Corner: Behind the Scenes Round 3

First of June, time for Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, talk about anything at all without the dolls.

This month: More bloopers!

I whipped up another batch of fun behind the scenes photos.  If you missed the previous ones, you can see the first set here and the second set here.

First up, here’s Hikaru after getting her new shoes and stockings (see Holiday Gifts).  She is seeing how flexible she is.  

Now three…

…Two and…

…one.  Oops.

Here’s another one the same day. 

My niece and nephew were watching Avatar: The Last Air-Bender.  This photo was taken right after Hikaru attempted to show off her “bending” skills to them.

This particular crash may have been caused by this, her stockings were falling down on her.  I have since fixed them to prevent this sort of accident.

This photo was from a different day, though Hikaru is still wearing the same dress. 

Yep, just sort of spacing out while playing with her hair.  You can tell it is freshly brushed by the toothbrush on the right.  It has a funny way of sneaking into shots.

This one was when Usagi first came (see Welcome Home, Doll Family A Unboxing).  She was wrapped up like a mummy in the box and Hikaru wasn’t quite prepared for the “mummy” to sit up and start moving.

Here’s Usagi, fully clothed, modeling the t-shirt I made for her (see Of Bjd Fashion: Usagi's First Outfit).  Great shot except for the strap of my camera getting in the way.

And it makes sense that sometimes when you take pictures of your dolls they need you to hold their hand.

And here’s a special moment.  When Usagi got her first set of clothes, she also received her first pair of underpants. 

And guess what was the first thing she tried to do with them?

That’s right, straight for her head.  Hikaru immediately stopped her and carefully explained that they are not headwear. 

Question is, did Usagi really not know this or was she just having some fun?  We may never know.

That’s all for this round, but believe me there will be more in the future.  Look forward to it.

Read More »