DIY: American Girl Doll Jean Skirt

Over the holidays my granddaughters received two American Girl dolls.

While they were thrilled with their dolls they wanted some special outfits to change their dolls into. Of course mom and grandma wanted to oblige and buy them tons of those cute name brand American Girl Doll clothing. Haha, have you seen the price of those outfits? What's a grandma to do? I figured how hard can it be to sew doll clothing? I jumped on line and searched for free 18" doll clothing patterns. I found lots of nice little pattern to print off and make affordable American Girl Doll Clothing at about the cost of printer paper. First I found a wrap skirt pattern here. I printed that pattern off and found an old pair of jeans for the fabric. I am always finding ways to recycle so this was a no brainer.

I cut the pattern pieces out and placed them carefully over parts of the jeans that did not have paint on them. This piece needed to be on a fold.

I then pinned the pieces together. Stitched the sides.

Press the seams open. It will lay neatly that way.

I then stitched the hem.

At this point I deviated from the instructions. I had some fold over elastic from an other project that I felt would make the skirt waist band simple to complete. I stitched the elastic along the top stretching the elastic just a bit. 

Finally, I added a bit of Velcro for fasteners. This will make it easy for little fingers to dress her doll with out help.

Two wrap jean skirts ready to go. I will be making a few other pieces this week as I do I will share them with you. 

I hope you all are staying warm while Mother Nature keeps sending all this snow. 

New Peppa Pig Toys at Toys "R" Us

Peppa Pig has become a family favorite at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We received some awesome Peppa Pig products to review that will be available exclusively in Toys “R” Us stores nationwide beginning this August. They are manufactured by Fisher Price. I am so excited! We have been reviewing the products for over a week now and my grandchildren have come to adore Peppa Pig.

Just in case you have not heard about Peppa Pig I will share the story briefly. Peppa pig is the creation of Neville Astley, Mark Baker and Phil Davis. They developed the award winning animated series in the U.K. in 2004. Since then Peppa Pig has been airing in many countries all over the world including the U.S. where you can view her on Nick Jr.

Peppa is a cute little pink piggy with a British accent. She lives with her brother George, Mommy Pig and Daddy Pig.

Let's start with the DVD. The Peppa Pig DVD by Entertainment One Family is titled Muddy Puddles and Other Stories and is $14.98. I introduced Peppa Pig to the grandchildren with the DVD. The DVD runs 60 minutes with ten episodes. Each episode has a little Peppa adventure that is entertaining and delightful with lots of piggy snorts. I was excited that the episodes held their attention for quite some time.

The Muddy Puddles episode was loved by everyone. Each grandchild had their favorite episode. The Hide and Seek and Camping episodes were at the top of our favorites list.  You can visit Peppa Pig and watch a few clips, color a Peppa page, and play games at www.peppapig.com.

 

Next we decided to read the book "Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List." (Candlewick Press) Priced at $12.99.

This book is a great Christmas story for young children. Peppa and George pick out a tree. Santa lost the wish list and Peppa saves the day. Well, the story line is simple and easy for little children to understand.

The illustrations are cute and simply colorful.  This was a very entertaining story for all the children. Up next is the Hug'n Oink Peppa made by Fisher-Price for $21.99. She is simply an adorable pink pig! Just squeeze her tummy to hear her oink, giggle and sing.

Any young child will enjoy such a cute and huggable pig. My grandson Little Bug had an oinking good time playing with Peppa and watching the Peppa Pig DVD.

Moving on to the Peppa & Friends two pack figures play set, "Painting Together" made by Fisher-Price for $7.99. If you have a young child 3 and up this would make a great any time gift. I plan to get a couple for stocking stuffer's since I know they will enjoy anything Peppa Pig.

 

This set includes Peppa Pig and Danny Dog with a peek'n surprise art easel that flips to reveal a colorful painting.

Finally I saved my favorite for last. The "Peek'n Surprise Playhouse made by Fisher-Price for $34.99.

I am sure you want to know why this is my favorite toy! I am a very down to earth, interactive grandma. I like to sit down on the floor and play with my grandchildren. We have a lot of fun playing with their people play sets. It does not matter the theme. Doll houses, tree houses or castles I do enjoy playing with the ones my grandchildren enjoy. The Peek'n Surprise Playhouse became a big hit at our house!

This is a charming little play house with lots of transforming furniture. Just flip the unmade bed and  Peppa's bed is made. Open the refrigerator door and with a flip the refrigerator goes from full to empty. Time for a Peppa shopping trip.

The figures can sit or stand which is great for imaginative play. I can hardly begin to tell you about all the hours of fun we are having with this awesome play set.

 

I believe they are the cutest little pigs I have ever seen! My grandchildren and I think that all these fun Peppa Pig toys will make great Christmas gifts for any child on your list.

 

To follow all the exciting news about Peppa Pig like Peppa Pig on facebook. 

 

Disclosure:

I received all the above mentioned products in exchange for an honest review. No monetary compensation was received.