Friday Reads... Sewing Clothes for Barbie & I CAN MAKE

I am so excited for the new release of Sewing Clothes for Barbie! This book has 24 outfits for Barbies and is on top of my wish list! You can adapt the patterns to the sizes of all the Barbie's as well! This book just came out last week as well. I can not wait to see what you make with yours I am ordering mine right now! 

Sew Barbie this cute wardrobe of 24 stylish outfits. Sew clothes for every day: jeans and a tie-waist shirt for a picnic in the country, a fleecy jumper and trousers for skiing, a bikini, towel and sunhat for the beach or dungarees for DIY. Or create outfits for special occasions, such as a floral cocktail dress, A-line wedding dress or a formal lacy dress for the theatre. And why not dip into the dressing-up box with fairy, mermaid and superwoman costumes? The detailed explanations are accompanied by step-by-step diagrams and real-size patterns, which can be adapted for petite, curvy, tall or original Barbie. The techniques used are simple and the outfits can be sewn by hand or on the machine. These are ideal projects for upcycling old clothes or making use of scraps of fabric from your stash.

You can order it with FREE shipping from The Book Depository by clicking here.

I have wanted this book called I CAN MAKE DOLLS CLOTHES for a while now and it is currently offered on The Book Depository Website and on Sale! I loved Barbies growing up and I love that now you can find Barbies in all shapes and sizes. Learning to sew Barbie clothes was something I always wanted as a child and I was constantly stealing J-Cloths from my mom so I could make no sew doll clothes for my dolls. As a grown up this is the type of book I wish I had as a child. You can find it on sale now at The Book Depository with free shipping worldwide by clicking here. 
This book teaches children of 7+ how to make fashionably cool mix-and-match clothes for a standard 30 cm (12 in) plastic doll. Its approach is simple, quick and fun, and the results are extremely stylish. At the beginning of the book, children are encouraged to be creative and adapt the patterns to make their own designs. The main section of the book includes patterns for nine garments, each with an actual-size pattern on the page to use as a template, along with super-clear instructions and illustrations of each step. Helpful tips and inspirational photographs of the dolls modelling the finished clothes run throughout the book, and a section at the back sets out the basics of sewing, including how to thread a needle, do a running stitch and sew on poppers and buttons.

Thank you for joining us here today for this week's Friday Reads. We would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Too Cute Doll Designs Has Some Love For Your Mailbox!

Margie over at Too Cute Doll Designs has a whole new Subscription deal for those of us who love to create for our dolls!

If you like to sew for 18-inch dolls, then this quarterly publication is just for you! Each 24-page issue is filled with beautiful photos to inspire your creativity, tips to increase your sewing expertise, and interviews with doll clothes sewing enthusiasts. Plus, you'll get at least four (4) traceable patterns in every issue. 

An annual subscription includes 4 Issues and is published as follows:
1. Spring issue - mailed in early February
2. Summer issue - mailed in early May 
3. Fall issue - mailed in early August
4. Winter issue - mailed in early November

All new subscriptions received through 10/15/17 will begin with the FALL 2017 issue. If you would like your subscription to begin with a different issue, please indicate the start issue in the NOTES section when you place your order.

$10 additional per year for Canadian orders.

Not sure if you want to subscribe for a whole year? Try just one issue - only $7 each. See separate listings for each issue.

Personally I recieved one issue and I thought it was spectacular. Such a fun and welcome mailbox treat with patterns and great photos to guide you through the  creative process! Click here for Too Cute Doll Designs Etsy shop to see what I am so excited about! 
Thank you for joining us here today we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com 

Erin Hentzel's Doll Days Out Now!

Summer is the perfect time to pull out the sewing machine and sew for the doll lover in your life, or teach that doll lover to sew for their own dolls! Erin Hentzel is out with a great book that teaches doll lovers how to sew and provides them with some really great mix and match options!

With step by set photos and tips and tricks for sewing this is a book that you are going to love!
The vintage dress pattern and the one for the tankini are my favorites and I know you are going to love this book! To order your own copy with free shipping please click here for The Book Depository which is so great for those of us in Canada!
Visit Erin's Etsy Shop by clicking here

Join the blog hop! 

