Free Doll Clothes Pattern (August 10th, 2018 ) Help Us Decide

Hi everyone,

On Friday (August 10th, 2018) we will offer a pattern from Karen Lorraine Watts  of Karen Lorraine Design for free as a special one-day only event. We'd love to have you vote to help us decide which pattern will win, then be sure to come back Friday to get your free copy.

More about Karen Lorraine and Karen Lorraine Design, (in her own words)...
Hi. I’m Lorraine from “Karen Lorraine Design.” I really only learned to use a sewing machine when I was about 40! While I had a few obligatory school lessons when I was young, I used to hate sewing as a school subject and most school projects were finished by my mother :). Then, through a couple of friends, I ended up with a secondhand sewing machine and a desire to sew doll clothes. I still remember being nervous about it all, but here I am seven years later designing for Pixie Faire. I was so excited when I discovered Pixie Faire! A new world opened up. I am definitely a product of Pixie Faire’s Design and Pattern Academy classes, and it is an honor to finally be a designer for Pixie Faire. I enjoy sewing for numerous dolls, with my favorite dolls being American Girl®, Pullip® and Blythe®. I have a soft spot for other adult seamstresses who end up teaching themselves how to sew, and I hope my patterns reflect that with their clear instructions and photographs. I love the journey of sewing and designing for dolls. Away from designing, I am busy with family matters, and in any spare time I have left I enjoy photography, art, road-trips, and walking.

More information about the patterns:

Heirloom Entree Designed To Fit 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl®:   “Heirloom Entrée” features heirloom sewing techniques in a gentle dress pdf sewing pattern. While heirloom sewing is often done by hand, especially the smocking methods, for some of us who might not have the hand or eye capacity to handsew, then machine sewing becomes the main option. It feels really good to know that we don’t have to sacrifice these beautiful techniques, and also that a basic sewing machine is quite capable of producing a beautiful heirloom sewing effect.  

This outfit requires a regular sewing machine. You do not need an embroidery sewing machine. It would be nice to have a machine that does a few fancy stitches; however, even if you only have a zig-zag stitch on your machine you can still produce a stunning result.

The two heirloom techniques explored in this pattern are pintucks and (machine) smocking. The latter appears twice: as a display in the centre front, and as a subtle elastic effect on the sleeve. Easy back closures, the choice of a high or low neckline,  and the use of woven cotton fabric makes this dress a pleasure to sew and a stunner to wear.

Dance Time Designed To Fit 14- 14,5" Dolls:   "Dance Time” consists of a leotard with boyleg pants, and 3 tulle-layered overskirts. The leotard is made from knit/stretch fabric. Binding appears on the neckline and armholes (or fold over elastic or stretch binding can be used), while a pretty ribbon sparkles from the overskirt hems. The three-layered overskirts gather at the waistline, and sandwich into the leotard; hence, this pattern does not require any elastic. The tulle can be either a woven cotton or a stretch knit. No back closures are required, although you can insert hook and loop tape for an easier opening-and-closure for little hands.

Also included in this PDF sewing pattern are three bonus items. Leg warmers can be quickly sewn from stretch knit fabrics, while there are two options to create fingerless gloves. One of these options is for woven cotton fabrics, and the other is for knit fabrics. 

This package allows the seamstress to indulge in a world of solo-colour, go jazzy in foil lycras, or mix-it-up with sequins and glitter. Alternatively, the variations included in this pattern allow for several other outfits, including sweat bands, tank tops, knickers, unitards, and fairy and princess decorated outfits. 

Elegant Designed To Fit 11 1/2" Fashion Dolls such as Barbie®:  Whether it’s a red-carpet event or a night out on the town, then the swish and dazzle of this outfit is exactly what your Fashion Doll needs. With seemingly high-end fabrics and classy stitching, this dress and train offer numerous ways to go glam. Whatever the colour or fabric you choose, “Elegant” is certain to stun and impress. 

“Elegant” consists of a strapless bodice (with darts) attached to an exquisite skirt. The skirt is close fitting in the front, while sweeping into a train from the back. This pattern also includes a detachable train that mimics the skirt train while also flowing gently around the front sides. The bodice contains a small facing, whereas the skirt is unlined. The pattern is designed for woven fabric (and not for knit stretch fabrics). These photos depict dance satin used for the bodice and skirt, a tulle for the facing, and chiffon for the train.

This PDF pattern is designed to fit 11 ½" Fashion Dolls such as Fashionista Barbie®. As Fashion Dolls vary in size, here are the measurements of Fashionista Barbie® that you may wish to use to compare to other dolls: bust 5 inches, waist 3 ½ inches, and hips 5 1/8 inches.

At The Castle Designed To Fit Monster High™ Dolls:  “At the Castle” consists of a strapless bodice (with darts) attached to a close-fitting trumpet skirt. With the option of a lace overlay for the bodice, this stylish dress is complemented by a gentle veil and gorgeous gloves. The pattern is designed for woven cotton-type fabric.

These photos in ivory depict delustered satin fabric used for the bodice and skirt, with a lace overlay on the bodice, lace gloves, and bridal tulle for the veil. For a lighter look, the pink photos show the dress made out of muslin.

This pattern was primarily designed for the Monster High™ girl size. Generally, Monster High™ female dolls come in three sizes: adult (29cm height), girl (27cm height), and kid sister (25cm height). [There is also a newer “giant size” of about 17 inches which the pattern will not fit.]

Due to the design of “At the Castle”, by making slight alterations this pattern will also fit the Monster High™ small sized kid sister and adult dolls, as well as the three general Ever After High™ dolls. [Ever After High™ female dolls come in three main sizes: tall girl (28cm), medium girl (27.25cm), and short girl (24.5cm). The pattern will not fit the “giant” doll here either.] 

All alterations for the different sized dolls are contained in the pattern. Here is an example of how the alterations are presented: “If you are sewing for the MH girl (medium) size, follow the patterns pieces as they are. Do the same for the small MH kid sister.

If you are sewing for the MH large adult doll or an Ever After High™ tall doll, then you will need to add 1/8" to each centre back long side of the skirt (pattern pieces #7 and #9), and add ½" to each centre back of the bodice and facing pieces (#1 and #2).

Take A Closer Look At Each Pattern:

Please be sure to leave a comment and thank Lorraine! Come back on Friday and get your free copy of the pattern and if you use it - share your pictures online using the #pixiefaire hashtag.