Week 6 Entries
Week 6 the challenge was a creative one and they were given more time to complete their entries. Their challenge was to create a character theme or costume. They were allowed to modify patterns and mix and match pieces together to recreate their characters, as well as have accessories included. Hand sewn accessories needed to be one that I designed, but they were allowed store-bought sewn ones. They could also choose store bought crafted accessories or handmake craft style accessories. As usual, they are always welcome to ask and get clarification, which many do. For fun, I’ll share the Week 6 brief:
Create a character theme or costume
This could mean a fairytale character, book character, folklore character, Halloween costume (Halloween is next week!), a sports character, or person from a different time or place, real or imaginary. It is up to you.
You will need to explain it to us, so be aware and prepare to give us something to help us to understand what you’ve created.
Most of the same rules apply. Here are some changes:
- This time accessories can be part of your themed ensemble and those pieces will also be judged. If the accessory is a handmade sewing project, it must be one of my patterns though.
- You can make craft accessories that you either make up or find elsewhere.
- You may also use store-bought accessories to use as props if you want.
- You may mix and match pattern pieces, but all the pattern pieces must come from a pattern that I designed.
- You can lengthen or shorten the sleeves, bodices, and/or skirt pieces.
- You may add embellishments. You may change things up a bit, like using elastic instead of sleeve bands.
- If you have something in mind and it isn’t mentioned, ask me. I’ll respond as quickly as I can and give you the go ahead or say that’s going too far.
Everyone sewed really well this week! The creativity was overflowing and it was fun to see their character creations!
Let’s introduce the characters and hear from the designers about their inspiration and what they did to create these lovely projects!
Alida used the Party Dress pattern from Doll Dress Boutique, with the Flutter sleeve pattern from the Princess-seamed dress, adding the scallops of the Classic Skirt Pattern from the Doll Days book.
Alida’s brother is getting married in a few months and they are having fantasy themed wedding, in which her little girl will be Tinkerbell. After reading Tinkerbell, those creative juices somewhat kicked in. Using leftover fabric from her daughter’s wedding’s bride’s maid and flower girl dresses, Alida got very creative.
Inspiratation struck when Alida saw the basic skirt pattern with the scallops and thought, “whala there is my pattern” and everything fell into place. Alida used the special occasion fabric to create a waist band and scallop underskirt , as well as created scalloped edges on all that tulle! We agree the fabrics and details make for a beautiful fairy, with such creative details!
Andee created Scarlett O’Hara in her iconic green and white barbecue dress from the early scenes of Gone With the Wind. We think this is stunning!
For this dress, Andee used the Party Dress from Doll Dress Boutique to create and embellish a lined bodice with sleeves, cap sleeves from Absolutely A-line Dress, and used the circle skirt from Country Cottage Dress, also from Doll Dress Boutique.
To mimic the original sleeves, Andee created rows of white ruffles mixed with ruffles backed with green ribbon. Used green velvet ribbon for the neckline and neck bow, and free-handed a wide sash for the waistline.
Angie used the Tea Party dress pattern with the Princess-seamed Dress sleeves from Doll Dress Boutique to create her witch. Angie dismantled the wire in the ribbon and lengthened the dress for riding a broom. Pictured here with her witch’s familiar, a favorite accessory. Very cute!
There was no doubt when we saw this photo who it is supposed to be. Such an adorable Anne!
Diana used the Laura Dress and pinafore pattern (Avery Lane on Etsy) and the handbag, made a bit larger, from Me and My 18″ Doll.
Gayle made a very special dress this week, “I chose Belle because she was my Mom’s favorite Disney Princess. We went to a Princess Breakfast at Epcot and Belle stopped at the table and Mom was just as excited to see Belle as a young child would be and told Belle how much she loved her.” We think this is really special and pretty!
Gayle went to town with pattern mix and matching this week to get things to look just right for her Belle outfit.
Using the Modern Jumper Pattern for the pinafore and Button Down Shirt for the bodice/shirt, both from Doll Days. The Laura Dress Pattern (by Avery Lane on Etsy) for the Sleeve, Sleeve Cuff, and Pinafore Tie pieces.
Gayle used the Knot Bow Ponytail Holder (free Avery Lane pattern) to make the pulled back style that Belle is really well known for. And the Little Miss Storybook Dresses Pattern (by Avery Lane on Etsy) for the Apron (front only), and Pantaloons Pieces. Belle’s beautiful basket was handwoven by a family friend and makes a perfect accessory for Belle to carry her treasured books.
Janet used the Princess-seamed Dress bodice and collar from the Square-Necked dress sleeves, and added the Hootenanny skirt from the Country Cottage Dresses (all from Doll Dress Boutique). On the skirt pieces, Janet shortened the waistband, and slightly lengthened the middle and lower skirt tiers.
Janet also used my free Avery Lane Crossbody Bag pattern to create a bag based on Maribel’s bag from the movie.
The ensemble is embellished with blue fringe, blue scalloped lace, and tassels, along with 1/8″ ribbon to create the bottom of her dress. Janet hand embroidered some of her dress details as well as on her bag and shoes.
Janet remarked, “This turned out to be an incredibly time intensive challenge.” We think it was well worth it, as this is so incredible and very pretty!
What an amazing group of doll outfits! Dana and I are going through them and this is going to be a long night of discussing all the entries and their details.
We appreciate all the thought and creative energy that went into creating these! Very well played, everyone!
~Erin