Drafting a circle skirt pattern

The problem with the Animators is that once you buy one, you can’t stop!  This is Elena, who seems to have a less cartoon-y face than Lilo, but an adorable expression with one slightly lifted eyebrow.  My Elena came in a cute dress whose cut reminded me of some traditional Mexican dance dresses.  They have very full skirts with ruffles along the bottom and watching a group of dancers twirl so the colorful, ribbon-covered skirts billow out is a beautiful sight!  Children’s dresses are often less complicated than adults’, with a simpler top that looks similar to this one.  The construction of the “real thing” would probably use elastic at the top for more ease of movement,  (for example, Simplicity 3863) but I avoid it on doll clothes whenever possible because a) it will eventually stretch out and all your hard work will be wasted and b) dolls generally don’t need much ease for movement added to their clothes unless maybe they’re the Raggedy Ann dolls from the Johnny Gruelle books that “come to life” and run around having adventures as soon as people are gone.  😉

Here is a quick tutorial on drafting a circle skirt for any size doll, and another animator pattern for a bodice/top similar in cut to the one Elena comes in.  Enjoy! 

I’m hoping to be back with a new set of historical patterns in time for Esty’s Labor Day sale – fingers crossed!