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The Quest for Tiny Lace and Barbie-Size Rickrack: Elevating Designs to New Heights

Introduction:

In the world of miniature fashion and crafting, finding the perfect accessories can be a challenging endeavor. It is not uncommon to spend countless hours searching for tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack, only to come up empty-handed. However, for those who refuse to give up on their creative vision, there is hope. In this blog post, we will explore the difficulties of obtaining these elusive accessories, share a tale of one shop that offers them, and discuss how these elements can truly spice up any design. Sometimes you have the impression that the quest for tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack is hopeless although it elevates your designs to new heights.

The Struggle to Find Tiny Lace and Barbie-Size Rickrack:

When it comes to creating intricate designs for Barbie dolls or other miniature projects, attention to detail is crucial. However, sourcing tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack can be a daunting task. In most physical stores, these accessories are hard to find, if not entirely absent from the shelves. Crafters and collectors often face disappointment as they scour the aisles in search of these delicate embellishments.

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Hope Shines Through:

Amidst the challenge, there is a glimmer of hope. While the hunt for these accessories may be arduous, there are a few specialized shops that cater to the needs of miniaturists and doll enthusiasts. These hidden gems offer a wide array of tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack, providing a breath of fresh air for those seeking to elevate their designs. Many years ago I had the luck to find the right size rickrack but it’s often the case that when you buy it and get it a few days later you find out it’s taller than described.

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Tiny lace in Barbie-size

Spicing Up Every Design:

Once in possession of these coveted accessories, the possibilities are endless. Tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack have the power to transform even the simplest of designs into something breathtaking. Whether it’s adding a touch of elegance to a miniature gown or enhancing the charm of a doll’s outfit, these embellishments bring a new level of sophistication and detail to any creation.

You know my brain never rests. I’m constantly searching for new ideas and new designs to differentiate from other Barbie size clothes designers. Since I first saw the Barbie fashion designer PC CD I wanted to do it too but I had no understanding of how this works in reality. For a long time I thought I’d never make it and then it was there. I suddenly knew how to design and wanted to make my designs very unique.

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Barbie-size rickrack, here 3 mm

The Challenge of 3mm for Barbie:

While tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack are already challenging to find, there is an additional obstacle for those working on Barbie-sized projects – the elusive 3mm size. As Barbie dolls are known for their slender proportions, finding lace and rickrack that perfectly fit their scale can feel like an impossible task. However, with perseverance and a bit of creativity, crafters can adapt larger accessories to suit the needs of their Barbie-sized creations.

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Conclusion:

In the world of miniature fashion and crafting, the journey to find tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack may be a challenging one. However, by exploring specialized shops and refusing to give up, crafters and collectors can spice up their designs and bring their creative visions to life. So, the next time you embark on a miniature project, remember the power of these accessories and let your imagination run wild. I hope you find tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack for your projects, too.

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Riley Blake Fabric in Europe: A Hidden Gem for Barbie Dress Enthusiasts

Introduction of Riley Blake fabric:

In the world of fabric enthusiasts and power seamstresses, Riley Blake is a name that resonates with creativity, quality, and unique designs. Last week, while browsing through social media, I stumbled upon an adorable Barbie dress made from Riley Blake fabric. The fabric was adorned with delicate butterflies, creating an enchanting aesthetic. Intrigued, I embarked on a quest to find this fabric, uncovering the Butterfly Blossom collection from Riley Blake. However, I soon discovered that obtaining these fabrics in Europe posed a significant challenge. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this hurdle and the potential solutions for obtaining Riley Blake fabrics in Germany. I must say that these fabrics are a hidden Gem for Barbie dress enthusiasts.

The Butterfly Blossom Collection:

The Butterfly Blossom collection by Riley Blake is a stunning assortment of fabrics that effortlessly capture the essence of whimsy and grace. With delicate butterflies fluttering across a range of vibrant backgrounds, this collection offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful garments, quilts, and other creative projects. The intricate designs and high-quality materials make these fabrics a favorite among sewing enthusiasts worldwide.

 
 
 
 
 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Riley Blake Designs (@rileyblakedesigns)

The Problem:

Despite the popularity and demand for Riley Blake fabrics, acquiring them in Europe, especially in Germany, can be quite challenging. One might wonder why it is a problem to simply purchase Riley Blake fabrics from the actual collection in Germany. The primary reason lies in the limited availability and distribution channels of the brand in Europe.

