Posts

Hair Experiments with American Girl Dolls

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After designing my Retro Holiday Dress pattern , I thought it would be a great idea to curl Samantha's hair like Courtney's, combining their eras. I found a tutorial on Pixie Faire  that explains exactly how to do it, using perm rods, hot water heated to 165 degrees, and an ice water rinse. I used perm rods from Walmart , size 15.3mm (pink). I found a preowned BeForever Samantha doll on eBay for $30. What a deal! While I was waiting for her arrival, I decided to practice on Blaire. I had straightened  her hair before because it was dry and frizzy. Since then, I had wanted to restore her curls, but wasn't sure how. So I followed the same instructions. Here’s Blaire’s straight hair: I sprayed her hair as I went.  I cut napkins to size and wrapped them around the ends of the hair to keep them straight. I rolled the hair from the bottom up, turning it under. Once in a while, I had to redo it and the curl was already starting to set. I could have just left them in unt...

95 Pattern - Retro Holiday Dress for 18" Dolls

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I am super excited about my latest pattern. I wanted to make something that combined both eras—Samantha from 1904, and Courtney from 1986. I’ve already had some photo shoots that I posted and had many people asking about the pattern.  I wasn’t quite finished with it, as I had a marvelous plan to get another Samantha doll and curl her hair like Courtney’s.  More on that in a separate post. I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby.  It’s homespun fabric, so it already has that vintage charm.   About the dress: Bring two iconic eras together with this charming vintage-inspired dress for your 18-inch doll! Blending the timeless elegance of Samantha's Edwardian era with the bold nostalgia of Courtney's 1980s world, this festive design features a fitted bodice with a delicate white lace collar, long sleeves finished with pretty lace trim, and a full gathered skirt accented with white lace trim. A luxurious black velvet sash with an oversized bow adds a touch of old-fashioned soph...

94 Pattern - Bubble Romper to fit 12" Lullaby Cabbage Patch Kid Dolls

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  Introducing my latest pattern - #94 Bubble Romper to fit 12" Lullaby Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. This one was especially challenging, as Lully dolls are so tiny and have basically no shoulders. Available on cpkdiana.etsy.com .

93 Pattern - Bubble Romper for 20" Cabbage Patch Kids

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 Now available on cpkdiana.etsy.com , this adorable Bubble Romper Pattern is made to fit your 20" BLE/TRU Cabbage Patch Kids dolls!

92 Spellbound Pattern for 18” dolls

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Spellbound Introducing my latest pattern for 18” dolls— #92 “Spellbound.” Create a bewitching Halloween ensemble for your 18-inch doll with the Spellbound sewing pattern! This enchanting witch costume features a midriff bodice, a dramatic high-low skirt accented with delicate lace trim, and elegant lace sleeves. A coordinating witch hat completes this spellbinding look! Choose your style! Make your skirt with a flirty ruffle below the lace trim for extra flair, or leave off the ruffle for a sleek, elegant finish. Either way, your doll will be ready to cast a little Halloween magic! Available on cpkdiana.etsy.com.  Remember to follow me on my new Instagram page for American Girl dolls, @agdolldiana.

91 Pattern - Retro Romper for 18" Dolls

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Bring on the totally rad ’80s vibes with this Retro Romper pattern for 18” dolls such as American Girl! This fun, one-piece romper features a flouncy, off-the-shoulder ruffle, a longer waistline that creates a cute “bubble” effect, and a sleeveless design that’s perfect for showing off your favorite bold, colorful prints. It’s an easy-to-make outfit with plenty of ’80s flair! Complete the look with the matching hair scrunchie for a totally tubular style. Whether you’re sewing with neon brights, funky prints, or your favorite throwback fabrics, this romper is ready to rock! Available on Etsy ( cpkdiana.etsy.com ) Materials Needed ·         1/2 Yard Fabric ·         1/3 Yard Single Fold Bias Tape ·         1/2 Yard elastic 1/4” wide ·         1/2 Yard elastic 1/2” wide