Features:

If you lived in the first half of 20th century America, you would have been aware of (and maybe even used) the idiom “The Cat’s Meow.”  Although there is debate about the phrase’s origins, its meaning was unquestionably one meant to describe something excellent and appealing.  This pattern for Rompers has been written for nostalgia lovers of this era.  Rompers (also known as a “Playsuit”) were popular casual items from the 1930s through the 1950s.  Often featured with a button-front skirt, they were worn as casual wear at home or even as bathing suits by removing the skirt.  This design was inspired by two real-life patterns from those decades, and incorporates my favorite features from each of them.  The bodice has front and back princess seams, armhole ruffles, a square neckline, and a lining with finished seams.  The attached pants have two pinch pleats on the front for extra fullness without bulk, and can be gathered with elastic on the bottom edges or left straight.  The dress uses the same bodice as the Rompers, and is attached to a skirt suitable for border prints, stripes, and eyelet edges.  All options can be finished at the waist with a bias-cut tie or Skinny Tie Belt.  Those who want a simpler project can use the separate Lining pattern for both the Bodice and Lining to eliminate the princess seams, and also remove the sleeve ruffles.  An an extra perk, a Bonus tutorial with directions for making a sleeveless bodice with a finished lining is also included.

On Fit:

When you print this pattern, check to make sure that the scale is correct by measuring the 1” square scale on each page.  Set the page margins on your printer to narrow and the print scale to none.  When you begin sewing, pay special attention to the size of your seam allowances.  This pattern was sized to fit snugly, and accurate seams are important to achieve a good fit.   This pattern was sized on a recently purchased American Girl Doll (Chest: 11”, Waist: 10-1/2”, Hips: 12-1/2”). If your doll is smaller/larger, you may need to make adjustments to the pattern for an optimal fit.  The most critical measurement is the waist size.  Two sets of cutting lines are provided:  one for dolls with a waist 10-1/2″ or smaller, and one for waists larger than 10-1/2″,  up to 11″.  If your doll’s waist is larger than 11” inches you may need to add extra width at the waistline.  The Rompers will have a looser fit on dolls with waists only slightly larger 10-1/2″ when using the larger cutting lines; likewise, the fit will be snugger on dolls with waists closer to 11″.  For an optimal fit, it’s always best to make a trial mock-up and nip and tuck the side seams as needed.

Features:

Pack away those heavy sweaters and snow boots!   The dolls in your life want to change into something light and pretty, and Forever 18 Inches has a solution:  a vintage-inspired dress with princess seams, halter ties, a faux placket, and a couple of skirt options for two unique looks.  You can make a dress with a short placket and full circle skirt, or a gathered version that’s suitable for plaids, stripes, border prints and eyelet.  The lined bodice has multiple cutting lines to accommodate varying doll measurements and closes in the back.  The Center Back has a small cut-out finished with tabs to hold the bodice ties in place, and a bonus petticoat is included for dolls who want to twirl and dance.   Play your catchiest Do-Wop music and start sewing now for those days with warm weather and balmy breezes!

On Fit:

Because the design of this dress requires a close-fitting bodice, the pattern has been drafted in two sizes:  Small and Large.  The measurement ranges for the Small and Large patterns are listed on the same page as the pattern pieces for convenience.  Use the Small size for dolls with a Waist measuring 10-1/2″ or less, and a Chest size up to 11″.  Use the Large size for dolls with a Waist measuring more than 10-1/2″ up to 11″, and a Chest size 11″ up to 11-1/4″.

Pattern pieces that have a letter, followed by a dash and a “S or “L,” are specifically sized.  For example, “B-L” indicates the Large sizing for Pattern Piece “B.”  “C-S” indicates the Small sizing for Pattern Piece “C,” and so on.  To ensure a good fit, measure your doll’s chest and waist, compare those measurements to the listed size ranges, and then select the pattern size that is closest to your doll’s dimensions.  The back closure has been drafted with a ½” overlap, so there is a bit of “wiggle room” for measurements that vary a bit from the stated size ranges.  If desired, adjustments can be made on the side seams to tailor the pattern for an exact fit on your specific doll.

When you print this pattern, check to make sure that the scale is correct by measuring the 1” square scale on each page.  Set the page margins on your printer to narrow and the print scale to none.  When you begin sewing, pay special attention to the size of your seam allowances.  This pattern was sized to fit snugly, and accurate seams are important to achieve a good fit.

