Meet Tanja Read, Designer of Read Creations

Get To Know Tanja Read, Designer of Read Creations!

About Read Creations: Read Creations specializes in doll clothes patterns for 18-inch dolls but also has sewing patterns for dolls of other sizes. With an engineering mindset, each pattern is meticulously designed and documented so that even a beginner sewer has no problems following the clear and detailed instructions. Choose from a huge variety of patterns for winter fun or summer bliss, from historical to modern and fantasy. There are even some patterns that require more crafting than sewing. Each pattern gives multiple options for even more creativity and fun.

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

 

Enter To Win A Pixie Faire Gift Card!

Enter To Win: This week's giveaway includes one $25 Pixie Faire Gift Card to one lucky winner. The gift card can be used towards any item available on the Pixie Faire website. Woot, Woot!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Get The Reversible Tudor Partlet 18" Dolls Clothes Pattern Free This Friday!

Special Offer! The Reversible Tudor Partlet 18" Dolls Clothes Pattern will be offered for FREE Friday November 1, 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 Pixie Faire Gift Card 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 Read Creations!

 

Get To Know Tanja (In Her Own Words)

"When my daughter got her first American Girl doll from her grandma, the doll needed some clothes but money was tight, so I dusted off my sewing machine and designed and sewed some clothes for her.

I had so much fun crafting, designing and sewing for the doll that, at one point, the doll had more clothes and accessories than my daughter.

I started sharing my crafts and designs in a blog and then progressed to selling my patterns with PixieFaire. My daughter is all grown up now, but my love for American Girl dolls and the fun crafting and sewing for them has stayed. I have been with PixieFaire for 10 years but still love it.

I learned to sew on my grandma’s old paddle sewing machine. My mom was a tailor and a tough teacher but I learned a lot from her as a child.

Now, I am a software engineer by day and a doll pattern designer by night. My approach to pattern design reflects my engineering mindset with attention to detail and meticulously documented steps. My mind is always on the go coming up with new ideas and things to create. Sometimes I love to create the unusual like a catamaran or a horse saddle for the dolls. "

Inquiring Minds Want To Know:

Q: What inspired your brand name?
When I created my American Girl doll blog, I needed a brand name but wasn’t sure which direction my crafting was going to take so I wanted something generic that was not tied to dolls but instead was tied to me. I decided to combine my last name with what I wanted to represent and came up with ReadCreations.

Q: What’s your favorite sewing tip?
Use lots of pins and press your seams. It really makes a difference in the quality of your work.

Q: New skill I would like to learn?
Being an engineer, I love to use 3D printers/ and getting girls interested in using them. The best part about 3D printing is the designing of the 3D models. Since I had no idea how to do that, I taught myself 3D parametric modeling. I love to design everyday items for American Girl dolls and print them. To get to the next level, I would love to learn organic design. That’s like sculpting on the computer and opens up a whole new world of design possibilities.

Q: Who is your favorite doll?
Felicity, she is my favorite doll. I bought her for myself as a special treat. I absolutely love the history she represents.

 

Leave a Comment Below!

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

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team


100 Comments

Toni C
Toni C

November 04, 2024

Thank you for sharing your MANY TALENTS. You have designed so many nice outfits, but I’m drawn to the Tudor and medieval patterns. I prefer the historical patterns over the modern or vintage designs. The medieval dress caught my eye because I made such a dress and hennin for my daughter from jade green brocade with gold ribbon trim and belt for her middle school medieval fair.

Marjory
Marjory

November 03, 2024

Your patterns are lovely, and right now I am liking the ones for the 8" baby doll.

Patience Gray
Patience Gray

November 03, 2024

Can’t wait to try the pattern

Sam
Sam

November 03, 2024

Your patterns include so many different types of dolls, sizes, characters, historical, modern; You really do it all! I am just realizing how many of your patterns I have already. : ) Any one of us would be so lucky to win! Thank you for all your hard work, inspiration, and the chance to create new and wonderful outfits for years to come!

Bev
Bev

November 03, 2024

My favorite Read Creation patterns are the life jackets.

lois
lois

November 03, 2024

looking forward to seeing your creative designs

Kate
Kate

November 02, 2024

I have several of these patterns. I love all the Galactic ones, the Tudor Ensemble, the Knight’s Garment, the Medieval dress, the Viking dress …. What a fun and amazing designer!

Erika
Erika

November 02, 2024

I love the patterns. The Narnia vibes is so fun!

