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Introducing the New Francie MOD Dress: A Nostalgic Fashion Revival

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, new designs and trends constantly emerge, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. The recent development of the new Francie MOD dress has ignited excitement among fashionistas. With its unique charm and undeniable potential, this dress is poised to make a lasting impression in the industry. In this article, we will delve into the success of its first design, reminisce about the iconic Shopping Spree collection from Mattel in the 1960s, and explore the definitive potential of the new Francie MOD dress. Let’s introduce the new Francie MOD dress and have a nostalgic fashion revival today.

The Success of the First Design:

The initial release of the Francie MOD dress was met with resounding success. Fashion lovers were captivated by its modern yet retro aesthetic, which seamlessly blended classic elements with contemporary style. The dress exuded a sense of sophistication, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Its popularity quickly soared, establishing the Francie MOD dress as a must-have item for fashion-forward individuals.

Blonde 1970s Malibu Francie in white Mod dress with red white heart border

A Nostalgic Reminder: Shopping Spree from Mattel in the 1960s:

The new Francie MOD dress evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the beloved Shopping Spree outfit by Mattel in the 1960s. This ensemble was a fashion phenomenon, captivating the hearts of young girls and fashion enthusiasts alike. The Shopping Spree outift  is an example for a chic and stylish outfit that exuded elegance and glamour. The new Francie MOD dress pays homage to this iconic outfit , incorporating elements that transport us back to a bygone era while still maintaining a contemporary edge.

blonde francie doll in white mod dress from the 1960s with pink squares, original design of mattel

The Pattern: A Personal Touch:

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Francie MOD dress is the availability of its pattern. As a fashion enthusiast myself, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to create this dress and infuse my personal style into it. The pattern allows individuals to unleash their creativity and customize the dress to suit their unique preferences. Whether it’s experimenting with different fabrics, colors, or embellishments, the pattern ensures that each dress becomes a personal masterpiece.

two blonde francies in mod dresses, the left original from the 1960s, the right is handmade in red fabric with withe dots and a tiny cream ribbon at the bottom

Definitive Potential:

The new Francie MOD dress undeniably possesses the potential to become a game-changer in the fashion industry. Its fusion of vintage charm and contemporary flair appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Whether it’s a casual outing, a social gathering, or a special event, the Francie MOD dress effortlessly exudes confidence and style.

blonde francie in red mod diy dress with small white dots and tiny border in cream, Introducing the New Francie MOD Dress

Conclusion:

The new Francie MOD dress is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of fashion. Its successful first design, reminiscent of the iconic Shopping Spree outfit from Mattel in the 1960s, adds a touch of nostalgia to its modern appeal. With the availability of the dress pattern, individuals can now personalize their Francie MOD dresses, adding their unique flair to an already remarkable design. As we embrace the definitive potential of this dress, we eagerly anticipate the impact it will make in the fashion world. Stay tuned for more exciting developments and fashion-forward trends from the Francie MOD dress collection. It’s never too late for a nostalgic fashion revival.

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Finding Joy in Riley Blake Fabrics: A Journey of Persistence and Triumph

Introduction:

In the world of fabric enthusiasts, stumbling upon a breathtaking piece can feel like striking gold. The sheer excitement of discovering a fabric that captures your heart is unparalleled. Such was the case when I first laid my eyes on the incredible beauty of a Riley Blake fabric. However, as a resident of Germany, procuring this fabric seemed like an insurmountable challenge. This blog post narrates my quest to obtain the elusive Riley Blake fabric and the joy of finally finding it.

The Initial Obsession:

The moment I saw the Riley Blake fabric online, I was instantly captivated by its exquisite design and vibrant colors. It possessed a unique charm that made it stand out from the rest. However, my excitement quickly turned into disappointment when I realized the fabric was not easily accessible in Germany. The thought of giving up on this fabric was disheartening, but I was determined to find a way.

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

The American Dilemma:

Driven by my desire to acquire this fabric, I decided to explore the option of purchasing it directly from the USA. However, to my dismay, the shipping costs amounted to a staggering $60, not to mention the additional tax burden. This obstacle seemed insurmountable, and I began to question whether my dream of owning this fabric would remain unfulfilled.

A Glimmer of Hope:

Just when I was on the verge of abandoning my quest, a ray of hope emerged. Through diligent research, I stumbled upon a dealer in Germany who specialized in sourcing Riley Blake fabrics. The mere prospect of having this fabric delivered to my doorstep within the country filled me with renewed hope and excitement. Eagerly, I reached out to the dealer, hoping that this time my search would finally bear fruit.