“I can do a polka, I can do a split,

I can do a tap dance, just like this!

1, 2, 3…” 

Jumping rope and skipping chants are time-honored traditions enjoyed by school-aged children since the beginning of America.  Double Dutch jump rope games originated with Dutch settlers in the New York state area, and take the genre one step further by adding an extra rope turned in the opposite direction.  In recent decades the game has evolved into a highly competitive sport that requires a precise sense of timing, endurance, and athletic ability.  The Double Dutch Jumper is a retro-inspired pattern that pays homage to the early days of the sport when jumping rope was a game played during school recess, skirts were twirly, and referees were hawk-eyed classmates who couldn’t wait for their own turn in the ropes!

Features :

The Double Dutch Jumper and Blouse pattern features a jumper with a cut-away bodice with suspender-style straps, a circular skirt, and a coordinating blouse with a collar, bishop sleeves, and a back closure.  The blouse can be embellished with a tie under the collar or a ribbon bow.  Jumper variations include pocket flaps, a faux front-button opening on the bodice, and a double skirt option.  Two sets of cutting lines are included to accommodate the broad range of sizes often found with soft-bodied dolls.  Mix and match your favorite elements for your own personalized schoolgirl look!

Some Notes On Fit: 

This pattern was sized on an American Girl® doll with the following dimensions:  Chest:  11″, Waist: 10-1/2″, Hips:  12″.  When you print this pattern, check to make sure that the scale is correct by measuring the 1” square scale on each page.  Set the page margins on your printer to narrow and the print scale to none.  When you begin sewing pay special attention to the size of your seam allowances.   Accurate seam allowances are important for both fit and easy construction.  This pattern should fit most soft-bodied 18″ dolls similar to an American Girl® doll.

Features:

Do you love the simplicity of classic tee-shirts?  Does the thought of working with knits make your teeth chatter and your knees tremble?  Are the dolls in your life begging you for a fashionable tee, but find you cowering in the woven section of the fabric store?

 Relax–now you can hold you head high with confidence, thanks to the NOT! For Knits Tee-Shirt Pattern.  Specifically designed for woven fabrics, this tee features easy dolman-style sleeves, a rounded hem, a working pocket, and a no-facing neckline.  You’ll learn how to sew several easy finishes for the hem and neckline, and can even make the tee in a longer dress variation.

 Thumb your nose at those stretchy, unpredictable knits while you quickly sew up one adorable top after another.  End your days of shame and inadequacy, and fill the closets of  little vinyl people and their human friends with classic tees in every hue!  The NOT! For Knits Tee-Shirt Pattern will allow you back into their good graces–and you won’t even need to mention that it has an “Easy” rating.

 Some Notes on Fit:

This pattern was sized on a recently purchased American Girl doll.  The pattern may need to be adjusted for older dolls.

Features:

Everything old is new again!  Drop-seat pajamas have been around for 100 years.  Your great-grandparents may have referred to them as Dr. Denton’s, Trap-Door Pajamas, or a Union Suit.  Now they’re a fashion statement!  This specially designed version for 18″ dolls features a working “Trap Door,” ribbed leg and arm cuffs, a bomber-jacket style neck, and a button-covered front and back that close with snaps or Hook-and-Loop.  Options for hemmed pant legs and a plain back without the Trap Door are also included for those who want a simpler project.  Also, good news for those with older, chubbier dolls:  the pajamas have been cut generously, and will fit most larger 18″ dolls.  ( They easily accommodate an 11″ waist and 12-1/2″ hips, but do check your doll’s measurements to be sure.) 

The directions have been written comprehensively with many explanatory details for those who are newer to sewing. An experienced seamstress will probably be able to construct the jacket just by reading the instructions highlighted in bold text.  Happy sewing! 

 Some Notes on Fit:

When you print this pattern, check to make sure that the scale is correct by measuring the 1” square scale on each page.  Set the page margins on your printer to narrow and the print scale to none.   This pattern was sized on a recently purchased American Girl Doll (Chest: 11”, Waist: 11”, Hips: 12-1/2”). If your doll is smaller/larger, you may need to make adjustments to the pattern for an optimal fit.  The most critical measurement is the hip size.  If your doll’s waist and hips are larger than the doll the pattern was fitted on,  you may need to add extra width to the pattern for those areas.  Add the extra width at the side seams.