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September 16, 2024

74 Comments

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Meet Bonnie Spencer, Designer of Crabapples

Get To Know Bonnie Spencer, Designer of Crabapples!

About Crabapples: Crabapples Doll Clothes Patterns specializes in creating detailed, high-quality sewing  and knitting patterns for doll clothes. Their style tends to focus on classic and elegant designs that are often inspired by vintage fashion, but they also offer a range of contemporary options.

Their catalog includes patterns for various types of doll outfits, from everyday wear to special occasion attire. You'll find patterns for everything from dresses and skirts to jackets and accessories. The designs often emphasize fine details and craftsmanship, catering to doll enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of sophistication and historical charm in their doll clothing. The patterns include comprehensive instructions, making them accessible for both experienced and novice sewists.

Here's a sampling of patterns. Browse the full Crabapples catalog today!


 

Enter To Win A Sweater For Your Doll!

Enter To Win: This week's giveaway includes the Pocket Posies sweater for 18" dolls, featured on the cover of the pattern, made by Bonnie, to one lucky winner! The sweater can be styled in so many ways - check out these cute looks!

Would you like to win this sweater? Be sure to follow the prompts in the contest widget to be entered into the giveaway to win both of the items! (*Note - dolls are not included in the giveaway)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Get The Flutter Sleeve Dress Free This Friday!

Special Offer! The Flutter Sleeve Dress for 18" dolls will be offered for FREE Friday September 20, 2024! So be sure to mark your calendar and pop back over to Pixie Faire to grab this pattern!

 

Contest Details

You enter through the entry form embedded on this page, and appears just above this paragraph; if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices.

Note: Be sure to enter your email correctly because that is how you'll be notified if you win.

The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget.

One person will receive the Pocket Posies Sweater Giveaway Prize. You can enter once or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increasing your chances of winning.

Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons, it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island.

This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire. Not endorsed by or affiliated with American Girl®.

 

More Styles From Crabapples!

 

Get To Know Bonnie (In Her Own Words)

"When I first started Crabapples, I was making doll clothes for American Girl® dolls. I spent a lot of money on patterns that didn't fit, didn't turn out the same as the pictures, or were tedious to construct. In frustration, I started designing my own patterns, and playing around with different construction techniques. I have a lot of sewing experience, and I have developed lots of methods for constructing doll clothes that simplify the process and give great results. When you purchase a Crabapples pattern, you not only get a pattern that is guaranteed to fit, but you get a fully illustrated tutorial with lots of sewing tips.

I recently retired after teaching Fashion full-time at a community college, and we made a major move from California to Colorado. I now have a wonderful studio space to work in, and can really let the creative juices flow. Knitting, sewing and pattern making are my passions, and designing for dolls is the perfect outlet.

Designing patterns enables me to use all my sewing, pattern making, photography and computer skills. I first rough out the design by hand, then transfer my pattern pieces to the computer, where everything is precisely drawn. The fun part is where I get to sew up lots of prototypes until I get exactly the look and fit I'm striving for. After that, I photograph the entire construction process step-by-step, incorporating many "tricks of the trade" for easy construction. I have some wonderful pattern testers who then give me feedback on anything that didn't work quite right, and corrections and adjustments are made.

Finally the pattern is ready to be released, and shared with all my loyal sewers and knitters. It is very satisfying to see my designs interpreted by other people. I love to see how their creativity flourishes and how the patterns morph into something unique.

I hope you enjoy your Crabapples pattern, and I'd love to see your finished results!"

 

Leave a Comment Below!

We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us which Crabapples pattern design you love most!

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team


74 Comments

Theresa
Theresa

September 18, 2024

Fun to look at makes me wish I could knit!

T
T

September 18, 2024

I do not know how to knit but love to look at your patterns. They are all so “darn” cute!

designdreamer
designdreamer

September 18, 2024

A lovely selection of patterns, and they all look to be very well done. I think my favorite would be the classic coat and hat pattern, as it’s something different that I don’t believe I have.

