American Girl dress

**wissewer** · September 20th, 2009

Here is the most recent outfit for my granddaughter's 9th birthday present -- a dress for one of her American Girl dolls. The dress is a blue satin that looks beautiful, but is more than interesting to work with. I started out with two dresses cut out -- one for each of her dolls. I intended to serge the seams of each.

However, the material raveled so much, and being impatient to finish at least one project, I ended up making both dresses and then using one as the lining of the other. The only rough seam left was the waistband and I covered that with lace tape. The irony is that the "second" dress gave the outfit a really nice body, especially the skirt. I also used hook and eyes rather than velcro for the back placket to avoid any tearing when the dress is put on or off.

The bows are purchased. I did sew two more bows on a strip of lace for the "dolls" to use for their hair.

With autumn approaching, I hope to get back to my sewing. Will send photos, if I manage that!

**skipper** · September 20th, 2009

How nice I'm sure your granddaughter will love it. It brings back memorys of my daughters when they where young. Hope you get a few photos with your granddaughter playing with the dress.

**motoandnutty** · September 20th, 2009

It is a beautiful dress wissewer - and it has ended up as an exceptionally well made one with the full lining and hook and eye fastening.
Your granddaughter is going to love it, and it will remain looking good after both dolls have had umpteen turns at wearing it.

**gartner** · September 20th, 2009

wissewer

That dress is so cute your Grand Daughter I am sure will love it!

A Tip I could pass on to you about the Satin unraveling is to try the Cloud Cover that Designs by Sick sells.
It is like an interfacing and can be used on Silks and Satins to reinforce the material so it won't unravel and prevents it from snaging, shredding or running when embroidering on it.
You could fuse this to the back of the material before cutting out a pattern or a hoop sized piece to embroider and that will control the unraveling.
You would still need to stabilize the fabric after fusing the Cloud Cover to the back if you are embroidering a design on it.

It will not change the drape of the fabric and is very light weight.

Denise in Calgary

**Angicrafter** · September 20th, 2009

really lovely dress ! I am sure your granddaughter will love it !!! I know I would if it were me

**wissewer** · September 20th, 2009

[QUOTE=gartner;218954]wissewer

That dress is so cute your Grand Daughter I am sure will love it!

A Tip I could pass on to you about the Satin unraveling is to try the Cloud Cover that Designs by Sick sells.
It is like an interfacing and can be used on Silks and Satins to reinforce the material so it won't unravel and prevents it from snaging, shredding or running when embroidering on it.
You could fuse this to the back of the material before cutting out a pattern or a hoop sized piece to embroider and that will control the unraveling.
You would still need to stabilize the fabric after fusing the Cloud Cover to the back if you are embroidering a design on it.

Thanks for the hint. This kind of information is why the SICK forum is so great for all of us. I have the cloud cover from SICK, but did not even think of using it for this!!! It has been such a long summer of renovations plus some other stuff that I think my brain is still on autopilot! Just today, I finally put some of my supplies back in order. But, the craft room is still a work in progress and I really, really am looking forward to cold weather --maybe the only one in the whole world who loves winter and cold weather --which would mean I have an excuse to stay inside and sew!

**jstitch** · September 20th, 2009

Very nice dress, wisesewer. I always line at least the bodices of the dresses I make for these dolls, even if only a facing is called for. I like the way it finishes it, and also I think it's faster.

**Grandma Ria** · September 20th, 2009

Your Granddaughter is sure to love it, it is a very pretty colour,you did a nice job.
Thanks for sharing Ria

**watermelon** · September 21st, 2009

I love it! The color is one of my favorites. Your GD will treasure her gift, I'm sure. Thanks bunches for sharing.

**tricia58** · September 21st, 2009

The dress turned out lovely. Thanks for sharing.

**windstar** · September 21st, 2009

I love the dress and I'm sure your granddaughter is going to love it as well. The bows made it extra dressy. Thanks for sharing.

**kt3234** · September 21st, 2009

Wissewer,
The dress you made for your GD is lovely! I know she is going to treasure it! Love the color. You did a great job and thanks for sharing, kt3234 Karen

**sharong** · September 21st, 2009

The dress is so pretty, She will love it! It is fun to have girly granddaughters. I have two of those and one who has loved bugs and critters since she was small. I'd love to have that dress for my own American girl doll. Kids got me Molly a few years ago, cause I never outgrew my love of dolls. HUGZ to you for a fabulous job!

**annmarie** · September 21st, 2009

THis is a really lovely dress for her doll. She will love it

**nitadee** · September 21st, 2009

This little dress is so cute, I just love the little bows! Your
granddaughter is sure to love playing with it. Thanks for sharing your project with us.

**rookje** · September 21st, 2009

Wowh..... wath a beautiful dress I think the little curl will be very happy with the dress. Great job!!

**wissewer** · September 25th, 2009

Thank you, all. Tomorrow is her 9th birthday and I just talked with her. She is home sick and the school is rife with swine flu! However, she sounded pretty cheerful and looking forward to her big day.

**ginny1960** · September 25th, 2009

The American Girl Dress came out fabulous. I love the shade of blue and the bows added gives it a wonderful classy look. Doing the lining I can see that it does give it extra body and falls beautifully. Actually lining it with the same fabric is done as a more expensive look and professionally done. You do not see this done as often other than with professionally done and high cost clothing. Your GD will love and treasure it. Thank You for sharing.

**rookje** · September 25th, 2009

Have a beatiful day with your granddaughter and familie
Congratulations to you all !!!!!

**teddy_rn** · September 26th, 2009

I love that dress. A treasure that your grand daughter will always love. I have made tons of American Girl doll clothes for my little ones; they esp love the outfits that match their clothes. Thank you for sharing.