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Monday

Knitted v Sewn Dollywear

I love both sewn and knitted garments, however, I often find knitted garments are more forgiving when it comes to dressing dolls of different heights and body sizes. Sewn garments from cotton fabrics are slightly rigid and at times quite restricting, whereas knitted garments are less so. They have a little more give (natural yarns even more so), which allows them to stretch to fit.


I finished this 4 piece outfit designed to fit 18-19" (46-48cm) dolls and shown here on my Gotz Happy Kidz Emma (which is classified as a 50cm doll).
Her measurements are actually ~ Height 48cm, Chest (under armpit) 25cm, Waist 22.5cm, Hip 27cm.

If this sounds confusing, it is, as many dolls which are often said to be 50cm or 20" tall, are not. It seems many measurements stated in the dolly world are not always precise measurements, so you can understand my dilemma as a seamstress and knitter . . . and when it comes to sewing, it really is a case of trial and error or perhaps I should say adjustment. :)


Now here is the same outfit on my new Australian Girl who I might add is actually ~
Height 50cm, Chest (under armpit) 28cm, Waist 29cm, Hip 31cm.
The most noticeable difference is in the length of the top and pants, not so much in the width, but they are acceptable and she can still wear them.


This new arrival had been onboard for delivery since Thursday, but wasn't delivered until Sunday. We were out for the afternoon, so the poor dear was left at the front door in the rain . . . I was not impressed!

Luckily she was in her backpack, within a box and well wrapped in brown paper, so she was okay. The backpack will be great should I want to take her anywhere, it has straps to hold her safely tucked in place.

These are the clothes she was wearing ~ the little boots are fur lined and have an opening at the inner ankle that closes with Velcro (don't mind it too much here as it's not near her hair), the denim skirt is fully lined (even the waistband is lined), so no worries about her vinyl staining, and the t-shirt closes at the back with press studs.

She also came with a pair of thongs (flipflops), which she is wearing in the above photo. I must say I was quite impressed by the quality of her clothes, they are the best I have seen on a clothed doll.


The doll herself is lovely, her eyes are clear and close nicely, the face is matt and really well finished, the hair has a little product in it to help preserve the curl, but not overly done so it becomes tacky, it's still quite pleasing to touch.

Overall, I would recommend this doll to anyone looking to purchase a play doll.

P.S. The four piece knitted outfit is available for AU$60 plus postage.

14 comments:

  1. Knitted outfits are indeed suitable for a wider range of dolls, I love to knit for my dolls too.
    The set you made is lovely, and the handbag and hat make it even cuter :-). Both dolls look very good in it despite the length differences.
    Your Australian Girl is similar to my Bonnie & Pearl doll I think, height wise and with the stuffed body. I was reluctant towards stuffed dolls, but I don't mind as much as I thought now that I have Beatrice :-).

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda, I like to make complete outfits when I can and I am pleased now I have a slightly larger doll to show see how they look on both sizes.
      I'm quite happy with this fabric body as only about a third of the body is soft, the chest plate comes down almost to the waist. I really must do more research in the Bonnie & Pearl dolls. :)
      Big hugs,
      X

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  2. This knitted outfit is very cute. You are totally right - knitted outfits are more stretchy and can fit dolls of different body shape. Congrats on the new dolly :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you BB, I will probably make this one again in different colours as I like the way it turned out. Do you knit for your own dolls?
      Hugs,
      X

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    2. yes, I do from time to time, but I don't have such skill as you :)

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  3. Hello Sandy,
    Your knitting is beautiful. the outfit is beautifully done and the it fits both dolls quite well. I am glad she was not damaged in the rain.
    Big hug
    Giac

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    Replies
    1. Thank you kind Sir! Oh me too, I would have been devastated had she been damaged. But all is well that ends well. :)
      Big hugs,
      X

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  4. Congrats on her arrival. She is adorable. I really love the colour scheme you chose for her style. Your knitted outfits always looks so lovely and delicate.Shame Australia Post just dumped it when it was raining. You'd think they would have tried to find a spot out of the rain a bit.

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    1. Thanks Alasse.
      The outfit is not actually for her, it's for sale in my shop, she is just my model. :) I doubt she will have permanent styling of her own.
      Also it was the courier, not Australia Post who left it, I contacted the shop and let them know what had happened and they have been in touch with management at head office, so someone's head will roll!
      Hugs,
      X

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  5. Hello. I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your blog. I am not able to
    leave a comment because I don't have any of the log in accounts listed. I
    really enjoy your stories.
    Regards,
    Dorothy

    Note: This email was sent via the Contact Form gadget on
    https://xanadudolls.blogspot.com

    Thank you so much Dorothy, that means a great deal to me. I think you can log in simply by using your email address.
    Hugs,
    X

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  6. Congrats on having her!! She looks great on the outfit you made <3
    I also really like the jean skirt she came with, honestly!

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  7. Hello!
    When I was waiting for my first doll to arrive, I had the measurements and started to make some clothes - knitted and in fabric. Glad that I did not make a whole wardrobe, because as you wrote - the sizes are not the same in real life. So, I had to make some adjustments. Knitted clothes do have the great side of being a bit more stretchy and can suit well, smaller or larger ones, with similar measurements.
    And knitting, or crocheting, is something relaxing that I enjoy.
    The dress you knitted are beautiful! And your new girl is a cute one. Lovely dress she came with.
    Hugs! <3

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  8. Wonderful outfit! And you're right that knitted outfits are more universal.
    Both girls look great in it. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Joanna. :)
      I have added your blog to my reading list.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete

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