Michael Miller Sorbet Collection by Chew Chew's Closet

I have been eagerly anticipating Chew Chew's Closet's new spring line for a matter of months now!  I fell in love with the lovely fabric by Michael Miller, and couldn't wait to see it come to life.  The colors just dance and swirl and bubble, just like a lovely bite of sorbet.  I hope everyone will enjoy Darcy's collection as much as we have!

Red and Aqua Spring Skirt

Ooh la la!  I love me some red and aqua!  I just can't get enough of this color combination - especially when it comes from the amazingly talented Darcy at Chew Chew's Closet.  This skirt is not only impeccably made, but is (IMO) exceptionally cute.

Spring Twirl Skirt

There is something so fresh and lovely about a twirly, flowery, ruffly skirt.  The newest line of twirl skirts by the fantastic Darcy at Chew Chew's Closet are sure to become your little girl's favorites this spring.

And let's not forget a dainty camisole to match!  This sweetly feminine top ties at the shoulders and fits perfectly using elastic at the waist and under the arms.

Gingerbread Christmas Collection

Fun and fabulous holiday line by Chew Chew's Closet on Etsy. Sassy, sweet, and oh so comfortable! Simply the best.

Spring Wildflowers Collection

I'm so pleased with the way this photo shoot turned out! Who knew a sprinkler and green umbrella would so make the photos??

Of course there isn't much that wouldn't make this outfit adorable because it is SUPER CUTE! Thanks so much to Darcy for the opportunity to photograph your amazing clothing. Skirt and tops available from the amazingly talented Chew Chew's Closet.

Easter Dress!

I am so in love with the sweetest Easter ensemble EVER. This twirly, tutu-like skirt is adorable, and perfect in pink and brown - the sweetest little girl color combination (in my humble opinion).

The little top is so soft and sweet, plus who can resist a delectable chocolate bunny? I just want to take a bite....

Darcy at Chew Chew's Closet has really outdone herself with her spring line! I'm in love!!

How to Make Waldorf Doll Dresses

Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to clothe your Waldorf doll? I dug through a sack of old baby clothes and found some dresses with cute hemlines that I upcycled into doll dresses. Very simple, cheap, and took very minimal time since the bottom edges were already finished.

I used this tutorial from Inditutes to give me an idea of pattern shape. The sizing was a bit tricky however. The first dress was a bit tight on the doll, so I increased the pattern size by about a 1/2 inch all the way around and the second dress was much better fitting and easier to get on the doll.

Materials: old children's clothes or light-weight fabric, 1/4" elastic

Measure your doll, and using the tutorial, create a simple block shape pattern. Be sure that your arm and neck holes will be sufficient to allow the doll to be easily clothed by a child.

Position your fabric or old clothes so that the hemline will be utilized (and you won't have to add a hem on either the sleeves or the dress) by placing the bottom edge of both pattern pieces along the hemline.

Following the tutorial, stitch it all together using 1/4" seams, make the neckline casing for the elastic, and voila! A quick and easy dolly dress.

I made some little matching panties using a simple rectangle of matching fabric. If you have anymore hemline available, cut the rectangle along the hemline so you'll only have to finish one edge. Fold the rectangle in half and stitch. Add an elastic casing at the top for 1/4" elastic. In the center of the rectangle, tack the bottom to create 2 leg openings. They are more of a boxer-short shape than panties, but are very simple and quick.

Waldorf Doll Making Part 4

Ta da! Here is the final doll (minus clothing... that is yet to be assembled).

Waldorf Doll Making Part 3

Time for the last leg of my Waldorf Doll adventure (finally!!) - looks like Julia will have her Christmas dolly after all! (See Part 1 and Part 2)

I finished closing all the seams around the neck and arms. Next was to shape the leg seams - thighs and ankles.

I chose a lavender blue embroidery floss for the eyes. It took me a bit to get them right - I started with them smaller, then went back and made them larger. This photo is a bit creepy I think with the pins marking the mouth!

Ah, much better. A few passes with the embroidery thread for the mouth, and now it really looks like a doll!

A bit of pink for the cheeks.

This is the first layer of yarn for the hair - I can't wait to get it all on - 2 more layers and then I'll be ready to make her some dresses.

Waldorf Doll Making Part 2

Once I finished the head and shoulders, I couldn't wait to keep going! (see Part 1) For the body, I was very happy to use the sewing machine. The kit came with super soft cotton knit screen printed with the pattern for the arms and body/legs. How easy to just stitch it right up along the lines, then cut it all out afterward! I used a triple stitch for stretch, and a ball point needle. For the first time in my sewing life, I had no hang-ups, no fabric got sucked into the machine, and I didn't break a needle or the thread. The sewing gods were smiling down upon me!!

Here is a photo breakdown of my progress:

Finished sewing, cut out the pieces

Turned, ready to be stuffed with wool

All stuffed, pinned at the joints, and sewing the arms to the shoulders

Dolly head and arms connected

Almost fully connected, about to stitch up the arm holes and neck

She is surprisingly heavy from the weight of the wool - not like a doll stuffed with synthetic fibers. I love that she is all cotton and wool - she feels awesome!

Waldorf Doll Making Part 1

While perusing Etsy one day, I came across some fantastic Waldorf-inspired dolls that my little princess fell in love with, and prompted, "Mommy! I want one!"

I thought, Maybe I can make one myself!

I found a relatively inexpensive kit online at Weir Dolls and Crafts and it has sat, patiently waiting, in my office closet until today.

Now I find I would happily work all night on it without stop until it is complete, but family calls...

Here is a photo process of my Waldorf Doll journey, which so far consists of a blank dolly head... but think of the possibilities!

Prep the cotton tubing

Stuff it

Tie it off

Section off the head

I wanted it to have a nose, even though the kit didn't give directions, I found some easy directions online.

Wrap it tight

Whip stitch it up

Blue Christmas - Dress by Chew Chew's Closet

Another gorgeous creation by the talented Darcy at Chew Chew's Closet. I love the play of fabrics in the tiers, and each is so tactilely soft that my daughter just wants to wear it all day. The sweet little Christmas buttons give it a touch of whimsy at the bodice, while the eyelet trim around the hem adds precious innocence to the dress. Simple, lovely, perfect for the holidays without being kitschy. Love it!