As a Mom with a daughter with an 18" doll, I was THRILLED to review this book. Emma and I spent an evening going over what she wanted to make. She chose the Tea Time dress and BOTH sets of PJ's (more on that later). Luckily our BRAND NEW Ombre dots were in my hot little hands, so I set to work ...

~Introducing Marie-Grace in her Ombre Tea Time Dress~

I chose to concentrate on the more "Tomato" red color of the Ombre, so I cut the pattern from the cents of the Ombre fabric. I also added tulle to the skirt to make it stand out more ...

Emma likes poofy dresses:)

I also added a little fabric flower and some red tulle to the waistband ...

Then I added another fabric flower to her hair with a tulle headband.

I finished this ensemble just in time to appear on Studio 5 on Tuesday to talk all about Ombre ...

Click HERE to watch So as you can see in the video, my sewing machine had a little tantrum. Needless to say poor Marie-Grace is going to have to wait until my machine gets back from the doctor for her new PJ's. But we'll definitely make them. You see this book is wonderful! The patterns are super easy and, just like the title says, made in 30 minutes! If you make 18" doll clothes (or want to start!) you must get this book! Please make sure you stop by the other blogs on the list ...  July 10     Nancy Zieman             nancyzieman.com/blog July 11     Jina Barney                    jinabarneydesignz.blogspot.com July 12     Eileen Roche                 dzgns.com/blog July 13     Heather Valentine     thesewingloftblog.com July 14     Shari Butler                  doohikeydesignstudio.com/blog July 16     Lori Holt                         beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com July 17     Amy Barickman          indygojunction.com/blog July 18     The Long Ladies         mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com July 19     Ingrid Pinto                   freddiesfriendsblog.blogspot.com July 20     Paige Hill                          rileyblakedesigns.com/blog July 21      Joan Hinds & Nancy Zieman          nancyzieman.com/blog Fun Prizes will be awarded to random readers at the close of the blog tour. To be eligible for the following prizes, post a comment at the bottom of Nancy’s July 10 blog tour posting. Winners will be posted on Tuesday, July 24th. $25 Nancy’s Notions Gift Certificate from Nancy’s Notions 30-Minute Doll Clothes book by Nancy Zieman with Joan Hinds  from Nancy’s Notions Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Fabric Pack and Panel from Riley Blake Designs Dress Up Days Fat Quarter Fabric Pack from Riley Blake Designs     You don't want to miss out on this great opportunity to win some great prizes!    And speaking of great prizes ...    Do you sew for 18" dolls? Please share with us in the comments and we'll give away a fat quarter bundle of Ombre dots! That's right!   To enter, click on the Rafflecopter widget below.  ~Have a great day~

Comments

1. My niece has American Dolls and I make her things for Christmas gifts. Would love to start on Christmas 2012 as soon as I can. This looks like a great resource!

   by More Than A Mom
   July 20th, 2012 at 6:52 a.m.
2. I tweeted but don't know how to give you the url???

   by More Than A Mom
   July 20th, 2012 at 6:57 a.m.
3. I have not sewn for an 18" doll yet although I do have plans to do so. My Granddaughter has an American Girl doll that I am going to make outfits for. My husband was sweet and bought me the 18" doll dress form to use when I do make some clothes for her doll. Since I don't have a dol, the dress form was much cheaper.

   by VickiT
   July 20th, 2012 at 7:15 a.m.
4. One of my first sewing projects was an attempt at a skirt for my daughter's doll! Now that I've got a little more mileage under my belt, I'd love to make some more!

   by Paula
   July 20th, 2012 at 7:45 a.m.
5. My daughter was given an 18" doll for Christmas. The first thing she asked me to make for the doll was an ice skating dress. I made it but boy was it a chore. I took a break from making clothes for the doll, I guess I need to start back up again. This book looks like it is full of wonderful clothes my daughter would love.

   by Anita
   July 20th, 2012 at 7:53 a.m.
6. I love it! What an adorable dress. Adding the tulle is exactly right and that fabric is beautiful!! I can't wait to see the PJ's :)

   by Debbie
   July 20th, 2012 at 8 a.m.
7. I have sewn several outfits for my granddaughter's AG doll-swimsuit, tees, pjs, robe, houseslippers, skirt

   by Linda Smith
   July 20th, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.
8. I love to sew for dolls! And my girls love when I do it, too.

   by Jana K
   July 20th, 2012 at 11:06 a.m.
9. I love the dress. Would have like to see the PJ's as well. Hope your machine will be well again soon.

