Monday, May 16, 2016

My Latest Obsession

Since I finished up the Framed Nine Patch, my design wall is currently empty. I have an idea for a new project, but it will have to wait. I seem to have developed a new obsession.

You may remember earlier this spring I mentioned that I found an 18" doll in excellent condition at a local thrift store, and for $4 I couldn't resist. Just the doll, no clothing or anything. My excuse is that I can spend the rest of this year making clothes for her, then gift her to my 7-year old great niece for Christmas. Here she is in her dress from April:

I've named her Gracie, but my little niece can name her whatever she likes later.

I may have gotten a little carried away with making things for her. I picked up some baby things at the thrift store thinking I could modify them or use the fabric. I also found a commercial pattern that has basic pieces - shirt, pants, shoes - that I can modify as needed to make pretty much anything.

So Gracie now has tights, a nightie (made from an infant onesie), a purse, and shoes. And a cami with lace trim.

I planned to make one outfit or accessory set a month from April to Christmas. I'll definitely end up with more than that - I've become obsessed with making things for this doll. Pattern-making in 3D is different than pattern design for quilts, and I'm using skills I haven't used in years. I'm having fun with it. Maybe in my retirement I've entered my second childhood???!

Anyway, that's what I'm working on while I figure out what quilting project to work on next. Check out the quilting projects on everyone's design walls over at Patchwork Times.

7 comments:

  1. What a fun year-long project! Your niece is going to be blown away.

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  2. Have fun with it! I don't think my arthritic hands could manage the tiny pieces.

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  3. Oh how wonderful! I loved making doll clothes for my daughters. They had matching dresses, matching pj's, matching t-shirts, etc. Your great niece will have the best dressed doll! Enjoy. :)

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  4. So cute! Making some doll clothes is on my bucket list.

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  5. Gracie has such a pretty face! I'm sure your great niece will be absolutely thrilled with her! I'm glad you're enjoying the process. It's not often we get to have complete control over someone's new wardrobe :)

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  6. Ahh this brings back memories from when my girls were little, sewing for them and for their dollies...too much fun. I have a 7-year-old grandson, so no doll clothes sewing, but he and I did make a quilt together for his stuffed puppy at Christmas - man did he do a fantastic job running the sewing machine! I can see some fun times ahead when you do give the doll and clothes to your granddaughter.

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  7. Very fun wardrobe additions. That's how I learned to sew, making clothes for mine and my sister's dolls.

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