Secret Bonus…
Apr 27
Hi everyone,Here are the instructions for making the Shiny Happy Dress using our free Tank Top Pattern Guidebook. When you see how easy this is, you’re going to be happy!
And let me just say another ‘thanks’ for supporting Liberty Jane Clothing and supporting our efforts. We really appreciate you.
Okay, here are the step-by-step instructions…(and yes, this will work with our American Girl Doll Trendy Tank pattern, our Karito Kids Trendy Tank pattern, or our BFC, INK. Trendy Tank pattern).
- First download the free Trendy Tank Top Pattern Guidebook. Follow all the instructions in the Guidebook, with the following adjustments…
- Cut the front and back pattern pieces 1 1/4 inches longer than indicated on the pattern pieces.
- If you want, you can modify the stitching method on the neck from zigzag, (as indicated in the tank instructions), to a straight stitch, as shown in these pictures.
- After sewing the side seams, your dress will look fairly complete, and you’re ready to add the optional ruffle piece along the bottom. The measurement is 3/4 of an inch wide, by 24 inches long. Or you can simply finish the bottom of the dress with a standard 1/4 inch hem.
- Instead of using velcro for the entire backside of the dress, (as the tank top instructions would call for), finish the back seam of the dress by sewing it up from the bottom halfway. Then add velcro to the top section to create the easy open/close portion.
If you’re wondering what types of fabrics might be best for this dress, you should try to go with something that’s got a little stretch in it. The material I used in the dress shown in the cover art picture is from the dance and swim fabrics section at my local JoAnn’s fabric store. The local JoAnn’s by me has a wide variety of colors that this fabric comes in. I’m sure your local fabric store will have something similar. Or you could use a knit tee shirt type material. I have a whole blog post all about fabric choices called Fabric Matters, that might be helpful to you. You could try denim, but I’m not sure it will work well, but it might?!
Here are some more pictures of our finished project.
Ps. Thanks again for allowing Liberty Jane Clothing to be your partner as you create amazing clothes for your AG Dolls!! We hope you have a Shiny Happy Day!
My 12 year old daughter and I spent 2 hours trying to find 18" doll patterns for her to learn to sew with…sigh… almost gave up. Then we came across LJC…
What?!? Seriously?!? First look at the site….we were sold! Trendy, modern, stylin' fashions. Easy to navigate site oozing with definite cool factor. Fairly priced. Someone clearly got it right…way to go LJC! We are now your biggest fans!
I can't see the video! But I love your patterns!
My grandaughters will be happy campers!!! Thank you guys so much Hugs
I have been sewing for many years…You amaze me with your talent of creating such beautiful patterns with easy to follow, step by step instructions. Thank you Cinnamon, you have been a blessing for me this year. May God continue to bless you!
Thanks so much for the lovely patterns. I can’t wait to use them for my Great Grand Daughter. She will love them. Louise
I can not download the free trendy tank top pattern because I keep getting server not found. is there another way to download this. This is to go with the happy shiny dress free pattern.
I downloaded a free pattern on Saturday and was very impressed with the pattern and instructions – an experienced sewer – this would be a great pattern for someone just starting out as well. I came back and purchased a pattern and received this free – thanks My only suggestion would be to have an option to “print” this page as I ended up with 7 pages of junk and the one page with the instructions. Looking forward to getting my next few items made and coming back to purchase more. Thank YOU!!!!
I have made several of your pieces for my 10 year old grand daughters American Girl doll. She loves the outfits and they are simple to sew. Thank you so much!!!
i love you LJC! but the video is not working