On Friday (August 10th, 2018) we will offer a pattern from Karen Lorraine Watts of Karen Lorraine Design for free as a special one-day only event. We'd love to have you vote to help us decide which pattern will win, then be sure to come back Friday to get your free copy.
More about Karen Lorraine and Karen Lorraine Design, (in her own words)... Hi. I’m Lorraine from “Karen Lorraine Design.” I really only learned to use a sewing machine when I was about 40! While I had a few obligatory school lessons when I was young, I used to hate sewing as a school subject and most school projects were finished by my mother :). Then, through a couple of friends, I ended up with a secondhand sewing machine and a desire to sew doll clothes. I still remember being nervous about it all, but here I am seven years later designing for Pixie Faire. I was so excited when I discovered Pixie Faire! A new world opened up. I am definitely a product of Pixie Faire’s Design and Pattern Academy classes, and it is an honor to finally be a designer for Pixie Faire. I enjoy sewing for numerous dolls, with my favorite dolls being American Girl®, Pullip® and Blythe®. I have a soft spot for other adult seamstresses who end up teaching themselves how to sew, and I hope my patterns reflect that with their clear instructions and photographs. I love the journey of sewing and designing for dolls. Away from designing, I am busy with family matters, and in any spare time I have left I enjoy photography, art, road-trips, and walking.
More information about the patterns:
Heirloom Entree Designed To Fit 18 Inch Dolls Such As American Girl®:“Heirloom Entrée” features heirloom sewing techniques in a gentle dress pdf sewing pattern. While heirloom sewing is often done by hand, especially the smocking methods, for some of us who might not have the hand or eye capacity to handsew, then machine sewing becomes the main option. It feels really good to know that we don’t have to sacrifice these beautiful techniques, and also that a basic sewing machine is quite capable of producing a beautiful heirloom sewing effect.
This outfit requires a regular sewing machine. You do not need an embroidery sewing machine. It would be nice to have a machine that does a few fancy stitches; however, even if you only have a zig-zag stitch on your machine you can still produce a stunning result.
The two heirloom techniques explored in this pattern are pintucks and (machine) smocking. The latter appears twice: as a display in the centre front, and as a subtle elastic effect on the sleeve. Easy back closures, the choice of a high or low neckline, and the use of woven cotton fabric makes this dress a pleasure to sew and a stunner to wear.
Dance Time Designed To Fit 14- 14,5" Dolls: "Dance Time” consists of a leotard with boyleg pants, and 3 tulle-layered overskirts. The leotard is made from knit/stretch fabric. Binding appears on the neckline and armholes (or fold over elastic or stretch binding can be used), while a pretty ribbon sparkles from the overskirt hems. The three-layered overskirts gather at the waistline, and sandwich into the leotard; hence, this pattern does not require any elastic. The tulle can be either a woven cotton or a stretch knit. No back closures are required, although you can insert hook and loop tape for an easier opening-and-closure for little hands.
Also included in this PDF sewing pattern are three bonus items. Leg warmers can be quickly sewn from stretch knit fabrics, while there are two options to create fingerless gloves. One of these options is for woven cotton fabrics, and the other is for knit fabrics.
This package allows the seamstress to indulge in a world of solo-colour, go jazzy in foil lycras, or mix-it-up with sequins and glitter. Alternatively, the variations included in this pattern allow for several other outfits, including sweat bands, tank tops, knickers, unitards, and fairy and princess decorated outfits.
Elegant Designed To Fit 11 1/2" Fashion Dolls such as Barbie®:Whether it’s a red-carpet event or a night out on the town, then the swish and dazzle of this outfit is exactly what your Fashion Doll needs. With seemingly high-end fabrics and classy stitching, this dress and train offer numerous ways to go glam. Whatever the colour or fabric you choose, “Elegant” is certain to stun and impress.
“Elegant” consists of a strapless bodice (with darts) attached to an exquisite skirt. The skirt is close fitting in the front, while sweeping into a train from the back. This pattern also includes a detachable train that mimics the skirt train while also flowing gently around the front sides. The bodice contains a small facing, whereas the skirt is unlined. The pattern is designed for woven fabric (and not for knit stretch fabrics). These photos depict dance satin used for the bodice and skirt, a tulle for the facing, and chiffon for the train.
