Back to School

Well, it's that time again.  Many kids are already back at school and the rest will be soon as well.  That also means it is time to think of cool weather clothing!  I've had so much fun this summer making shorts and tank tops but now I'm turning the tables!

I love the color pink, I always have.  So, a lot of pieces of American Girl of the Year Isabelle's collection really appeal to me.  I don't really want to have the same thing that a million other people have though so I wanted to make up my own.  Here is an outfit that I specifically put together for Isabelle.  Of course it will work on any doll, but she is the one I had in mind while making it :)

I'm very excited about this outfit because the pieces can be easily mixed and matched with other items from Isabelle's collection.  This photo shows the outfit I made with Isabelle's American Girl brand black jacket and pink ballet slippers.

I found the perfect plaid fabrics to make these adorable jackets and of course they needed hand crocheted hats and scarves to go along!  Of course there is pink, which coordinates with Isabelle's outfit perfectly, and there is a lovely shade of teal.  These jackets have a fully lined hood and two working pockets!

You may also choose the style of hat you prefer, there are a few options.

If summer has to end we may as well do it in style right? :)  All these outfits are currently available in my Etsy shop, but supplies are limited so order yours today!


Annabella Doll
www.etsy.com/shop/starabelladolldesign
www.facebook.com/starabelladolldesign

Amazing American Girl Doll Giveaway!!! Enter here to win!

We have something special for you! 27 wonderful ladies have teamed up to bring you the "Year of American Girl Doll" Wardrobe Giveaway. This collection includes clothing and accessories for all holidays and occasions in a year. Your 18" doll will be ready for any occasion! This outstanding giveaway is brought to you by the following co-hosts, sponsors, and contributors~

1. Diana of Diana Rambles - Diana, aka FreeStyleMama, the coordinator of this giveaway, is a self-described creative crafty mama of three who blogs about food, crafts, family and fun. She also is a blog designer and seamstress.
2. Laura of Laura Kelly's INKlings - Laura Kelly is a licensed artist and creative project designer for ilovetocreate.com. She blogs her journey with hopes of inspiring and stimulating creativity in others.
3. Katrina Thennis of The Chicken Wire - A wife and a mother of three, blogging about homeschooling with a fun mix of faith, family and farmstead added in.
4. Char of Doll Diaries - Char is the founder and blogger at Doll Diaries where girls of all ages are inspired to create, play and share doll related activities. There is a weekly feature of wonderful ideas of doll lovers around the web.
5. Amy of SewsNBows - Amy is a fabric hoarder and sewing pattern collector who enjoys sewing children's clothing and accessories. Her beautiful creations are showcased on her blog.
6. Gina of Gina's Craft Corner - Gina is a wife, homeschooling mother of two young girls and a bagaholic. Visit her blog to see her latest handbag creations, sewing tips and tutorials, along with other easy DIY crafts.
7. Jenny of Learning and Growing the Piwi Way - Jenny is a proud wife and mama who enjoys blogging about teaching her kids, the books she reads and food. With another job relocation always just over the horizon, most of the projects she writes about are an attempt to distract her from packing.
8. Debbie of Heartbeats~ Soul Stains - Debbie is a wife, mother of seven, and nurse living in Hawaii where she shares what life is like in a large household; recipes, giveaways and just about anything that gets thrown her way. She and her children have survived many obstacles and tragedies, but have persevered through it all, with faith and love.
9. Stephanie of The Tip Toe Fairy - Stephanie is a 30-something stay-at-home mom of three, ages 4 to 14, who blogs at The TipToe Fairy about sewing and crafty tutorials, delicious recipes, book reviews, and more. She is an avid sewist, crafter, book lover, and cupcake baker.
10. Dee of Meatloaf and Melodrama - Dee is a blogger, freelance writer and mom to five active kiddos. She writes about easy crafts, DIY projects and simple family meals.
11. Jessica of Jessie's Girl Clothing - Jessica started sewing for her daughters and loved it so much that she didn't stop; and kept finding more things to sew. She loves a challenge so making custom (whatever she makes) really excites her.
12. Anna of Doll It Up - Anna shares projects and inspiration to sew, craft and create for dolls. From easy to advanced projects -- come and create, repurpose and PLAY!

Lynn of Turnips to Tangerines
Carmody of Paper & Fox
Allison of Dream a Little Bigger

Winter Outfit - Starabella Doll Design
Coat & Boots Set - Tickie's Treasures
Valentine's Dress - Aunt Sissy Originals
St. Patrick's Day Outfit - Laura Kelly's INKlings
Easter Dress - Kimmie Sew Crazy
Spring Outfit - Jazzy Doll Duds
Fancy Dress - Doll Fashions by Luanne
Summer Outfit - Mini Me Doll Divas
Bathing Suit Set - Jessie's Girl Clothing
4th of July Dress - Doll It Up
Mermaid Outfit - The Tip Toe Fairy
School Uniform Collection - SewsNBows
Fall Outfit - Camelot's Treasures
Halloween Elsa Costume - Cat's Meow
Christmas Formal Outfit - Darlin Girl Creations
5 pair of Shoes - Confetti Doll Designs
Two Bags - Gina's Craft Corner
Months of the Year Headbands - Punch Place Plus
Wooden Bed - Meatloaf and Melodrama
Bedding Set & Nightgown - FreeStyleMama
Girl & Doll Scrapbook Set - Learning and Growing the Piwi Way

Enter the giveaway using the PromoSimple entry form below.
18+ yrs, US & Canada Only. Official Rules at bottom of the entry form.
Bonus entries unlocked after required entry.
The more entries, the better chance you have of winning.

