New year, new me!

Happy New Year, guys!

The first day of the new year is always something special. It’s a new start, time to become the best version of yourself. For me this means making some resolutions for the new year.

I’m already fulfilling the first one: volunteering a little more. Today I’m helping out at a dog shelter in Spain. So many dogs are all alone on the streets and the shelter is helping them get fed and walked with.

 As promised, here’s the tutorial on how to make the shirt that goes with the dungarees I made last week.

Have fun!

 Dollie

5 tips for effortless sewing!

Hi guys,

I’m in Canada for some moose spotting this week. To keep you busy I have some sewing tips for you!

1.     Do some research

Before you start sewing, do research for the pattern you are using. Maybe someone else has made this before you and shared some tips? Or check out the YouTube channel of Dress Your Doll for more helpful tips and video-manuals.

2.     Copy your pattern

Maybe you want to make the same piece multiple times, in different fabrics. Then it would be useful to copy your pattern and use the copy to actually trace your pattern on the fabric. This way your original pattern stays nice and clean!

3.     Collect your supplies

Before you start your project, make sure you gather all the supplies needed. Nothing is more annoying than having to get up every time you realize you are missing something you need. So spread out your tools on the table and make sure they are close by in case you need them. Maybe you can make a special sewing box with all the necessary supplies in it.

4.     Do it your way

Is there something in the pattern you don’t like as much, or you want to make a small adaptation? Don’t hesitate to do it your way! You will enjoy sewing more if you are absolutely free. And you will have a unique piece!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us by sending a picture to info@verachtert.be or posting on social media with the hashtag #dressyourdoll.

5.     Take a break

Nothing good can come from working frustrated or tired. Take a break every once in a while to keep your head clear and make some beautiful creations.

Good luck sewing!

See you later,

Dollie

Sewing tip #3

Hi fellow fashion lovers!

 The USA are amazing. I’ve done a lot of great stuff already, but what I’m doing now will definitely be the cherry on the cake. I’m at Disneyland Orlando, Florida. As a huge Disney-lover this was a must-see for me. A little relaxing between all the sightseeing and designing was very welcome. Speaking of designing, I have another sewing hack for you.

 I used to always lose my scissors between all the fabric, thread, buttons and other accessories. But I found the perfect solution for this. I chose a beautiful ribbon and looped it around my scissors. This way I’m wearing them around my neck to keep them close. And another bonus: you will look like a true seamstress!

 I’m going to enjoy the rollercoasters and maybe even take a picture with Mickey!

 ‘till next week!

 Dollie

Totally Trendy Totebag

Hi there!

 I’ve been in the USA for a while now. But I still hadn’t seen the statue of liberty. What a shame! So today I took a walk in the city to see it from up close.

 Walking through the city I always carry a lot of stuff with me. To make this comfortable, I designed my own tote bag. Do you like it? A tote bag is a very easy statement piece to make.

Fabric set: PN-0164684 Violet

1. Choose a nice fabric

2. Draw a rectangle of 12 cm x 5 cm and 2 strings of 10 cm length and 0,5 cm wide

3. Cut out the pieces

4. Fold the rectangle in the length so you get a rectangle of 6 x 5 cm (good side of the fabric inside)

5. Sew the sides together

6. Pin the handles to the bag

7. Sew the handles to the bag

8. Turn inside out

You’re done! Congrats!

 If you want to make a tote bag for yourself, just multiply the measurements by 10.

Have fun stitching!

Dollie

Hiking in Hollywood

Hi folks!

When in the USA, there are few things you must do. I already walked the Brooklyn Bridge and attended New York Fashion week. So today it was finally time to do another bucket list activity: taking a picture with the Hollywood sign.

Fun fact: initially the letters were put there because the land was for sale in 1923. The original word stated by the letters was ‘Hollywoodland’. But when they were renovated in 1949, the last 4 letters were removed. The letters are 15 meters high!

I’ve let out my inner diva and posed with this famous Hollywood feature.

I promised another tutorial on how to make a statement sweater so here it is!

Pattern set: 1 - Fabric Set: PN-0164674 Greens

Have fun stitching!

Dollie