This PDF pattern is designed to fit 11 ½" Fashion Dolls such as Fashionista Barbie®. As Fashion Dolls vary in size, here are the measurements of Fashionista Barbie® that you may wish to use to compare to other dolls: bust 5 inches, waist 3 ½ inches, and hips 5 1/8 inches.
At The Castle Designed To Fit Monster High™ Dolls:“At the Castle” consists of a strapless bodice (with darts) attached to a close-fitting trumpet skirt. With the option of a lace overlay for the bodice, this stylish dress is complemented by a gentle veil and gorgeous gloves. The pattern is designed for woven cotton-type fabric.
These photos in ivory depict delustered satin fabric used for the bodice and skirt, with a lace overlay on the bodice, lace gloves, and bridal tulle for the veil. For a lighter look, the pink photos show the dress made out of muslin.
This pattern was primarily designed for the Monster High™ girl size. Generally, Monster High™ female dolls come in three sizes: adult (29cm height), girl (27cm height), and kid sister (25cm height). [There is also a newer “giant size” of about 17 inches which the pattern will not fit.]
Due to the design of “At the Castle”, by making slight alterations this pattern will also fit the Monster High™ small sized kid sister and adult dolls, as well as the three general Ever After High™ dolls. [Ever After High™ female dolls come in three main sizes: tall girl (28cm), medium girl (27.25cm), and short girl (24.5cm). The pattern will not fit the “giant” doll here either.]
All alterations for the different sized dolls are contained in the pattern. Here is an example of how the alterations are presented: “If you are sewing for the MH girl (medium) size, follow the patterns pieces as they are. Do the same for the small MH kid sister.
If you are sewing for the MH large adult doll or an Ever After High™ tall doll, then you will need to add 1/8" to each centre back long side of the skirt (pattern pieces #7 and #9), and add ½" to each centre back of the bodice and facing pieces (#1 and #2).
Take A Closer Look At Each Pattern:
Please be sure to leave a comment and thank Lorraine! Come back on Friday and get your free copy of the pattern and if you use it - share your pictures online using the #pixiefaire hashtag.
82 Comments
Liza
August 12, 2018
Lovely dress pattern. Was on vacation and couldn’t print until Sunday. I can hardly wait to make this one!
Patricia Horton
August 10, 2018
Karen, I loved the ELEGANT yellow gown you made. It is goregeous!!!! But, unfortunately , I do not sew for Barbie dolls.
I like the Heirloom dress you came up with . It is very pretty.
Thank you for the pattern!!!!
Chloe
August 10, 2018
What a wonderful design. Very sweet dress!
Virginia
August 10, 2018
Thank you for the sweet Heirloom Entree.
Megan
August 10, 2018
Love the “heirloom entree” pattern! Would also look forward to trying the new-to-me sewing techniques. Thank you for sharing your patterns with all of us.
Patt
August 10, 2018
These are all beautiful patterns, thank you for sharing them with us. I do sew for dolls in other sizes, I’m definitely selecting the other patterns for future projects.
Claudia
August 09, 2018
Heirloom Entree gets my vote. It’s a beautiful dress. Thank you for bringing to us such a wonderful patter.
Ruth
August 09, 2018
I am going with the Heirloom dress. Thank you!
Cheryl
August 09, 2018
I vote for the Heirloom pattern. It just caught my eye right off. Thank you Karen.
Janice
August 09, 2018
I love the Heirloom Entree. It is so beautiful. I was unable to vote because the poll is already closed Thank you Karen, you have accomplished lots since learning to sew at age 40. Thank you also, Cinnamon.
Jaclyn C.
August 09, 2018
Love all of these!!! Decisions decisions!!!
Chandra
August 09, 2018
Love the Heirloom dress, it’s so beautiful!
Kristi Taylor
August 09, 2018
Heirloom Entre dress! 😍 and maybe a kid and adult version to match?
Anika
August 09, 2018
Thanks for the pattern! I voted for the wellie wisher outfit all for the fact that I wanted something different other the a dress. I feel it would be nice having doll shorts. Next week I ant to suggest the liberty jane jeans pattern or the t shirt variations pattern. Thanks again! -Anika
Shirley
August 09, 2018
I voted for the Heirloom Entre. I is a beautiful dress. I also like the pattern for 14.5" dolls. Thanks Karen for the great patterns to choose from.