   by Barbara
   July 20th, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
10. I love the American Girl dolls. This blog hop has been so much fun, and I can't wait to try making my own doll dresses! So far, I've been collecting fabric and patterns, but now I am inspired!!

    by Trudy
    July 20th, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.
11. I have sewn for my grands and also did a dress for my first child's doll that I have kept for all these years! I found it quite trying to sew so little of seams, etc. I finally gave up! lol!

    by Pat
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:12 p.m.
12. My daughter is only 3, so her dolls are much smaller, but she is starting to ask for the larger dolls. I would love to get my hands on this book and sew up some outfits for her so that when she does get her first doll she can have a closet full of outfits to go with it!

    by Kim
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:13 p.m.
13. My youngest daughter would love if I would sew these!

    by Deb McElhany
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:13 p.m.
14. That dress is darling! Thinking about buying my girl one of these dolls for her bday in a couple months and I think she just may need a matching dress set with your sweet polkadots so that when she opens it up they match :)

    by Mandie Spudich
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:14 p.m.
15. I haven't yet, but these are so cute I might have to start!

    by mo
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.
16. Occassionally.

    by Kristy
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:17 p.m.
17. no, the doll my daughter has is much smaller. Greetings, Tina

    by Tina
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:21 p.m.
18. WOW : ) being a monochromatic color lover the OMBRE is for ME. that tomato dress is fantastic and using the netting is such a great idea - i've used the idea for my "Grands" skirts but not thought of using it for dolls, YET. the video gave lots of good ideas and am looking forward to all the info on pinterest etc. thank you so much for sharing and doing this blog -

    by Scarlette Hobbs
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:21 p.m.
19. no, the doll of my daughter is much smaller

    by Tina
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:22 p.m.
20. My daughter has an American Girl doll, as well as an Avon 18" doll, I do a little sewing but this would be a great time to start making her some clothes for them! tara_hudson@yahoo.com

    by Tara H
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:22 p.m.
21. I would love to make somethings for both my daughter and son (finding boy doll clothes is very difficult)

    by Shelly
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:23 p.m.
22. Love the line. Endless possibilities xox for the great give away! Xo

    by Brandi pond
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:24 p.m.
23. I have never sewn for dolls but I do sew for little girls! Everyone in my family has boys and they like dirt instead of dolls!

    by Candace
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:26 p.m.
24. I used to sew doll clothes for my daughter when she was little, but now have a grandson...the dresses look adorable!!

    by Linda Sandusky
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:27 p.m.
25. I love this idea! My granddaughter would probably love it too. Happy, happy! :)

    by Kathleen B
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:28 p.m.
26. I haven't ever tried making dolls clothes, but would love to try :)

    by Sarah N
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:29 p.m.
27. I haven't sewn any doll clothes yet. My daughter is 2 now so I'm sure in the coming years I'll start sewing lots of them!

    by Sarah W
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
28. What tiny little clothes. So cute.

    by Cassandra - Sleeping or Sewing
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:32 p.m.
29. I have managed a cute messenger bag for 18 inch dolls and told my husband I want a doll of my own to create clothes for! I have an 8 month old daughter, and I need to get this down pat before she's into dolls!

    by Melinda Lawrence
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:40 p.m.
30. I have not sewn for dolls, I don't have any kids but maybe someday I'll get to sew for a niece's dolls :)

    by Joanna
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:42 p.m.
31. I can barely handle making things for myself, let alone something that tiny and detailed! Eep!

    by Steph
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:43 p.m.
32. I have never sewn the dolls, but it looks fun!

    by Bonnie Shelton
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:44 p.m.
33. I have yet to sew clothes or accessories for a doll. I have boys. :( maybe for grandkids someday!

    by Betsy
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:46 p.m.
34. I have not but would like to.

    by Amanda Forgey
    July 20th, 2012 at 1:49 p.m.
35. I have 2 18 inch dolls I will eventually give my daughter. I would love to make clothes for them in the future.

    by Cheryl
    July 20th, 2012 at 2 p.m.
36. I haven't yet but with a little girl on the way I see all sorts of new projects in my future!

    by Abbey
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:05 p.m.
37. I have never sewed for a doll, but it looks like a lot of fun! I don't have any kids, but I should find out if someone I know has one... (a doll, not a kid...)

    by Pepper
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:05 p.m.
38. I don't sew for dolls, yet! Maybe someday there will be a little girl in my family that I can sew for, or I could get a doll for myself and make her a whole wardrobe.

