Simplicity 5755 and McCalls 658: One shoulder mini and bolero

I promise I've sewn for actual humans. Barbie is just more amenable to my photography schedule.

Still, I kinda love sewing for this girl. Patterns actually fit her, and she can wear all sorts of fun styles that don't work for me at all.

As much as I'd love to swan about in a leopard sweater knit, one shoulder mini... Well, real life. I'm pretty darn thrilled with this one though. The pattern is Simplicity 5755, which Kirsty was kind enough to grab from me at the Bay Area Sewist Pattern swap. Kirsty, you are the best!!

I made it in sweater knit left over from my Plantain tee. It's tricky to find animal prints in a scale small enough for Barbie clothes. I think this one is perfect. The only major alteration I made to the pattern was to add a lining. I really didn't want to topstitch this unstable knit. A lining was an easier way to finish the neckline and hems.

The bolero is from McCalls 685. I made it from a crushed velvet and it is lined in cotton batiste. I didn't make any alterations at all to this pattern and I'm thrilled with the fit!

I added some beading to the neckline, just for a bit of sparkle. It's amazing how little time hand beading takes when the clothes are small.

The belt was also made by me. I found these tiny rhinestone buckles at Hobby Lobby and stitched on a length of velvet ribbon. Since the velvet is 'grippy' the belt holds itself in place without a clasp.

Teresa is so happy with her outfit she had to snap a quick selfie during our photo shoot!