Nancy P
August 09, 2018
Heirloom Entre got my vote. Thanks Karen and Pixie Fare
Terri
August 09, 2018
Three minutes into the game, the 18 inch dolls score. One minute later, the 14 inch dolls move the ball down the field in a heroic effort to place numbers on the scoreboard. But the 18 inch dolls are just too powerful and block the kick with little effort. Feeling the defeat, the 14 inch dolls regroup and give it their best shot with a trick play. The crowd holds their breath. Who doesn’t want to root for the underdog?!?!?! And they score! An amazing side kick lead to an unbelievable touchdown and the cheers of the crowd could be heard for miles outside the stadium! Sweet victory if only for a moment. But alas, the 18 inch dolls just proved too powerful, too big. Good job, 14 inch dolls! You gave all you had! You left nothing on the field. As your side of the stadium begins to empty out, you feel discouraged. Maybe next week, you can play against dolls your own size and age. I’ll be right there behind you, cheering you on the whole way. Gooooooooo Wellie Wishers! 🤗🤗🤗
joanne
August 09, 2018
I love the 18 inch doll Heirloom dress, but really if I had the other dolls they are just beautiful. Thank you!!
Carma
August 09, 2018
Thank you very much! I vote for Heirloom Entreé.
Sonja
August 09, 2018
Thanks, Lorraine, for such cute offerings! I voted for the Barbie outfit,but I see that the smocking pattern will probably win. I’m happy to have that, too!
Heather
August 09, 2018
I love the heirloom dress. So nice!
Angela C
August 09, 2018
Love the heirloom dress! Would love to have the pattern.
Christie
August 09, 2018
This was so hard! Thanks for giving us such great options! I voted for Heirloom Entree because I’d love to learn how to use my sewing machine to create a smocking effect, but if the dance costumes had been in Les Cheries size I probably would have voted for that.
Leigh O
August 09, 2018
Wonderful choices. I voted for the Heirloom for 18" dolls. Thanks for the beautiful patterns.
Barb
August 09, 2018
Thank you again for your offers! Been a Pixie Faire devotee for years! Had to go for the beautiful Heirloom pattern. It is so beautiful!
Ruth
August 09, 2018
I love the Dance Time outfit. Once again, the Wellie Wishers will be beaten by the older girls. :( Camille and Willa wish that they could get some new patterns, too. I, too, wish that we’d have Fridays that the choices were just for Wellie Wishers patterns. If an AG pattern is in the mix, the poor WW have no chance.
Ruth
August 09, 2018
I love the Dance Time outfit. Once again, the Wellie Wishers will be beaten by the older girls. :( Camille and Willa wish that they could get some new patterns, too. I, too, wish that we’d have Fridays that the choices were just for Wellie Wishers patterns. If an AG pattern is in the mix, the poor WW have no chance.
Elaine
August 09, 2018
Heirloom pattern. Love it. All patterns great. Thanks for sharing.
paulette vancaeneghem
August 09, 2018
je vote pour cette ravissante robe Heirloom Entree For 18 Inch Dolls
Louise Saunders
August 08, 2018
I choose Heirloom Entrée. Beautiful.
Nancy
August 08, 2018
I voted for Heirloom Entree-but they are all wonderful patterns! Thanks for the great choices.
Dottie
August 08, 2018
Hi… I chose the Heirloom Entrée dress.
At the moment, I’m just doing 18-in outfits, though would like to do some WellieWishers in the future. Have only crocheted and knitted items for the Fashion Barbie doll, so sewing outfits would be another item to put on my list of ‘things to do’.
Thank you, Lorraine, for such cute outfits. :~)
Faye
August 08, 2018
I vote for the Heirloom Entree
De
August 08, 2018
All great patterns! Thank you for sharing them with us this week, Karen.
Debbie
August 08, 2018
I voted for the heirloom entree as I would love to learn these techniques and practice them on smaller scale. All these patterns are great and thank you so much for your generosity!
