Here are the last two outfits for Shirley (at least for this year). Because my sister, Mary, is a nut for Halloween, it seemed like a good idea to make an outfit for Shirley to wear at Mary’s annual Halloween party. I thought about making a costume, but in the end I decided to try and make something similar to the lovely Deco images of Halloween flappers posted on Flickr. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any Halloween fabrics that would work — I really wanted a teeny, tiny bat print, but I guess this will have to do. The quality of these photos is pretty bad because they were taken indoors very late at night. Black shoes are on the way.
The wool for this coat was purchased on ebay and I thought it would be a perfect scale for Shirley. It was, but it was also horrible to work with — it raveled something terrible and it’s bulky. I think it turned out pretty well in the end, though. I changed the sleeves to add a fake cuff and some tiny buttons.
One thing that has always bothered me about doll clothes patterns is the construction techniques used in the directions. They are pretty schlocky in my opinion, with raw seams and a lack of facings or linings. Doll clothes for a child get lots of rough use, and I think for that reason alone they should be well made — not to mention they look much better. Of course, my Shirley coat is lined, just like a real coat, even though Mary is pretty careful with her doll clothes now.
OMG, Martha!!! I’m blown away! The Halloween dress is too beautiful for words and the coat is just charming! You design very pretty clothes for dolls. Your sister will be so happy!
Oh Martha..you’ve outdone yourself! Your Sister’s dolly has a better wardrobe than I do. 🙂
I love the details you’ve added to the coat, and that Halloween dress is just perfect!
Martha, the clothes are beautiful. You are very talented. I am going to attempt some outfits for an American Girl Doll for my Granddaughter. I hope I can do as well as you! Thanks for sharing.
The workmanship on that coat is amazing, and I am sure it would withstand anything, although I am glad to hear that Mary is better about taking care of her doll clothes.
Martha – I love that flickr set – you nailed it with this dress! The dress and coat are just gorgeous! I totally agree with you on construction, glad to know your sis takes good care of her doll clothes now…..lol!
Such sweet outfits! They look perfect!!
Wow, beautiful! You are making me want to make doll clothes.
oh martha – these doll clothes are killing me! I want that dress in my size to wear for one of my accordion videos 🙂 and I have a major thing for coats so I would also love that coat big as well. how lucky your sister is – she’s going to be thrilled! your talent amazes, thank you for sharing all your work with us 🙂
You have done a beautiful sewing job on the doll clothes. When I was young, I had a Tony doll. I had an aunt and an older sister who made doll clothes for her. Their workmanship was so good. Your doll clothes remind me of what they made. I wish I had those doll clothes now.
Beautiful outfits! They would be simply perfect for my Shirley Temple doll if I wasn’t selling her. Your sister is one lucky lady.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50588562/shirley-temple-doll-1957-58
I love both of these on my doll! The Halloween dress is so utterly cute, so different, so cute-1920s-art Deco-Halloween card fetching! With the witch hat added, it is perfect: Little Bo Peep goes trick or treating! The coat is so lovely with its bonnet and its belt (I’d like to wear it myself!). Shirley is positively preening. She loves to show off.