Saturday, February 2, 2013

Heartstring goodness

One of my favorite ways to make outfits for dolls is to crochet a bodice, then attach a fabric skirt.  Here are three dresses, using a basic crochet bodice.  The fabric skirt is cut 12 inches by 3 3/4 inches.  Narrow zig-zag around all four edges.  Press under 1/4 inch on the short sides and 1/2 inch on one long edge for the hem.  A good trick:  dampen the fabric before pressing and your pressed edges will be nice and sharp.

Sew two rows of gathering stitches on the other long side and pull up to match the bottom edge of the bodice.  Hand stitch the bodice to the skirt using a loose backstitch in the bodice color.  I finish the hem by blanket stitching along the bottom, then crochet a decorative border into the blanket stitches.  This is a nice way to showcase a lovely piece of fabric, and I find crochet bodices a LOT easier to make for a small doll than a sewn one.  In fact, the fabric on the far left was a gift from Victoria, and made up into a lovely princess frock :-)

I very slightly modified my Riley knit cardigan sweater for my Heartstring Mari.  This one is knit from size 10 crochet cotton on size 1 needles; about a small as I want to get :-)

Heartstring knit cardigan

It is a cold and snowy day here; perfect for a bit of knit or crochet; enjoy!

16 comments:

  1. I just told my DH that I don't like dolls, but yours are very lovely!

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  2. How darling! I really like these dolls. Your outfits are always so sweet. You are so very talented.

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    1. Thank you so much, Lois, for your good words :-)

      Beth

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  3. Well, I know I've told you this before... but I LOVE dolls! And again I'll thank you for sharing how to make them some more beautiful new clothes!.. Hope you're enjoying your weekend! ~tina

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  4. Gorgeous dresses love the purple one!

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  5. I have really enjoyed reading your blog (discovered via Pinterest). Your dolls are so pretty and the patterns look excellent. Thank you so much.
    Mandy (UK)

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  6. Sigh! Wish I looked that! Isn't she just the sweetest.

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  7. Thank you so much for your good words, Mandy, Martine, and Eli. It just amazes me how the internet lets us touch lives all around the world :-)

    Beth

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  8. I love these sweet outfits...beautiful doll....blessings

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    1. Hello Shelley, I recognize you from Helen's blog :-)

      Thank you for your good words.

      Beth

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  9. Oh beth i'm so happy when i come to your blog,such a beautiful dolls with awesome cloths.
    I made new dolls,please take a look at my blog,i love them so much,thank you very much to make me accomplish such a beautiful dolls;)
    You can find me here:
    http://fotoshopperjackske.blogspot.be/

    warm hugs from Jacqueline:)

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    1. Jecqueline, your dolls are totally delightful :-) Thank you so much for sharing them, and I'm so glad you have enjoyed making them.

      Beth

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