Freebie Friday, (July 31st, 2015) Help Us Decide

Hi everyone,

On Friday (July 31st, 2015) we'll have one of the following patterns available for free from Melinda Schlimmer. Voting is over and the Bluebelle pattern won. Download it for free on Friday, July 31st.

More About Melinda and Melody Valerie Couture: Melinda is an accomplished craftswoman and pattern designer. She spent her childhood making anything and everything, but began to specialize in sewing and patternmaking in high school. During her university studies, she cultivated her gifts for design, presentation, and garment construction. In 2008, she founded Melody Valerie Couture, which provides limited edition, couture-quality dresses to 18″ dolls. In 2012 she joined Liberty Jane Clothing and is a vital part of our design work, courses, and educational content.  

Help us decide which one of these fun patterns should be free by voting below. Then come back to Pixie Faire on Friday to see which pattern won and get the free download.

Vote Now:

Here is more information about each pattern:

The Check Dress For 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl: She was all set to leave for the day - but I made her run through the list one last time anyway. Wallet - check. Phone - check. Library books - check. Good attitude - check. Fabulously smashing frock -check? - check! Yes, that was the works. Beaming a smile, she turned and skipped out the door, into the noise of the city. Treat your 18” doll to this girly, yet elegant, frock - perfect for running errands around town or studying at the library. The unique design lines and extreme dropped waist combine beautifully with the short skirt, and tiny pleats in the sleeve cap add a vintage touch. The “Check” PDF Pattern works best when made from lightweight cotton shirting, chambray, or lawn; the Fall 2012 collection original was made from silk dupioni. For lining, any lightweight cotton or poly lining will work nicely - or turn up the glamour and use silk!

Lily Of The Valley Dress For 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl: Treat your doll to this unique blend of corners and curves — from the box pleats to the sinuous yoke sections, Lily of the Valley is a frock for the doll who likes a bit of spice in her wardrobe.  It’s hard to beat a classic ribbon bow, though; and when you pair it with some fabulous buttons, chances are you’ve got a dress your doll will turn to time and again. The Lily of the Valley PDF Dress Pattern was engineered for the cleanest, smoothest finish possible — despite the six sloping pleats, which begin lower in front than in back for the most flattering line, the skirt has a minimum of seams.  A partial lining floats down from the neckline to just below the waist, while strips of self-fabric bind the armholes. The dress closes up the back with an invisible zipper. This dress works well in a fine-wale corduroy, but you could also use a lightweight wool or a fun printed cotton.  We suggest a lightweight polyester, rayon, or cotton muslin for the lining.

The Bluebelle Dress For 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl: Bluebelle is a beautiful dress with elements that hearken back to the flower it was named for. The scalloped hem,  the curved multi-piece collar, the petal sleeves, and the tiny mother-of-pearl buttons all echo the bluebell's distinctive swoops and curves.  The Melody Valerie bow graces the back of the dress -- a mark of our approval! Inside, the dress doesn't disappoint. The bodice is fully lined, the armhole seams are neatly bound with self-fabric, and, to avoid velcro damage to either your doll or the dress, it fastens smartly with snaps. This PDF dress pattern works well with two similar-weight fabrics in harmonizing colors. This example uses cotton shirting, but any lightweight cotton or linen would also work well.

The Monday Morning Dress For 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl: The Melody Valerie Couture Monday Morning PDF Dress Pattern is a study in classic elegance, with a twist. It’s familiar, A-line silhouette and pleated skirt are standbys in traditional dress design. But the asymmetrical detailing (like the contrasting shoulder panel and the oversized Melody Valerie bow) keeps it fresh well-known yet new, just like so many Mondays.

Take a Look At Each Pattern:

 We'd love to hear your opinion - which one of these fun patterns should be free? Leave a comment below with your opinion!