Sewalongs, crafting and the new site!

Hi everyone, there seemed to be a few people posting in the News section who were keen on the idea of having a sewalong once the new site is up and running, especially seeing as other vinyl dolls like Smart Doll, Obitsu, Angel Philia, etc will be on topic there!

 

I thought it might be fun to have a thread now where we could chat about which patterns we might use for a sewalong - or maybe just talk about the new crafting forum and things we’d like to see.

 

Would there be any interest in a hoodie sewalong? Requiem Art Designs has a hoodie pattern in both DD/Smart Doll and MDD size, or there’s Danny Choo’s free hoodie pattern on the Smart Doll website.

Any of the free Smart Doll patterns could be fun. I am also on-and-off testing on a resized human jinbei pattern - If things don't need to be adjusted much, I can make another along with anyone who is interested.

Sounds cool, I always admire people who can resize human patterns - I’ve never got the hang of it.

I want to see some dresses, summer is coming up, so some cute summer dresses would be in order. Plus it'd be helpful to learn how to sew for the different sized busts. Something like this I guess:

 

 

Not the one I was looking for, but something like this.

 

I think these sewalongs will really get off of the ground if they include how-to posts with videos and or with photos for those of us that are new to the whole sewing for dolls thing. That way anyone can download the pattern, print it off, and follow along the steps and end up with something usable.

This sounds like a lot of fun, I'd love to join depending on what to sew is decided on I second dresses for sure! And I agree, it might be easier for people if the pattern had tutorials and such to go along with it.

Guess I just need to dig out the artbook that has the dress I want as the one I linked to disappeared. Doesn't even show up in image search anymore. But here are some others to give an idea of what I'm looking for.

 

 

Basic style/layout, minus the waist ruffle. A shaped bust area with straps and fitted midsection.

 

 

Same here, and the waist ruffle isn't bad, but the dress isn't long enough. I wouldn't mind a short version like this, but I want longer for the 1st.

 

 

I do like the details along the top, and the total length is more what I'm looking for.

 

 

This is more length look as it's overall a simpler dress then I want in the end. But it may not hurt to do this at the beginning so that those of us following can get some practice.

 

 

And this is just Saber because one can never have enough Saber. Plus I love big bows on the back. That's why I shy away from the ruffle at the waist, it could interfere with a big bow that can be used to tie the dress at the back. I would not complain if you can have the bow and ruffle and it looks great.

 

I know, a lot of wants that'll require someone that is really good at sewing to 'sponsor' the project. But that's how I see it becoming a great area of the forum. Each project is it's own thread, and the titles can have the user level (Beginner/Expert like keywords.) in it to help people get something they can do.

I'm on board with WIP sharing threads. . . maybe we should also have an upcycling thread.

Each project is it's own thread, and the titles can have the user level (Beginner/Expert like keywords.) in it to help people get something they can do.

 

This is an interesting idea. I haven't sewn anything more complex than a snap or a button in like 30 years, but I wouldn't mind learning how to sew stuff for my DD /SD. I'd have to start pretty simple though.

 

I really want SS & S bust stuff for my all my girls with beautiful small.... well, you know.

 

Volks seems to have little interest in making clothing in that size.

 

There are also a lot of casual designs from iM@S I'd like my girls to have. Like some of Chihaya's casual outfits are really just a shirt, pants, and maybe a vest or sweater over the shirt. They tend to emphasize her slimness in a way that most Volks outfits don't because they are not really made for SS bust.

 

Or an outfit similar to this for Miki would be nice.

 

 

But here are some others to give an idea of what I'm looking for.

 

Those dresses you posted above are really nice.

 

Edit:

Would there be any interest in a hoodie sewalong? Requiem Art Designs has a hoodie pattern in both DD/Smart Doll and MDD size, or there’s Danny Choo’s free hoodie pattern on the Smart Doll website.

 

I do like hoodies on my girls, so this would be of interest.

Edited March 7, 2019 by Guest

Oh I just thought of the idea, but I think kimono would make a fun sewalong as well! I've seen quite a few dollies around that wear them, so maybe it could be a fun project?

These ideas all sound fun! I like the idea of a simple white dress because I'm sure lots of people want something they can let their dolls sit in for a while.

 

I also think a kimono would be super fun. I have some really cute galaxy themed fabric that would look amazing...

I really want SS & S bust stuff for my all my girls with beautiful small.... well, you know.

 

Volks seems to have little interest in making clothing in that size.

 

There are also a lot of casual designs from iM@S I'd like my girls to have. Like some of Chihaya's casual outfits are really just a shirt, pants, and maybe a vest or sweater over the shirt. They tend to emphasize her slimness in a way that most Volks outfits don't because they are not really made for SS bust.

 

Or an outfit similar to this for Miki would be nice.

 

 

I am totally with you on the SS/S stuff. I won't go as far as flat is justice, but they are beautiful in their own right and these 'slimmer' girls need much more flattering outfit. I do like this outfit you posted too. A fitted shirt and shorts get me every time.

I am totally with you on the SS/S stuff. I won't go as far as flat is justice, but they are beautiful in their own right and these 'slimmer' girls need much more flattering outfit. I do like this outfit you posted too. A fitted shirt and shorts get me every time.

 

I think that images is sending me down the path of swapping Miki and Takane to M busts. I really think it may fit their design concept better.

 

Cool thing about this too is you can get a good Singer sewing machine for a good bit less than a DD. XD

I was wondering if it would be helpful if the first sew along was a sloper for your doll? Or a "body block' as it typically goes by now.

It'll help teach foundations of garment building, and with how to make/understand patterns!

2 hours ago, HazelMaze said:

I was wondering if it would be helpful if the first sew along was a sloper for your doll? Or a "body block' as it typically goes by now.

It'll help teach foundations of garment building, and with how to make/understand patterns!

I had to look it up, but that sounds like a good idea.

I think that would be an awesome place to start.

I'd be happy to create the thread and a tutorial how to do it! I'm a bit of a costuming dork 😎  Would it be best to create a thread or keep it contained here?

I think a new thread makes sense, and I think there should maybe be a tag for sewalong on each thread so they can be easily searched.

I also think each one should be it's own thread, with Sewalong and what the project is in the title, like this:

Sewalong: Basic Pleated Skirt

That way they are easy to find.  And better yet, there is already a subforum for them.  Post them in:

Home > Workshop > Patterns

The byline for there is "Share your on-topic doll related patterns and tutorials."  And these sewalongs would be tutorials.

I've got to dig up this post. Picked up an early 1900's (pre-1920-ish?) Singer 20 Mini sewing machine today at a Phoenix Doll Meet/Swap meet. 

 

 

This is a hand-cranked miniature working sewing machine, used to teach young girls to sew, by making their own doll clothes.

And, when I say "miniature", I really mean MINIATURE!!

 

 

 

(Don't mind the mugs laying around, Merri had a snootful while I was gone today, I guess) 

But, after a quick look around on the 'webs, after I came home, there's still a load of replacement parts and needles for these things!! 

After looking at what's available for these, and prices for working ones, I made off like a bandit! All that's needed for this one is a set of needles, a set-screw for needles, and the wooden handle for the crank. (all available, btw) 

This might work for this topic, and I'd like to see it continue, just for the excuse of trying this thing out, once I get it repaired/complete.