Hannah
Hannah

November 02, 2024

I love the Star Wars inspired patterns.

LIsa
LIsa

November 01, 2024

I really like the jewelry pattern for the 18" doll. You don’t often see jewelry like this.

Marjorie Brown
Marjorie Brown

November 01, 2024

I love the medieval dress it is the same style as the dress I made for our daughter’s wedding!!!! I just bought it today to make a replica of her gown.

MARY SCHREIBER
MARY SCHREIBER

November 01, 2024

Love the medieval costumes are very pretty. I love making the historical dresses.

Deborah
Deborah

November 01, 2024

A fun variety of patterns to choose from, love the historical fashions!

Ruth
Ruth

November 01, 2024

I have several of Tanya’s patterns and it’s hard to pick a favorite. I love the Galatic Princess, the medieval dress, and the life jacket but my favorite may be the Viking dress. It was fascinating to learn how ancient people constructed clothing and I’d never before made an outfit completely out of just rectangles and triangles.

Lisa Crow
Lisa Crow

November 01, 2024

I love your Baby Sister’s Sleeper — I even made several from socks! SO adorable.

Jacquie Corrigan
Jacquie Corrigan

November 01, 2024

I love the jewellery pattern!

Elenice
Elenice

November 01, 2024

Sou grata por todos os moldes que recebi. Fiz vários modelos para a boneca 18’ da minha neta. São peças lindas e fáceis confecção.

Susan Fritz
Susan Fritz

November 01, 2024

I love the Tudor dress with it’s variations. Thanks for the chance to enter.

Dawne Ester
Dawne Ester

November 01, 2024

I have several of her patterns! Love them!

Sheila Chelednik
Sheila Chelednik

November 01, 2024

I love all the patterns but I like the boxer pattern.

Mollie Bradford
Mollie Bradford

November 01, 2024

I have a few of your fantasy and historical outfits Tanja, but your baby sisters sleeper pattern was my very first time sewing with knit! It was so easy and turned out beautiful. I love that you often include various options and your instructions are clear and easy to follow!

Rosemary Arbuckle-Anderman
Rosemary Arbuckle-Anderman

November 01, 2024

fantasy and historic patterns are fun to view and see what can be made

Donna M
Donna M

October 31, 2024

I really like the Baby Sister’s Sleeper. I bought the baby as gifts and think that I should follow those purchases up with this sleeper!

Marian Peoples
Marian Peoples

October 31, 2024

Love the equestrian pants and jacket.

Marian Peoples
Marian Peoples

October 31, 2024

I love the equestrian pants and jacket.

Kristen
Kristen

October 31, 2024

I think the Medieval dress pattern is so pretty! So many great details.

Julie
Julie

October 31, 2024

I like the Medieval Dress pattern also. I would love to try making the headpiece. Thanks!

Nancy S
Nancy S

October 31, 2024

My favorite pattern is the Baby Sister’s Sleeper – so cute!

Melissa
Melissa

October 31, 2024

I love history, so all historical patterns! I really like the knights.

Lisa
Lisa

October 31, 2024

I love the Tudor pattern!

LAURIE
LAURIE

October 31, 2024

Medieval Dress is my favorite. Thanks for the chance to win!

Nancy
Nancy

October 31, 2024

My favorite is the Tudor ensemble and second favorite is the Viking outfit

Pam
Pam

October 31, 2024

I really like your accessories, especially the life vest. I’ve already added it to my cart.

Sharon
Sharon

October 31, 2024

I like the Galactic Princess pattern. I made it for my daughter. I also had a Butterick pattern that matched the doll pattern. My daughter and her doll looked great!

Maureen A
Maureen A

October 31, 2024

I like the Medieval dress and the instructions are so easy to follow.

Sandy
Sandy

October 31, 2024

I always read reviews and love seeing finished garments sent in by other sewers. The last pattern for the Medieval Dress made for Halloween is a great example. This pattern can be adapted so many ways.

chris
chris

October 31, 2024

these are sweet patterns. I’m collecting patterns for when my granddaughter can get a nice 18 inch doll

designdreamer
designdreamer

October 31, 2024

Love her creativity and unique-ness!

Ginny
Ginny

October 31, 2024

I have just finished 3 medieval dresses in 3 colors and different trim. Each person has a dress in their favorite color and trim. And one of the dresses was for Felicity! Love the medieval dress pattern. So glad you have created historical patterns.

