Hi! Virginia here, today I have a project for the mommas. My little girl received an 18” American Girl type doll for Christmas.  If yours has one or your thinking of getting one you’ll gasp at the price of the teeny tiny clothes. But have no fear, there are loads of free patterns online to make your own, some are difficult, some I’m sure your daughter could make.  Today I would like to show you how to take a very simple pattern and glam it up with May Arts trim. 

The free pattern I found here is for a drawstring dress; it is only 6 simple pieces. 

1. Download, print and cut out pattern pieces, excluding two longer strips that are intended for the drawstring on front and back. Replace with RG17 Grosgrain ribbon.  I suggest making the strips about 2” longer than the pattern calls for, as you can see from the photo the shoulder bows are a bit short for tying.  Cut an additional 14” piece of INSERT RIBBON TYPE for waistband, and two strips of 359-34-17 pink ruffle elastic, one measuring 22” and 12”.
2. On front panel of dress measure down 1” from armhole and sew a gathering stitch across the dress. Gather a small amount. Pin RIBBON overtop gathering and top stitch a 3” section to secure to dress. Pin away from seams.
3. Follow pattern directions to complete dress.
4. Pin the 22” piece of pink ruffle to the inside of bottom hem. Top stich.
5. To create hairband, sew the 12” strip of elastic into a circle. Glue a felt flower over seam, back with a small piece of felt to secure.

I hope this post has got the wheels tuning on how you can use May Arts ribbon to trim other clothes you create for your dolly. The possibilities are endless, happy sewing!

Blog post by: Virginia Fynes

May Arts Ribbon Used:

• RG17 Grosgrain Stripes

• 359-34-17 Elastic Plaid Ruffle

• 373-58-23 Satin and Grosgrain Ribbon

Other Supplies Used:

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Hot Glue Gun
• Felt flower