[Ladyfingers]

I have researched quite a few pattern books and knitting magazines, looking for Barbie doll patterns. It was always the same: knit 2 fronts, a back and 2 sleeves, then sew everything together - even for those TINY Barbie fashions. I thought it was ridiculous to have all those seams to sew. Then I discovered the "knit from the top down method", and my interest turned into a lifetime of creative excitement.

If you have always knit "the old fashioned way", with all those seams to sew, why don't you try one garment knit from the top down? It will be an eye-opening experience!

I may get some "flak" from some of you, then again I may start an interesting discussion about how you've always wanted to try something new, but just never got around to it. After all, it's easier to stick with what you know - right?

 

[e.ridenh]

IIIIIIIII I ran across a TOP DOWN sweaters, dresses and coats pattern book the other day. I may buy it yet.

Yes, we need to think outside the pattern, eh? LOL!!

BTW, I have two hardcover Barbie pattern books; Biggin's, too. Let me check - they may be softcover.

Hey, I've got three! Two hardcovers and one softcover. (#$

Donna Rae
p.s...seaming is a bummer. Do you slip the first stitch as if to purl? )))))))))

.

I have researched quite a few pattern books and knitting magazines, looking for Barbie doll patterns. It was always the same: knit 2 fronts, a back and 2 sleeves, then sew everything together - even for those TINY Barbie fashions. I thought it was ridiculous to have all those seams to sew. Then I discovered the "knit from the top down method", and my interest turned into a lifetime of creative excitement.

If you have always knit "the old fashioned way", with all those seams to sew, why don't you try one garment knit from the top down? It will be an eye-opening experience!

I may get some "flak" from some of you, then again I may start an interesting discussion about how you've always wanted to try something new, but just never got around to it. After all, it's easier to stick with what you know - right?

 

[Ladyfingers]

Donna Rae:
Regarding seaming doll clothes.....I HATE to sew! Very "needle challenged" in this area, so when it comes to sewing doll clothes seams, I just thread my darning needle from the strand attached to the bind off area and begin sewing the yarn back and forth - with lots of knots up the seam. This makes it more childproof - they do tend to pull and tug these knitted clothes, getting them over tiny fingers.

The only time I slip the first stitch as if to purl is when I'm knitting a baby blanket or afghan. This makes a nice finished edge, but it also makes a nice loop to crochet a nice border around the blanket.

Check your Barbie books - do the patterns call for fronts, back and two sleeves - then sew everything together?

I have a Barbie pattern for a nice lacy summer robe that has NO SEAMS AT ALL! It looks terrific on Barbie!

 

[e.ridenh]

Donna Rae:
Regarding seaming doll clothes.....I HATE to sew! ((((((((( I really don't mind it but must have a nice edge to work on - that's why a slipped edge is used = two loops to match up with the other sides two loops = clear to see where to go.

With a knitted or purled edge, it produces a bup that gets in the way for clarity and is hard to work into.

However, I don't make many things needing seaming, either! LOL!!

I have a hard cover CROCHET for Barbie doll book - many of those - if not all - are seamed but many little accessories a re made without seams - caps, for instance.

The KNITS for Barbie doll hardcover does have many items to seam but those Chanel suits are to die for! LOL!!

My third Barbie book is a price/value guide for dolls and other things. It's sweet!

I own a bunch of dolls, too from our daughter's years + I've collected a few vintage ones along with the wardrobes. Ken, too, of course.

Hey, share your seamless robe pattern with us! @@,./';,./';

Donna Rae
Brandon, Iowa ))))))))))

Very "needle challenged" in this area, so when it comes to sewing doll clothes seams, I just thread my darning needle from the strand attached to the bind off area and begin sewing the yarn back and forth - with lots of knots up the seam. This makes it more childproof - they do tend to pull and tug these knitted clothes, getting them over tiny fingers.

The only time I slip the first stitch as if to purl is when I'm knitting a baby blanket or afghan. This makes a nice finished edge, but it also makes a nice loop to crochet a nice border around the blanket.

Check your Barbie books - do the patterns call for fronts, back and two sleeves - then sew everything together?

I have a Barbie pattern for a nice lacy summer robe that has NO SEAMS AT ALL! It looks terrific on Barbie!