Limited Availability:

Riley Blake fabrics are primarily manufactured and distributed in the United States, which leads to limited availability in international markets. While the company has made efforts to expand its reach, Europe, and Germany, in particular, still face hurdles in accessing the complete range of Riley Blake fabrics.

 
 
 
 
 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Cute Little Fabric Shop (@cutelittlefabricshop)

Distribution Challenges:

The distribution process for Riley Blake fabrics involves multiple intermediaries, including wholesalers, retailers, and online platforms. These intermediaries play a crucial role in ensuring the fabrics reach the end consumers. However, the complex distribution network often leads to delays, stock shortages, and increased prices for customers in Europe. As a result, obtaining the desired fabric from the Butterfly Blossom collection becomes a frustrating and time-consuming endeavor.

Potential Solutions:

Despite the challenges, there are a few potential solutions for European fabric enthusiasts who wish to get their hands on Riley Blake fabrics, specifically in Germany.

Online Retailers:

Several online retailers based in the United States offer international shipping options, allowing European customers to purchase Riley Blake fabrics directly. While this option may involve additional shipping costs and longer delivery times, it provides access to a wider range of fabrics than what may be available locally.

Local Retailers:

Although the collection might be limited, some local fabric stores in Germany occasionally stock Riley Blake fabrics. It is worth visiting these stores or contacting them to inquire about the availability of the Butterfly Blossom collection or other Riley Blake fabrics.

Group Orders:

Another option is to collaborate with fellow fabric enthusiasts in Europe and organize group orders directly from Riley Blake or through wholesale distributors. By pooling resources and placing large orders, the overall cost per yard can be reduced, making it a more viable option for acquiring Riley Blake fabrics.

Conclusion:

Riley Blake fabrics, particularly the Butterfly Blossom collection, are a delightful addition to any sewing project. While obtaining these fabrics in Europe, especially in Germany, can be a challenge, there are potential solutions available. Exploring online retailers, checking local fabric stores, or organizing group orders can help European fabric enthusiasts fulfill their creative visions with Riley Blake fabrics. Despite the hurdles, the joy and satisfaction of working with these exceptional fabrics make the effort worthwhile.

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Barbie: A Journey From Perfect World to Real Emotions

Introduction to Barbie the movie: A Journey From Perfect World to Real Emotions

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the pre-premiere of the much-anticipated Barbie, the movie at our local cinema. Can we consider it as a journey from the perfect world to real emotions ? As I walked into the theater, I was taken aback by the overwhelming crowd that had gathered for the screening. It seemed that the allure of Barbie had drawn in more visitors than anyone had anticipated. Excitement filled the air as the lights dimmed, and the movie began.

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Local cinema just minutes before the premiere

The Beginning – a perfect Barbie world?:

The movie opened with scenes already known from the trailer, giving us a glimpse into the magical and perfect world of Barbie. The visuals were stunning, showcasing a perfect Barbie land where every day was filled with joy and happiness. It was a world that many of us could only dream of. The attention to detail was remarkable, and it immediately captured the audience’s attention.

Barbie’s Owner and Real Emotions:

In the real world, Barbie’s owner was a young girl who loved her dearly. She played with Barbie, creating scenes and stories that brought her imagination to life. However, as the movie progressed, it became evident that the young girl had turned in a woman in her mid 40s who was feeling a sense of sadness in her real life. She mirrored the same emotions that Barbie seemed to experience in her perfect world which suddenly was not perfect anymore.

The Perfect World Shattered:

Unexpectedly, the perfect world that Barbie inhabited began to crumble. As Barbie’s owner faced challenges and hardships, Barbie could no longer ignore the real emotions that were surfacing within her. The once idyllic Barbie land was transformed into a world of chaos and uncertainty. It was a pivotal moment in the movie, as Barbie realized that she needed to venture into the real world to find healing and a deeper understanding of herself.

Barbie’s Journey to the Real World:

With determination in her eyes, Barbie made the courageous decision to leave her perfect world behind and embark on a journey into the real world. This marked a significant turning point in the movie, as Barbie stepped out of her comfort zone and embraced the challenges that awaited her. Ken smuggled himself into her pink car and joined her on the trip to the real world. The audience was captivated by the transformation that Barbie underwent, as she navigated the complexities of the real world with grace and resilience.

