Sewing Patterns - Pattern Reviews for Simplicity Pattern - 9838 11-1/2 - Sewing & Sewing Pattern Reviews at PatternReview.com

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Simplicity: 9838 (11-1/2) - Type:Crafts

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2 more reviews

Review rated Very Helpful by 2 people

Reviewed by:

fourkid


	About fourkid
	FL USA
	Member since: 8/30/08
	Reviews written: 88
	Sewing skills:Intermediate
	Favored by: 7 people
	patterns reviewed: 73
	Bio: more...

Posted on:

12/27/12 8:09 PM

Project Photo:

Pattern Photo:

Simplicity Pattern Info

More Info provided by fourkid

Pattern Rating:

Highly Recommend

Current Tags :

Fabric:

Cotton [See other projects in this fabric]

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Pattern Description: Design your own wardrobe for 11 1/2 inch fashion dolls (Barbie)

Pattern Sizing:
Barbie size - any 11 1/2 inch doll

Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were not difficult to understand, but the execution of them was at times challenging. The instructions for the sleeves do not say to gather the sleeve cap. I found it impossible to put in the sleeve that way. I hand basted the sleeve cap 1/8" in from the edge. Pulled it up into a slight gather and then stitched. It was much easier that way.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the flexibility and simplicity of the garments.
The tiny seams were challenging, and folding over curved edges worked best with a lot of steaming afterwards.

Fabric Used:
The blue formal dress was a polyester satin - I do not recommend using any type of poly fabric. It is very hard to work the tiny seams in the man-made fiber. The other outfits were done in cotton - that was much easier to work with.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I worked from two different Simplicity Barbie patterns. See also the review for Simplicity 8457

I used this pattern for the formal dress - but I did not do the elastic at the wrists - that would have just been too tiny for my fingers to manage. I also made the "cape/apron" piece. I did not finish it as directed. I just put on a ribbon tie.

I used this pattern to do the yellow top. These outfits are all designed as one piece, but I needed a separate top, so I just hemmed it on the bottom edge.

For the pajama bottoms I used this pant pattern. I simply put in a slight gather, folded the waist over and used a snap in the back. The pattern is simple and flexible for many adaptations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes; yes.

Conclusion:
Sewing tiny clothes for Barbie is challenging, but fun as well. It takes only small scraps of fabric, and you can use fun trims. While many items could be done without a pattern, I liked using it since all the sizing was already done as well as the easiest way to put the pieces together. That left me free to use my imagination in designing the outfits.
Blue formal dress and cape/apron
Pajama pants (but not top)
Yellow top (but not skirt)

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2 Comments Login to Add a Comment

	Pj3g said... Cute clothes you're making! I would think sewing tiny clothes like this would be super challenging! 12/28/12 9:06 AM
	Margaret said... Cute outfits! I can imagine it would be very difficult setting in the sleeves for those tiny Barbie arms! 12/30/12 12:10 PM