    by Vanessa
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:06 p.m.
39. I just made my first doll outfit to match my granddaughters birthday outfit:)

    by Martha
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:28 p.m.
40. No, i don't. My girls are still a little too young and play with soft dolls mostly.

    by Alexandra
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:35 p.m.
41. I WISH I had girls so I had the opportunity to sew for18" dolls! I sure love my boys though!

    by kara
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:46 p.m.
42. I haven't made any yet, but I definitely see them in my future, lol! My little girl loves to dress her dolls and I quite fancy making matching girl/doll outfits :) This book would definitely give me a good grounding. Thanks for the giveaway!

    by WandaFish
    July 20th, 2012 at 2:54 p.m.
43. I sew for my grandaughter's AG doll, dresses, nightgowns, blouses. I really like your dress and accessories. I think I am going to try my hand at matching doll and girl outfits.

    by Nancy
    July 20th, 2012 at 3:07 p.m.
44. My daughter just turned 2 and is beginning to love playing with dolls. We have not made our first doll dress yet...but I know that we will be soon. I want to make a matching dress for her and her doll.

    by Allison Lawson
    July 20th, 2012 at 3:08 p.m.
45. I haven't much but I suspect as my daughter get's older, there will be more of this in my future! karenssewhub at gmail dot com

    by Karen's Sew Hub
    July 20th, 2012 at 3:13 p.m.
46. I've not done any sewing for dolls except quilts, could be fun though, sure my girls would love it!

    by Mary Emmens
    July 20th, 2012 at 3:14 p.m.
47. I love the idea of adding tulle to the sundress, making it look like a party dress. Darling idea for "mommy and me" dresses. Great fabrics. I have been a Riley Blake fan for a long time now.

    by Cheryl Gunderson
    July 20th, 2012 at 4:21 p.m.
48. I used to sew doll clothes for my daughter's dollies all the time. Now that she's grown, I provide clothes for my nieces' dolls.

    by Cheryl
    July 20th, 2012 at 4:58 p.m.
49. Yes, I have made all kinds of outfits for 18" dolls. I've made more of the historical styles of outfits, but some modern ones too. It's a lot of fun and children love to get the outfits as gifts.

    by Diann Cornell
    July 20th, 2012 at 5:09 p.m.
50. I recently bought an 18" doll for my granddaughter and have started sewing for her. I saw the Sewing With Nancy TV show where she shared tips to make sewing the doll clothes faster. I have already used the elastic and hemming tips several times. They are GREAT!

    by Elizabeth
    July 20th, 2012 at 6:04 p.m.
51. I've never sewn doll clothes but my daughter is 3, so i can see it in my future :)

    by amanda b
    July 20th, 2012 at 6:51 p.m.
52. My daughters are teens and don't play with dolls anymore. One day a long long time from now maybe I'll have granddaughters to make doll clothes for.

    by Renee
    July 20th, 2012 at 7:45 p.m.
53. I made some cabbage patch dolls years ago and outfits to go with them but haven't tried the more current dolls - since I a have a granddaughter just over a year old this might be good time to start!

    by Annette Deardurff
    July 20th, 2012 at 7:54 p.m.
54. I don't yet, but my daughter will soon be old enough to have dolls like that!!

    by Karissa
    July 20th, 2012 at 8 p.m.
55. Yes! I am always trying to make things for my DD's doll Kanani.

    by mary
    July 20th, 2012 at 8:08 p.m.
56. love making matching dresses and things for our AG doll. we were fortunate to pick up a second hand AG doll, Emily for my daughter Emily and she came with no clothes or accessories so we've enjoyed making dresses and things for our AG. jennifer dannielle at comcast dot net

    by Jennifer Fraunfelder
    July 20th, 2012 at 8:23 p.m.
57. Not yet the granddaughters are only 1yr but I should probably start..

    by shirley tener
    July 20th, 2012 at 9:17 p.m.
58. My gran always made all of the clothes for my dolls. I have a 2 yea rold niece so hopfully will making some things for her soon. Ombre dots are so useful for just about any project, thankyou for the giveaway.

    by Kay
    July 21st, 2012 at 1:27 a.m.
59. Ive never made doll clothes before because I have 3 boys. I now have a niece and I foresee lots of doll clothes in my future! :)

    by Ginger
    July 21st, 2012 at 6:12 a.m.
60. I love making doll clothes as my grandmother did for my Barbie and I have carried on the tradition with my girls and grandchildren. I have not used a lot of dots before and your darling sundress entices me to try. I hope I win.

