Doll Clothes Patterns » American Girl

Doll Clothes Patterns to Fit Springfield Collection Dolls

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:05:59 +0000

I’ve had a couple of requests recently for the measurements of the Springfield Collection dolls. If you’re trying to alter your doll clothes patterns to fit this line of dolls, please notice they’re quite a bit thinner than the American Girl dolls.

The Springfield Collection is sold at Michael’s craft stores. Although they’re not as well-made as American Girl, they’re considerably less expensive than American Girl, …and they make good ’starter dolls’ if you’re on a tight budget. If you watch for a half-price coupon, you can get a real bargain. Just remember, because of the size difference, you’ll have to adjust your doll clothes patterns to get a great fit.

Compare these measurements to the measurements listed in the earlier post (on Nov. 10, 2008) if you’re attempting to alter commercial doll clothes patterns made for 18 inch dolls. Also, because all these dolls have cloth bodies, the measurements may vary slightly from doll to doll. Allow for ‘ease.’

Overall Height: 17-1/2 inches tall

Bust: 10-1/2 inches, Waist: 10 inches, Hips: 11-3/4 inches

Inseam: 6-1/2 inches, Thigh: 5-1/4, Calf: 4-1/2 inches

Arm (shoulder to wrist): 5-1/8 inches

Arm (armpit to wrist): 3-1/4 inches

Around the Shoulders: 13-3/4 inches

Around the Neck: 5-3/4 inches, Neck Height: 3/8 inches

Around Head: 11 inches, Foot: 2-5/8 long X 1-3/8 inches wide

Technorati Tags: American Girl, Doll Clothes Patterns, Springfield Collection Dolls

Doll Clothes Patterns: How to Find Tiny Materials

admin — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:04:59 +0000

I’m often asked where to find small-scale materials and supplies to use when sewing doll clothes patterns. For example, it’s difficult to find light-weight ribbed knit trim to use on the cuffs and waistbands of your doll’s hoodie. The adult-sized trim looks too bulky on your American Girl, or other 18 inch doll.

Find used baby clothes in good condition, and recycle the ribbed knit trim:

Try this idea. Go to your local thrift store and look for infant clothing. Babies outgrow their clothes so fast, it’s easy to find outfits in great condition. Many show very little wear and are very inexpensive. Recycle the baby clothes by removing the ribbed knit trim from the sleeves and around the neck. Then reuse the baby’s knit trim for your doll clothes patterns. The buttons on baby clothes also work perfectly for dolls.

One of the secrets to maintaining a great source of materials is to go to the thrift store often. Get to know the people who work there, and let them know what you’re doing. Tell them you’re always looking for baby clothes with white knit trim, …or whatever colors you use most. As they get to know you, they’ll start setting things aside for you. You’ll soon have all the supplies you need for your doll clothes patterns.

Technorati Tags: 18 Inch Doll, American Girl, Doll Clothes Patterns

American Girl Sewing Machine

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:40:59 +0000

Last week, while shopping at an antiques fair, my sister called to tell me she’d just found an American Girl sewing machine. She didn’t know if the machine had any connection with today’s American Girl dolls. But, she knew I was interested in sewing machines, dolls and doll clothes patterns.

As it turns out, these small ‘crank’ sewing machines were originally produced in the 1920’s and 1930’s as children’s toys. National Sewing Machine Company manufactured The American Girl sewing machines in a range of colors; black, red, dark green, bright green, indigo and butter yellow. The slogan on the original box says, “Just like Mother’s.” They were featured in the Sears Christmas catalog in 1936.

This little machine, with its chipped paint and missing wooden hand crank, looks like it’s probably seen its share of doll clothes patterns.

How fun is this? You could have a tiny American Girl sewing machine for your American Girl doll.

Technorati Tags: American Girl