Pattern Review: Heritage Doll Fashions Wrap and Vest

I've decided to do something new on my blog: pattern reviews! There are so many patterns I want to try--especially since our modern-day dolls don't have any clothes. I've sewn a lot for our historical dolls, but poor Charlotte and McKenna have only a few t-shirts and a couple of pairs of shoes that they have to share. McKenna of course has her gymnastics outfits, but with winter coming, she'll freeze in only her leotard. And my daughter has pointed out for over a year now that Charlotte doesn't have any pajamas and that she hates using one of Josefina's camisas to sleep in . . . So, with such necessary demands being made on me, I committed to make a few things for Charlotte and McKenna. That way if they want to go shopping or to school, they don't have to wear pioneer dresses.

The first pattern I picked was Heritage Doll Fashions Wrap and Vest. I wanted something easy and simple--something that could coordinate with t-shirts and jeans (I didn't feel like making a whole outfit.) I also wanted to use knit fabric--I have a ton of it in my stash and I wanted the option of not using my serger (again, feeling lazy.) I've been drawn to the Heritage Doll Fashions designs for awhile--so I was excited to try this one. It looked easy, cute, modern, and fun.

So here is Charlotte and McKenna wearing their vest and wrap:

The pattern totally met my expectations. The vest came together in ten minutes and was so simple that I know Abby would enjoy sewing it. In fact, she likes it so much that she wants to make a couple of vests in different colors. Liberty Jane Patterns encourages young girls to sew--this would be an excellent pattern for a young doll lover to try.

The wrap was a little more time-consuming than the vest, but not much.  I also think a beginner could sew it easily. So the pattern gets an A+ from me--it's well-designed, well-drafted, came together quickly, and cute. And now we have two versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched and played with. 

I'm sure the dolls are surprised and happy that they have something to wear. It's a good start.