Pattern Sale!!! Now thru Sunday 4/26

Pattern Sale!!!!  This weekend only - 4/24 - 4/26 

SAVE 25% on all patterns in my Etsy Shop!
Coupon Code SPRING25 Enter at beginning of checkout
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

To the Ball - Cinderella-inspired Ball Gown

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter and Passover!

As this happy Springtime ushers in thoughts of flowers and butterflies, I am so pleased to announce the completion of my newest design:
"To the Ball" - A regal Ball Gown and Petticoat fit for a Princess

Find it in my Etsy & Craftsy shops:

Having the tunes of the old Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Cinderella in my head, I recall how Cinderella wishes to go "to the Ball" so she can see all the finery. So lucky to have a Fairy Godmother!

While this design looks very impressive, it is really the fabric that is the star of the show. The specially shaped panels of the bodice and skirt make it very easy to recreate the look.
Using light and sheer layers of pretty lightweight colors in the blue, aqua, and purple family the pattern shows how to combine them and get a very showy result.

It isn't difficult to make, either! This gown has a lot of layers and a lot of gathering which take a little time to put together but the techniques are pretty basic - gathering, hemming, hand-basting, sewing a lining down. There is a tutorial included for creating the pretty butterflies.

And lots of pictures and diagrams to illustrate your way!

Have a lovely Weekend!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

http://www.craftsy.com/user/573030/pattern-store

♥♥♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥♥♥

♥ Happy Valentines Day to all! ♥

Anticipating Springtime is a favorite activity in February :)

Dollhouse Designs is celebrating a new pattern, a soon-to-be-released pattern, and a handful of new items soon to be in my Etsy shop.

New Pattern - Winter Princess Nightgown!

Want to Build a Snowman??? Yes, and this pattern offers 2 Versions of the Nightgown, 2 Lengths, in 2 Fabric styles :)

Make it up in Knit or Woven fabrics, choose long or 3/4 sleeve styles, and long or short length! Very fast to make for lots of fun :)

Find patterns in both my Etsy and Craftsy shops:
Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns
Craftsy http://www.craftsy.com/user/573030




Next, there will be a NEW pattern coming very soon!
The luxurious new CINDERELLA Ball Gown....

Here is a preview photo. It is still in the production stage but should be ready by March 7!!
Featuring a gorgeous and enormous full layered skirt, pointed basque waist, and fluffy bodice accent plus an optional separate petticoat for maximum density.
There will be a couple of the finished gowns available in my Etsy shop for sale at that time, too!


And available very soon in shop are finished nightgowns, and 2 Raincoats for Springtime fun. (Raincoat sets are made from modified versions of  Sophie Clareese and Kotton Candy patterns)
Also... a new take on Elsa will be available soon just in time for the Spring release of Cinderella  and "Spring" Fever... Shhhh....

 

Fall Savings this week! Coupon Code

Pattern Sale!

Don't miss the pattern sale going on now. Simply shop for your favorite patterns in my Etsy shop and enter the special Coupon Code at checkout. Save 10% on your total! Expires September 28th. Find all the styles you want for American Girl Dolls...
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns 
  Coupon Code:    FALL12

Anna's Cape & Cape Pattern is now available!

Anna's Cape & Cap pattern is now available in my Etsy and Craftsy shops! I will be updating the sample photos soon but enjoy these in the meantime.

The pattern features templates and instructions for making the winter set as detailed or as simple as you like.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

http://www.craftsy.com/user/573030/pattern-store

Her Winter Outfit with Skirt, Blouse, Dirndl and Mittens are coming next  along with a 1930s Hollywood Pajama pattern

Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer!!!

-Renee

How to hide those American Girl Doll Neck Strings -Safely

One thing that all American Girl Doll fans have to deal with is moving those neck strings around when you change the doll's outfit...
when you brush her hair...
when you fasten her clothes...
when you put her in a pretty new outfit with a pretty back and those white strings are just... There.

Well, some time back a Wonderful lady wrote to me about what a shame it was that those neck strings distracted from an outfit I had made in otherwise very nice photos. She had a lovely tip for me: hide the strings.  I "shall always consider (her) a benefactress", to quote Anne of Green Gables, but unfortunately I cannot find that original message to me and thus, cannot credit her in this post. If you are that delightful person, please come forward so I may acknowledge your help :)

She went on to explain how she uses tweezers to push the strings down into the back opening on dolls with the gusset opening on their backs.  Voila... no more strings sticking out and getting in the way, but they remain perfectly safe and pristine.
I used her method in these photos with the assistance of my long serger tweezers - available at any sewing source or Amazon.com.

