Hi! It’s Jen Belnap from Jen Belnap Design House. I have a super fun project that I can’t wait to share with y’all. My friend Jennifer Long designed the cutest fabric line for Riley Blake Designs. It is called Thimbelina and the Sewing Fairies. Since I have a house full of girls over here, I knew this little project would be perfect for them!
First you need to gather your supplies. Here is what you will need to create the Thimbelina doll:
StitchnSew Tear-Away PeelnStick Adhesive Embroidery Stabilizer (my new best friend!)
Thimbelina and the Sewing Fairies Fabrics by Jennifer Long of Sew A Story for Riley Blake Designs
Thimbelina Dolls Machine Embroidery USB
Stuffing
Embroidery machine
Elastic
I have done a little bit of embroidery over the years. But I am no professional! But let me tell you, this doll was so much fun and EASY to make! The pattern walks you step by step through everything you need to do. There are lots of pictures and detailed instructions. I have a lot more confidence now!
By the way, this was my favorite part! I loved giving this little doll a haircut!
See…isn’t she sew sweet?
There are directions for an embroidery skirt in the pattern. But I wanted to make one (the beginnings of a wardrobe) for my girls. So, I thought I would include a quick little skirt tutorial.
First decide how full and how long you want the skirt. I didn’t want it very full, and I wanted it to hit about halfway on the doll’s legs. I cut 2- 9″ squares.
Sew on either side of the skirt. I used a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Then create a hem. I measured up 1″ from the bottom and pressed to create the hem. Then I opened it back up and put the raw edge against the pressed edge. Then I stitched it down creating an enclosed hem.
You also need to make the elastic casing. I measured 1″ from the top. Press on the 1″ line. Then open it up and press 1/4″ from the top. Fold on the 1″ line and sew with the 1/4″ tucked under. Leave an opening about 2″ long. This is where you will feed the elastic through.
Measure around the waist of the doll and add two inches. Cut the elastic to size. Then thread the elastic through the opening you created. Once threaded all the way through the skirt, overlap the extra 2″ of elastic. Sew together. Then close the 2″ gap of the skirt.
And then you are done! Plus, a new skirt for a new doll!
And now I am one step closer to my Christmas gifts! My youngest is going to love this new doll! I can’t wait to give it to her for Christmas. I also think that there is something extra special about handmade for the Holidays! What do you think?
If you would like to see more of what I am up to, make sure you sign up for my super cool emails here! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Happy sewing!
Jen