Cindy West
Cindy West

September 18, 2024

I love the little pink sweater! My doll would look so cute in it.

Sharon murk
Sharon murk

September 18, 2024

Beautiful sweater. Love the color

Margaret
Margaret

September 18, 2024

Looks like another winner from Crabapples! Her patterns make me want to learn to knit. I am absolutely in love with this sweater pattern, can it get any cuter? I am so glad she makes some sewing patterns for those of us who love our sewing machines, lol.

Christine
Christine

September 18, 2024

Such beautiful patterns! I love the coats with matching hats.

LAURIE
LAURIE

September 18, 2024

I don’t have any Crabapple patterns yet but I’m seriously looking at the Chilly Morning patterns! Thank you for the chance to win the sweater!

Deborah clark
Deborah clark

September 18, 2024

I think my favorite is the coat pattern. They are all fun patterns!

Barb
Barb

September 18, 2024

All the Crabapple patterns are so cute and fun to make. I do love the classic coat and hat pattern the most. Thank you for such great and easy patterns to follow.

Kat
Kat

September 18, 2024

I love all your vintage style patterns. They bring back memories.

Heidi
Heidi

September 18, 2024

My favorite is the Garden Party dress.

Jo Ellen
Jo Ellen

September 18, 2024

As a fellow designer and pattern maker, I appreciate all of your excellent efforts. Detail is the key to successful designing. Good job!

Sandra
Sandra

September 18, 2024

Love the coat, love the pink sweater.

Patricia Bridges
Patricia Bridges

September 18, 2024

It was hard to pick one as I thought they were all so very pretty. The classic coat and hat bundle won out over the rest.

Tatiana
Tatiana

September 17, 2024

I love these patterns: nice ideas, good and clear instructions. And one more plus from my point of view: there are instructions for different size of dolls.

Linda
Linda

September 17, 2024

I think the Classic Coat and Hat pattern is beautiful.

Martha
Martha

September 17, 2024

You have many really nice patterns.

Sarah
Sarah

September 17, 2024

Knitting a doll sweater feels so much less intimidating than knitting a human sweater! All of the Crabapples patterns are so cure, I’ve got more to add to my wishlist now!

Kathy m
Kathy m

September 17, 2024

I love all her patterns but favorite is boots and vest and someday I tackle a knit or crochet pattern

Lisa Crow
Lisa Crow

September 17, 2024

I don’t know how to knit, but this sweet little sweater makes me want to learn

Debbie B
Debbie B

September 17, 2024

Another great pattern Bonnie. But my favorite knitting pattern is still the Frilled Cardigan! Probably not the best pattern to learn to knit on but I loved it. All the best, Deb B

Debbir
Debbir

September 17, 2024

Another great pattern Bonnie. But my favorite knitting pattern is still the Frilled Cardigan! Probably not the best pattern to learn to knit on but I loved it. All the best, Deb B

Lauralyn
Lauralyn

September 17, 2024

I have the School Daze pattern and it turned out just as cute as the picture! Thank you for your creativity and attention to detail.

Annn
Annn

September 17, 2024

I love how the shawl collar Diamond Cable sweater came out. I’ve been knitting for a LONG time and still impressed myself with this sweater. I also love the coats with hats. It’s easy to make them both historic and modern. I think anyone would impress themselves with what they are able to make with the beautiful Crabapple patterns!!

RJN
RJN

September 17, 2024

What an adorable sweater, I have yet to knit anything for a doll, can’t wait to try!

Ali
Ali

September 17, 2024

My favorite Crabapples pattern is the Classic Coat and hats bundle, although the Edwardian fancy dress and the knitted sweaters are gorgeous too!

Leann
Leann

September 17, 2024

I think the Sassy Sixties pattern looks fun!
It reminds me of a dress I actually had as a girl in the sixties!

