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
She is so charming!
Posted by: Jane | November 08, 2006 at 09:59 PM
don't be shy little ruby...
your so cute and everybody wants to see you in your new dress ;)
Posted by: isa | November 08, 2006 at 10:19 PM
she's so gorgeous - is she going to have any brothers and sisters?
Posted by: ros | November 08, 2006 at 10:19 PM
Oh she is just too cute!
Posted by: Bronwen | November 08, 2006 at 10:21 PM
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.
Posted by: Sue | November 08, 2006 at 10:25 PM
That is an excellant tutorial, and such lovely material. Ruby looks adorable
Posted by: Joy | November 08, 2006 at 11:00 PM
What a lovely little dress - thank
you for the wonderful tutorial...
Posted by: Shar | November 08, 2006 at 11:03 PM
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!
Posted by: Kimberly Sherrod | November 08, 2006 at 11:06 PM
Wow! Fantastic tutorial,thanks so much!!
Posted by: myra | November 08, 2006 at 11:15 PM
Thank you!! I'm making a doll as a Christmas gift and needed a dress just like this!! This is perfect.
Posted by: Laurie | November 08, 2006 at 11:16 PM
Ruby, you are too sweet. Hope we will see more of you. Your dress is so cute. I would love one in my size. =)
Posted by: sally | November 08, 2006 at 11:25 PM
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!
Posted by: Sarah | November 08, 2006 at 11:32 PM
Ruby is such a lovely doll.
Posted by: Neta | November 09, 2006 at 12:02 AM
Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial. Ruby is delicious and so is her dress.
Posted by: melly and me | November 09, 2006 at 12:05 AM
You are a genius! Ruby is amazingly cute...
Thanks for the great tutorial!
Posted by: dani (pyglet) | November 09, 2006 at 12:23 AM
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!
Posted by: debs | November 09, 2006 at 12:35 AM
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
Posted by: Anna H. | November 09, 2006 at 01:16 AM
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!
Posted by: abbyjane | November 09, 2006 at 02:02 AM
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!
Posted by: Meredith | November 09, 2006 at 02:12 AM
Ruby, you are too much!
Posted by: erin | November 09, 2006 at 03:04 AM
Your worksmanship is impeccable. Thanks for giving us a peek.
Posted by: kathy | November 09, 2006 at 03:23 AM
Oh that is a wonderful piece of work! An irrevisble dress! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: lauray | November 09, 2006 at 03:36 AM
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.
Posted by: Miss Dot | November 09, 2006 at 04:02 AM
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...
Posted by: Snowbear | November 09, 2006 at 05:04 AM
This is brilliant! Thank you for this tutorial.
Posted by: Helen | November 09, 2006 at 08:02 AM
Ruby is really a beautiful doll !
thanks you for the pattern...
Posted by: nadège | November 09, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Ruby is just a joy, thank you for making me smile.
SUzie Sews
Posted by: suzie vallis | November 09, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Absolutely brilliant - and I wouldn't mind a coat like that either. Many thanks.
Carolyn
Posted by: carolyn | November 09, 2006 at 10:15 AM
Thank you for the tutorial.
It is very easy to read..... and understandable......
and darling!
Posted by: Sue | November 09, 2006 at 11:28 AM
ohhh lovely lovely lovely! Thank you for the tutorial - you'd not be thinking of doing one for a Ruby-esque doll too would you? She's just perfect!!
Posted by: sooz | November 09, 2006 at 12:24 PM
oh Ruby I LOVE YOU and wish to take you home.
Plus, that is a smashing frock and an excellent tutorial.
Posted by: Kitty | November 09, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Thank You!!! I have little girls at home, oh ruby is so nice!
Posted by: fleur | November 09, 2006 at 01:01 PM
Wow- that's amazing. What a clever idea!
Posted by: mj | November 09, 2006 at 01:19 PM
Oh yes, I too would like a coat like that! I'm sorry Ruby is shy. She looks so pretty in that darling little coat. I really can't handle this much cuteness in the afternoon (please don't stop with the cuteness EVER by the way)!
Cherry xx
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | November 09, 2006 at 03:29 PM
What an adorable dress/coat! Thank you so much for the tutorial!
Posted by: Robin | November 09, 2006 at 04:48 PM
YOU are amazing.
Posted by: tyn | November 09, 2006 at 04:49 PM
Oh my goodness, you are a genius. I hate the teeny hem thing and all my dolls clothes end up looking shabby and fraying due to poor tiny hems. I love you, I am going to adopt this format for all the dolls clothes now, we will have the best dressed dolls ever and of course children love reversible clothes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Posted by: Rebecca | November 09, 2006 at 05:09 PM
i am in love with your tutorials babe! love ruby. love the dress. must try both now. thanks!
Posted by: heidi | November 09, 2006 at 05:33 PM
Thank you for the tutorial! Ruby and her dress are the cutest things I have seen in a while!
Posted by: nova | November 09, 2006 at 05:51 PM
You make it look so easy!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | November 09, 2006 at 06:06 PM
oh my... she's so adorable!
Posted by: christy | November 09, 2006 at 06:13 PM
Brilliant! Did you think up this technique? Its so clever. And shy Miss Ruby is so cute! Your dolls always have so much personality. Well done!
Posted by: *jenny | November 09, 2006 at 06:43 PM
I read the entire post, loving every bit of it, before I realised that Ruby was not your daughter. What a surprise to see that dress on a sweet little doll! I wonder if that pattern could be used to make a dress/blouse for my daughters? I love it!
Posted by: tris | November 09, 2006 at 07:28 PM
Thanks so much your the best. Ruby you look adorable and we can't wait to see the next installment. Maybe a red headed sister:)
Posted by: Melissa | November 09, 2006 at 07:54 PM
wonderful dress, and ruby is soooo cute!