June 13 Erin on C&T http://www.ctpub.com/blog/

June 14 Amanda on Jedi Craft Girl http://www.jedicraftgirl.com/

June 15 Erin on Dear Stella  http://dearstelladesign.com/blog/

June 16 Karen on  Karen Mom of Three http://karenmomofthreescraft.blogspot.com/

June 17 Erin on Sew Mama Sew http://www.sewmamasew.com/

June 20 Lindsay on Lindsay Sews http://www.lindsaysews.com/ 

June 21 Jane on Janie Carroll Designs www.janiecarrolldesigns.com

June 22 Bonnie on Fishsticks Designs http://www.fishsticksdesigns.com/blog/

June 23 Tracy on Generation Q Magazine http://generationqmagazine.com/

June 24  Rachael on RJR Blog http://quiltwithlove.com/

June 27 Cherry on Cherry Blossoms Quilting http://www.cherryblossomsquilting.com/blog/ 

June 28 Erin on Avery Lane Sewing http://averylanesewing.com/the-blog/ 

Thank you for joining us today! We would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Looking For An Easy Sew Pattern Book? Check Out Sleepover Party!

I just came across a fun sewing book for 18 inch dolls on The Book Depository!Written by Nadeen Ward,  check out Annie's Sewing Sleepover Party Sleepwear for 18 inch dolls. This book offeres 12 EASY TO SEW Pj's and swim suits. Perfect for those of you just starting out sewing for your dolls.
Join Nadeen Ward as she shows you how easy it is to sew pajamas, nightgowns and swimwear for your 18" dolls. Nadeen has taught sewing since 1980 and enjoys designing patterns that mimic current clothing trends for girls. In this book, she takes you step-by-step through the sewing process with patterns and tips that will help you create amazing sleepwear. So join our sleepover! Pick your favorite pattern and fabric and let's get sewing!

Summer is the perfect time to get sewing for your dolls. Check out this pattern book by clicking here.
Thank you for joining us today! As with all our posts we would love ot hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Learn To Sew With Joan Hinds All Dolled Up

When I was learning to sew 5 years ago for my nieces dolls I was so excited to get All Dolled UP as a Christmas Gift! This book is a really great value not only do you get 18 inch doll patterns but there are patterns for bitty baby and bitty twin as well as girl sized patterns! I also liked that there was a DVD that came with the book. This was a fun way to learn to sew great doll clothes and I still use these patterns today 5 years later! This book is on sale this week at The Book Depository at 37% off and Free Shipping too! Click here to learn more about this book or to order
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Sew In Style Project # 7 Complete...With An Unexpected Obsticle!

If you are self taught at anything you know things are not always as easy as they look  and you will make mistakes as you go. You will feel frustrated and you will want to give up and throw your machine through the window at times, kind of like how I feel right now.

Let me start off by saying there is NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PATTERN OR TUTORIAL. There is however a problem with the material's I chose to make the dress straps with and that is why  I struggled as much as I did. USE A HIGH QUALITY Ribbon not the dollar store kind I used that frayed and when I tried to sew it ripped right off the dress!!!

The dress was salvageable in the end but I will have to remake it if I ever wanted to make one for someones dolls. I would have liked purple straps but the yellow worked out okay.
I still love this book and am thrilled with the results even with the set back of my operator error.  I am looking forward to ribbon shopping soon so I can try this dress again!

Pick up your own copy of Sew in Style or order your own from The Book Depository by clicking here (free shipping!) and sew along with me!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Sew In Style Project # 6 Complete!

This morning I made my sixth project from the book Sew In Style. As you may know my goal is to make every pattern in this book. I used fabric I picked up from my trip to Hawaii in 2012.

I used this very simple short pattern to create some really fun Hawaiian Print shorts I know my swap partner will love.  The patterns in this book are wonderful and the directions are easy to follow. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to sew for dolls or learn to sew.

Click here to order your own copy of Sew In Style with free shipping from The Book Depository.
I am now off to sew project number 7!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

40% Off And Always Free Shipping Doll Clothes For Everyday Play On The Book Depository!

I was thrilled to see this Joan Hinds book Doll Clothes For Everyday Play on sale 40% off on the Book Depository This Morning. Pop over and take a look at this book which includes 6 outfits and several accessories by clicking here. I would love to see what you make so please email me a photo at karenmowen@gmail.com!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

All Dolled Up Sewing Book By Joan Hinds

This book called All Dolled Up by Joan Hinds was one of the first doll sewing books I ever used. I have used several of the patterns in this book and it is one I would recommend. I liked that there were options for the 15 inch dolls and this book I would say is a great choice for someone with a bit of sewing experience. There are some patterns that are quiet simple but there are a few that will took me a bit of practice to figure out. Click here to find out more about this Book and DVD which I found very helpful.
If you have sewed using this book do share your thoughts with us too!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

A Great Price On A Fun Sewing Book For Girls and Dolls on The Book Depository

Sew Fun For Girls and Dolls is a book I have had on my wish list for a long time and I noticed this morning that it is on sale at The Book Depository for $9.71 ($12.01 CND)
There are 16 patterns included in this book and patterns to fit 3-13 year old's and their dolls. This is a great beginner book I am told an I am a sucker for a great cover! I do love the photo and the Springfield Doll on the cover. Check out Sew Fun For Girls and Dolls by clicking here. 
If you have this book I would love to know what you think of it!
As with all our posts please leave us a comment here or email us at karenmowen@gmail.com

Project Number 4 of the Sew In Style Book Complete! Happy New Year!