    by Kathy
    July 21st, 2012 at 6:48 a.m.
61. I plan on sewing for AG when my grand daughter is a little older. I have an attic full of AG from my 5 daughters.

    by Lisa Morgan
    July 21st, 2012 at 6:57 a.m.
62. Love the dress and head band. Just made our granddaughter a dress for her b'day and a head band. Her little doll gets a dress with the same fabric. Hope she'll like it. Thanks for the ideas.

    by Mary Snyder
    July 21st, 2012 at 7:54 a.m.
63. That is just about the cutest doll dress I have seen. Really made it in 30 minutes? That is fantastic!

    by Ann Maddox
    July 21st, 2012 at 8:18 a.m.
64. Very interesting.

    by LILA-ANNE M. VALLERO
    July 21st, 2012 at 8:47 a.m.
65. I am teaching my daughter (8years old) to sew. Her favorite thing so far is a dress for her doll!!

    by Danielle
    July 21st, 2012 at 9:21 a.m.
66. I always liked making doll clothes and now with two granddaughters, gotta get that sewing machine humming again for them.

    by Mary
    July 21st, 2012 at 10:39 a.m.
67. My granddaughters are just getting into the doll stage, and I think this will be a perfect opportunity for me to expand my sewing skills.

    by Carla
    July 21st, 2012 at 1:21 p.m.
68. I haven't yet tried, but I am certainly getting inspired after seeing how cute these come out. I guess the size allows for a better sewing rather than trying to make barbie sized clothes. celiamalia at gmail dot com

    by Cal
    July 21st, 2012 at 2:59 p.m.
69. No I've never sewn for dolls. And I have no girls only boys... Thanks for a chance to win! :)

    by Carla G
    July 21st, 2012 at 8:59 p.m.
70. I have sewn them for my daughter and I for our 18" dolls and now for my nieces. I love doing themed outfits and my daughter loves to design them. thanks for the review and the giveaway.

    by Lee
    July 22nd, 2012 at 7:23 a.m.
71. Ohhhhh. Polka dots. Love Love polka dots. This dress is my favorite. I would use this book til it wore out.

    by Marsha
    July 22nd, 2012 at 1:46 p.m.
72. I don't sew for 18 inch dolls, yet I have sewn for dolls. The last time was a new suit of clothes for the baby dolls that my grandnieces use for play. My sisters and I sewed for our dolls all the time when we were little.

    by MarciaW
    July 22nd, 2012 at 2:27 p.m.
73. I don't sew doll clothes..but the tutorial is making it awfully tempting to try.GL everyone!

    by Melanie W.
    July 22nd, 2012 at 3:19 p.m.
74. Since my daughter is grown,I haven't sewn doll clothes for a long time.Hopefully maybe she will have a little girl and I can make clothes for her doll.

    by Phyllis
    July 22nd, 2012 at 8:13 p.m.
75. I don't sew for 18 inch dolls, yet I have sewn for dolls. The last time was a new suit of clothes for the baby dolls that my grandnieces use for play. My sisters and I sewed for our dolls all the time when we were little. p.s. posting again because rafflecopter didn't accept the first one.

    by MarciaW
    July 22nd, 2012 at 9:20 p.m.
76. Great job and nice idea.Don't have any girls but make ragdolls.Now I have a new idea to modernize an out fit for them.

    by Kathy Pollock
    July 23rd, 2012 at 5:10 a.m.
77. This book looks like the best for tips on sewing little things. I'll have to get it.

    by Nana Jo
    July 23rd, 2012 at 7:35 a.m.
78. I have sewn a few outfits for 18 inch dolls. After seeing this series I will be doing more. I think the book will be a Christmas present for my nine year old daughter who just started sewing with me. She loves to play with her American Girls doll. She also like to have matching outfits with are harder to find in size 8 and 10. So excited about this book and giveaway. Thanks

    by Stephanie O
    July 23rd, 2012 at 8:31 a.m.
79. I'm in the process of learning how to sew, so my experiences are limited...but, this would be awesome to get me started!

    by Beth
    July 23rd, 2012 at 7:33 p.m.
80. I dont, because i dont have dolls that size:)

    by M
    July 24th, 2012 at 1:38 a.m.
81. When my grandma taught me to sew it was clothes for my American Doll!

    by Kelly M
    July 24th, 2012 at 7:14 a.m.
82. My daughter would love this book.

    by Deidra
    July 24th, 2012 at 9:08 a.m.

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