Donna Landreth
Donna Landreth

September 17, 2024

My favorite pattern of Bonnie’s is the School Girl Dress pattern. It is very cute and a little old fashion. Thank you for the awesome giveaways Cinnamon.😘❤️💋

Sarah
Sarah

September 17, 2024

I love the choice but I really like Afternoon Stroll.

Nancy B
Nancy B

September 17, 2024

I discovered Crabapples in 2019 when I wanted a sherpa coat for my grand daughters. I made three, lol! Your pattern was so adorable, plus the boots!. I also made the Classic Coat and hat. The detail was wonderful. Through you I found Pixie Faire and have made so many wonderful clothes for their dolls. They have out grown dolls but I haven’t, I’m still sewing and will pack them away for their little girls hopefully.

Gaile
Gaile

September 17, 2024

I love the little pink sweater it would look really cute with a dress I have for one of my dolls or a pair of jeans and t shirt . the patterns are all so cute , would love to make the coat and hat that look retro.i just really love to sew for these lovely dolls

Jacquie Corrigan
Jacquie Corrigan

September 17, 2024

I love the classic coat and hat set! But, I made the Edwardian dress and hat for my granddaughter and it turned out really nice!

Laura
Laura

September 17, 2024

That sweater is simply darling! I love the Crabapple patterns, especially the historical ones like Stand by Me and Afternoon Stroll. The details on all of them are so sweet.

Mollie Bradford
Mollie Bradford

September 17, 2024

I love your patterns, Bonnie. I like the historic ones, especially the swing coat. I wish I could knit or crochet 😁

Carole Schafer
Carole Schafer

September 17, 2024

Especially enjoyed your story of how your career led to a second career of designing clothing for dolls.

Anita Laney
Anita Laney

September 17, 2024

I love the little sweater!

AJ
AJ

September 17, 2024

The attention to detail is incredible. I love the coat pattern and hats that you create.

Angela Allen
Angela Allen

September 17, 2024

I love Crabapple patterns!

Christine
Christine

September 17, 2024

I love to knit these three designs would work for my 3 grand daughters.
Thank you Bonnie for these great creations

Cora
Cora

September 17, 2024

I love Cranapples patterns. I have won many ribbons on their patterns.

Bridgette Shippy
Bridgette Shippy

September 17, 2024

I really like the look of quite a few of the patterns,especially the cozy boots pattern!

Debbie
Debbie

September 17, 2024

Such cute patterns – I have not knitted anything for my great niece’s dolls – she always wants outfits for her 2 dolls.

Jackie
Jackie

September 17, 2024

OH! and my Journey girls love the boots for what [in California] passes for winter. And my RRFF would like the flutter sleeve dress. In her size of course.

Jackie
Jackie

September 17, 2024

The knit patterns are lovely but I don’t knit. The ‘40;s and ’50’s dresses are a blast from my past. Yikes! The dress with the 3 versions of a pinafore is EXACTLY right for my Molly doll who would have been my slightly older contemporary. Or if I were especially ambitious I’d choose the Edwardian bundle and let Molly be the Unsinkable Molly Brown , a Titanic survivor, with a bag full of calling cards for all her social visits. Fancy hats and gloves are such fun if you don’t actually have to wear them and keep them clean and intact!

Janet
Janet

September 17, 2024

I love the cozy boots.

Katherine
Katherine

September 17, 2024

Your designs are very exceptional. Easy to follow

Tracy
Tracy

September 17, 2024

This is a sweet sweater!

Donna
Donna

September 17, 2024

I love all the patterns.

Karen
Karen

September 17, 2024

I absolutely LOVE these patterns! I’m back into making doll clothes again and will try some of these. Sure wish I could knit!

Mary R.
Mary R.

September 17, 2024

I love all the Crabapple patterns. I wish I could knit as I love this pink sweater!

Barbara
Barbara

September 17, 2024

How cute is that sweater! my favorite color as well as most little girls. Beautiful work.