Bridgette Shippy
Bridgette Shippy

October 31, 2024

I like the Medieval dress,and the Viking dress.

Dani
Dani

October 31, 2024

I love the patterns that remind me of English royalty, the renaissance or Tudor period of history.

Chris
Chris

October 31, 2024

I like the variety of patterns, and the variety of doll sizes. I especially like the accessories.

Naomi Arlund
Naomi Arlund

October 31, 2024

My absolute favorite Pixie Faire brand!! So much details has gone into the historic patterns, so authentic and yet easy to sew!!!

Mary
Mary

October 31, 2024

I have very much enjoyed Read Creations. The Native American Dress works great for Kaya.

Connie
Connie

October 31, 2024

Love the Star Wars Patterns but also like many more of your designs.

CdnCrafter
CdnCrafter

October 31, 2024

Thank you for all your lovely patterns. I love all the period costumes, and I just adore the sleepers for the 8" doll.

Lori
Lori

October 31, 2024

My favorite is the Viking Dress but the Medieval patterns run a close second.

Jeri
Jeri

October 31, 2024

My favorite right now is the reversible fancy dress. What a great idea! Great patterns with great instructions!

Kelly
Kelly

October 31, 2024

Love these patterns. I would say the Medieval costumes are my favorite

S
S

October 31, 2024

I love the Baby Sister’s Sleeper outfit. All your patterns and your creations on your website are wonderful.

BETH
BETH

October 31, 2024

LOVE THAT THERE ARE MANY HISTORICAL PATTERNS. ESPECIALLY THE MIDEVIL ONES.

Sherry R.
Sherry R.

October 31, 2024

So many great patterns. Many on my wishlist. Particularly the medieval,Tudor and “Galactic” ones. Thank you very much for the free pattern. It is on my wishlist as well.

Gail Beam
Gail Beam

October 31, 2024

I love all of the outfits, but my favorite are the Medieval period designs .

Annika Aasav
Annika Aasav

October 31, 2024

I have a Viking theme going on with my 18" dolls right now and I can see nice pattern here I like!

Annika Aasav
Annika Aasav

October 31, 2024

I have a Viking theme going on with my 18" dolls right now and I can see nice pattern here I like!

Linda
Linda

October 30, 2024

I really like the ice-skating Leo pattern with all of the included options.

Mae Lynn Beck
Mae Lynn Beck

October 30, 2024

I like the Reversible Fancy Dress – two dresses in one. But ii think my favorite is the Boxer shorts and lounge pants.

Angela
Angela

October 30, 2024

Thank you for designing outfits for boy dolls! I love the knights! I can’t wait to make them for my boy dolls!

Christine
Christine

October 30, 2024

My favorite pattern is the sleeper pattern for 8" Caring for Baby. I’m always excited to see patterns for this size doll.

Cathy Brown
Cathy Brown

October 30, 2024

I like the Tudor dress. I have no reason to make historical dress for me, so I get to dabble in costume with less materials and a quick turnaround. Thank you for your designs.

Cathy Brown
Cathy Brown

October 30, 2024

I like the Tudor dress. I have no reason to make historical dress for me, so I get to dabble in costume with less materials and a quick turnaround. Thank you for your designs.

Heidi
Heidi

October 30, 2024

I like the Reversible Fancy Dress best.

Debbie
Debbie

October 30, 2024

I am excited about the kimono!

Lani Smith
Lani Smith

October 30, 2024

I really like your Medieval patterns as I’ve always been a fan of history — both the real variety and the fairy tale variety.

Nicole
Nicole

October 30, 2024

Love the variety of different patterns available

Sue D
Sue D

October 30, 2024

Wonderful variety of patterns. My favorite is Catamaran PVC Pattern for 13" to 18" Dolls

Cathy
Cathy

October 30, 2024

I love historic dress for my own dolls. I have 5 American Girl Dolls of my own, and I am almost 75 years young! The medevial Gown is my favorite, so far! My 6yo granddaughter likes anything pink and sparkly!

Jackie
Jackie

October 30, 2024

the knight’s armor for sure

Ann
Ann

October 30, 2024

The knight’s armor. hands down. When I was a kid my dolls were brave and had adventures. Now that I’m grown they still do. I also like the fantasy patterns. But part of me is still the girl wanting to make armor for her puppet.