Ken caused chaos in Barbie’s perfect world and caused real emotions

Ken also discovered the real world in his own way. Finding the masculine world more than enticing he tried to import horses and patriarchy into the Barbie world with the idea to dominate it. After realizing that Ken wanted to take over Barbieland Barbie travels back with the Barbie owner that made her feel sad and her daughter to save the Barbie world from Ken.

Conclusion:

The Barbie movie, while having a somewhat trashy storyline, managed to strike a chord with the audience. It highlighted the importance of acknowledging and embracing our true emotions, even if they are not always pleasant. Barbie’s journey from her perfect world to the real world served as a reminder that healing and growth often come from stepping outside of our comfort zones.

As the credits rolled, the crowded cinema erupted with applause, a testament to the impact that Barbie had on the audience. Despite its flaws, the movie succeeded in delivering a powerful message of self-discovery and resilience. It left the viewers reflecting on their own lives, inspired to embrace their emotions and embark on their own journeys of healing. The secret hero in this play is however Allan.

In my opinion it’s also beneficial to know the characters from the 1960s until 1990s to understand the movie completely. Ruth Handler also appears as nice old lady living in the cellar of the Mattel headquarter. At the end we learn that Ruth was only a ghost since she died over two decades ago.

Keeping my promise – Barbie: A Journey from the perfect world to real emotions

In my first article about the movie which you can read here https://barbie.final-memory.org/barbie-the-movie-and-tickets-for-a-pre-premiere/ I promised to wear my Pinup Couture dress and bring a Ponytail Barbie with me to the cinema. In my wildest dreams I hoped to find a pink box like some of you may already have seen via Facebook. However our cinema had no such pink box for photos and we had to improvise for the photo.

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In our local cinema without the pink box

Everywhere Pink

What we experienced was a whole cinema full with people dresses in pink. My dress has also a little bit of pink in it but it’s not completely pink. Yesterday pink seemed not to be a matter of age, just what the visitors imagined when thinking of Barbie. Maybe I’m a little bit old fashioned but I think the pink is a bit narrow-minded since Barbie represents at least for me more the the color pink.

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Barbie – the movie and tickets for a pre-premiere

Introduction – how Barbie – the movie made me curious

I decided short-term today to buy tickets to Barbie – the movie that will be aired in the cinemas in July 2023 after being undecided about it. Our local cinema offers a pre-premiere on July, 19th 8.00p.m. The tickets were just printed. I bought them by the end of June.

I’m surprised now what will expect us. Normally I’m no big fan of Barbie movies. As you probably know I grew up in the 90s and we had only cassette-tapes and radio plays of Barbie but no movies and no Barbie series in TV . What I don’t know is if these cassettes were also outside of Germany available in other foreign languages or not. For me Barbie had a voice but no appearance in any movie but in the catalogs that we got every six months for free from out toy stores with the wonderful name of “Barbie Journal”. I have already written about this in the past and I’m pretty sure I already reported about it in one of my videos.

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The most important facts I found for Barbie – the movie

Some facts we already knew before seeing Barbie – the movie

We already learned that the first dolls from the movie are already available online but in my opinion it’s too expensive for what this will offer. The car could be interesting but this is also way too expensive from what I have seen and no we have no Walmart around the corner. I have also seen some trailers of the movie. Let’s see if I can link them here.

I admit I had to laugh when I saw it. Somehow the trailer was in its own style funny. Maybe we see some great 90s outfits? In a deep corner of my childhood “Me” I’m surprised what this movie will offer. Will it be a joy of creativity and met my expectations or will it just be a trashy movie of a fashion doll that was the best sold fashion dolls by the end of the 1990s? Who knows? I will see the movie and tell you right after having it seen. By the way there are some other trailers available. The “B” in the movie poster is the one that was used from 1977 until 1991. Maybe this is also an aspect that made feel deep inside curious about this movie.

A cinema visit with my very own way to pay tribute to Barbie

Here’s my crazy idea what to wear for the cinema. I have a lot of retro cut 50s inspired dresses like this one from Pinup Couture. Pinup Couture is cutting very small but I had the luck to find an unused Stella music dress last year that a professional tailor cut down to my size. So I have this wonderful music inspired dress that I love to wear and now I even have an occasion. Wanted to wear it for several weeks now. Instead of posting a pic of myself here I share a professional one that is done for promo reasons.

