In the image above, my Made-to-Move Barbie is modeling a jumper-style dress with a raglan sleeved blouse. These two patterns didn’t come in the same envelope. In fact, they actually came from two different eras in history.
My Simplicity 8281 vintage sewing pattern is from 1977 while my Simplicity Tressy doll wardrobe pattern number 5731 was published in 1964, more than ten years before.
Can you guess which items came from which pattern envelope? Scroll down to the bottom for the answers!
And yes, you absolutely can mix and match patterns from different envelopes, but I do suggest keeping all pattern pieces well-separated.
If you’ve ever ordered patterns on eBay, or if you’ve ever inherited patterns from a family member, you may have opened up your pattern envelope to discover that the shirt pattern from Simplicity 8281 may appear inside the envelope for Simplicity 5731.
Yup. I’ve certainly had this happen a time or two.
So that’s why it’s a good idea to keep all of your pattern pieces well separated — even keep the envelope sealed for Simplicity 5731 while you’re sewing the shirt from Simplicity 8281 — so you don’t accidentally drop one pattern piece inside the other envelope!
For more helpful tips and pointers on keeping your vintage doll clothes patterns well organized, you might want to revisit my tutorial video called, “How to Repair and Store Old Patterns.”
And now, here’s the answer to the challenge question I gave you at the start of this blog post… Which patterns are being worn by my Made to Move Barbie in the first photo? These two:
Most of the commercial patterns I display and talk about here on ChellyWood.com are also available for sale on eBay. However, if you’ve never purchased a pattern on eBay before, it’s a good idea to read the article I wrote called, “Tips for Buying Used Doll Clothes Patterns on eBay.” It will save you time, money, and will likely prevent buyer’s remorse.
And by the way, if you use the links I’ve provided to make your eBay purchase, this website will receive a small commission, which helps fund the ChellyWood.com website, so I can continue to provide you with all the free patterns and tutorial videos offered here.
In case you haven’t heard, my Creative Spark class, “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” is now live on the Creative Spark platform. You can sign up any time you want!
And don’t panic if it seems like too much to take on right now — sometimes our lives get really busy. I get that. But for any class on Creative Spark, you don’t have to sign up any time soon. Just sign up when you’re ready.
If you’re interested in taking my paid course, you will pay a one-time fee, and there’s no specific time limit to access your course. You can just take your time and learn at the pace that suits you.
To read more about my free sewing patterns and tutorials, please visit the “Helpful Tips” page.
Disclaimer/Credit/Affiliate Marketing Link:
*ChellyWood.com earns money by linking to JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other online affiliate programs. Links provided above may be affiliate links. For a full list of my affiliate programs, and to understand how cookies are used to help this website earn money, please see my “Privacy Policy” page.
Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with the pattern company or companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly finds inspiration in the doll clothes designed by these pattern companies. To purchase patterns from Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, Vogue, or other pattern companies shown and discussed in this blog post, please click on the links provided here. These links below the “Disclaimer” section do not help raise money for this free pattern website; they are only offered to give credit to the company that made these patterns.