Chances are many of you were disappointed to see that the new Chandra BabyPhat outfit was a one-piece instead of a two-piece. I know I was. I was looking forward to using that jacket with many different outfits.
So Chandra (who will be renamed soon), took her outfit to Debbie, our fashion designer.
The first thing Debbie does is separate the jacket from the outfit using a seam ripper. Nothing too difficult. If you don't have a seam ripper, you can use tiny scissors to cut the seam.
This is what it looks like when separated.
The jacket looks like this on the inside. Cut the loose strings. As you can see, only the seams below the armholes need to be sewn or glued shut.
This is the view from the back. Debbie has decided to add a small piece of black ribbon to the back to match the black ribbon the on the front. This step is optional, but it adds more of a finished touch.
Debbie sews the ribbon on. (In actuality, I just hot glued it to the jacket. You don't have to worry that you are covering the velcro opening, because the doll will be putting the jacket on from the front.
There you have it. Very easy. This ribbon is found in all of the craft stores. You can get a roll of it for about $0.50.
Now Debbie proceeds to sew the side seams under each armhole. (Again, I just hot glued it.)
Ta da! The jacket I imagined Mattel had created. Debbie finishes the jacket just in the nick of time. Chandra has arrived.
"Chandra? I wasn't expecting you today." (Debbie)
"I know. I was in the area and thought I would stop by to check on the jacket." (Chandra)
"I just finished the jacket, but I haven't worked on the other piece. Here try on the jacket." (Debbie)
"I love it. So much better than before." (Chandra)
"I agree. Turn around." (Debbie)
"Yes. Much better. Did you want to leave that here until I finish the other piece?" (Debbie)
"No. I need this for an upcoming function. I'm in no rush for the other piece." (Chandra)
"Okay. Let me get your bill." (Debbie)
"That alteration if $15 + tax." (Debbie)
"And so worth it. I won't need the other piece for at least a couple of weeks, so take your time." (Chandra)
The two finish conducting their business. Chandra heads out, and Debbie works on one more project before heading home for the day.
Hello from Spain: is awesome Debbie sewing workshop. She is a great dressmaker. The jacket is perfect. I love all the decoration. You always create very real spaces. You are very good at creating stories. Nice pictures. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteMarta - Thanks. Debbie is still putting her workshop together, but she still has a lot of work to do in the meantime.
DeleteMATTEL STRIKES AGAIN!!! It's just like the Paleontologist set I bought!
ReplyDeleteDebbie does awesome work though, and thanks for this story tutorial :)
Heather - LOL. You sound a little miffed. Maybe you need to make a visit to Debbie's shop.
DeleteDebbie works a wonder against Mattel's cheapness! It would have been so much better if it was seperated in the first place, but this is great for those wanting to do it themselves. Great job.
ReplyDeleteVerona - Chandra was just not settling for that one piece. It's really easy to separate it.
DeleteMuy bonita chaqueta y que guapa costurera, me gusto el post. Besos, hasta luego.
ReplyDeleteSí, nos encanta la chaqueta por sí mismo. la falda será bonito como un aparte, demasiado. gracias por visitingl
DeleteYou were right--I love Debbie more in person! I still have to re-body her though. Only in Moreville, she'll have a different name. LOL Great job on separating the jacket from the dress. I don't understand why Mattel does stupid stuff like that! :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi - I told you. I can't wait to see what role she plays in Moreville.
DeleteDebbie did a fabulous job separating Chandra's jacket from the skirt. I look forward to seeing how Chandra, or whatever her name in Morristown will be, mixes and matches the pieces.
ReplyDeletedbg
DBG - Chandra is at home looking for her black skinny jeans. I hope she finds them.
DeleteDebbie was determined and she did an excellent job! Your adding the ribbon was a wonderful idea... Making it a two piece was so much better. Love the shop Vanessa. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteLoretta xx
Loretta - Chandra was the determined one. She just knew that Debbie could pull it off. It's a really nice jacket that can be paired with so much.
DeleteI went to the store today, and I saw Baby Phat Chandra. I also thought it was a two piece or even more, because I was eyeing the shirt. I was thinking of a certain doll would like to wear it. Now that I see it is a one piece that kinda makes me sad. Lol But now that you have shown how to make it a two piece my fashion designer sixth sense has kicked in so I kinda have an idea what to do with the shirt/skirt.
ReplyDeleteI would have bought Chandra but of course I have no money, so just one
more thing to add to my wish list. The sad thing is there was so many Chandra dolls. These poor beautiful, dark skinned dolls get no love. The Kara which is what I was originally looking for, not a single one, and there was only one Mira.
Tracey - I'm glad you are encouraged to alter that top and skirt. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with the shirt yet. I'm surprised you have a lot of Chandras on the shelf. I wouldn't feel too bad. She is getting much love in lots of other places. Make sure you add her to your collection when can. She is wonderful.
DeleteOf the three Walmarts I frequent in Atlanta (all inside the I-285 perimeter), Chandra has flown off the shelves. Same with the two Targets I go to most often. Kara and Marissa are the ones usually left over. I think Marissa's outfit is so ugly it puts people off. I don't know why Kara gets left behind.
DeleteThanks for showing how to separate the jacket. I'll have to make some alterations myself.
limbe dolls - My stores seem to have most of the ladies. I've purchased Chandra and Kara a couple of times. I plan to get a couple more soon. I just want to have those bodies on hand. They are also readily available at Mattel.com. I've seen the Marissa outfit shown on Kara and it's stunning. It just didn't do anything for Marissa. I won't be adding that one to my collection.
DeleteBoth you and Debbie are great seamstresses!
ReplyDeleteGrandmommy - Thanks. We try.
DeleteThe pictures of the atelier and the process to separate the jacket are great!
ReplyDeletecyborgdoll - Thanks. She's so busy she hasn't had time to finish her studio.
DeleteThat jacket will be much more useable as a jacket on its own. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the other piece. And I'm glad to see the sewing studio taking shape.
ReplyDeleteCarrickters - Definitely more useful by itself. Now if I could just get the clothes organized again, she would be able to find some great coordinating pieces.
DeleteWow...amazing, your scenes are so realistic... I love what you did to the jacket...you are sooo awesome !!!
ReplyDeleteGinger - Thanks for the lovely compliments!
DeleteMy Chandra is still boxed but good to know how to make the most of the one piece.
ReplyDeleteDebbie's space looks nice and big.
Muff - Debbie does have a slightly larger space than she had before. I have to give her a sewing break so she can fix up her studio.
DeleteJust loved this post, it's not just a great tuto to know how to fix those Mattel's great failures, but all the pics were great, and Debbie's poses were perfect. By the way she did a wonderful job, the jacket looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteRossetti - Thanks! Debbie was pleased that her customer was happy. Now she has to work her magic on the other piece.
DeleteI came back to this post as part of making my snowy day project list. Did you finish the skirt? Did you have to add fabric to the skirt? Love to see it if you finished it!
ReplyDelete