I asked the mothers of my 7 grandchildren about Christmas, and got requests for doll clothes, pajama pants, and nightgowns. Of course!
First request was from the oldest granddaughter. She wanted Christmas pjs and a volleyball uniform for her 18″ doll. In searching online for what the uniform would look like, I noticed long sleeves and a tighter fit all around. Her school’s colors are red and black but I could not find a photo of the girls’ volleyball team online. I made the uniform out of 2 new-looking sports shirts I found at thrift stores.
I used my favorite boxer shorts pattern piece, but cut it a bit tighter all around, with tighter legs. Here is a comparison of the pattern pieces:
I sewed them as usual, it’s a very easy pattern. Sew the center back seam, center front seam, add half the elastic to the waistband of each piece. Sew the side seams, leg seam, and hem the bottom. Fold the waistband to the inside and topstitch in place.
It was difficult, but I finally found a sporty looking shirt pattern. I could have done a typical t-shirt but I wanted it to look different. I downloaded the raglan shirt pattern from http://www.beanbunny.com and with a little modification it was just right. I was able to use hemmed edges of the red so I didn’t have to hem the bottom of the shirt, and I used the ribbing at the neck edge for the neck edge of the doll shirt.
As per the detailed list from this granddaughter, I found shoes, cut the loop off a volleyball keychain for her ball, and added a sweatband.
Same granddaughter wanted a Christmas pajama outfit. I used a basic t-shirt pattern, but had it open in front so I switched the necklines on a back and front pattern. I sewed tiny buttons over the velcro closures. I had gold/white trim and there was exactly enough to trim the pjs. I made slippers from red flannel and white felt, and knitted a Santa hat.
The boys were easy, I used flannel for the two younger boys for their pj pants, and knits for the two older boys. I neglected to get photos before wrapping, but I found monster trucks, deer and bears, space ships and planets, glow-in-the-dark moons with stars, and tie-dye stripes.
Now on to the nightgowns, I found a pink fabric that made me queasy was a small enough pattern for a doll-size nightgown as well as little girl nightgowns. These two sisters love to dress in matching outfits, and their Wellie Wishers dolls want to match too. The nightgown pattern I found was as ruffly as I wanted it to be, but not very simple. Stitch-N-Save 5355, which contained both sizes (6 & 8) that I needed.
The dolls were a bit harder. I finally decided I would have to make the pattern. I have books by Joan Hinds for 18 inch dolls with many patterns. I had read on someone’s blog that printing a pattern for AG doll at 65% yields a pattern for WW dolls. Well, sort of. I finally figured I had better sew a practice one (or two) to get what I wanted. I lengthened the sleeves and bodice pieces and redrew them.
Document – Wellie Wishers nightgown – Created Dec
The link gets you a pdf showing the 3 pattern pieces. I fiddled and fiddled with measurements on the skirt and ruffle. I ended up using 5 by 12 inches for the skirt, but I think it should be a bit more, like 16. I used 2.5 by 18 inches for the ruffle. If you increase the skirt, make the length of the ruffle 1.5 times the length of the skirt for a nice gather. The pattern (from Home Decor for 18-Inch Dolls) gives the directions, including making the bodice fully lined.
Here you can see some of the fabrics I made boys’ pjs from. I decided the bodice was too bulky with 2 layers of flannel, so in the end I lined it with a thin cotton. I also decided the skirt looked too full.
Close enough! My own dolls are not American Girl or Wellie Wishers. The 18-inch dolls are Madame Alexander and the others are Hearts4Hearts, which are similar enough for photography and for trying on the outfits I make.
Now I have to be a sewing machine mechanic, my wonderful Singer 306W needs a timing adjustment and I’m struggling a little bit.
Quilt in Progress 