Dolly Darling Original Barbie Clothes Kits

 I spotted these interesting kits a few weeks ago at a reasonable price. A quick search found a few listings for reproduced "Dolly Darling" patterns, but no original patterns or kits. I took a chance on them and when they arrived in the mail, I was not disappointed. I bought 3 kits and each one contains patterns, fabric, and trims to make about 5 Barbie Doll outfits. From the styles shown, I think these are from the 60s. 

 Here is a flyer that was in one of the kits. It shows some of the available sets. Notice the original price of $1.50 per set or any 3 for $4!

 This is the "Bridal and Honeymoon Ensemble" which has patterns for: Sweet Dreams nightgown, Inside Story lingerie, Off on the Honeymoon suit, Lacy and Lovely robe, and the Bridal Gown. The fabrics, trims, and patterns are shown below, but I didn't want to take them apart too much for photos.

 This set has a Mix and Match pant/skirt suit, Suited for a Busy Day suit, Evening Glamour gown, Cover Story coat, and Anytime Dress up Dress. Below are the patterns and fabrics.

 This "Here Comes the Bride" set has more fun pieces for: Off on the Honeymoon, Dinner for Two, Lady at Home, Fancy Foundation, and the Wedding Gown and Veil. Below are its parts.

I think you can find almost anything on the internet, but I could not find any information about the history of these patterns or any originals offered for sale. There are plentiful copies available on ebay, but I didn't see any of my sets reproduced. 
Does anyone remember these kits? They are from before my time, so if you know anything about them, please leave a comment or send me an email; I'd love to know more about them!

Rosie's Recital Review

Rosie is 12 years old and will participate in her 10th recital in a few weeks. She got her costume today and it prompted me to look back at all her past recital photos. A walk, no...a dance down memory lane...

Rosie was the cutest duckling ever at barely 3 years old! She was in Baby Ballet that year. Have you ever seen anything so cute?

 

At 4, she had a fluffy fuschia tutu. So adorable!

At 5 years old, she was a little Hula dancer. I call this shirt the "Chiquita Banana" costume.

6 years old and she was a tap dancer to "We are Siamese" from Lady and the Tramp.

7 years old and starting to look grown up! This was a theater dance number.

 

 

Rosie's first year of hip-hop at 8 years old. This is one of her favorite moves: the Baby Freeze.

She was even better at the Baby Freeze the next year, at 9 years old, in Hip Hop again.

At 10, she took 2 classes: Irish Step Dancing and Hip Hop. The Irish was so pretty to watch and we were surprised at what a workout it gave!

 

11 years old and getting very good at Hip Hop. She's been with the same teacher for years and really enjoys it!

This year's costume is very glitzy and Rosie loves the gold lame. This one will look good under the stage lights!


Wow, it's amazing to see my girl grow up in these photos! It's funny that she got her costume at dance class today, just after we went to have professional photos taken. I hope you enjoyed seeing these pictures! I have been doing some yard work, planning Andy's birthday party, and the kids have tons of end-of-school activities, so I haven't done much sewing. As always, I have lots of ideas, so back soon!

Preemie Daygown Pattern Test for the Pattern Outlet

I had a fun project this weekend. The Pattern Outlet offered customers the chance to be a part of their Summer Design Team and make a sample of a pattern in exchange for getting the pattern free. I love a bargain AND I enjoy a challenge, so I thought this would be fun and it was!! I chose 5 possible patterns, with an eye to what would be easy to complete in time. The Pattern Outlet sent me Gingersnaps Preemie Daygowns Pattern.

This pattern has kimono sleeves and offers several cute variations. I thought about doing an heirloom gown, but then I found some yellow and red gingham in my closet and thought it would be very summery. I would like to try the sacque version sometime, but in the summer frame of mind, I decided to make the bias-bound version with machine embroidery. This pattern went together beautifully. I added the optional tucks at the shoulders to make a better fit. It was very easy and turned out cute. The embroidery is from Attic Treasures, "Bugs & Blooms". I got it during their $1 hunt recently.

I reduced these designs by about 50% in Embird, yet they still stitched perfectly. I love Attic Treasures designs! The ladybugs are cute with the red gingham.

Sizing always seems to be an issue with newborn patterns and unfortunately, this pattern was no exception. Even having my fifth baby, I forgot how tiny a newborn really is! My babies were all around 8 1/2 pounds, yet the clothes that truly fit for the first 3 weeks were all preemie sized (supposedly for 5 pound babies). This pattern comes in 4 sizes, for 1-2lb, 2-3lb, 3-4lb, and 5-6lb newborns. I made the 5-6lb size, figuring it would be perfect for a full-term newborn, though it is geared towards a preemie. Here is a comparison with a "truly newborn sized" daygown I made that fit all of my 8 1/2lb babies perfectly.

This daygown is a 3 month size, based on my experience. I would like to make the 3-4lb size, which I am guessing would really be a newborn size. I love this pattern and would highly recommend it, but do be aware of the sizing issues. Check out The Pattern Outlet, which has nice heirloom patterns for less than retail price, plus free shipping over $35. I enjoyed being a part of their summer design team and hope I can design for them again!