A shop with a great cause and a great give away! Blue Start Vermont.

BluestarVermont shop owner Megan and her Twin sister Molly create the most fantastic vintage inspired aprons in their Etsy shop . Offering adult and doll sized aprons this shop has something everyone is sure to fall in love with. The American Girl doll aprons come with a matching oven mitt and are priced at $20.00 a set.

 This Etsy shop is located in Woodstock Vermont and their area was recently affected by Hurricane Irene though their own home was not damaged many of their friends and neighbors were not as lucky.  The Twins have decided to donate a portion of their Apple Apron sales to the VT Flood relief.

These very stylish aprons sell for a very reasonable $34.00. Half apron style is also available

The sisters also have a blog called http://www.bluestarvermont.com/ that shares more of their story, crafting history and some fantastic recipes.

A bit about Blue Star Vermont:

"We are twin sisters sewing away in the heart of Vermont, one in a log cabin, the other down the road, both with sewing rooms overlooking the lovely Kedron Brook. Our first sewing machine came Christmas morning when we were nine years old. We've been creating ever since. Along the way we raised families, and among many other things, taught handwork at our Waldorf School and began a sewing program for women in prison. There we saw the healing power of someone learning she can sew an “outa here bag” to have when she walked out of those prison doors. Our latest love is vintage. Opening our first antique 1940's mail order apron pattern and holding those unprinted tissue paper pieces, we were hooked. We work from our antique pattern collection to create fun, flirty and flattering aprons for all ages and our favorite dolls on Etsy and baby bibs too."

MORE ABOUT THEIR FANTASTIC DOLL APRONS!
"American Girl Doll Vintage Apron in Pink Leaves:
This apron is reversible! Yes, two aprons to enjoy and a matching quilted oven mitt to add to the fun.


We have been making aprons from original vintage 1940's patterns for women and scaled our pattern to fit our American Girl dolls. This apron has a sweetheart neckline, a bright chartreuse tulip-shaped pocket, a swing to the skirt, and a hemline that dips to a point, just like the aprons we make in mom-size. With a simple velcro closure in the back, it is fun to put on and take off.


The apron is made from a quilter's quality 100% cotton pink, chartreuse, chocolate and white leaf print with a chartreuse shoulder strap. The apron reverses to lovely hot pink. ( See second photo.) The oven mitt is a bitty version of what Mom uses in the kitchen. It is handmade from the same  leaf print fabric with a chartreuse lining, cotton batting and a hot pink bias trim.


We make this apron in a girl's size to match and a matching apron for Mom! Go to our shop to see this apron set in a kiwi and strawberry print."

Megan and Molly have offered to send one of our lucky readers a doll apron and oven mitt. If you would like to enter to win you must have your parents permission first (of course) as well as visit their blog and Facebook page and leaving a comment and then email me at karenmowen@gmail.com and in the subject line you must put Apron Contest. Megan will send out an apron and oven mitt to the winner chosen by random draw on November 30th .

I  hope you will take time to visit Blue Star Vermont  and their Etsy Shop . As well as enter our contest.

Don't forget to enter this contests ask your parents and please leave a comment on their blog or Facebook page then email me at karenmowen@gmail.com Contest is open to all residence of North America Mom's, Grandma's, Aunties and girls of all ages (brothers and dads you can enter too)
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

Fun and Funky Fashions for your doll from Mrs. Fear's Etsy Shop Review and Contest!

 

Rachel Noel and Emmie told me about Mrs Fear's Etsy shop and when I visited her Etsy shop on line I had to agree this shop has some great fall finds.

 

I am a huge fan of  Denim and Lavender together and love this set

Another great feature of Mrs. Fear's shop is the mix and match options of great skirts. In colors that will go great with items you may already have and will not cost you an arm and a leg to add to your doll play collection. Mrs. Fear's skirts start at $6.

Different patterns and prints add depth and whimsy

so does any out fit made with Rick Rak. 

I love Rick Rak it is just so much fun to say!

Fun fall colors and a classic style dress are perfect for fall tea parties as well.

Items in Mrs. Fear's shop start at $5

NOVEMBER CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Mrs. Fear has kindly donated this wonderful outfit to be awarded by one of my readers to enter please send an email with NOVEMBER CONTEST in the subject line, and in the content of the email you must let me know if you have your parent's permission to enter. Mrs. Fear will send the winner this outfit from her shop after the draw date of November 15th. 

 A big thank you to Mrs. Fear for donating this special outfit for our November outfit contest!

Mrs. Fear shared with me a bit of her sewing background and how she came to the world of Etsy and American Girl Doll Clothes Designs.

Q:So how did you get started with American Girl Dolls?

"My daughters, who are now 9 and 7, had been saving for their own American Girl dolls for a couple of months, pouring over the catalog and website every chance they got. I admit, I was doing the same thing. I couldn't help it, the dolls and clothes were just so cute! When the girls got their dolls for Christmas, they were very excited. It didn't take me long to realize, though, that in order for them to have a wardrobe of fun doll clothes I would either 1) have to take out a second mortgage, or 2) make them myself! Obviously, I chose to make them myself. So, I dusted off my sewing skills and my fashion design dreams (I attended FIDM in San Francisco for a semester, way back when), and started sewing. The girls loved getting new outfits for their dolls, and I enjoyed the creative outlet, not to mention the chance to bring a smile to my daughters' faces.

