I am very excited to announce that my very first PDF pattern has been released today and is now available in my Etsy shop.
This is a PDF Pattern #SS2016-01 called “Parisienne dress” to make a signature Swish & Swirl dress to fit 16-inch A Girl for All Time dolls.
Design includes:
Fully lined bodice
Princess seams
Invisible zip closure
Detachable sash
Pattern features 10 pages of step-by-step instructions with photographs, including tips on how to insert an invisible zip.
Suggested Skill Level – Intermediate.
Please click on the photo to go to the listing.
Beautiful dress! I love the full skirt. However I have a question. I make dolls clothes but I never put zips in them as it is much easier and cheaper to use Velcro or press studs. Would it be possible for me to use the pattern and not put a zip in? Would you ever consider patterns without zips?
I have a large collection of Gotz dolls as well as B&P and AGAT!
Thank you, Pamela. Yes, if you know how to adjust the back of the pattern, you can put velcro or snaps there. You will just need to extend the back seams by 6 mm (1/4 inch) or so. And also press the skirt’s seam not open but to one side. Yes, in the future I will have some patterns that will use snaps. I only use zips when it’s appropriate (like in fitted dresses). I am afraid I will never make patterns for velcro as I can’t stand velcro and I never use it. Even when I make t-shirts, I use snaps.
And yes, I will be making patterns for Gotz and B&P, too.
Thanks for your reply. That is good to know. I understand that the dress is fitted and that is why it requires a zip. Perhaps I can fit a zip this once!! Just in general it can get quite expensive with the material, trimmings, thread etc. I find Velcro is easy for children to manage but I don’t like the very sticky ones as they can get caught on dolly tights…
I am glad you will be designing some outfits with snaps too.
Actually, zips are not that expensive provided you buy them in the right places.
I stocked up on mine before I left Singapore last summer – in the local Chinatown – and the price was amazing (something like £0.15 per zip!). Also, I don’t really sew for children – unless they are my own daughters. And my daughters manage zips without any problems. They don’t like velcro either as it catches on dolls’s hair and indeed tights (they have a lot of those from AG!)!
Yes, in fact the next few outfits for AGAT will have snaps, not zips!
The dress is lovely! I really like the elegant silhouette and the fact you don’t use velcro.
I have a question – how well would this dress fit BFC Ink 18″ doll? She shares the size with IH JID girls, and from what I’ve seen, can wear AGAT outfits and shoes, although she has much thinner waist and hands. I’d love to sew some of the lovely outfits I’ve seen on your site for my dolls, thus I’m asking.
Thank you, Somarie! I am afraid I have never seen or owned a BFC Ink doll so am not sure about their body comparison to AGAT dolls. I have an Iplehouse JID girl and I have just tried an AGAT dress on her – it is a bit loose at the waist area, and the armscyes are really large for her. I wouldn’t call it a perfect fit. The pattern may work but will require a few adjustments. I may consider getting a BFC doll for the comparison purposes. I will think about it.
I have seen a comparision photo on Toyboxphilosopher’s blog. Here’s the link http://www.toyboxphilosopher.com/2013/10/a-girl-for-all-times-clementine-your.html
Since BFC Ink dolls are not produced anymore it’s quite hard to find one, but there are chinese knock-offs available which are much easier to find.
I want to say that I’m watching your blog for a few years, and I’m always amazed by all the new outfits you create. Thank You for always renewing my love for dolls and inspiring me to sew more <3
Hmm… They look more different than I thought! I’ve heard that patterns for BFC can be adjusted for AGAT dolls but didn’t realize there would be a lot of adjustment! I will persevere and will find the right BFC doll when the time is right. I wouldn’t buy a Chinese knock-off. I’ve found a few on ebay but the hair is awful in most of them. I want either Addison or Britt – both with joints.
And thank you so much! I love it when people are inspired by my blog! It means a lot to me!
Hi Somarie, I have received my BFC Ink 18 doll today! OK, so, I have tried the red dress on her and it sort of fits. If you were to take away about 1.5 cm from each side of the shoulder seam and then lengthen the bodice, it will fit quite well. As it is, it is loose on the shoulders and in armscyes. Hope this helps.
Congrats on finding one! Thank you very much for the information, now I’ll know how to alter AGAT patterns ^__^
Thank you! Yes, it’s hard to find one with good hair and for a reasonable price!! I got Addison, fully jointed. Her hair wasn’t perfect but at least was OK to be able to do the shoulder length style. She is very pretty. I wouldn’t have bought one if you hadn’t asked, so, thank you!
I posted a reply and only now realized it got lost somehow.
I can’t wait to see your Addison and all the lovely outfits she’ll have!
Btw if you’ll ever need a pattern tester for BFC Ink I’m happy to help.
Thank you, Somarie! I will let you know if I need a tester for these girls! At the moment I am in a summer holidays mood so can build grand plans!!