Handmade Doll Clothes and More

Bratz dolls are known for a commitment to fashion. While this is true of other dolls as well, we will use them to display fresh clothing designs.

One needs only to visit the local shopping store to see how popular these dolls have become. While Barbie still takes up one side of the aisle, the other is often devoted to these new dolls.

They have large heads, "out of proportion" to the rest of the bodies. Some feel that this makes them look more cute, or even more "baby-like." Barbie was criticized for unrealistic proportions, before the more current redesign. Is this some sort of answer to that situation? That is, the dolls are so removed from normal proportions that they resemble no real person and can not be faulted for an inaccurate representation of women or girls?

Also, note that the feet are removable, and snap on. This allows shoes and other footwear to be changed by "changing feet." For example, one might have slippers, sneakers, or even fashion boots.

Here are some great spring fashion trends and designs to consider for your 10-inch Bratz dolls:

• Instead of sewing a set of pajamas and a bathrobe separately, try combining them into one ensemble. I designed a short half-robe made from pastel fleece. Then, I trimmed it with delicate lace for a feminine touch, and added a tie belt. The tie belt was made of the lightweight flannel used when making the Capri pajama pants, also trimmed with lace. Then, for an extra special touch, I made a pair of fleece slippers out the fleece used for the short half-robe. One single ensemble is never enough, so I had to make more. I used pastel green, purple, and blue fleece with coordinating lightweight flannels.
  
• If you are not quite ready to pack away your boots for spring, try making a long-sleeve blouse with a coordinating skirt. I chose to design a skirt with a ruffle that hangs long enough to cover the 10-inch Bratz doll’s knees, but misses her stylish boots.
  
• Versatility is the key to my next creation. Sometimes I want my doll to wear a dress, and sometimes I want her to wear pants. I came up with a classy halter-style dress pattern that can also be shortened to the length of a blouse, and then paired with dress pants. Then, I added a lovely double-sided shawl. On one side, I chose soft, gorgeous fur. On the other, I used fabric from the halter dress or blouse.
  
• We all love a comfortable Capri pant, and your doll will, too! I found a way to mimic current fashion trends as seen in department stores: After sewing a lightweight cotton blouse, I used some of the same cotton fabric for the folded cuff of my Capri pants. The pants are actually made from a different, yet coordinating, fabric. I secured the cotton fabric on the reverse side of the bottom of the Capri pant leg. When the cuff is turned up, you see the lightweight cotton fabric used for the blouse!
  
• Finally, I just had to design a long classic sleeveless gown that can be made from any type of fabric. I made a couple dresses out of lightweight spring fabric, including one from an adorable St. Patrick’s shamrock pattern. But, you can also use other types of fabric like satin, Lycra, or polyester blends, depending on your taste and intention. Feel free to add a shawl like the one I used for the halter-style dress, too.
  

I hope you find these spring fashion trends to be fresh and exciting. And further, I hope these ideas inspire you to design some additional clothes of your own!

To see more doll fashions, please visit my my store.