MARIAN
MARIAN

September 17, 2024

Surely, I am not supposed to pick a favorite. As a CT major myself, I do understand the frustration with so many patterns that were available for these great dolls. Thank you for your dedication to the art of pattern drafting.

Kristina
Kristina

September 17, 2024

I love this little sweater. I have been knitting for over 60 years and doll clothes are my favorite things to knit.

Heidi Brown
Heidi Brown

September 17, 2024

I love all the Crabapples patterns that I have. I especially love the classic coat.

Pam
Pam

September 17, 2024

I LOVE the Edwardian Pattern Bundle!

Stephanie G
Stephanie G

September 17, 2024

All the patterns are great, but Sassy Sixties is my favorite!

Michelle
Michelle

September 17, 2024

I love all of your patterns.

Jane Whiteley
Jane Whiteley

September 17, 2024

My favorite is the classic coat and hat…fun to make and fits very well! Having lived in Colorado and Wyoming’s cold, I especially love all the patterns that use sherpa fabrics! Thank you!!!

Jeri
Jeri

September 17, 2024

I have several Crabapples patterns – great patterns! My favorites so far are Flutter Sleeve Dress and Sock It To Me. Great sewing and knitting patterns! I plan to eventually have them all.

Marjory
Marjory

September 17, 2024

I love all of her knitting patterns, which are inspiring me to advance my knitting skills.

Anne
Anne

September 17, 2024

I love the classic coat – rare to see a coat pattern as great as this pattern!

Marilyn
Marilyn

September 17, 2024

What a beautiful knit sweater. My grand daughter would love to have this for her AG doll.

kelly
kelly

September 17, 2024

They’re all so detailed. I like the coat because all that detail really comes through

Marcy Mahle
Marcy Mahle

September 17, 2024

I love so many of her patterns. Sadly I simply cannot knit or crochet. Why I sometimes buy from those who can. This is a very sweet sweater.

Angie
Angie

September 17, 2024

So many great ones, but to pick one it would have to be the classic coat.

NancyB
NancyB

September 17, 2024

While I love the Classic Coat and Hat, I also love the Flutter Sleeve dress, available in multiple sizes. Another one, the multi sized sock pattern, this is a great staple for my pattern collection, and quick and easy to sew up!

Barbara
Barbara

September 17, 2024

As both a knitter and sewist, I am in love with Crabapples’ portfolio of patterns. The 1970s styles are so fabulous on Julie, but my absolute favourite Crabapples pattern is the Classic Coat and Hat. It’s so beautifully scaled to both the 18" and 14" doll size and reminds me of the coats I wore as a child.

Judith Martinez
Judith Martinez

September 17, 2024

I love the classic coat.

Christine
Christine

September 17, 2024

I love historical patterns the most, but all of your dress patterns are beautiful. I’m also so glad you made the pattern to fit Bitty Baby and Bitty bear. I’ve purchased it, but haven’t made it yet, and look forward to doing it.

Janice S
Janice S

September 17, 2024

I love the vintage feel of the Crabapples designs. The clothes fit my dolls SO well, and they are so fun to make.

Carola
Carola

September 17, 2024

I love them all. They are classic styles that can be used so many ways. I haven’t tried the coat w/ hat but it is on my ‘to do’ list. I will be also making the school daze jumper since it is exactly like the ones I wore once upon a time.

Nancy
Nancy

September 17, 2024

I have a couple of her patterns. What I like about them is the ability to make them look so different! I use the pajama party pattern the most. Make summer shorts, fall tops, tops for jumpers. Love her instructions also. Very easy to follow. Big fan. Beautiful work!

Nancy

Angela
Angela

September 17, 2024

I really love all the Crabapples patterns I have. They include very good instructions and sewing techniques. The results are very nice and the doll clothes from these patterns fit very well. Thank you Bonnie. You are very talented, I really admire your work.

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