Mae Lynn Beck
August 08, 2018
You have something for every doll. I voted for the Monster High pattern since I have a MH doll that I have never made anything for.
Dorisanne
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom pattern for the 18" dolls. Thanks.
Carol
August 08, 2018
Hello, I’ve just begun to make doll clothes for the
craft room at the local Senior and activity center as part of my volunteer hours there. Since I make the 18" variety, I am voting for the Heirloom Entre. Thanks for the variety in this weeks’ freebie.
Krystyl R
August 08, 2018
All those patterns are really lovely. I’ve only got an 18 inch doll I sew for, so that one got my vote… I’m actually wishing some of those smaller sized patterns (like the Dance outfit) were for the AG sized dolls :)
Sheryl
August 08, 2018
I would love to have dance time if it were in the 18" size.
would be really cool, assuming that they are available in both sizes, if we could choose which size you wanted.
Dennis
August 08, 2018
Awesome!!!!! Thank you for such lovely pattern choices.
PF Strong
August 08, 2018
Congratulations for tackling the “new” skill of sewing and taking it to the level of designing patterns! I love the Elegant 11.5" doll pattern. I would have had this one on my Christmas list as a kid! That will get my vote. I also really like the 18" doll Heirloom Entreé, which I suspect will win. Thank you for the free pattern this week!
Monya
August 08, 2018
All of the patterns are beautiful but I voted for the Heirloom dress, thank you!
Janet B
August 08, 2018
Thank You! I love the Hairloom pattern and would love to learn to do on sewing machine.
Olga
August 08, 2018
Love the Heirloom Entree is right my alley, perfect pattern! Thanks
Karen
August 08, 2018
Heirloom pattern is stunning. Thanks for sharing
peg
August 08, 2018
I voted for the heirloom. Learning pintucking and smocking opens up a whole new world to me.
Sandra
August 08, 2018
All the featured patterns are quite lovely. You are a versatile designer. Thank you for these offerings.
Debby
August 08, 2018
My vote is for the beautiful heirloom entree, not only is it elegant but this is the only size doll I sew for.
Ann
August 08, 2018
What fun!
Cheryl N
August 08, 2018
Thank you for these lush patterns Karen. I’ve voted for Dance Time to kit out my Wellie Wishers.
Carol Trejo
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom patterns for the American Girl Doll. I watch Sewing with Nancy once and she was demonstrating heirloom sewing with the pin tucks and machine smocking. I’m so excited to actually have a patter and instructions to do it. Thank you Karen for offering such an awesome pattern
Judi
August 08, 2018
All of your patterns are beautiful, with cool “real sewing” details! Thank you so much for sharing!
Marian
August 08, 2018
The Heirloom entre and the dance time patterns are absolutely wonderful. I voted historic since I love anything vintage. Thank you for your generosity.
Monica
August 08, 2018
I wish there could be a Freebie Friday with just Wellie Wishers patterns. Thanks
CdnCrafter
August 08, 2018
Thank you, Karen! I voted for Dance Time. My Wellie Wishers need more clothes!!!
Susan
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom too! Thank you Lorraine and Pixie Faire!
Tonuia
August 08, 2018
Thank you for the lovely pattern choices! It would be a pleasure to own any one of these patterns.
MYRA
August 08, 2018
Thank you so much for your generosity, Lorraine. Your patterns all look TOO cute. I voted for the Heirloom dress since I have an American Girl doll, and it looks like it flows so nicely. Looking forward to the pintucks and smocking.
All the patterns are all so elegant. You are extremely talented.
Jeri
August 08, 2018
Wow! What a great assortment. It was tough choosing between the 18" pattern and the 14" pattern. I finally voted for the 14" because I don’t have as many patterns for my Wellie Wisher. Thank you, Lorraine! You’re a real inspiration.
AJ
August 08, 2018
Thank you for offering a variety of pattern sizes! Since 18 inch patterns almost always win I’d love to see occasional weeks with only other sIzes, especially Wellie Wisher/Hearts for Hearts.
Christine
August 08, 2018
I am sad, as I already have heirloom entree. I only do 18 " dolls, and it looks like it will win. Oh well, I loose this time.
I love your designs
Bernice
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom Pattern
Pam
August 08, 2018
The Heirloom dress is so sweet! Thank you!