I also decided to put one of my Ponytail Barbie dolls, yeah the really old ones, in a box and take her with me to the cinema for making a pic in front of the ad we will surely find in the cinema. By the way this is an idea of my boyfriend.

Time to wait and go to the premiere of Barbie – the movie ! Until then! Have lots of fun. I will write a short blog post after the visit. Read about the visit in the cinema in this article Barbie: A Journey From Perfect World to Real Emotions

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Ken, Ken or another Ken?

Introduction of Ken

I’d like to update one of my older blog posts in which I wrote about Vintage Kens. The post was from two years ago and I think it’s time for an update. I want to include new information about the types of vintage Kens that are available and popular today. As far as I am concerned, Vintage Kens were only produced for one year, followed by the replacement of a new Ken and an update to the dolls.

I learned in the last days that this is not true. I learned for example that the flocked hair Ken was sold from 1961 until 1966. In the toy industry, it’s common for manufacturers to produce a large quantity of a particular toy, hoping that it will sell out quickly. However, this is not always the case. For example, not all the stocked dolls sold immediately, as it depended on various factors, such as the part of the world where you were living. The flocked haired Kens could have been for example in Germany or Japan. In a way this makes sense because the dolls were marketed there later that in the US. It also seems that there’s a bigger variety in hair colors than I thought. I only thought there would be blonde and brown, but nope. It seems that there are more.

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First Ken with flocked hair in brown ( 1961 due to thick eyebrows)

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First Ken with flocked hair in blonde ( also 1961)

The eyebrows make the difference

The differences can be seen in their eyebrows. Earlier dolls have thicker eyebrows while the later versions have thinner ones but this is just one example. I will check my collection and see if there’s really a difference. I never had the idea that there might be so many differences. The boxes also show variances but I only have one box, so this is hard for me to show you.

Shortie Ken

Nevertheless I also learned that especially the so called “Shortie Kens” were produced in the US. I always thought that these Kens were only produced & painted in Japan but this was another misbelief. Their brothers from the same year produced in Japan were not “Shorty Kens”, their size was normal and their limbs don’t fall off the body. At least I can say I have one of these “Shortie Kens” produced in the US. So Ken, Ken and Ken are not the same dolls. You would also see a difference in their box but it’s hard to show you due to my lack of boxes.

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US Shortie Ken, really painted in the USA, missing Japan stamp on foot

What I noticed when I got more than one of these Vintage Ken is that they are all looking very different. There are no two Kens looking the same way. We have a big variety. Each of the boys has it’s own personality. Every Ken has kind of it’s own charme.

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Box of 1963 Ken

Painted hair for Ken

Painted hair Kens were not available before 1963. I thought they would have already been available in 1962. I think I have one of these 1963 Japan Kens but I want to look him up when I’m back home. I think I also have the last version from 1963 with the new arm mold but from his eyes he’s rather looking like the 1964 edition because the black in his eyes that all other versions had, is missing here. His hands are different thant the very first issues. Shortie Ken also has this arm type ( see above)

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See here the different hands that the first Kens had

High Color Ken from 1966?

It was very interesting to learn that the high color Kens were only available first in 1966. I recently bought one of them. I realized it when I bought him. Some collectors consider them as a variation. It’s also possible to see among the Color Magic Barbie dolls. There are also high color variations.

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High Color Ken from 1966
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!961 Ken stamped foot ( left foot), Shortie Ken without any marking

I think there’s more to discover among the Kens and I hope will do it in the next weeks and months to come. Watch more about my discoveries from the past months in these videos …

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A Halloween outfit for Francie doll?

Dressing Up Francie: A Halloween-Inspired Makeover?

So, Halloween just passed, and I found myself pondering whether to whip up a spook-tacular outfit for our beloved Francie doll. Now, I’ll admit, Halloween isn’t exactly my cup of tea – it’s not a huge deal where I’m from, you see. Here in Europe, we lean more towards celebrating St. Martin, crafting our own lanterns, and joining lantern processions, especially in the German-speaking regions.

