Buying Knit Fabric Online
26 Mar 2013 2 Comments
in 1/6 scale, Past Fashions, Sewing Tutorials
Lately I have been making up sweaters for the dolls, and my search of fabric online now includes hunting down the finest knits and interlocks. Not so easy as many sellers don’t mention too many details in their posts, and I am realizing that there are dozens of varieties, blends, weights and names for the various knits. In this case a picture does not say a thousand words, and I have had hits and misses when they arrive so I am determined to educate myself on what to buy, where to buy, and sadly I will have to take some time and leave the comfort of my sewing room to hunt down the right stuff, as this sort of fabric requires a hands on approach. You need to feel for texture and pliability, stretchiness of course, and this doesn’t have to be much as we are dressing dolls. I do know however, that there is a different in the fibers, I have learned that a round elastic thread does not bend and mold, and that a flat fiber does. I have no idea about the process of knitwear, but you can feel that difference in lycra, or the knits that feel more elastic, they don’t bend or stay into a shape, even some of the finest ones still feel like elastic. The very fine jersey and cotton or modal ones on the other hand, will fold easy and hold the shape more, they tend to be sheer or opaque and will even press back when you open a seam etc….so I think if you are experimenting with sewing some knits, look for these qualities. I have run across some of the finest ones, hard to believe they make garments out of them, so I love finding these for the dolls as the scale is really perfect. If you are at a loss for what to look for, go to a department store and check out the clothing as you are sure to find this amazing fine knit among the racks. If you are anything like me, you will buy a piece of clothing and cut it apart just to make a doll sweater, yikes, that can get pricey, so my mission is to find out where this fabric comes from. I will keep you posted.
Bonica for Silkstone Barbie and Victoire Roux on Etsy now
21 Mar 2013 5 Comments
in 1/6 scale
I have often thought how fun it would be to systematically sew my way through every commercial pattern, vintage and modern, ever produced for Barbie, and to test and try each piece, making the necessary changes for a better fit and overall look. As it happens I have started in a few times, but of course I get side tracked, not to mention how long this might take. So instead of trying to do it all at once, I think every so often I will choose a pattern and rework it to suit my own style and flair, but still in keeping with the original intent. This vintage look is taken from an OOP Butterick 6496 pattern, the swing coat, overblouse and skirt. I have added, edited and changed several things, but overall I think it captures that timeless look that appeals to most Barbie collectors. I have lined the garment pieces and I believe that once you realize that patterns are a guide and not an exact science it opens up so many more possibilities, both in styles and in results.