The Triumph:

To my delight, the dealer confirmed that they had the exact Riley Blake fabric I had been searching for. The feeling of joy that surged through me at that moment was indescribable. Finally, my persistence had paid off, and the fabric was within my grasp. The process of placing the order was smooth, and within a short span of time, the fabric arrived at my doorstep.

cream colored fabric with butterflies in pink, blue and yellow, right size for Barbie
Riley Blake Fabric Butterfly Blossom in cream

Conclusion:

The journey of obtaining the Riley Blake fabric from Germany was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the initial frustration of not finding it locally to the disappointment of exorbitant shipping costs from the USA, my determination to acquire this fabric never wavered. Thankfully, through my unwavering resolve and a stroke of luck, I discovered a dealer who could provide me with the fabric I yearned for. The happiness that fills my heart now, as I hold the fabric in my hands, is immeasurable. It serves as a reminder that persistence and determination can lead to triumph, even in the world of fabric hunting.

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Introducing the Colorful Riley Blake Barbie Malibu Fabrics Collection

Yesterday, while browsing through Instagram, I stumbled upon some exciting news for all the Barbie enthusiasts out there. Riley Blake, the renowned fabric company, is launching a brand new fabric collection dedicated to none other than the iconic Barbie herself. Named “Malibu Barbie,” this collection is set to captivate us with its vibrant and eye-catching designs.

The Malibu Barbie fabric collection takes inspiration from the classic Barbie dolls of the 1980s, bringing back fond memories of our childhood. What sets this collection apart is its unique feature – hand-painted drawings reminiscent of the vintage Barbie doll boxes. These drawings have been skillfully incorporated into the fabric designs, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.

 

The colors used in the Malibu Barbie fabric collection are nothing short of stunning. With its bright and playful palette, this collection is sure to bring a burst of joy and energy to any project. From cheerful pinks and purples to vibrant blues and greens, these fabrics perfectly capture Barbie’s fun-loving spirit and her signature style.

Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a passionate crafter, the Riley Blake Malibu Barbie fabric collection is a must-have for every Barbie lover. The versatility of these fabrics allows for endless creative possibilities. Imagine designing trendy clothing pieces, adorable accessories, or even delightful home decor items inspired by the beloved Barbie dolls.

Not only are these fabrics visually appealing, but they also boast Riley Blake’s renowned quality. Crafted with utmost care and using premium materials, the Malibu Barbie fabrics are made to last. Their durability ensures that your creations will stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come.

If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to your sewing projects, the Riley Blake Malibu Barbie fabric collection is the perfect choice. Get ready to dive into a world of vibrant colors and classic Barbie charm. Let your imagination run wild and create something truly special with these delightful fabrics.

In conclusion, the Malibu Barbie fabric collection by Riley Blake is a true celebration of Barbie’s timeless appeal. It brings together the best of both worlds – the charm of the 1980s Barbie dolls and the high-quality craftsmanship that Riley Blake is known for. So, gather your sewing tools and unleash your creativity with these colorful and nostalgic fabrics. Let the Malibu Barbie collection inspire you to create something truly magical!

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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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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

Introduction:

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.

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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A Halloween outfit for Francie?

Recently we had Halloween and I thought for a long time about doing an outfit for our little Francie doll or not. You know I’m not the biggest fan of Halloween and it’s not really celebrated here.

We rather celebrate St. Martin and do our own lanterns here in Europe and go to a lantern procession when we are little and come from the German speaking areas of Europe but hey, I try to satisfy all my viewers here. That’s where the idea with the outfit for Francie came from.

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

As you all know I love sewing for little 15 year Francie doll, cousin of Barbie. She’s so cute and mine has only a few clothes I made for her. That’s why I do my own outfits, sew and improve my designing skills in pattern making.

In this case my idea was clear. A simple skirt and a easy but stylish top. Nothing complicated since a lot of you don’t have the biggest experience in sewing. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. That’s why you only get a twp piece outfit here. You only need one calculation and one drawing to do it. I think doing it easier is almost impossible. I imagined something like a witch skirt when doing it. I have a similar dress that I wore to the ball after graduation of High School. I love to be creative and that’s how the idea came into my mind. Don’t worry it’s still very easy.

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

You only need to measure once round her waist and then use the formula for the circumstance to get our radius. That’s the same thing you would do when designing a circle skirt but this skirt here had rectangles, almost a kind of square but with the waist part that we need cut out. That’s very easy, isn’t it?

After sewing all four parts together you already have the skirt. The amount of time you need to sew this is very limited. You can do it within one hour.

Francie doll, francie barbie doll, barbie cousin
Francie in Halloween outfit

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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How to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll

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.

A prototype pair of shorts for Francie

It sounded very easy since I already had a skirt pattern for my Francie and I simply continued to work on the fashion, simply did what I saw. Then I made a sample and tried to improve my own patterns here. That was literally everything I did.

With this 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

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.

A pair of pants made by Busy B from Germany

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.

