This year we are encouraging our children to consider making Christmas gifts with their own two hands and to take put some thought about what their siblings might enjoy and some effort into choosing what they would make.
Pinafore Dress Trimmed with RicRac
Some scraps of fabric, a few sewing patterns, the sewing machine and opportunity were all my daughter needed in order to create a special Christmas gift for her little sister.
A Warm Coat for Winter
After assisting me with the nightgown and pajamas I made for the the American Girl Doll Mega Giveaway, my 12 year old decided she would make a wardrobe for her 7 year old sister. I call this creative. thrifty. generous. (I also call this Home Ec 101!)
Birthday Dress with Pinafore Apron
She took this on entirely by herself, choosing the fabrics and patterns from ones I had stashed away in my cupboards. Each day my little seamstress produced one new garment, while I distracted the recipient. Keeping Christmas Surprises a surprise is one of the challenges of having a large family. It isn’t easy!
A Special Occasion Dress
You can find the patterns for these dresses at agplaythings.com. You can see other fabulous creations for 18″ dolls at Diana Rambles, Sews and Bows, Gina’s Craft Corner, Jessica’s Doll Closet, GiGi’s Doll Creations, Jewell Star Doll Clothes. Are there holiday preparations taking place and special projects being created in your home these days?
Have you entered the American Girl Doll Mega Giveaway yet? The winner will receive an American Girl Doll of their choice plus a fabulous doll wardrobe provided by some amazingly talented ladies.
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A young girls who want to sew! I love it. And I am sure her sister is going to go crazy for the clothes. My mom used used make me doll and Barbie clothes every year. I loved them.
What wonderful memories, Amanda! I’ve always enjoyed sewing and handcrafts, but I don’t think it was really my Mom’s thing – she often teased me about where I got those crafty genes. It seems to have been passed on to my daughters, but they are much more talented and skilled than their mother! It will be fun to watch both the girls as this gift is unwrapped Christmas morning.
Such cute doll dresses. I am working on the doll giveaway. 🙂
Hi Mary! Thanks for stopping in and commenting. It’s been fun working on doll dresses, and this giveaway is fantastic. It will make one special little girl very happy!
How creative and what a fun present. Love that your kids are making things for each other with their own hands. So special and heartfelt.
Thanks, Deanna. It’s a lot of fun to see what they come up with once they put their thinking cap on. Glad you stopped in, have a wonderful weekend!
I love that you’re teaching your daughters to sew and to be generous with each other – good job!
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Thank you, Joy. Working together makes the whole gift-giving process more meaningful, and a lot more fun!
How sweet that your daughter is making gifts for her sister! My little 7 year old has the same heart for her sister and is always making her things. She has just started sewing and we have started with bags. She made 4 bags in one day for 2 friends, her sister and me! 🙂 I really love the last dress. That blue is so pretty. Your daughter is doing such a great job! I have just started sewing doll clothes and I’m having trouble! I tried to make a robe and messed it up. Now I’m trying to make some PJ’s and the instructions are so confusing to me! Hopefully I’ll get it finished for a post next week.
Your daughter’s bags sound wonderful, Gina. My girls also began sewing little bags, too. How sweet that your daughter made them for her friends. I agree about the doll clothes – they look so sweet but I find the little tiny seams difficult to maneuver! Looking forward to seeing the robe and pj’s 🙂
Thanks for sharing the great sites. I checked them out and looked into making or finding a way to help our daughter (though she is but six so it may be a little while yet) make cloths for her baby dolls. Have a lovely weekend. Sincerely, Mommy of two growing blessings & so much more!
I am happy you found some inspiration. My girls started by sewing diapers and blankets for their dolls. The perfect thing for using those fabric scraps, and for keeping little ones (boys and girls) busy while mama works on her projects.
So jealous of this doll, she has a better wardrobe than I do lol
Isn’t that the truth! My Sewing To-Do List just got longer when I saw all the cute accessories this doll will own!
Such a wonderful idea! I always love homemade vs store bought gifts. These dresses are perfect for a little girl. Thanks for the pattern links! Right now I’m working on hand-made Christmas ornaments…I gave away all my store-bought ones last year.
You are welcome, Stevie. I’m glad the links were helpful. Love handmade ornaments! I imagine they are gorgeous and will make your holiday special and beautiful.
What wonderful gifts and what a thoughtful and talented big sister!
Thank you. I’ll pass your comment on to my daughter 😉
WOW ! Having tried to make a few doll clothes for my grand last year ( and HATING it / it is HARD!!! 🙂 I applaud you and your grand daughter. It takes some talent for that and these are amazing! 🙂
I’m with you, Debra. I find sewing doll clothes quite daunting. I stick with easy/peasy nightgowns. My daughter shocked me with how much she took on and what a beautiful job she did! Thank you for admiring and enjoying – I’ll pass the compliments on to her!
I found you through WHH link-up. My daughter is crazy about American Girl dolls and we often incorporate them into our homeschooling, as well. Thank you for all the great sites and ideas. I will pin some of them on my American Girl Doll pinterest page, too.
Hello, Mindy! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. My girls have all enjoyed learning with their American Girl dolls. I’m sure they will want to be checking your pinterest page!
Congratulations! This post is featured over at Diana Rambles today and has been pinned in the Featured at Diana Rambles board at Pinterest, Tweeted, and Recommended on G+. Please grab a featured button off my sidebar or via the link under the features. Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!
Thank you Diana! I am honored 🙂
This post made me want to learn how to sew! I’m a crafty person, but never learned the art of sewing. How fun would it be to learn with my daughters while they outfit their dolls!
Thanks for linking up at Homemakers Challenge DIY Accomplished!
Your post was the most popular one! 🙂
Laurie, what a wonderful idea – to learn alongside your daughters! I know I learn so much when I try new things with my children. How exciting that my post was enjoyed by so many. thank you for hosting every week.