But hey, I’m all about catering to my lovely viewers, and that’s where the idea for a new outfit for Francie came in. You see, I have this knack for experimenting with new clothing ideas for our petite Francie doll. She’s currently stealing the spotlight as my favorite doll to design for. While Barbie may have a plethora of patterns available, Francie often gets overlooked in the fashion doll realm. Outfits for Francie are my secret passion.

In my humble opinion, she’s a gem that deserves more attention. Sure, she may be smaller in stature, but her charm is undeniable. And that’s precisely why I relish in creating fresh ensembles for Francie – to showcase her unique flair and remind everyone just how special she truly is.

Stay tuned for the grand reveal of Francie’s latest Halloween-inspired look, and let’s continue to celebrate the beauty of fashion dolls, one stitch at a time.

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1/4 of the pattern for the Halloween skirt for Francie in a short version

Ideas that came into my mind for this Halloween outfit for Francie

As you all know, I have a soft spot for our adorable 15-year-old Francie doll, Barbie’s stylish cousin. With her endearing charm, Francie has become my go-to muse for sewing projects. However, I’ve noticed that my Francie doll’s wardrobe is in need of a little expansion. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to create unique outfits, honing my sewing skills and pattern-making expertise along the way.

For this particular project, I had a clear vision in mind – a chic yet effortless ensemble consisting of a simple skirt and a stylish top. I wanted to keep things uncomplicated, especially for those of you who may be new to sewing. That’s why I opted for a two-piece outfit, requiring just one calculation and one drawing to bring it to life. Trust me, simplicity is key here!

Inspiration struck when I envisioned a witchy skirt reminiscent of a dress I wore to my high school graduation ball. Drawing from my own creative experiences, I crafted a design that’s both easy to sew and oh-so-stylish. Rest assured, despite the stylish flair, this project remains incredibly straightforward.

So, join me on this sewing adventure as we whip up a fabulous new outfit for our beloved Francie doll. Let’s get creative together!

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1/4 of the pattern for the Halloween skirt/outfit for Francie in full length

A simple idea how to create the outfit

Let me share a little secret with you – creating Francie’s skirt and top ensemble is easier than you might think! With just a few simple measurements and basic sewing techniques, you can whip up this chic outfit in no time.

Here’s the drill: start by measuring Francie’s waist circumference and use that to calculate the radius needed for her skirt. It’s essentially the same process as designing a circle skirt, but with a twist – we’re working with rectangles this time. Picture it as almost a square, but with a cutout for the waist. Simple, right? For more information about Francie you can read more here https://barbie.final-memory.org/the-timeless-elegance-of-francie-with-straight-legs-a-journey-into-the-origins-of-doll-history/(opens in a new tab)

Once you’ve cut and sewn the four parts together, voila! Your skirt is ready to rock. And the best part? You can complete this project in under an hour. Yes, you read that right – just one hour!

I believe that with a genuine interest and a dash of creativity, anyone can master this sewing project. So, why not give it a try? Feel free to replicate my idea and embark on your own sewing journey with Francie. Who knows? You might even pick up a new skill or two along the way.

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Halloween outfit for Francie doll

You could also use it for Christmas when you do it in another color like red or green to make it very festive. You know I’m very flexible with my designs. Why not using them for another occasion?

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DIY Tailor’s Ham in Barbie Size

The idea for the diy tailor’s ham in Barbie size

Welcome to today’s blog post, where I’ll be sharing with you my ingenious idea of creating a DIY tailor’s ham in Barbie size. Now, you might be wondering how this idea came about. Well, it wasn’t actually my own idea to create one. I stumbled upon it while browsing through YouTube, where I saw a tutorial for making tailor’s hams for taller fashion dolls. However, I couldn’t find any instructions specifically for Barbie dolls. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and invent my own Barbie-sized tailor’s ham. In this blog post, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating this handy tool for your Barbie doll’s sewing needs.

Materials Needed:

Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s gather the materials required for this DIY project. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A small piece of cotton fabric

2. Hamster bedding or cotton batting

3. Sewing needle and thread

4. Scissors

5. Measuring tape or ruler

6. Optional: fabric marker or chalk

Step 1: Preparing the Pattern

To start, we need to create a pattern for our Barbie-sized tailor’s ham. Measure and mark a rectangle on the cotton fabric, approximately 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. This will be the base of our tailor’s ham. Next, draw curved lines on the short edges of the rectangle, mimicking the shape of a traditional tailor’s ham. Cut out the pattern carefully.