I did have to wrap the strings around the tweezers in order to insert them but I wonder if the process would be easier with curved tweezers? If anyone has them and tries that please let me know!

See below for the steps!
If you like Sewing Patterns or outfits for AGs, please visit my shop:

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Grasp and twist strings a few times

With the other hand, hold the strings from the bottom end and wrap the twisted strings around one side of tweezers. Pinch the ends tightly with tweezers. I had to try a couple times before I got them to stay.

Get ready to insert the strings.

Keep a tight grip on those tweezers as you work the strings inside. You will have to "find a path" through the stuffing.

Keep pushing and don't let go of the tweezer's grip until you get MOST of the strings inside.

Some will just not go, so at this point we will release the tweezers and pull them back out, leaving the strings partially inside.

Grap some of the strings that are still sticking out and push those inside.

Repeat until you have them all in there. 

Now isn't that so much neater???

I love this trick :) I had these inside my doll for over a year and untucked the strings and the only thing was they were all curly, but a little misting and pulling will restore then to being straight. (Or a quick iron steaming on the ends -taking care to keep dolly's hair out of the path of the iron)

SALE 10% off Everything in my Etsy Shop

Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy a 10% Discount on everything in my Etsy shop - Outfits and Patterns $6  and up, now thru May 14. 

{Reminder ELSA Frozen pattern is at special reduced price of $9.99 til May 30 - I like to offer new patterns at lower cost the first few weeks} 

Thanks and Enjoy!! 

Coupon Code: MAY10 ~ Good thru May 14th

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Elsa, Ice Queen Gown - Original and PINK

Hello all,

Have you heard? My Elsa Ice Queen Pattern has been in my Etsy shop for a few days now.

Dollhouse Designs Etsy Shop

Just for fun (and I know there are one or two little girls that cannot get enough of the color Pink) I decided to create a Pink Elsa costume!
I have entitled it "Break of Dawn" Elsa for the line in her song "Let it Go". "And I'll rise like the break of dawn"

 The pattern has very detailed instructions and lots of great diagrams and pictures so that you can make an Elsa gown of your very own.

Anna is coming soon! Her Cape and Cap and then shortly after her Winter outfit.
Both Coronation outfits and other outfits from the movie will also be appearing in AG form - outfits and patterns for all.

Thanks and have a lovely Spring week...

-Renee

Elsa as Snow Queen

Sneak Peek of my next Pattern!

I am offering this first-run outfit made from my soon-to-be-released Elsa pattern in my Etsy shop. This is a preview of what the pattern version will look like.

This is a Basic version (no extra trims) and I am making some slight changes to the design of her sleeveless bodice and the train in order to perfect the fit and make it even grander! Pattern will have trim option how-to's and examples to make it all so easy to recreate :)  

Anna's Cape and Hat pattern will be released very soon as well. I'll keep you updated on the release :)  Thanks so much for your interest, and I hope you are having a lovely lead up to Easter, Passover, and Spring sunshine. 

-Renee

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

SALE on OUTFITS and FROZEN PATTERN Coming SOON

Hello Lovelies!!

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still at work on my first pattern from the inspired-by- Frozen series. The Anna Cape & Cap pattern is nearing completion. It will include a version for Elsa's Coronation Cape (that she throws off). LOVING these Nordic styles! I offer 2 different ways to achieve the trim. Stay Tuned ♥ 

An Anna & Elsa Outfit set will come after that! I also have plans for other outfits from the movie ;)

Also! a general notice that my Etsy shop has a sale of my Original Outfits on sale for low prices. These are Proofs (outfits made from my Pattern drafting). Lots of things for sale...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Have a Lovely Weekend!!!!

-Renee

Prima is now Available!

I hope this post finds all of you well & keeping warm this February ♥
Thanks so MUCH to all of you that have been following and commenting SO nicely on the development of this pattern.
As usual, I have underestimated the finish date on it... but it is now available on Etsy and will be tomorrow on Craftsy as well.

Blessings!


Etsy Shop:   http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Craftsy Shop: http://www.craftsy.com/user/573030/pattern-store

Holiday Shop SALE

Greetings!

