Pattern Drafting for Dolls

Mar 162011
 

Have you ever wanted to create an outfit that YOU had in mind but couldn’t find a pattern for? One that was your own individual creation?  Or you could find the pattern but it’s for the wrong doll or the wrong size doll? Would you like to learn to draft your own patterns instead of purchasing patterns that may or may not fit your doll right? The Pattern Drafting Crash Course is an easy to follow tutorial that lets you learn to draft for a child doll. I developed it and have used it to draft for dolls as small as 1/2″ tall all the way up to a toddler size outfit for my daughter when she was 2! (she’s 11 now!)

If you find it useful, and I think you will the full book is available at my main site, Sue’s Tiny Costumes. Please let me know what you think or if you find it helpful! I’d also LOVE to see patterns you’ve created just drop me a note I’m more than happy to show off what you’ve done!

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

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How do you sew that small….

Mar 122011
 

I’m amused I post a 16″ pattern and am asked how can I see to sew that small? The answer is lots of light, magnifying glass and zoom on  the computer along with strained 20/20 and mild glasses! Honestly I work even smaller than Brends Starr, I work in 1/2″ scale too. This means my smallest doll I’ve sewn for is a whopping 1/2″ tall!

Tiny 1/2" tall Baby

Tiny 1/2" tall Baby, the dress is computer drafted and *machine* sewn!

I started in 1″ scale making patterns for my lady doll Katherine, from there I made a smocked dress pattern for a 1″ baby I named after my then 1yr now 11yr old daughter Seraphine.

Baby Seraphine

Baby Seraphine 1 1/2" Tall

I was hooked on drafting in miniature! I have even written a book on it and taught online & face to face classes locally.I branched out to larger dolls that my daughter could play with such as Madeline and Tiny Betsy both of  which are in great condition despite being played with!

Various Dolls who Fit Tiny Betsy Patterns

Various Dolls who Fit Tiny Betsy Patterns

Beyond that I’ve don some things for various fashion dolls from Tiny Kitty to Kitty Collier and several dolls in between.

I love drafting for the various size dolls and once in a while I get to play with them more. This summer I hope to get into my backyard and start taking photos of the dresses that will improve the look and feel of the main site along with allow me to share what I’ve created over the years more clearly. The smallest dolls are the hardest for me to photograph but I have a better camera and should be able to get better photos. Beyond that I’ll share some of the patterns that I’ve completed.

How do I do all this…. very carefully, patiently and with a lot of trial and error on the sewing construction end of things. The hardest part is writing up how to put the outfits together so someone else can make the outfit.

Enjoy what I’ve shared!

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

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Lesson of the month for me…

Aug 222010
 

No matter what you do always write yourself a note to go with new patterns and cut out projects. You never know how long it will be until you get back to an item!

I am working on a beautiful square neck lame top and black pleated pants suit item for my Dollfie but for the life of me I can’t figure out what I was thinking when I designed and cut the project out! The top isn’t so bad and is almost done now but the pants have me completely puzzled so I’m hoping that once I have the top done and on her the rest will fall into place!

Here’s a good example of a simple New Pattern or Project Planning Page:

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

NEW! Find me on FaceBook Sue's Tiny Costumes

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Another trip to and from work…

Aug 212010
 

I have many items that I cut out several years ago and  Friday morning I pulled one out that I no longer had the pattern with…so while I basted a pretty blue strapless dress I have yet to figure out who it will fit! At least it’s basted together! Hmmmm maybe I should stitch it and then take some photos soon!

Sue Darby
~www.suestinycostumes.com

NEW! Find me on FaceBook Sue's Tiny Costumes

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