After a few months, I decided to try my hand at selling my doll clothes on Etsy, just for fun. Mrs. Fear's Fun and Funky Fashions for Dolls has only been open since May, but I am having a great time, and learning new things everyday. I basically sew whatever strikes my fancy, but right now I am enjoying putting together whole outfits, like jeans, fun t-shirts, and coordinating shoes. My favorite outfit currently is a heart & crossbones tee, with a frayed denim skirt and olive green leggings. I wish I could make one for myself! (full disclosure: I do use some Liberty Jane patterns, and I am a Liberty Jane partner)"

Q: So do you have any dolls of your own?
"For my last birthday, my husband surprised me with my own doll - Kit! She is often busy trying on or modeling the clothes I make, but we make sure she gets plenty of playtime with my daughter's dolls, Julie and Molly. My oldest daughter is also saving for a My American Girl Doll, so we'll see if a fourth doll joins our little group in the near future."

Thank you again to Rachel Noel and Emmie for the tip on Mrs. Fears Etsy shop and to Mrs. Fear for taking the time to share a bit about herself with us today. I hope you will take the time to visit her shop at Mrs. Fear's Fun and Funky Fashions

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

Fill up your doll closet with this Etsy shops basics!

 

The Doll Closet  on Etsy has some fantastic deals on doll clothes essentials and really reasonable prices.

Offering Short and Long sleeve shirts for $8.

Shop ownder Christine also offers leggings for the same low price, and the best deal is you can choose your color to match your existing doll wardrobe or pair with your choice of one of her many beautiful skirts for only $6

I also love the doll dresses in her shop perfect for this years Girl of the Year Doll

 

As well I love the skirts that Christine has made for both girls and their dolls

I love this print!

 

As well as something for the little girls

For the more sophisticated doll, Christine offers some adorable Beret's and printed peasant shirts

 

 I asked Christine more about her shop and how she got started on Etsy and was surprised to find out that this young business owner is also a full time student!

Here in Christine's own words  is her story.

"I got started making doll clothes for my sisters and friends as birthday gifts. Then, one day, my friend was admiring a little jacket I'd made, and suggested I try selling my creations at a local farmer's market. While that didn't go very great, I was still excited to be able to make a bit doing something I enjoy. Eventually I found out about Etsy, and promptly opened a shop. It took about a week to get my first sale, and then things very slowly started moving. It wasn't until my first Christmas season on Etsy that I really started putting a lot of time into it, and getting an equal amount of reward!
What motivates me to keep going? Well, I'm a freshman in college, and my Etsy shop is my job. I absolutely love having such flexible hours, so I'm definitely motivated to keep selling in order to not have to look for another job.
The models in my photos are American Girls Felicity and Kirsten. I use Felicity the most, since Kirsten is nearly 12 years old, she is a little well-loved in appearance. :)"

I hope that you stop by and take a look at  Christines Shop the Doll Closet to your Etsy favorites don't forget to add her to your favorites list as well! I can not wait to see what she has in for us in her Spring line!
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

Historical Dresses for Girls to match their dolls from Katiebugmommy's Etsy Shop

 

Have you ever wished you could have a holiday dress as special as the ones your Historical dolls have? Take a look at  Katie's Etsy shopp http://www.etsy.com/shop/katiebugmommy she makes dresses inspired by the Historical Doll Line of American Girl doll  to fit girls!
 The above dress is inspired by Ruthie's Christmas Dress and it is such a great holiday dress!

I love the way Katies's has a more modern twist with out the elastic waist band.

Kit's surprise Christmas dress is sure to bring a smile to any Kit  lover's face!

The Historical Holiday dresses are so timeless. I love the dress that Katie has created inspired by Addy's holiday outfit.

Such a beautifully inspired dress. Inspired by the stories of a beautiful girl.

If you are a classic American Girl Doll Fan and Samantha is still your favorite, take a look at these dresses inspired by Samantha.

Samantha's Birthday Dress

Samantha's Holiday dress

Katie also has some modern dresses inspired by other Historical American Girl Dolls that can be enjoyed year round

Inspired by Marie-Grace

Inspired by Julie

Inspired by Kit's reporter style!
There are many more outfits in Katie's shop and with price points of $18-$70 I am sure there is something for every doll lover available to be made by Katie, order early to have your outfits before Christmas!

Katie shared with me a bit about her shop and her collection and I wanted to share that information with you...
"Well, when I was a girl, my younger sister collected the American Girl dolls (I was "too old" for dolls!). I thought the dolls and their stories were really neat, and I loved looking through the catalogs. At that time American Girl offered dresses for girls that matched each of the historical dolls' outfits.

