Last night I got this brainy idea that I would start an outfit for my new 8″ Ten Ping doll that will be arriving very soon. I found this sweet little pattern for her on Etsy in Jenwrenne’s shop. Since I don’t have my Ten Ping yet, I assumed if I followed the directions, it should fit her when she gets here. W-E-L-L… I spent 3 hours last night trying to get this tiny little tunic-like top put together and I didn’t get very far. I’m a pretty seasoned seamstress and I could NOT get the little band part along the bottom edge to work for me. Maybe it was my fabric, but it was giving me fits. The problem is you have to clip the corner and turn it up and then turn it under again and stitch it down. Seriously, I cut out 5 bands and 4 different tops. I tried fusing the inside band at the top to keep it from fraying…I hand basted it, I used a very lightweight fabric to catch the corners…
This picture shows my first attempt… I finally began using it to test some stitches on.
After a few attempts, I thought I would just change the bottom band to go across the tunic, but I didn’t like that look…
After working for several hours, this is what I ended up with…
I tried sewing a little while longer on it and finally decided it was time to set it aside.
( Tonight I laid my pieces out to see if I could envision what it will look like if I continue with it…)
I went to bed after midnight and this morning when I woke up, I had a new plan… a different doll. How about something for Julie, from the 70’s. I got out my super duper 1974 pattern book and found a pattern in it that used to be a favorite of mine. I still remember one special dress I made from it almost identical to the long dress, only in the short version. Too bad I didn’t know someday I’d have a blog and need a picture of it!
I drafted a few pattern pieces to make the bodice similar to the pattern and away I went!
I decided on the short dress and picked out some fabric and trim. I didn’t get it all the way finished, but a good head start. I won’t spill the beans for the whole look, but give you enough of a teaser to make you want to come back tomorrow and see it finished. Hopefully I’ll get it done, but again, no promises. It was a lot of fun making it… almost like I was sewing my dress back in the 70’s again.
Well, do you think you’re going to like it?
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh,, Jeanne, I know the feeling of trying and trying to make something work, spending time reading and rereading the instructions, and still not getting it right! Anyway, that is a darling outfit for Ten-Ping….if it ever gets done! Does Ten-Ping come dressed or just the doll?
Julie’s dress is also adorable, and so much like one I made for myself too! I think Julie will love it, so spring-like and cheerful! Can’t wait to see what it looks like finished!
HI Linda,
I’ve learned if something isn’t working, set it aside and come back later to see if you can figure it out. I know exactly how it’s supposed to go together…I just can’t get mine to turn out to suit me. I’m hoping for some inspiration on it…
Ten Ping comes in her box nude and with her wig off, but her outfit and wig comes separately in the box. I guess you get to dress your doll completely yourself.
I’m anxious to get Julie’s dress finished too. It is so strange looking at it… it’s truly a 70’s look…at least to me it is.
Thanks for your comments…
Blessings, Jeanne
Ten Ping’s outfit is going to be so cute! I know you will get it right..I tired making this simple sundress for Patsy and it took me three times to get it right..it finally just clicked.
Julie’s dress looks adorable too!
Hi Regina,
I’m hoping for that same “click” on Ten Ping’s outfit. Hopefully soon…
Thanks for liking Julie’s dress.
Blessings, Jeanne
I think Julie’s address will be adorable, that trim is perfect with that fabric. Thanks for the heads-up re the Ten Ping pattern! I’ll save it for when I’m feeling patient.
Hi Jevne,
Yes, wait till I figure the pattern out and I’ll let you know any tips I learn as I do this.
I’m off to finish Julie’s dress. I thought the trim was wonderful with my fabric.
Blessings, Jeanne
I had that dress…… in the long version !! Loved it. {Jeanne, I want your 1974 pattern catalog} !! Memories ……………………………….
The dress you are making for Julie will be darling. The fabric & trim are perfect for each other. Bright, cheerful and so springy. It just gives me a charge. She looks like a basket of flowers.
Now on the little outfit for Ten Ping – that looks difficult. The pivot at the corners would be a challenge. What I am thinking is to use Fray Check to keep the corner fabric from fraying or to use some of the techniques applique quilters use as they needle turn the edge of their pieces as they stitch them to the background fabric. A while back I did see a couple of Asian style outfits for sale on eBay for Little Darlings. Maybe that seamstress has a secret technique that would overcome the issues you are having. Just an idea….
The fabric is beautiful.
Hi Jeannie,
I was thrilled to find this big thick 1974 Pattern catalog. It’s full of all kinds of ideas. It came from ebay so keep a watch out and maybe you’ll find one eventually.
I’m hoping so much to get Julie’s dress finished today. Thanks for your sweet words about it.
As far as Ten Ping’s pattern… I’m not one to give up so I’ll figure out something. It’s just a matter of finding the right solution to those corners and making them crisp. I’ll keep you posted as to what I come up with.
Blessings, Jeanne
That 1974 dress is just the cutest thing! Your fabric and trim were meant to be together too.
I can see my teen granddaughters loving it! Julie may throw a fit and want to keep it though!
The little oriental outfit does look like it would take tons of patience…I think your last picture looks awfully nice though…does it have bias trim form the neck to the under arm too? Wonder if you could put that tiny 1/8 trim called soutache at the edge to cover the turned under part. Am I calling it the right thing? I can send a pic
Have a great day!
HI Kathie,
I hope my Julie gives it up …there’ll be more to come if she does.
The little tunic has a slanted front on one side and closes with a snap at the side. There is a facing that goes up one side, around the neck and down that little slated area. I didn’t actually get that far on it. I just have the pieces laid out. If the band at the bottom was this difficult, I can’t imagine what that tiny little collar is going to be like…yikes!
I just finished Julie’s dress and now need to find something to go with it.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Yup!!
I remember that “look” from the 70’s! Looks very cute, as does the Ten Ping outfit! I’m not sure but maybe I found you through Jen Wren’s blog?