Measuring Francie for the pattern

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.

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Fashions for Francie doll – here’s what she has now

Finally 1000 subscribers subscribed to Busy B from Germany and I thought for a while how to celebrate the event with fashions for Francie doll. At first I had no idea how to celebrate it. Suddenly an idea came into my mind. I’m not always showing you all the things I do behind the scenes in my workshop. I take this occasion as a chance to show you some of my ideas for dressing Francie,

Francie in a-line skirt, own design

You know I like Francie and I do my own designs now that I have learned what I already wanted to know 25 years ago. In my videos you have only seen a small amount of clothes I made instructions for. Behind the scenes I did a lot more, some things could be seen in my other videos but a big part was not. Not all of my designs are ready yet but I have some ideas how to do this and that even if my time to sew is very limited.

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead what you want to design next. Sometimes I need a year or more to complete my drafts. That’s at least for the more complicated designs true. Easy projects don’t need such a big amount of time. Nevertheless my designs inspired me to do a video with all fashions created until now. Fashions for Francie doll – here’s what she has now in her wardrobe.

Francie in self designed pants and JE dress top

For those of you trained in sewing for Barbie and the family it might be only a small amount but for me it’s a big progress. I have learned a lot since I found my own mistakes in making own designs.

You know it’s all about the correct measurements. I know I’m not perfect and I know that a lot of my designs is still in white but I hope you appreciate the idea to show you my designs as much as I do here.

Francie in self designed top and skirt

I don’t want to create very complicated clothes here. We can do it later. Let’s start simple and let’s stay simple. When you have some basics you can put them together and create a new piece of clothing and play around with your own designs here.

I hope you like my ideas here and that you like the fashions for Francie doll that she has now in her wardrobe. You know I came across the idea for making all the fashions for Francie doll because her original fashions are so expensive. It’s easier to make own patterns than to buy what she has now. Why not use the problem for what you ever wanted to do in your life? Become a fashion designer! Read more about it here http://barbie.final-memory.org/how-to-make-a-pair-of-pants-for-barbie/

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Francie and her Let’s Dance dress

I know I should have written more about this project in the last months but time was short. That’s at least why I’m writing now. I started in the begin of 2020 with this project and did not finish it until now. But be assured now the project is finished. I finally found a solution for the design of this dress and it fits Francie perfectly. I only have to adjust some little pieces to make the cut perfect.

Nevertheless that’s what I plan to do in 2022. We still all need goals for 2022, don’t we?

Here’s a link to the video of the final version that I did recently.

Why lasted this project so long

Well, I admit I had problems to find the perfect top measurements for Francie for a long time. I did several drafts for Francie but I missunderstood what I was doing there. I’m really sorry for the delay but I found a solution in the last months. There’s a little channel on youtube showing you the basics for designing clothes for Barbie dolls and I used the knowledge and transferred the knowledge for Francie. That’s how I found my mistakes and re-drafted my designs. Furthermore was I lucky enough to find more pictures of the original dress to study the design. I thought I had understand the design and then saw another mistake. I oversaw that the design had a cummerbund which is not really visible in the original dress. It’s hidden under a ribbon. That’s one of the thing causing problems. Another one was adjusting the design. I had a perfect top by the end of the summer but I misunderstood the cummerbund. That made me re-draft the whole top. I needed several nights to find the correct idea. Then attaching the cummerbund caused unseen problems but I finally also found a solution for this problem. The easiest part of the whole project was the skirt with my ruffler.

Things I have learned from this project

No matter how long this project lasted I learned several things from my mistakes. The biggest learning effect had my design itself on me. I learned a complete new method how to make the body measurements for a doll. It’s really easy and really simple to use. I can only recommend this method. It made me understand what I was doing. After understanding this method I made really progress with my designs. I made several designs for tops, skirts, a jacket which are still in prototype stadium but the next year will bring us new projects and we can finish what we started in 2020 and in 2021.

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Time for doing some prototype tops

I know I haven’t posted anything doll related in the last weeks because I had not much to tell but yesterday I finally came across some time for my latest sewing project. I did show how to do the prototyping for a Japanese Exclusive top in the last weeks but I only showed how to do the pattern itself, not how to sew the top because I wanted to cover this in another video together with the tiny Peter Pan collar and the skirt.

You can see the first part of the pattern making here

but like mentioned above it’s only the first part of a journey how to come to the full dress. I must say the first try was good so far. I still have to do small improvements here and there under the arms because the arm holes are hard to do in a perfect way when you just did your first draft.

So anyway, I would like to show you the first result here

Prototype of the Francie dress

I plan to do more prototypes in the next weeks especially one with the Peter Pan collar. So stay tunes in. The project will be continued as soon as I have two hours time for my sewing machine.