Last year, my daughter's bff got an AG doll, so of course that sparked an interest for my daughter and I! I was surprised to find that the only girl-sized outfits offered were for the "modern" or "just-like-you" dolls. We are particularly fond of the historical dolls and their educational value, so I began sewing dresses for my daughter that matched "Samantha's" Victorian frocks (my daughter got a "look-alike" Sam for Christmas as a trial doll before splurging on the real thing).

She received many compliments on her dresses, especially when she was accompanied by Samantha in her matching dress. I thought, "surely, we're not the ONLY ones who miss the historical garments," so I posted some of my daughters dresses on Etsy, and my shop "katiebugmommy" was born!

I love sewing for my daughter, especially when the dress I'm working on is so highly anticipated! That excitement translates when I'm sewing for a customer. Although I do not know the little girl who I am sewing for, I know her excitement! I know this dress will be one of her favorites, just because it matches her doll! I know that she will feel extra special, and walk with little bounce in her step, just because she and her beloved doll can be twins. I count it a special privilege to be part of that excitement!

The dolls that live in our house include Samantha and Josefina (my daughter's) as well as a JLY doll that I bought off ebay for myself. Oh, and Felicity will be coming to stay at Christmas, just don't tell my daughter!"


I too miss the matching historical girl sized dresses and am thrilled to have found this great Etsy shop is offering these dresses to the next generation of American Girl Doll Historical lovers.


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

Matching Doll and Girl Pj's from Crystals Expressions

 Crystals Expressions   offers many unique items for both girls and dolls in her Etsy shop. Some of my most favorite items are her matching Pajama Sets for girls and dolls.

I love the colors in the set 

Crystals Expressions offers beautiful pillow case dresses for girls and their dolls

I love the fall colors in this set and it is available in sizes 2-12

Or this set from size 2-7

 

Crystals Expressions also offers some amazing bedding sets

Doll costumes

 As well as full outfits for American Girl Dolls, Bitty twins and babies

There is something for every doll in this Etsy shop and it really is a  shop to take your time in with more then 290 items in this store you know this is a popular and busy shop with more then 120 sales.

I wanted to know a  little bit more about this shop and how there came to be such a busy American Girl doll section and this is what Crystals Expressions shared with me. 

 How did you get into making American Girl Doll clothes?
"I started making doll clothes after seeing a child carrying an American Girl doll with a matching dress. At the time I was selling dresses at craft shows. I thought "How cute. I can do that". And I've been doing it ever since. It's been about three years now. I didnt even own a doll when I started. Since then I have acquired 4 dolls that I use as models for my doll clothing. My dolls are hand-me-downs given to me from girls who outgrew them."
What is the top selling item you make?
"The matching pillowcase dresses and the matching pajamas are the top sellers. I have lots of different styles now. I like keeping my clothing styles modern and trendy.
If someone wanted a custom order how long would it take?\
"It only takes me a short time to make the clothes. However, I am usually backed up with orders. My normal time is about 6-10 days to get shipped out. I also embroider so custom orders are not a problem.
I also have lots of other non-doll items for sale."

I hope you will visit Crystals Expressions  shop and see what all the excitement is about for yourself.
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

Doll sized Starbucks, a great Etsy find!

I have featured this Etsy shop before dollygirl101 and this is my second order from her shop. Dollygirl101 is a young entrepreneur who hand makes each item in her shop.
As a doll lover and collector, I really appreciate hand made items that are truly unique.
I have a tenancy to go to Starbucks regularly for Hot chocolate and I take my children and my nieces with me and this special ritual can now be re-in-acted at home during doll play.

I am so thrilled with my purchase, Each handmade cup from dollygirl101 were only $2.25! now if only my hot chocolate from Starbucks was always that inexpensive!
I hope you get a chance to check out dollygirl101's shop and hope you have a great day!
Please note that the adorable dress my doll Chrissa is wearing in the above photo is from the Etsy shop of  Sewcrazyarmywife
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

Advent Calendar of Doll items I have been working on since May

I know it is only November 1st but I have been working on this since May. I found a lady, a wonderful seamstress and Grandmother on Swap-bot  who agreed to make an advent calendar for "my Dolls" and I would make one for her Granddaughter's Dolls.The calendar had to have  24 pockets of doll clothes and accessories I have made and worked on since May I now share with you.  I am assured that my partners granddaughter will not read this post so it is safe to share it with you. I hope you like it and that it inspires you to make your own or start one for next year.
Keep in mind that each item's pockets will be wrapped I just wanted to show you what I made and put together.
Here is how and what I made for my part of the swap.
First I made a 24 pocket calendar, I wanted to find another over the back of the door shoe holder which would have bee perfect but I found this fabric and loved it and made my own. To make an easy one for yourself I would go out and buy a pre made one.
Here are photos of each pocket most of which are accessories I have made and featured here on my blog and some will be new to you.

 

I had so much fun putting this together that I am actually doing another one of these but a smaller version for another swap. I hope you enjoyed seeing what I have made and hope that if you are going to make one of your own that I have given you some simple and easy ideas. 

Most of the items in my advent calendar have been featured as easy to make crafts or dollar store gems. 

If you have any questions please let me know!

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