Michelle
Michelle

October 30, 2024

I have the Medieval Dress pattern and I love it! I have made it so many times from so many different fabrics. I have also made the belt and several different types of crowns to go with it. I would like to try the Tudor dress and jewelry next.

Kathy  m
Kathy m

October 30, 2024

My favorite pattern is star wars and 3D pattern – life vest too

Jane Parks
Jane Parks

October 30, 2024

Even tho I have several of your patterns I am sorry to say I haven’t made any. I especially like the 3D print ones since my son has a 3D printer and I love the teepee.

Sherry
Sherry

October 30, 2024

All you pattern designs are so cute. I love them all.

Linda
Linda

October 30, 2024

Love all of her patterns!

Candice Lacy
Candice Lacy

October 30, 2024

I definitely love the medieval dress! I’d love to see it in the 15” Ruby Red Fashion Friends size as well.

Dori
Dori

October 30, 2024

I have the horse—I love that saddle.

Veronica Rosenshein
Veronica Rosenshein

October 30, 2024

These are adorable. I can’t wait to try one I am purchasing soon.

Heidi Brown
Heidi Brown

October 30, 2024

I love the Medieval Dress!

NancyB
NancyB

October 30, 2024

The riding jacket and pants patterns are unique, and look fun! I like that the riding jacket was selected for the sewing on the bias course, and have it in my list for that purpose!

Connie
Connie

October 30, 2024

I have been working on my ancestry and found out I have some Scottish royalty. I would love to make the medieval dress for my grand daughter with a story of our heritage.

Sam
Sam

October 30, 2024

I love how all these are so detailed, but especially love the English saddle..

Barb D'Angelo
Barb D'Angelo

October 30, 2024

I actually have several of her patterns, I like the Tudor style dress pattern, thinking about doing the English saddle too! I have made the 8” doll suit several times, it is very cute and can be done in lots of fabrics

Kathleen A
Kathleen A

October 30, 2024

I love the variety of outfits available! I love the Tudor style dresses, and I adore the Medieval gown!

Charla
Charla

October 30, 2024

I love all the dresses and other items a well. It was bird to pick a favorite but I chose the reversible fancy dress.. They fit the time they are meant for and sound easy to make. I can’t wait to make some of them.

Clarissa
Clarissa

October 30, 2024

I already have the English saddle pattern because the dolls have several horses that came without saddles. We have a 80′×100′ pond so a doll sized lake and once they saw the catamaran, they have been wanting one, or more, of their own so that will be the next pattern.

Charissa Deuser
Charissa Deuser

October 30, 2024

I really love the Medieval dress but am looking forward to making the kimono and Tudor dresses as well

Sue
Sue

October 30, 2024

I discovered your website years ago and have made many of your designs from there. The scuba diving, archery and dog sledding themes were our favourites. I am repurposing a kimono I found in a thrift store into your doll sized kimono design this week – what a great pattern

Pam
Pam

October 30, 2024

I like historical costumes. But the Star Wars ones are great!

Donna B
Donna B

October 30, 2024

Read Creations is my go to designer when looking for unique patterns like Viking or Star Wars!

Sharon B.
Sharon B.

October 30, 2024

I love the Reversible Fancy Dress pattern – one Christmas I used it to create 4 velvet/satin dresses for my 2 granddaughters and 2 great-nieces. The 4 of them opened the gifts together – they were so excited!

Debby
Debby

October 30, 2024

I love her patterns… I have a few of them…

Alan Klamo
Alan Klamo

October 30, 2024

the details are incredible. impressive patterns

Debbie
Debbie

October 30, 2024

The patterns are all great! I think I like the Medieval Dress the best.

Thresea
Thresea

October 30, 2024

I like time reversible fancy dress.

Laura
Laura

October 30, 2024

I really like the 3 Looks-In-One Tudor Ensemble pattern as well as the Medieval Dress. Of course the Tudor partlet will complete the Tudor Ensemble perfectly.

candy
candy

October 30, 2024

The medieval and Viking dresses interest me.

Anna
Anna

October 30, 2024

I love all the historical patterns

Marjorie Brown
Marjorie Brown

October 30, 2024

I really love the samples of the doll clothes you designed. Thanks for sharing! Let them know a tea drinking American is covering you for the love of being a Brit!!!

Sherry
Sherry

October 30, 2024

I just love these Historical patterns best of all!

Leslie
Leslie

October 30, 2024

Such beautiful & well designed outfits! I love the attention to detail!

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