This giveaway was coordinated by Diana Rambles!

Custom orders

I've been working on some custom orders this week.  I have a Catwoman costume almost done, an adorable heart sweater that just needs a heart (lol), and this morning I just mailed out 4 packages of crocheted hats!

Unfortunately fall and winter are soon approaching so make sure to get cold weather gear for your dolls!  Here are the hats I sent out this morning.

And here is a teaser picture of what I'm working on right now!  I hope to have some finished and in the shop tomorrow so make sure to check back!!

And I'm super excited about tomorrow because the Year of American Girl Doll Wardrobe Giveaway starts tomorrow!!  This is a package of a years worth of American Girl clothing and accessories valued at $575!!  You can enter through my blog starting tomorrow so please check back!

Annabella Doll
www.etsy.com/shop/starabelladolldesign
www.facebook.com/starabelladolldesign

A wedding and 3 special dresses!

I hadn't done much sewing for my shop for the past 2 weeks because I was busy with a very special project....my wedding!!  We had a small, intimate wedding in our backyard but I still wanted to have a pretty dress :)  I thought it would be cute if my 2-year-old daughter and I had matching dresses....and then of course I would have to make a matching doll dress as well :)  I worked hard for a week and managed to finish right on time, meaning I finished mine on the morning of the wedding, lol.  I work well under pressure :)  Here are the fruits of my labor:

Do you have a special occasion coming up?  Do you need a special dress for a little girl?  And a matching dress for her doll for an excellent memory and keepsake?  Send me a message and I will help you create a one of a kind, perfect outfit for your beautiful girl!

Annabella Doll
www.etsy.com/shop/starabelladolldesign
www.facebook.com/starabelladolldesign

Crazy Busy!

Well, I haven't gotten much sewing done lately.  I think I have a pretty good excuse though, I'm getting married!  In 2 days!!!!  And of course I'm making dresses for my daughter and I (and her doll :) ) and I'm making the cake, and part of the meal.  Whew, no wonder I'm tired!

Even though I've been too busy to sew for the dolls some of my friends have been very busy!  One example is my friend Chris Lucas who lives all the way in Australia and makes gorgeous outfits that fit the American Girl dolls and Australian Girl dolls!  And, luckily for us she is doing a giveaway on her blog for this adorable outfit!

And here is the beautiful Kit modeling it:

How cute is that?!  If you would like to enter to win this outfit please visit Chris's Blog and follow the instructions to enter.  And good luck!

Who doesn't love a Giveaway??

Personally, I love winning things, especially fun American Girl doll items :)  I just entered to win an awesome American Girl Isabelle movie pack from Doll Diaries.  All you have to do is leave a comment on their post to enter!  You should also like them on Facebook because they have tons of really cool crafts and ideas for dolls :)

There is another amazing giveaway coming up soon!  It starts August 15th and runs through the 25th.  You will be able to win a whole year's worth of outfits and accessories for your American Girl doll!  The prize value will be over $500!!!!!  Stay tuned here for more information and how to enter the contest.  Here is a sneak peak at one of the outfits in the prize pack that was made by me.  Also look forward to some jacket, hat, and scarfs sets similar to this one showing up in my Etsy shop in the next few weeks!

Pattern testing

I have had the pleasure of testing two new patterns for Love U Bunches.  They are such versatile patterns and easy to construct so beginners and advanced sewers alike will love them!

First we have the 18" American Girl doll Sundress pattern.  This dress is modeled by the gorgeous Julie and shows an option with a shorter length dress.  I love how the two fabrics complement each other!  The shoes are also a Love U Bunches pattern called the Plain Jane Shoes.

Next up is the same pattern but with a maxi length skirt that gives the dress a whole new look!  I think Isabelle looks like Lady Liberty in this dress :)  And do you see the mini Isabelle blending in there?

The second pattern is a matching sundress for the 6.5" mini dolls!!  There aren't a lot of patterns out there for the minis and even though this is a small scale the construction is quite easy and gives such a cute look!

 Once again, there are many variations with this pattern.  Isn't this little yellow dress so summery?

I will definitely be using these patterns a lot!  Look for new listings in my Etsy Shop and send me a message if you would like one of these adorable dresses in a particular print! If you are interested in the patterns they will be published sometime this weekend on Pixie Faire :)