Carol Ellis
August 08, 2018
Thank you, Lorraine, for such a wonderful choice of patterns. I love heirloom sewing and am interested in historical clothing for my granddaughter’s doll Elizabeth. But my other granddaughter will get a Welliewisher doll for Christmas, and that pattern has so very many options and looks. Added to which I have very few patterns for the Welliewishers. A Very Very hard choice. I finally decided on the Heirloom Sewing pattern.
Florence Shaw
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom Pattern.
Nutmeg
August 08, 2018
Heirloom Entree gets my vote this week. I learned to smock in high school sewing class many years ago and was pleased to see this type of work featured. The pin tucking was another feature that caught my eye. I can’t wait to try this pattern!
gammy
August 08, 2018
All very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Wanda
August 08, 2018
Such good designs and great fabric selections! Would never guess that you were a " late bloomer" to sewing. it was had to decide.
Lorraine M
August 08, 2018
Elegant Fashion Gown for 11 1/2" doll gets my vote or the Wellie Wisher Dance pattern. I prefer modern trendy patterns as they are most popular for little girls. Thank you for offering your patterns for Freebie Fridays!
trish
August 08, 2018
Heirloom Entree is SO beautiful. Thank you very much. It inspires me to check out the rest of your patterns!!
Sandy Stave
August 08, 2018
I voted for “Dance Time.” I have very few patterns for the Wellie Wisher doll. This looks very versatile. Great top, dress and underpants, Thanks!
Ann
August 08, 2018
You are an inspiration Lorraine. Your designs are lovely.
Charla
August 08, 2018
Like them all but we need more patterns for the Wellie Wishers and even though one is a choice the 18 inch patterns usually win. We need some choice weeks where the only choices are for the Wellie Wishers.
Gloria
August 08, 2018
I only have the 18" doll to sew for, so the Heirloom Entree gets my vote…but I love that a variety of patterns were offered. They’re all fabulous!
Jo
August 08, 2018
Beautiful patterns, Karen! Thank you for making them available as a Freebie Friday.choice.
Kathy
August 08, 2018
I voted for the Dance Time pattern although I know it probably won’t win. All of them are great this week, so that is ok. Any of them would be nice to have! The Heirloom pattern is so beautiful, I am sure it will be the winner. Thank you Karen for sharing one of your great patterns with us. Thanks to Pixie Faire for the Freebie Friday as always.
Dolores
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom—thank you Lorraine.
Dolores
August 08, 2018
I love the Heirloom—thank you Lorraine.
Marcie
August 08, 2018
I voted for the Heirloom. I would love to try it and it’s so pretty. Thanks Karen and Pixie Faire.
Helen
August 08, 2018
Love the variety of patterns and styles. I voted for the Heirloom Entre. I would really like it or the pattern for the 14.5 doll. I don’t have the other two sizes of dolls. You do awesome work!
Kathy
August 08, 2018
I love the 18 inch pattern but I voted for the 14 inch. I need more clothes for my Wellie Wishers. Thanks Karen.
Hi. I’m Lorraine from “Karen Lorraine Design.” I really only learned to use a sewing machine when I was about 40! While I had a few obligatory school lessons when I was young, I used to hate sewing as a school subject and most school projects were finished by my mother :). Then, through a couple of friends, I ended up with a secondhand sewing machine and a desire to sew doll clothes. I still remember being nervous about it all, but here I am seven years later designing for Pixie Faire. I was so excited when I discovered Pixie Faire! A new world opened up. I am definitely a product of Pixie Faire’s Design and Pattern Academy classes, and it is an honor to finally be a designer for Pixie Faire. I enjoy sewing for numerous dolls, with my favorite dolls being American Girl®, Pullip® and Blythe®. I have a soft spot for other adult seamstresses who end up teaching themselves how to sew, and I hope my patterns reflect that with their clear instructions and photographs. I love the journey of sewing and designing for dolls. Away from designing, I am busy with family matters, and in any spare time I have left I enjoy photography, art, road-trips, and walking.
Liza
August 12, 2018
Lovely dress pattern. Was on vacation and couldn’t print until Sunday. I can hardly wait to make this one!