Step 2: Sewing the Base

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the edges together to secure. Using a sewing needle and thread, stitch along the curved lines, leaving a small opening at one end to allow for stuffing. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to reinforce the stitches. Once you’ve completed the stitching, trim any excess fabric and turn the fabric right side out.

Step 3: Stuffing the Tailor’s Ham

Now comes the fun part – stuffing the tailor’s ham! Take small amounts of polyester fiberfill or cotton batting and gently stuff it into the opening of the ham. Use a pencil or the blunt end of a knitting needle to push the stuffing into the corners and ensure an even distribution. Continue stuffing until the tailor’s ham feels firm but still soft to the touch.

Step 4: Closing the Opening

Once you’re satisfied with the stuffing, it’s time to close the opening. Fold the raw edges of the fabric inside and neatly hand stitch the opening closed. Make sure your stitches are secure and hidden within the fabric.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your very own Barbie-sized tailor’s ham. Give it a gentle shake to distribute the stuffing evenly and shape it into its desired form. Your tailor’s ham is now ready to be used for all your miniature sewing projects!

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Francie shorts with diy tailor’s ham

If you can’t buy do the tailor’s ham in Barbie size or Francie size yourself

Yes, of course there are several videos about how to do your own tailor’s hams out there. It’s not very hard to do your own version of it but I needed a special form because a normal tailor’s ham is way to big for miniatures. I needed one for skirts and trousers and one for armholes. Armholes are the hardest to iron projects when you don’t have the right sewing supplies.

In the past I had the problem to put the arm through the armhole because the seam was in the way. I’m not perfect in doing arms and armholes. I’m still practising to come to perfection one day but for my projects it’s working at the moment. Just needed a way to improve my possibilities in supplies here. I hope this will make the process easier in the next projects.

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Tailor’s ham in Barbie size

I also have a mini ironing board for Barbie dolls but I have not used it often because the arm part did not fit the way I hoped it would. It’s a nice idea and for some projects it will work but not for all projects.

I hope that my idea helps you out there too to diy your own tailor’s ham without spending a huge amount of money. You can do it in any shape you like. It’s completely up to you. I don’t want to urge you to do it the same way I showed it here. You can tailor it to any size you may need and that’s one positive thing for me because you are not dependent on any industry.

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Diy tailor’s ham for arms in Francie doll size
How to do your own diy tailor’s ham in Barbie size

For those of you interested in the filling it’s something very easy. For tailor’s ham bedding is used like you can see in the pic below. It’s the stuff that you used for cages for Hamsters, Bunnies and so on. It’s easy to get and cheap. This was not my idea. In my research I used other videos and blog posts.

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Bedding used for tailor’s hams

Other diy tailor’s hams on youtube for taller fashion dolls and humans

In this blog post, we explored the world of DIY sewing tools for Barbie dolls and learned how to create our own tailor’s ham in Barbie size. Although the idea was not originally mine, I took inspiration from a YouTube tutorial and adapted it to suit the needs of our beloved fashion dolls. The tailor’s hams for humans were way too large and other youtube videos did not show their measurements. To solve the problem I played around a bit to find the right measurements and now, you can enhance your Barbie doll’s sewing experience with this handy and functional tool. So, gather your materials, follow the step-by-step instructions, and start creating beautiful miniature garments with your very own diy Barbie size tailor’s ham. Happy sewing!

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Diy your own miniature lanterns for Barbie and her 11 1/2 inch size sisters

Introduction – how the idea for the miniature lanterns for Barbie came

In the last years I’ve done a lot of repair videos and sewing stuff but what most viewers of my audience don’t know is that I also have done a lot of paper crafts in the last decades. This started way back when I was in Kindergarten. Our teachers tried to improve our skills in working with paper, cutting, being creative and having fun with it. So this was literally something I grew up with. My mother and I did a lot of creative crafts until I became a teenager. It’s not that I stopped liking it but somehow this went into the background and we only had limited space to decorate the apartment and the Christmas tree. We also did hand painted eggs for Easter and lanterns for November.

