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

Swell Belle Dress - a Blast from the 1940's

I adore old sewing patterns.  Just. Love. Them.

That being said, I find them to be wonderful inspiration for things I want to make for our fave Historical Dolls, as well as interjecting some old style into modern fashions that I sew for my daughter, now 21.
Here is a gorgeous vintage sewing pattern from the 1940's. It is from one of my favorite sites ever: Vintage Patterns Wiki I could not avoid making an American Girl-sized version. It's just too perfect not to emulate :)

From the pointed Basque waist to the curved & pieced bodice, I enjoyed translating these details into miniature. I don't own the original pattern - I am largely a "window shopper", although that would change if I had the means to be a collector.

Also appearing is the finished dress. I drafted it for my own doll sewing pattern. I intend to perfect it and then release it as my very first Digital Pattern for others to use! I am excited about it and can't wait to get it ready and see the results..

I've been working on this converting-patterns-into-digital for awhile now. I am embarrassed to say well over a year! Not this particular one -I created it yesterday for myself our of tissue paper, but the idea in general. I am not the most Tech-Savvy seamstress out there. (Looming understatement.)

I hope you enjoy there little blurbs of back-information to the doll togs I create. Thanks again to all who have been patient in sticking with me. (See previous post)

What's New at Dollhouse Designs

~  New Listing Available: Auction link on eBay

Victorian Waterfall, 2nd in the Grand Ball Series

Putting a difficult year behind me, I was so relieved & excited to begin sewing and designing again. I've had a slow start and can only be grateful for those of you that have been able to bear with me. 

Truly, there have been many times that my favorite hobby has gotten me though some difficult times. Most of my outfits are brand new patterns that I create as I construct the garment and it's a nice creative outlet. The very best part is that I am usually sewing for someone else, and I get to hear of their joy at receiving the item. That sense of delight never gets old.

My favorite new project that has already debuted is The Grand Ball Series. Made of superior fabrics with unique design touches, I aim for this to be a memorable set. Lots of hand-stitching, beading or other special elements will be used. I will continue through the year and culminate in fashions that span the seasons.

For each American Girl era –or close to it- a special Gala gown will be created. Felicity received the inaugural edition for the Colonial period. Of glorious brocade with a sweeping train that has a wrist loop, it was so fun to put together.

 Up next, this heavenly 1850's Gown is almost ready. Called Victorian Waterfall after the famous site in South Africa, the fabric seemed to mimic water froth and swirls. Midway between pale Aqua & Sky Blue, I followed the water theme by adding flowing tucks on the sleeves and layers upon layers of white lace and ribbon. Beads and Pearls complete the illusion by mimicking little bubbles on the surface of the water. "Waves" of scrolling trim flow across the skirt in even scallops.

I was inspired by images from Godey's Lady's Book, a wildly popular women's magazine from the 19th century. I am putting on the final details to the accessories that will accompany this gown, due to begin auction on May 8th.

I do plan one more Colonial for Elizabeth and there will be many other styles to come from the elegant Regency period to the glitzy heydays of Hollywood.  I have an upcoming Masquerade theme, complete with mask, that I am chomping at the bit to begin.

1st in the Grand Ball Series

Balls were formal dances and children would sometimes attend, depending on the theme or reason for the celebration. One’s best manners and of course most special finery were required. Little girls dreamed of being old enough to attend a ball.

If you would like to sign up for email notifications to receive alerts when I have something go on sale or auction, I will be happy to add your name.

Thanks for “visiting” and I hope your Spring days are healthy & beautiful….

-Renee

Dollhouse Designs

As we say farewell to another year, I look brightly to the future.
There is always promise & unknown possibilities that wait just around the corner...

I have many new ideas for designs primarily for historical American Girl dolls as well as a few contemporary fashions. This is my first real attempt at a blog so bear w/ me :)

Wishing you all the Blessings possible in 2010. Enjoy :)