Announcing a SALE in my Holiday Shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Coupon Code: HOLIDAY25

30% off now thru Dec 15
on items $25 and up

Enjoy!

~Poinsettia~ A New Regency Gown

Presenting "Poinsettia"
A Red Silk Dupioni stitched all in silk thread

http://www.etsy.com/listing/172074367/poinsettia-silk-regency-gown-for
Regency Elegance trimmed in Velvet, Lace, & Pearl Swags. 
Ladylike Holiday Gown for American Girl Caroline & Josefina or My AG dolls 

Winter Accessory Pattern and Glimmer Dress Pattern are ThisClose to being finished...

Thanks for stopping by and Stay Warm & Happy in Holiday Spirit!

 

New Holiday Patterns Arriving this WEEK! More Outfits for Sale

Winter Accessories Pattern coming soon! New Outfits for Sale

Available this week  - Also look for the new GLIMMER pattern.

Glimmer is a Special Occasion Dress pattern that is customizable to be either an 1850s
Victorian style or Modern - You choose :)
Sleeve, Bodice, & Skirt Options create just the look you want....
Beautifully fitted Dress with Waist Sash to adjust waist
Bow Front Detail
Lace or Banded Sleeves


Also, Christmas Outfits will continue to be available! Dresses, Accessories, and Coats.... all in my Holiday Shop

Dollhouse Designs on Etsy

Happy Thanksgiving SALE

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am deeply Thankful for a much better year for myself and my kids. To celebrate, I am offering a 15% discount on everything outfits and patterns. Good Nov 28 & 29th

Coupon Code: THANKS

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Dollhouse Designs Holiday Shop now Open

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DollhouseDesigns

Currently listing Holiday Outfits... New Outfits every couple of days now thru December 16. Historical and Modern styles...
Also a special Holiday Accessory pattern coming soon... These outfits available Now :)

Pattern Sale!

Don't miss the pattern sale going on now. Simply shop for your favorite patterns in my Etsy shop and enter the special Coupon Code at checkout. Save 10% on your total! Expires Nov 30
 
  Coupon Code:    FALL13

Coming Soon:
New Regency Patterns & Holiday Outfits

Dolly Sneaker Revamp

I love these little Converse-style sneakers for 18" dolls. They are not AG, but a good maker -Sophia's. The shoes fit well and are adorable. The only thing I was not crazy about was the shoe lace. Tying itty bitty bows onto AG feet is not easy, esp when it is a shoe lace w/ standard grommet.

My fix? I got some 1/8" elastic and threaded it thru to look like laces. I left some extra at the end and tied a secure knot. That tucks down into the shoe pretty well, and Voila! Easy-on-off sneakers :)

Pattern Sale thru Nov 14th

Don't miss the pattern sale going on now. Simply shop for your favorite patterns in my Etsy shop and enter the special Coupon Code at checkout. Save 10% on your total! Expires Nov 14
 
  Coupon Code:    FALL12

Coming Soon:
New Patterns & other items

Ruthie Coat Pattern Coming Soon!

The original Ruthie Coat design

New Patterns on the Way!

I call this the Russian version :P

Making the last adjustments to the Alternate View to Ruthie's Winter Coat. I expect to be done w/ it tomorrow and the pattern available hopefully Friday/Saturday or early next week. It's one of my favorite early patterns for Kit & Ruthie's era.
Fully lined, it will have fur or fabric trim (depending on View A or B) as well as a jaunty little hat & some mittens. It's designed to fit easily over clothes.
Doesn't Ruthie make a great little model??

Next up is an 1812 dress and Spencer or Pelisse/Coat. I have designed both so I am still deciding which to make the as first pattern for the beautiful Caroline. Watch for details on that one..... as well as a MyAG design for modern girls.

Perfecting the sleeve cut

Nearly done! Adding Pocket flaps

I have so many more patterns in various stages of progress. I doodle up designs and work on the drafting portions when I am not able to actively sew (see below) and then they are ready for me to run with once I am feeling better!

So happy with the seeming design and sewing boom that AG seamstresses have had. I just love to see all the new creations and pin things to my American Girl Pinterest board. I believe that all the creative energy inspires all of us to do more. Etsy has been the source of so much talent, making new handmade things available for dressing dolls in endless options. (This is my own Etsy shop.)



Wishing you all well ♥