If you love Hawaiian and Tahitian history, this bundled pattern, by Forever 18 Inches, is for you! Hula is more than a dance--its roots are part of the foundation of Hawaiian culture and relate history, religion, love, and beauty through symbolic movement and music.
The Aloha Vintage Swimsuit is a historically-inspired design that is appropriate for the late 1930s through early 1950s. Designed exclusively for woven fabrics, features include authentic bloomer-style underpants, a ruffled, high-waisted overskirt, a halter-style top, decorative tie bows, and a vintage-inspired sunhat. An extra set of cutting lines is provided for dolls who are on the chubbier side of the 18" doll world, and also for more recent soft-bodied dolls with smaller dimensions. Directions are written comprehensively to provide many explanatory details for newer seamstresses.
You can also make an authentic grass skirt with this pattern, as well as a Lei, Wristlets and Anklets, and even a Hip Hei (Hip Belt) that imitates Ti leaves. All items are made with easily located materials that can be found at your local craft store or through on-line sources. A sewing machine isn't needed to make these craft items--just a minimal amount of basic hand-sewing is required to gather the "Ti Leaves" for the Hip Hei. The leaves decorating the belt can also be smaller, shorter, or thinner, and simply be glued onto the belt--the choice is up to you. Make an item each night while viewing your favorite chick flick!
Your doll will be ready for sun, fun, and island breezes!
This PDF sewing pattern is designed to fit 18" dolls such as American Girl®. The Aloha Vintage Swimsuit and Hula Accessories patterns are each available individually, or buy the bundled package to save!
Recommended Fabrics: Tightly woven fabric such as quilter's cotton or other similar medium-light to medium-weight natural fabrics are idea
Supplies Needed:Hula Accessories:Authentic Grass Skirt: 1. One bag of Raffia (2 oz. should be adequate) OR part of an actual grass skirt2. One 34-37" length of cord, depending on whether you want the Skirt to sit on the waist or hips (I used Rattail Cord)3. Fray Check (to stop fraying at the cord ends)Crepe Paper Lei1. Heavy Duty thread 2. One sewing needle with a large eye3. One roll of 2" wide crepe paper for each color used to make your Lei4. Painter's TapeWristlets and Anklets1. Very narrow jewelry cord elastic2. One tapestry needle with a large eye3. One roll of 2" wide crepe paper for each color used to make your Anklets/Wristlets (if you make just one Lei
, the remaining cut crepe paper will make two Anklets or two Wristlets)4. Painter's TapeHip Hei (Hip Belt)1. 15-18" of 3/8" wide ribbon, depending on whether you want the belt to sit on the waist or hips (I used grosgrain ribbon)2. One sewing needle and thread (if you gather the leaves on the belt)3. Leaves from an artificial silk plant (15-30 needed, depending on the size of your leaves and belt circumference). You'll need enough to go around your doll's hips (or waist) with a bit of overlap on each leaf.4. Quick-drying, quick-grabbing glue5. Small artificial silk flowers (you can cover your belt top or use just a few)6. Small sharp scissors to trim the silk leaves if necessary7. Small square of Hook-and-Loop tape to attach the ribbon beltAloha Vintage Swimsuit:Option 1 (with Sun Hat): ½ yd. of 45" wide fabric PLUS ¼ yd. for Hat LiningOption 2 (with Sun Hat): 2/3 yd. of 45" wide fabric PLUS ¼ yd. for Hat Lining. If the Straps and Ruffle are NOT cut on the cross-grain more fabric will be needed for alternate layouts.Option 3 Sun Hat: ¼ yd. of the Main Fabric, and ¼ yd. of Lining FabricAll Options: 1. Matching thread and sewing needle2. One pair of small, very sharp scissor to trim seam allowances.3. Optional: Fray Check 4. Optional: A Frixion pen for marking Dots and tracing around templates (when touched with heat, the pen markings disappear!)5. A small safety pin for turning Straps and threading elasticOption 1 Swimsuit (without sunhat):1. For the Bloomer leg openings: two pieces of ¼" elastic measuring 5.5"2. Four medium-sized snaps Option 2 Swimsuit (without sunhat)1. For the Bloomer leg openings: two pieces of ¼" elastic measuring 5.5"2. Four medium-sized snaps Option 3: Sunhat1. 1. For the Hat crown and back opening: two pieces of ¼" elastic measuring 5.5" and 8.5"
Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
What You Get: One 59 page sewing pattern and one 29 page crafting pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.
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