A Minnie Mouse Inspired ~ Free American Girl Dress Pattern

Today I am sharing a American Girl Doll pattern that I created.  The bodice is lined and sleeveless.  The gathered skirt is made of two sections of fabrics connected with bias tape.

I added a wide sash ~ think Minnie would like that!

The hot pink variation of the pattern can be found at the bottom of the post.

Materials needed:

Dress bodice template

squares for main bodice and contrasting lining (red)

Two 3 1/2" x 22" contrasting fabric (red) for sash

One 6 1/2" x 28" rectangle for skirt top

One 4" x 28" rectangle for skirt bottom

28" length of bias tape maxi piping (red)

4" pieces of thin Velcro ~ I love this one

Optional applique:

Small free clip art of Minnie Mouse

Small square of Heat N Bond adhesive

Notes:

All seams are 1/4" unless indicated

Seams can be finished by serging, with a zig zag stitch, or pinking shears

Reinforce seams by backstitching 

Directions:  

Cut out the bodice pieces

Optional applique

Following the directions on the Heat n Bond package, trace your "Minnie."  Iron onto your fabrics.  Note: I show red for the bow, but I changed it to white with black dots to match the skirt.  Cut out your appliqué pieces, and iron onto the bodice,  sew (I use a zig zag stitch).

Bodice Construction:  With right sides together, pin and sew the shoulders.

Repeat for the lining.

Fold each sash piece in half right side together, and sew along the long edges and one of the short edges.

Turn the ashes right side out ~ I use a chop stick!

With right sides together, pin the lining to the bodice.  Stitch along the back and neckline, then around the arm holes.  Clip the seams.

Turn right side out by pulling the lining through the shoulder on one side.  Repeat on the other side.  Press flat.

Pull the lining out of the way.  Pinch the unseen edge of sash slightly to form a small fold.  Pin the sashes to the right side of the bodice, 1" from the bottom.  Baste in place.

Open up both the fronts and backs of the bodice.  With right sides together, pin the fronts together and the linings together.  Sew ~ catching your sash in the seam.

Turn right side out, and press

Skirt construction:

Pin your bias tape face down along the lower edge of the 6 1/2" x 28" piece.  Using your zipper foot, baste in place.

Place your skirt bottom piece face down covering the bias tape.  With your zipper foot, stitch as close as possible to the cording.

Your finished piece:

Press a 1/2" fold on either side of the skirt.

Hem the skirt bottom by pressing a 1/4" fold.  Then fold 1/4" again.  Press and top stitch.

Your dress pieces at this point:

Gather the top edge of the skirt by sewing long basting stitches ~ Remember to leave tails on your thread to pull.

Distribute the gather evenly.  With right sides together, sew the skirt to the bodice using a 1/2" seam.

Sew Velcro to the back of the dress.

Sew the back of the dress (below the Velcro) 7" from the bottom

Your Minnie inspired dress is complete!

Hot pink dress variation

Omit the appliqué
Reverse the skirt pieces by sewing the bias tape to the bottom of the 4" x 28" piece

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Hole Lotta Fun ~ Children's Alternative to Corn Hole

Our family enjoys playing corn hole!  The games get intense and exciting, but the little ones often feel left out.  To solve the problem, Kendra created a game just for them.  She designed a board with three rabbits with large holes just waiting for bean bags to be tossed.  I must give Kendra's husband Scott credit for the construction.

Instead of square bags, this game required carrots!

The games was a huge success with my grandchildren showing the same competitive spirit as the adults.

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Barbara's Creative Crab Basket Art

When I saw a photo of my special friend Barbara's latest artistic creation, I had to ask if I could feature it.  I was delighted when she agreed.

I love the way Barb takes items that others may discard and makes them into unique piece of arts, which she paints or glues on the bottom of crab basket bottoms that she has collected from the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

The first two photos depict the scenery along the Bay.

Barbara also collects sea glass.  On this basket she has used the varying shades of color to create a heart.

The last basket features colorful buoys, which would make a perfect addition to a beach house or cottage.

Barbara and her husband Jack, both of whom are now retired, spend much of their leisure time on their artwork and crafts.  Perhaps new careers are in in their future....


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Summer Strawberry Dessert

Saturday mornings means a trip to the local Farmers' Market, and early June means a promise of fresh, juicy strawberries!

I wanted to make a easy dessert ~ but not just strawberry shortcake.  A look through the pantry, and I had an idea.  Store bought biscuits, instant pudding, whipped cream, and strawberries served in a margarita glass would be a combination of simple and fancy.

The biscuits were baked following the directions on the can.
The pudding was prepared and refrigerated.
I then washed, hulled, and quartered the strawberries.

Once I added a little sugar, I mashed the berries lightly.

Right before serving I separated the biscuit in half, and put the first half into my glass.   I topped it with a couple of spoonfuls of pudding and then the strawberries.  I added the second biscuit half and repeated the layers.
A little whipped cream and a whole strawberry, and my dessert was complete ... and completely delicious!

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Sewing with my Granddaughter

I was beyond thrilled when my granddaughter showed an interest in sewing and asked for a sewing machine! And, of course, I couldn't wait until she visited so that we could begin a project together.

We decided on an apron and chef's hat for her American girl doll.  She picked fabrics from my stash, and we were ready to begin.

It was such fun to work with her, and our project turned out perfectly!

Pinterest provides many beginning ideas for children learning to use a machine ~ here and here.


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American Girl Doll Patterns

Now that each of my granddaughters has a special doll, it is important to keep them in fashion!  Between Etsy (pdf patterns) and Pinterest (free patterns), I have been able to create some cute outfits that are inexpensive and easy to make.

The first one is from Pixie Faire ~ I used cute whale fabric and lined it in coordinating pink.

From Cotton Candy came this sweet party dress pattern in mint with hot pink

And every well dressed doll needs the perfect dress for school ~ this one from Crab Apple....

...and a sleeveless dress for the warm weather ~ from My Angie

.....and one from Simplicity (1443)....

...and lastly, a free Molly design for a jumper and blouse

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