Last summer Hazel was given a hand-me-down American Girl Caroline doll. She was estatic. Now Caroline was retired a couple of years ago, so all of her clothes and accessories are only available on places like eBay and they are rather expensive for the most part. The only outfit I have gotten for her was the one with the Spencer jacket and hat. Hazel loves it. Otherwise she has Caroline's meet dress. Now Caroline is one of the historical Beforever dolls. She is from 1812 and the daughter of a shipbuilder in New York. Her era is the regency style era. I searched for some regency style patterns. The first one I made is from a pattern from Vanessa Knutsen. I found the pattern here, but it is available from Knutsen on Pinterest (page 1 and 2). The instructions are a bit vague, so you have to have some sewing knowledge to make it. I added soem lace trim to the neckline and sleeves.
I used a fabric I bought years and years ago. I love how the green in it brings a bit of her eye color out. Hazel loves the fabric.
Now I knew we were planning a trip to the American Girl Store. We were going with a friend who had never been. Hazel had decided to bring Kit and our friend was bringing Samantha (Hazel's). I decided to bring Caroline in a new dress. I also had so much fun making the dress and finding patterns for the Regency era, that I made two dresses with plans to make this one from Pixie Faire that I got at one of their Friday Freebies. They have loads of other beautiful Regency Era patterns as well.
While I was searching I found this post by The Dashwood Sisters. They used the pattern from Josefina's Pretty Clothes Patterns that was released by the Pleasant Bay Company and is available (for free) here. If you or your child are into the historical dolls these patterns are a must. I decided to not adjust it besides not using the neck ruffle. (Caroline's meet dress has a neck ruffle.)
I used a fabric that we got from my mother's stash when she was downsizing. I think this dress is a perfect use. Hazel loves this one. She also had found a scrap of a ribbon that matched the flowers so I used it on the dress. I love how Caroline's meet shoes match both dresses. Now Caroline could go in style to the AG Store with her sisters, Kit and Samantha.
I bought Kit's outfit on eBay since it was one of the retired outfits. Hazel tends to like the older outfits for the dolls. Check out some of our other doll posts including our always popular mermaid tails and camping supplies posts (both with free patterns). My next doll project is a Hogwarts robe. Stay tuned!
It is time to see what you have been creating! Thank you to everyone who shared with us at our last party. It was a fun party with lots of creativity shared! Below are a few of the features from our party. Please remember for your child-oriented crafts, activities, lessons, etc. Sharing Saturday is going on!! We have started having a monthly Sharing Saturday party for the summer, so keep coming back and sharing! I can't wait to see what your latest creations!!
Features
1) From Rain on a Tin Roof: The Circus' First Day of Kindergarten and First Day Art for your Circus
2) From Koushiki Quilling: Quilling Wall Hanging
3) From The Scrap Shoppe: Faux Knob Storage Jars
4) From Creative of Rainy: Crochet Tulip Stitch
5) From Duct Tape and Denim: Thrift Store Mirror Makeover
6) From Anita's DIY Life: DIY Entryway Bench
Thank you to everyone who shared the last week!! I hope you will share again!! If you are featured here, please feel free to grab a featured button to display proudly on your blog. I would love the help spreading the word about Crafty Weekends!!