Well it is New Years Eve and I am already well on my way to complete part of my New Years Resolutions for 2015, sewing through the 22 projects in the Sew In Style book by Erin Hentzel.

I have to be honest I was a bit worried about sewing this skirt. I have not ever had luck sewing bias tape onto doll clothes but this really worked and was super easy! It changed the way I think about using bias tape! It gives a really professional finished fitted look. I really like this pattern it I have been hanging onto this fabric for the longest time, I think it was the perfect fabric for this project!
I look forward to sharing more of these projects with you in 2015!
Have a very Happy New Year's Eve from all of us at Karen Mom of Three's Craft Blog!
As with all our posts we would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Sew In Style Simple Top Pattern Review

Well it is Christmas Eve and my sewing machine may see a rest today but I wanted to share with you the Simple Top I have made from the Sew In Style book I was sent to review.

After sewing my first project from the book I decided to sew my way through the 22 projects in the book!

Here is my finished Simple Top! I paired it with the Simple Mini Skirt I made and shared yesterday. The shirt was surprisingly easy to sew and came together quickly! I am looking forward to sharing my next project from Sew In Style soon. If you are looking to get this book for yourself or if you would like to give this as a LAST MINUTE GIFT you can order an E-Copy of the book  Sew In Style by clicking here.  You can print the patterns on your home printer and get started sewing right away!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment her or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Sew In Style Update! See What I Just Completed!

I am thrilled to have found some time in this very busy season to try out another pattern from the Sew In Style book I was sent to review. I am so thrilled with how the Mini skirt turned out.

The skirt is a perfect fit for my American Girl Dolls, My London Girl Dolls and Harmony Club Dolls. For my thinner dolls I will have to modify the pattern slightly so if you are making this skirt from the book for a thinner doll be sure to measure the skirt around your dolls waist and mark were to put the velcro before you sew it in place! A very simple and easy modification to make before the last step. I am thrilled with how this skirt turned out and the fit so  I will sew a few more of these with fabric from my stash this year! That is 2 projects out of 22 in the book complete!
Be sure to check out Sew In Style and consider it for yourself or someone you love this holiday season and learn a new skill in the new year!  Currently priced under $20 with Free Shipping from The Book Depository by clicking here
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com

Sew In Style Make Your Own Doll Clothes Book Review

I was just sent the most wonderful how to sew book called Sew in Style. This is a step by step how to book for learning to sew for 18 inch dolls.
I am really excited about this book. The photos are great and as someone who learned to sew from step by step pattern tutorials I can tell you that this one is a great visual resource.
The book features 22 projects for 18 inch dolls and I was thrilled with the variety of patterns offered in this book. This book would make a great gift and it is currently priced just under $20 at all of the on line book sellers featured at the end of this post.

You really can sew your doll an entire wardrobe including a sleeping bag and some truly fun accessories. I have only had time this week to try out one of the patterns and I think it turned out really cute. I will have to make a bunch of these for up coming swaps and advent calenders I work on through out the year!

I made the fashion purse and it was a quick and easy project. I even sewed it on my new machine. I bought a second hand Kenmore sewing machine from a friend and this project turned out great. I can not wait to sew more.

Included in this book is patterns, tutorials and guides to help you learn to sew. The added bonus is you get to sew for your dolls or the doll lover in your life while learning an important life skill. This is a book I would recommend for the young doll lover just starting to sew or a committed Aunty like me who loves to sew for her nieces. Grandmas and Mom's who have never sewn will also appreciate this book. This book would make a great gift and you can find it on line or instore by visiting any of the links below:


 Click here for Amazon.ca
Click here for Amazon.com
Click here for Indigo/Chapters
Click here for Barnes & Noble
Click here for The Book Depository

GO PAPER LESS WITH AN E COPY that  you can print  beautiful patterns on your own printer by clicking here
I think I may try to sew everything in this book at some point over 2015. So do check back!
Thank you To Author Erin Hentzel for sending this book to me to review. I can not wait to sew more of your patterns again soon!
As with all my posts I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com