Baby Doll Clothes

Samantha and Keltie, my little granddaughters, are both into baby dolls. Of course part of the fun of baby dolls is undressing and dressing them. I was totally shocked to find out how much baby doll clothes cost. Always looking for a good idea for Christmas gifts, after a little encouragement from Nicol (Keltie's Mom) I decided to make baby doll clothes.



My first obstacle was finding patterns. Our Walmart no longer has a fabric department so I purchased my patterns from Ebay. Since a fat quarter will make a small baby doll garment, I went through my quilting stash and picked out a few tiny prints. The first outfit was a little romper. The only problem was the legs were too short. The next was a little lavender dress, the waist was a little tight on Sami's doll.



While I waited on my patterns to come in from Ebay, I decided to make some crocheted booties. I used a premie pattern and #10 crochet thread instead of baby yarn. Success at last! Then I remembered a pair of premie bids I had made last year. They were a little big but looked cute on the baby dolls.

Finding material suited for baby doll clothes was not easy. I went to the local thrift store and purchased several baby outfits for around $1 each. They were clean, soft and small prints. After cutting all the seams, I was able to cut out a complete garment in baby doll size.

Nicol emailed me a cute diaper pattern and I made a couple from white flannel.

I am getting more exited about each project and can't wait for Christmas.

The New Addition to the Sewing Room

Last week I purchased a blind hemmer. I took it out of the box, admired it, put it on the sewing table, and admired it some more. I have not had the nerve to actually turn it on yet.

This is step one in my goal to open my own alterations business in my home. For years I have done alterations for friends and family. Now I am ready to retire but still need income so I am going to go into business for myself. I'm still undecided about a name. Right now I am using "Sew Sharpe". I've made some fliers and business cards. The most difficult part is the price list. I've always charged way below the market because it was something I did in my spare time. Now I have to think of myself as a professional and charge the going rate it I want to quit my job at the law firm.

My goal is to have the business what and running by October 2010 and turn in my notice at the law firm. I started with the firm in October 2000. I hope they will let me come in from time to time and help out because I know I am going to miss the crazy place.