Thursday, October 14, 2010

I'm Obsessive

Yes...if you didn't know that about me, it's true...well at least about sewing!  See my task was to make a simple little jacket and skirt for my niece's American Girl doll.  They (my niece & her doll) are going to be in a fashion show Saturday afternoon.  My sister asked me to make a suit to match the one my niece is wearing.  After much deliberation over the fabric, one was chosen...and then...nuthin'.

I'm sure you know how it is...when pressured your sewing mojo flees...deserts you...even though you've promised and you're now obligated...the mojo is no where around.  Well, I've waited until the last possible moment to sew these pieces and then I get obsessive over it.

I have to match the plaid.  I have to draft facings for the jacket then cut and sew them from another coordinating fabric.  I have to face the skirt...oh and lets not forget that all the pieces have to be serge finish because you know the dayum doll will know the difference, right?!  See, obsessive.  But what I realized, is that I am no longer capable of shoddy sewing.  My mind automatically travels to the "right" way to do something.  Match those plaids...serge those seams...pull the ruffles evenly. 

Therefore even though my sister and my niece won't realize how much time and effort went into the suit...it's done...well almost.  I don't have any small snaps so I will get those tomorrow and sew them on before my sister picks up the outfit.  You want to see the outfit now don't you?  Well here it is:


The jacket and skirt are from Simplicity 4416.  The fabric is from the collection and the shoes and socks are from Home Sew.  Home Sew has a wonderful collection of AG Doll accessories alongwith fast shipping, just in case you ever need some doll accessories!  I've used this pattern before.  I use to make doll clothes for a co-worker's niece's AG Doll but it was a lucrative proposition and somehow knowing that I was making fabric money made it easier to sew them...okay, maybe not that easy.  I do remember bumping up against a few deadlines but it was lucrative!  *smile*

Anyway, this is done and I can move on.  It's almost Friday and that means just one more day of work before I'm free for the weekend.  I would like to sew to my heart's content this weekend but we shall see. If I do get my sew on...I'm gonna start with the border print knit from FM - a twin set would be great for work next week...

...as always, more later!

31 comments:

  1. I absolutely love the doll clothes. I see and appreciate the quality of workmanship. They are perfect.

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  2. Don't ever talk about my posts being funny because I was LMAO reading this. When do you ever sleep. Don't you have to be up and on your way to work at oh-dark-thirty??

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  3. I smiled about your comment about not being able to do shoddy sewing. I am that way also...I remember sewing curtains for the windows in the garage and DH told me that they didn't have to perfect, just something to cover the windows. I still serged all the seams and pressed everything so they looked nice. Years of training I guess.

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  4. I sew AG doll clothes for my granddaughter, and they are some of the most difficult things I sew because of the small size of the pieces. You did a great job on this outfit...she will be thrilled!

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  5. Carolyn, I was making a muslin to try out a jacket pattern, and yeah, I did the same thing, serged all the seams, interfaced it, the whole nine yards, even though I knew it was just a muslin. I can seriously identify with what you were going through.

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  6. Too Cute! and may I add, you are a GREAT aunt for doing this.

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  7. I totally understand! Both the disappearing mojo and the obsessive good sewing. I sew AG clothes for my daughters and I really have to be in the right mood--then I enjoy it. That suit is great!

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  8. So cute, I'd like a full size version of this - maybe different shoes for me though! Hope the fashion show goes well for your niece!

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  9. That is so adorable. And of course you must match the plaids. Obsession isn't always a bad thing. Just ask Martha.
    By the way, check the Blue Gardenia giveaway. Your niece might love the pattern.

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  10. So cute!!! What a lucky little girl!! :D

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  11. That's one lucky doll! You made me laugh :)

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  12. OMG! That's a lovely jacket & skirt
    18 inch dolls clothes!

    I do wish I could sew like you do. My daughter has a doll too, and we get her stuff at this doll clothes for 18 inch doll store.

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  13. That is so fabulously stylish - this lucky doll is going to be the best dressed AG doll in the USA! Can you make me an outfit just like that?

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  14. "But what I realized, is that I am no longer capable of shoddy sewing. My mind automatically travels to the "right" way to do something."

    This sentence really resonated with me! I'm in a sewing ministry at my church and I'm not enjoying it as much as I should because our leader buys really cheap fabric and it shows in the finished garments. I'm not serging and the insides look a little crappy, too. Like you, I'm not happy unless I've done my best work.

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  15. Do you get any sleep C? The doll clothing is just delightful. I absolutely love your comment that you "are no longer capable of shoddy sewing" - sign of great craftsmanship. Love it!

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  16. Very cute AG outfit. I used to make these clothes all the time, for my girls, nieces, friend's kids and to sell. It was so much fun.

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  17. Very cute! Even if the doll won't notice the serged seam allowances (but I bet she will), there is a practical reason to finish them: They will ravel into obvlivion if you don't. With the "on and off" handling that doll clothes get, yours will last. I finish doll clothes like that and my dolls don't even get played with. They just stand in the sewing room, next to my Tim Gunn bobblehead. :-)

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  18. Adorable doll suit!! Like a little Chanel!

    Have fun sewing for YOU!!

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  19. Ditto to all of the above. I just want to add that I love the addition of your full length pic in the Macy's dress. That dress looks better on you than on anyone else I have seen it on. I saw it on some starlet in a mag at the hairdresser's the other day. Ohhh, they are wearing Caroline's dress! Great fit goes such a long way!

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  20. Great doll clothes. I'd love to see a picture of the niece and her doll all dressed up. At least you didn't have to make the nieces outfit too.
    I used to make them for my dd's AG doll and I didn't make that many as I hated it. They were perfect for birthday and Hanukah presents from the relatives after all.

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  21. Your sister and niece will really like this!

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  22. Doll clothes are the hardest because everything is so contained and small. That outfit looks great!

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  23. I would wear this suit if it were adult-size. It's great!

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  24. Only you will know the amount of work. I love to sew doll clothes, and I am obsessive too :-) Yeahh... the doll will notice LOL. The payment will be the big smile you will get. The clothes look awesome, and you are so nice to have added the shoes too. Very cute!!!! Great job.

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  25. And truthfuly you'll feel better knowing your neice can actually play with the clothes and they won't fall apart. Remember AG clothese are better than barbie any day!

    It's a lovely suit - I'm sure both girls will look fabulous! g

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  26. That's cute. What a nice gift for a little girl.

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  27. I love your doll outfit! Don't assume that the fine workmanxhip won't be appreciated. 45 years ago my Memere made my chatty Kathy a wardrobe. I remember being amazed at the beauty of the clothing. Even as a child, I realized that the doll clothes were nicer than my clothes!
    I think I need to find them and do a post about them.
    Kathy

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  28. I just spent more hours than I care to admit finishing off all of the seams in a batch of baby clothes with bias tape. You know what they say about those that live in glass houses.... ;)

    Adorable little outfit - I am sure your niece will be absolutely thrilled with it!

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  29. How cute!! I want an outfit just like that... maybe minus the socks and shoes for something more age appropriate. :D

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