My crafter side

This article is possibly more from my crafter side than from my collector side but sometimes it’s really hard to divide because there are no borders. You can work in every part if you want. I hope I’m not boring you but my parents showed me a lot concerning being creative. It’s more a kind of lifestyle than just using it to survive. I can post you a pic of what I did for the upcoming Christmas season. A part of it is already at my parents house because they visited us last month and I made a little parcel with all the things I’ve done in the past months.

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Christmas tree ornament done out of thin cardboard

Making your own lanterns in Kindergarten and Elementary School

In Kindergarten and Elementary School it’s very popular to make your own lanterns. Every year a lantern procession is done on 11th of November to celebrate St. Martin of Tour. The legend says he once shared his red cloak in a snowstorm with a beggar and so he became Saint Martin instead of just Bishop Martin. The story is taught in every Elementary School in the German speaking areas of Europe. Maybe it’s spread wider but I have not been there in school.

When I was little Halloween was something completely unknown to us. We did not know and we did not celebrate it. I’m not the biggest fan of Halloween either. That’s why I did a moderately inspired video about a Halloween outfit for Francie last week. http:// https://youtu.be/JWPlI4Gz_K8

St. Martin’s Day

Somehow I was reminded that St. Martin is coming up and I decided to take the idea a little further and teach you a little bit about diy lantern making. Since I have a channel for Barbie and Barbie related topics I decided to make a video of how to diy your own miniature lantern for Barbie dolls. Normal lanterns are way to big for using them for dolls. That’s where the idea to show you this kind of tradition to diy your own miniature lantern for Barbie and her 11 1/2 inch size sisters comes from. The lantern procession is kind of our counterpart to Halloween. It’s almost the same time. The main audience is children. Some of them come in costumes. Singing is very important but they don’t stop at every door to get sweets. The procession is rather peaceful and the parents also attend the procession. You can bring as many relatives as you have. The more you have the funnier the whole procession is. Normally the procession starts in a school yard, then moves through some residential areas and then they go back to the school yard. The lanterns are often made in arts and crafts lessons.

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Miniature lanterns made out of cardboard and grease proof paper

The help of my parents with the lanterns

My parents worked with me on special lanterns. One year I had a shining sun lantern, another year a rocket lantern. You can basically do anything you like. As you can imagine the school children have often more complex lanterns than the younger children still in Kindergarten.

This whole topic made me think if I should do a video for you not only showing you how to diy your own miniature lanterns for Barbie and her sisters but also give you a little background why I have not invested so much effort in the Halloween outfit for Francie but into lantern making. I hope you understand it and I’ve made you a little more curious in how to diy your own miniature lanterns. A nice lantern is an enrichment for every doll house.

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DIY Fashion: A how to Make a pair of Shorts for a Fashion Doll

Introduction of how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll

Welcome to the exciting world of DIY fashion! In this blog post, we will delve into the art of making a pair of shorts specifically designed for a fashion doll. If you’ve been wanting to explore this creative endeavor but have encountered difficulties in creating the right pattern, fear not! We will guide you through the process and reveal the trick to easily creating the perfect pattern. Let’s get started!

This was a topic I really wanted to work on for a long while but pattern making patterns is always time consuming. I already did a pattern for a pair of pants in the begin of the year but it was not perfect and I did not find the time to improve my skills immediately. In another way I never lost the interest in how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll. I saw a video where you could learn how to make a pair of short for your doll from a skirt pattern.

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A prototype pair of shorts for Francie

Materials for this project

Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary materials for this project. You will need:

  1. Fabric of your choice
  2. Scissors
  3. Sewing machine or needle and thread
  4. Measuring tape
  5. Pins

Step 1: Taking Measurements

To ensure a well-fitted pair of shorts, it’s important to start with accurate measurements. Carefully measure the fashion doll’s waist, hips, and desired length of the shorts. Note down these measurements for reference during the pattern creation and cutting stages.

Step 2: Creating the Pattern

Now that we have the measurements, it’s time to create the pattern for the shorts. Here’s the trick: start with a basic skirt pattern as a template and just adjust it a little. If you’ve had difficulties creating a pattern for normal trousers, don’t worry. We will simplify the process for you.

Begin by folding your fabric in half, aligning the selvage edges. Place the trouser pattern on the folded fabric, ensuring that the waistline matches the fold. Pin the pattern in place and carefully cut around it, resulting in two mirrored pieces. These will form the front and back of the shorts.

