Self Made Craft

We all know how quickly kids grow these days and how good clothes seem to 'shrink' overnight, but have you thought about using these clothes when sewing doll clothes patterns?

We've all been there, no matter how hard you look you can't find suitable fabric to sew that special pattern you just purchased. Most of the time the answer is staring us right in the face. Perhaps that t-shirt you don't wear anymore or that bag of clothes that you had put aside to give away holds the answer. You would be absolutely surprised what can be recycled to be used to make up a lovely dress or would be perfect for a great set of long pants for your favourite doll.

I love using clothes my kids grow out of when sewing doll clothes patterns because it quite often saves time when you can for example, use the hem of the shirt as the hem on the doll's new skirt. You also save money because you are not buying new fabric all the time and if you are like me, you always tend to buy too much material. But the best reason for using your child's favourite clothes that they have grown out of when sewing patterns, is to keeps fond memories alive! Every time your child dresses their doll in the outfit you made from their favourite shirt or dress, they will think of all the wonderful times they had and how much they loved wearing that outfit. I'm sure it will become their doll's favourite outfit too.

 

I must admit that I find it difficult throwing anything out as I always seem to find an alternative use for most things. Some other little ideas that you may like to use when sewing doll clothes is to save the decoration from a fancy hair tie when the elastic breaks and use it to finish off the next doll dress that you make. If your child's costume necklace or bracelet breaks, the charm may be perfect as jewellery on her doll or to pretty up the shirt or dress you just made for your daughter's doll. Fancy lace, buttons or motifs from worn out clothes will also give your doll clothes patterns a special 'just mine' look. Remember before you throw or give away those good clothes that have 'shrunk' ask yourself, 'Can I use these when sewing doll clothes?'