To say that I adore the Skipper 5861 Simplicity pattern from 1964 would be an utter and complete understatement. It’s so awesome, I have no words to express the fun I’ve had when making each and every one of the outfits pictured on the front of the envelope!
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To start today’s blog post, I’m going to jump back in time about six months to last summer…
I ran across this Skipper Simplicity 5861 doll clothes wardrobe pattern last summer on eBay. I’d been watching for this uncut pattern to come up for a long time, and when it did, I snatched it up for a very fair price.
Because I’d been searching for it, for so long, once it landed in my actual mailbox, I decided I would attempt to sew every single item of clothing in this ensemble! As I type this, I’ve finished the last of these projects.
Some of the outfits in Simplicity 5861 were harder to make than others, but to simplify them, I’ve created my own alterations to these patterns. In the image above, for example, the shorts outfit on the far right is an alteration to the pants outfit on the far left.
So when I say I’ve learned a lot from Simplicity 5861, I’m not exaggerating!
Through the links you find below, I’d like to share some of the lessons I’ve learned from this pattern, as well as some of the sewing concepts I’ve developed as a result of the projects I’ve been making while I used this pattern.
- Is there an easy way to sew sleeves?
- Does a doll’s coat need a lining, and if so, how do I choose one?
- Which dolls can wear Skipper patterns?
- New music video to inspire your crafts… With Skipper Simplicity patterns 5861!
- Share your summer sewing projects!
- Did you get your summer sewing goals accomplished?
- What surprising “fashionista” can wear this Skipper retro swing coat?
- Stitching up a retro-style dress for Skipper that’s versatile enough for two amazing looks
- Nancy Drew, the mystery girl, makes a magical appearance with my Simplicity Skipper pattern 5861
- Making Pleats for a Skipper Skirt
- Who knew modern Stacie dolls and vintage Skipper dolls were an exact match?
- Matching patterns to fit Skipper and Barbie
- Scarf sewing secrets
- How to make ribbon bows simple
- How to sew a hook and eye on doll clothes
- Chelly Wood recommends this pattern for vintage Skipper, vintage Skooter, or modern Momoko dolls
- What is the best fabric for circle skirts?
As you can see by the list of blog post topics above, Simplicity 5861 offers some fantastic sewing lessons for everyone!
I hope you click on some of the links above and really, truly benefit from all the great lessons I’ve learned while sewing Simplicity 5861 for vintage Skipper dolls!
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.
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For anyone who would like to expand their dolls’ wardrobes, you should really check out my “How to Alter Doll Clothes Patterns” course and my “Design Your Own Doll Pants Patterns from Scratch” classes on the Creative Spark online learning platform. Here’s my bio page on their website, where you can learn more.
For any class on Creative Spark, you don’t have to follow a schedule. Just sign up when you’re ready.
It’s a one-time fee for the course, and there’s no specific time limit to finish your course. You can just take your time and learn at the pace that suits you. So go check out my paid courses on Creative Spark, using this link.
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Disclaimer/Credit/Affiliate Marketing Link:
*Please note: when you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include Amazon, JoAnn Fabric, Etsy, and the eBay Partner Network. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more about how my website uses affiliate marketing, please visit the website’s 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.