Posted by: kjungs | November 09, 2006 at 09:22 PM
holy cuteness, batman! i feel christmas presents coming on.... thanks for the great tutorial!
Posted by: austen | November 09, 2006 at 10:37 PM
absolutely wonderful - if it wasn't midnight I would go and make one NOW! Thank you
Posted by: katie | November 09, 2006 at 11:51 PM
ok,is it me or what? i just want to eat her??!! she is so dang adorable!!! and i love the way you pose her!!!! tooooo cute
Posted by: susan sobon | November 09, 2006 at 11:58 PM
Fantastic tutorial Lyn. I thank you, Bella thanks you and most importantlyof all, Bella's near naked doll thanks you!
Posted by: manda | November 10, 2006 at 02:21 AM
Just wanted to let you know what a fantastic tutorial that was. I made a coat version of it today (and I am NOT a sewer) all with hand stitching and it turned out really, really well. Only problem is that I was hoping it would fit my daughter's American Girl doll and the arms are too tight. So now I guess I'll just have to have a go at making a doll with skinny arms! Do you know of any free patterns where I could get a start? I also loved Ruby, but thought that at 144 messages, you'd heard it enough!
Posted by: Georgia | November 10, 2006 at 03:16 AM
this is adorable, so is Ruby of course, thanks so much for the brilliant tutorial
Posted by: Linda | November 10, 2006 at 11:23 AM
Beautiful! And thanks for the tutorial, it's a great idea to make the dress reversible to avoid itty bitty seams!
Posted by: Amanda | November 10, 2006 at 02:59 PM
Have you seen the Bette Davis movie All About Eve? I wonder if Ruby has. Maybe she needs her own blog?
Posted by: Peggy | November 10, 2006 at 03:01 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this! Reversible = genius. And thanks, too, for the book recommendations in the earlier post...just got a copy of the Woman's Day book, and it's a great find!
Posted by: Mary | November 10, 2006 at 03:08 PM
you are a genius - great idea to make a reversible dress! Now we get 2 instead of 1 AND can avoid the bloody tiny seams! Excellent tutorial, will definitely try it! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Posted by: Christine | November 10, 2006 at 03:12 PM
Hi
Please can we have a pattern for Ruby's head!!!
She looks so lovely and I love her dress.
thanks
Lesley
Posted by: Lesley McCormick | November 10, 2006 at 03:21 PM
i heart ruby.
Posted by: sarah | November 10, 2006 at 06:41 PM
Wonderful tutorial. thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: nichola | November 10, 2006 at 10:06 PM
C'est très beau !!! BRAVO
Wonderful ;-)
Posted by: Salidou | November 12, 2006 at 11:16 PM
What a clever way to do it! Fantastic tutorial, thank you so much, now I know how to make tiny and clean sewing.
Posted by: Blanka | November 13, 2006 at 02:39 AM
Thank you so very much for sharing ruby and the dress tutorial...just wonderful!
Posted by: tessa | November 13, 2006 at 06:34 PM
Ooh thank you ! I've learned so much today with this tutorial, thanksfot sharing it.
I do have one question though. Maybe a silly one but what are the measurements of the dress?
Posted by: ilse | November 13, 2006 at 10:11 PM
Oh. My. Goodness.
I almost can't stand the cuteness that is Ruby.
Fantastic tutorial!
Posted by: wilsonian | November 14, 2006 at 03:00 AM
beautiful! did you create the pattern as well?
:-)
Posted by: lobelia | November 15, 2006 at 10:03 AM
This dress is so cute and Ruby is so adorable!! what a great job!!
béa
Posted by: minoute | November 16, 2006 at 09:25 AM
I am so hopeless when it comes to making doll-clothes (and normal people clothes as well!) so thanks so much for sharing this pattern. Such a generous thing to do :-)
Posted by: Jhoanna | November 17, 2006 at 03:29 AM
Ruby est vraiment très très belle!!! Bravo pour ton univers c'est très beau!
Posted by: gwen | November 18, 2006 at 11:31 AM
Hi,
Thanks for the pattern. It's really usefull and easy to do. I've done one this morning and you can see the result on my blog or my flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alfine/300848191/in/set-72157594365448453/)
Posted by: alfine | November 19, 2006 at 01:45 PM
Such a lovely doll! _i just love dolls!
Zelia
Posted by: Zelia | November 19, 2006 at 10:52 PM
What a lovely dress. Thank you for the tutorial. I will try because the dress is just so beautiful.
Posted by: Mari Eriksson | November 21, 2006 at 09:55 AM
Beautiful!Beautiful!Beautiful! ;)
Posted by: Piluskita | November 23, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Beautiful!Beautiful!Beautiful! ;)
Posted by: Piluskita | November 23, 2006 at 01:57 PM
Gorgeous. thank you for tutorial.
I not speak very velle englisk, but I like that you make
Posted by: Crazypatch | March 16, 2007 at 10:05 PM
I love this doll, and the dress. In fact I love the doll so much that I spent WEEKS trying to make my own. And now I feel bad because I posted about her (and your Ruby) on my blog, but never posted on your blog to say thank you for providing such inspiration.
Posted by: JC | July 26, 2008 at 12:50 PM
It does not have the tutorial one of the doll? It would like to have. It is pretty.
Posted by: Margot | March 30, 2009 at 05:17 AM
Que coisa m,ais linda !!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Marga | June 13, 2009 at 12:35 AM
This is so sweet! Let´s se if I get the oportunity to sew one myself.My girls only undress their dolls...
Posted by: Singoalla | November 20, 2009 at 08:52 PM
Wow! I know I'm a few years late, but this page of tutorials is awesome and adorable (and very kind of you!). Thank you!
Posted by: Denise | February 10, 2010 at 01:25 AM