With this skirt pattern I tried to find my own mistakes from the beginning of the year. I knew my pattern was not perfect but I did not know where to start my improvements.

Francie doll, Francie Fairchild, Mod Francie, Barbie's cousin
Francie with different patterns in different lengths

Step 3: Sewing the Shorts

With the pattern pieces ready, it’s time to sew the shorts together. Place the front and back pieces together, right sides facing each other. Pin the side seams and inseams, ensuring they align perfectly.

Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the pinned seams, leaving the waistline and leg openings open. Remember to reinforce the stitches at the beginning and end of each seam. Trim any excess fabric and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or serger.

My pattern fitted my Francie very well and so I decided to work on this pattern for my Supersize Barbie as well. The pattern on her also worked very well. So now at least I have created a basic for my future work of how to make a pair of shorts for your fashion doll.

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A pair of pants made by Busy B from Germany

Step 4: Adding the Waistband

To create a comfortable and secure fit, we will add an elastic waistband. Measure the doll’s waist circumference and cut a piece of elastic slightly smaller to allow for a snug fit.

Fold over the waistline of the shorts, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through the waistband using a safety pin or elastic threader. Once the elastic is completely inserted, overlap the ends and sew them securely together. Finally, sew the small opening closed.

I think I got the basics now and I can make the length longer or shorter for the dolls I have here. I think that’s one of the most satisfying things you can see when you want to improve your abilities as a tailor.

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Measuring Francie for the pattern

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To complete your doll’s fashionable shorts, take a moment to inspect for any loose threads or uneven seams. Trim any excess threads and press the shorts with a warm iron to give them a polished look.

If you want to learn how to do this very easy pattern transformation for your doll I can recommend you to watch the video below. It contains a step by step instruction how to do this yourself.

Conclusion of how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll:

Congratulations! You have successfully created a pair of stylish shorts for your fashion doll. By following our step-by-step guide and understanding the trick to pattern creation, you can now venture into the world of DIY doll fashion with confidence. Be sure to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and embellishments to create a diverse wardrobe for your doll. Happy crafting!

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How to make Skipper a full pony again

This week it’s more a personal story in my blog. I was asked about two weeks ago if I could have a look at a Pose n Play Skipper newly acquired by a German collector. I said sure because we have dealt with each other before. So she shipped her Skipper to me and half of the pony was missing.

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Pose n Play Skipper with partly missing pony

It was not question that I wanted to make her Skipper a full pony again. Her Skipper was obviously played often with and the hair was a bit oxided. It was not as obvious as when you see a Julia doll https://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Julia-Barbie-Doll.htmlfrom the late 60s. This Skipper has no color magic hair https://www.myvintagebarbies.com/colormagic.htmbut her hair changed a bit over the decades. When you work with oxided hair it’s no problem to replace the missing hair. The hair itself is intact but the question is if you could find the 100% matching color. That’s a very hard task.

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Pose n Play Skipper after reroot with wild hair

The solution: I always keep the rests from my reroots and that came to my help here. I still had a rest of a matching color, maybe not 100% the same but at least 90%. You have to look very closely to find a difference in the colors and so I replaced the missing streaks with this rest.

Before I started my prep for “How to make Skipper a full pony again” I checked inside the head with my endoscopic camera. The hair inside was totally okay. I hoped to have this scenario because it’s a lot more work to secure the existing hair pattern first and having to fix it first. That’s really a lot of work and you have to concentrate while doing it.

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Skipper after partial haircut

I prefer to work in silence when restoring the dolls. Not all restorers prefer it this way but I do. Some work better when they have music, some not. I like music but not when I’m working like here. I can concentrate better on the reroot I do when working in silence. In general it was no problem to restore this Skipper because she was not problematic like having a neck split or other problems that could cause trouble during the work.

The hardest task in this restoration was to find a hair color matching with the existing hair. Giving her a new pony was not very hard. Yes, it’s time consuming but not hard. You need two hours of time during the reroot. Sometimes it’s not predictable if you have used enough hair or not. When you are missing a streak or two add them later. It’s possible to add more hair later when you are unsatisfied with your own work. You can add hair as long as you like your work and as long as you have hair.

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Pigtails are back, pony still has to be cut