Upcycling—Doll Clothes

I get to sew and knit clothes for the baby dolls at a preschool. This is really exciting for me, of course, since I haven’t made doll clothes in years. I have plenty of old clothes in my stash that I can use for this. So last weekend, I made these little outfits



The first outfit is finished—for the boy. The pants used to be an old duvet cover. The shirt came from my son; he didn’t want it anymore. The elephant—well, that was still in my stash—I never throw anything away. 



For the pants, I got inspiration from the internet and adjusted them to fit the 43-cm doll. The top fit perfectly. 



I modeled this little smock (a shirt from my son-in-law) after a dress from one of my childhood dolls, all of which I still have, of course. Every now and then my sewing machine acts up and doesn’t sew neatly, but I don’t think the kids will mind. Maybe I’ll have to take it in for servicing sometime.

And then there are these pants. Also made from an old duvet cover my daughter didn’t want anymore. 



Now I’d like to make a poncho—also inspired by my doll’s wardrobe—and, of course, some summer dresses, shorts, and T-shirts.

Sewing with bias tape was new to me, and the fact that everything is so small is also an adjustment. But it’s a lot of fun. 

wow

Those doll clothes turned out absolutely beautiful. 
Hats off to you!!!

If anyone here needs help with a sewing machine, I found a forum. 
I have a really old sewing machine, about 50 years old. 
It needed servicing; I bought it for a few euros on a classifieds site, but had to have it shipped to me. 
That wasn’t so great.
I looked for help online and came across this forum. 
They’re all collectors of old sewing machines; one of them lived in Cologne and had his mother here in the neighboring town at a retirement home. 
He took my machine with him, checked it at home, repaired it, adjusted it, and brought it back… for free. 
I then donated some money to the forum administrator. And my machine runs like new. 
If anyone needs help and 
you’d like me to mention this forum here, or if I’m allowed to, or whatever, please let me know
Best regards, Marion 

These are great doll clothes—the kids are sure to love them!
My mom used to sew a lot, and she’d often make doll dresses out of the leftover fabric, so my doll and I would go out in matching outfits.

My machine is about 35 years old now. I’ve sewn with it more or less regularly over the years. I figured I’d just have it checked out. I also have to admit that I’ve never really thought about whether the thread tension and settings are correct. We have a “long-established” shop in town.

When the kids were little, I used to sew a lot of matching outfits for both of them. And the doll often wore clothes made from the kids’ fabric. 

Wow, Petra, what beautiful things you’ve designed and sewn. You’ve done a fantastic job. I’m thrilled—and by the way, I love your cute doll, too.

The dollies’ outfits are absolutely adorable

Best regards, Inge

@fluegelpueppchen,
please don’t include external links in your posts.
It’s nice of you to want to help. It would be best if you shared this link via PM = private message with anyone who might be interested, rather than posting it in the forum.

Petra, your doll clothes turned out great! I’d love to dress up my dolls again sometime, but there are always other, more urgent projects waiting! By the way: All our doll clothes are safely packed away in the attic!

@josefa, I was aware of that. That’s why I only mentioned it and didn’t name it.
I haven’t found anyone who could help me with my machine.
Thank you anyway, dear Josefa.
Lots of love,
Marion

@Marion / fluegelpueppchen,
that’s really kind of you to want to help.

Great clothes for the doll.
I’m still a beginner at sewing.
I’ve always wanted to sign up for a sewing class.

Best, Gabi 

Gabi, I’m currently “learning by doing,” and I’m really enjoying it. Gift bags are an easy way to practice.

Next, I want to make my own bias tape and use it to finish the edges of something—just like Inge showed us with the sleeves and cuffs.

Cuffs 

Dear Petra, what wonderful doll clothes! I think they’re very, very pretty, and the doll is absolutely adorable, too. I’d play with her right away. I think it’s very commendable that you sew these doll clothes for the daycare. Both you and the children enjoy them.

I used to make all sorts of things for my son’s daycare too—knitting, crocheting. Those were still GDR times, and the daycares weren’t very well-equipped. It was only thanks to the parents’ dedication that things could be so colorful and cozy for our children. I also used to go to the daycare and help the kids with crafts and such. Today, my son and daughter-in-law are involved in their son’s daycare. Just as we showed them by example.

Dear Petra, I hope you continue to find great joy in creating new doll clothes. It really warms the heart :-)

Warm regards, Ina