Ruby's dress

I'm dreadfully sorry for the crappy pictures, but my scanner isn't working. I'm not sure it ever did, in fact it probably just needs plugging in, or switching on, or something - who knows ? Certainly not me.

Anyway, one crappy quality photo....

I'll zoom in a bit, if that makes it easier to read ?

This is a 'stitch- around' pattern, so cut out your paper pattern pieces, but NOT your fabric yet.

To avoid any nasty teeny tiny hems I've made the dress reversible, so you will need two squares of fabric cut large enough to accommodate your pattern pieces plus hem allowances .

Put your fabrics right side together and pin on the pattern pieces.

Now machine stitch close to the edge of your pattern where indicated. Don't forget to leave the side opening for turning, and don't stitch around the neckline on both pieces.

Without removing the paper pattern, and leaving a small hem all around your stitching, cut out your two pattern pieces. Not the neck bits though, the neck bits come next -

For both the collar and the dress, cut out the necklines ( which shouldn't be stitched yet) without leaving any seam allowance.

Turn the collar the right way round, press, and topstitch all around if desired,

and now sandwich it in between the two layers of your dress.

Pin, baste, and machine stitch together.

Now, turn your dress the right way round, and slip stitch the turning gap closed.

Fold in half, to match A to A, B to B, etc ...

So it looks like this.

Starting at the bottom hem, slip stitch the side seams, picking up only the top layer of fabric - in this case the orange fabric..

Once you've reached the sleeve hem, turn inside out and repeat, this time just stitching through your other fabric. This will give a nice neat seam on both sides.

At this point, the dress could easily be made into a coat instead, just leave the gap for turning on the bottom hem so it's not visible. ( I wouldn't mind a coat like this meself actually ).

But if you still want a dress, just stitch the back seams in the same way, leaving a large enough opening to fit your dollie thru'

Attach buttons and sew little loops to fit, and then add whatever buttons and bows that take your fancy.

Dah, dah !

Ruby won't model for us today

She says she's too shy.

Back on friday. Bye-bye.

xxx

Comments

[Jane]

She is so charming!

[isa]

don't be shy little ruby...
your so cute and everybody wants to see you in your new dress ;)

[ros]

she's so gorgeous - is she going to have any brothers and sisters?

[Bronwen]

Oh she is just too cute!

[Sue]

What a great tutuorial. I think I shall be using some of your guidelines to make some little dresses for my daughter's dolls. How cute is she in that dress, even if she is shy.

[Joy]

That is an excellant tutorial, and such lovely material. Ruby looks adorable

[Shar]

What a lovely little dress - thank
you for the wonderful tutorial...

[Kimberly Sherrod]

What a wonderful tutorial! Thank you for posting that- I'd much rather not have to make hems- plus the added treat of making it reversable! Very nice! Ruby is such a sweet girl! Maybe she will get a whole new wardrobe!

[myra]

Wow! Fantastic tutorial,thanks so much!!

[Laurie]

Thank you!! I'm making a doll as a Christmas gift and needed a dress just like this!! This is perfect.

[sally]

Ruby, you are too sweet. Hope we will see more of you. Your dress is so cute. I would love one in my size. =)

[Sarah]

I wanted to let you know that I finally received my copy of The Crafter's Companion, and what you said/wrote was lovely. I found it very inspiring, and your scrappy list purse is on my to-do list!

[Neta]

Ruby is such a lovely doll.

[melly and me]

Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial. Ruby is delicious and so is her dress.

[dani (pyglet)]

You are a genius! Ruby is amazingly cute...
Thanks for the great tutorial!

[debs]

Oh, look at Ruby peeking out from behind her hands! Your dollies and critters have so much life, you really are the modern day Blue Fairy! Great tutorial - thank you for sharing your wonderful gifts!

[Anna H.]

Oh, thank you, Lyn! You have no idea how many weird little doll dresses I've made that don't work -- but this pattern (and your directions) are great -- I'm inspired!

xxoo

[abbyjane]

I really like how this dress is reversible. I think it would appeal to a child to be able to change the look of the doll and it certainly appeals to me because it avoids teensy tiny seams that I'm bound to mess up!

[Meredith]

brilliant! thanks so much for sharing that. i am making a doll for my daughter for xmas and i love that little dress. ruby is adorable!

[erin]

Ruby, you are too much!

[kathy]

Your worksmanship is impeccable. Thanks for giving us a peek.

[lauray]

Oh that is a wonderful piece of work! An irrevisble dress! Thanks for sharing!

[Miss Dot]

that is a great tutorial! it even tempts me to try it and I don't have any nude dollies waiting on clothes! hey, did you get my email regarding the pendant? quite likely I forgot to send it! argg.

[Snowbear]

Thanks for the tutorial; now can you explain it again for those of us (just me probably) who don't understand sewing terms?
heh heh--
I'm so confused.
and dazed.
and confused. Not you, my dear, it's me. I'm a total novice, dont'cha know?
see you on Friday, I'll be waiting...

[Helen]

This is brilliant! Thank you for this tutorial.