PBK doll store is killing me with cuteness

I mean really, I could play dolls all day.
After seeing these adorable outfits on Miss A's doll, I was again inspired to attempt doll clothes. Miss A's doll came with some sort of tween pop star outfit that I wasn't entirely happy with. I found myself wishing I had waited and bought the PBK Gotz doll instead of it's highly discounted twin with a weird get up, JUST FOR THE CLOTHES! Strange, I know. But then I had an "I can totally make that" moment. It's a bit of an illness really. When I have those moments, I forget that though I CAN make it, I may not have the time to. The only thing that seems to break me free from those moments is walking into my sewing room and visually seeing exactly how many things I thought I could make.
I searched for a jeans pattern for some time, but could only find ridiculous looking bell bottoms or pants that looked nothing like jeans that a real girl would wear. Finally, I found these cute jeans patterns (with even cuter pictures) but was leery because I haven't had great experiences with digital downloads. I gave it a try because it was $4, and really how much printing and taping could there be for a 18 inch doll? This is what I got:
Rear View on AG
 Front View on AG
 Rear View on Gotz
 Front View on Gotz
The pattern was easy and had cute details like a fake fly and working pockets. I was nervous when I saw the hand drawn pattern pieces, but it all worked out and the jeans are pretty cute. I used the lightest weight denim I could find, and that was very helpful during construction.
Now, on to what bothered me about the pattern. The back pockets are spaced too far apart. It's just not flattering, even for a doll. Next time I make them, I'll put them closer to the center back seam. The pattern suggests using this to distress the jeans. I couldn't find it anywhere and it appears that it's no longer available. Bummer. That's what made the jeans cute. And finally, the pattern has an entire page devoted to their copyright and user agreement. Which, I'm fine with. I'm not going to copy the pattern for my friends or sale the jeans I make. I believe in being honest and giving total rights to the creator. No problem. I was only minorly irked to see that on the polo shirt pattern, it is suggested that you use the emblem from a ready to wear shirt for you doll shirt. They don't want anyone to misuse their product and original design, but encourage others to use a trademarked embroidery or label in their creations. Seems strange to me. But no big deal.
Anyway, now to make a cute button up top (I'm thinking I'll use scraps of Liberty) and find (not knit, I don't knit-yet) a cardigan and cute sneakers. Wait, who's doll is this anyway?

I was going for a Jackie Kennedy look, but got more of a Jan Brady.

Pattern: Oliver and S School Photo Dress. I love this pattern. I think if I had used a better fabric (more on that below) I would really be in love with this dress. You can't tell, but it has a cool kangaroo pocket in the front and an invisible zipper in the back. B thinks it looks like the dress is on backwards- but that's coming from a man who just recently took his Doc Martens to the DI. And despite her facial expression in the picture, Miss A loves it.
Fabric: Cotton flannel from Joann. It was kind of a beast to work with. Not just because I needed to match the plaid at every (every!) seam, but it was ravely, loosely woven and easily distorted. I really need to pay more attention when fabric shopping. In other words, not shop with children.

A Really Long Halloween Post......

 I love the fabrics on this banner. I just pinked the edges because I'm lazy and needed a quick project.The wind has really given it a beating, so I just pretend that I was going for that "deconstructed" look.
 I wasn't sure if Miss A would wear her actual costume and I wanted her to have a few options that didn't include the super ratty princess dress that she loves. I made this crown and wand from cheese cloth. Pretty cute if I do say so myself.
 I also made a capelet and a little black dress to have on hand. There has been much pretending to be a witch due to all the Halloween songs at preschool.
 For my mantle banner, I spent a little more time. The triangles actually have a front and back piece and it was all a little more involved (but not much) than my porch one. I used Riley Blake "Boo to You" fat quarters for the flags. I made a basket liner with black dot and giant rick rack from my stash and gathered up all the Halloween books in the house to put in it. It was fun to have all the "spooky" books in one place.
And here's the actual costume. Which she did wear. I've had the out of print pattern for years. It was a strange little pattern. I'm still not sure why there was all the attention to detail (faux fly, piping on the pants, topstitching on the back pockets, etc) and then the hokey felt fringe and collar. I kept telling myself there was some great reason I was unaware of, but nope. Just crappy instructions, no reason. The loopy decoration detail was supposed to be painted on, but I didn't have the patience to let it dry and I couldn't maintain a consistent line. So I used piping under the yoke and rattail braid.
Here is S and husband's pumpkin creation. It rained on it and kind of messed it up. G's cardboard Lego costume didn't fair so well. But still, it's pretty awesome. Behind the eyes and bill the pumpkin is cut out so it had a cool glowing effect.