* Dolls And Daydreams - Doll And Softie PDF Sewing Patterns

Facebook Notifications, Updates, Tags, Debunked & How To 2012

2012-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Let me just say straight away – you do NOT have to PAY to make sure your posts/status updates etc reach your fans on Facebook … neither do your fans have to pay to receive them. This is a Hoax.

Where are my notifications? How did I miss your last pattern release!!??!!

Facebook has a mathematical algorithm it uses to determine what you ‘Like’ …. So this means if you are not a chatty person, you don’t ‘like’, click or comment on posts it starts removing them from your stream ….. and sometimes cuts all posts from that page out all together. Not good for those of us who only like to read and look and smile and get ideas …..

What!!! How can I fix this?!

Don’t worry … follow this simple step and you can still stay a part of our lovely Dolls And Daydreams Sewing community without having to suddenly click on everything! Simply go to my page .. click on the like button again (or hover over it) and a drop down menu will appear … click on the ‘Show in Newsfeed’ and make sure a little Tick is checked next to it (See big red arrows above). Done! Yup it’s that easy!

I haven’t been able to tag you for ages!

Don’t worry it's all fixed! As a Fan Page it needs to be set to Brands/Products for others to be able to Tag you. Simply like my page (make sure I’m in your News feed ;) ) and then whenever you pop a photo up.

Method 1Simply write the @ symbol followed by my name. A drop down menu will appear or my name will come up highlighted … click and that's it!
Method 2Click your tag button & hover over the photo click to tag and type my name in!

How come you didn't get notified about my Tag?

Unfortunately BIG changes have happened to Facebook and I am no longer getting notified when tagged in posts or photos. However some are showing up in my photo section so I’m checking there regularly.

How can I make sure you see my wonderful creation?

I want to see them!!! Please post them directly to my Facebook page!!!!

How do I get featured on your blog or Main Facebook wall?

Simply post your fabulous doll & softie photos to my Facebook wall!!!

Is it true I have to now pay for you to see my posts/tags/updates etc?

No. This is hoax that has been around for ages! It started with a - Facebook is going to charge everyone to be a member now - post a couple of years ago. FB is not going to charge you as its business model is based on it staying free. It then sells ‘advertising’ to business. If it charges us it will lose its customer base …. Think about how much money is spent by thousands of BIG companies around the world everyday … compared to the chicken scratch they can get from each member.

So why all this chatter … well it’s being fueled by the true fact that Facebook is testing a new ‘advertising’ idea which is totally OPTIONAL … and only in its test phase to a very small number of people. It will essentially allow you to highlight a specific post/update for a couple of bucks. This would be very worthwhile to large companies that are competing for marketing opportunities but for the average joe … not so much .. unless you think it important that everyone & there friends knows ‘Little Johnny Just got an A on his 1st Grade exam’ ….

As long as your fans, friend, family have checked the ‘Show in your News Feed’ button .. you’ll be golden. They will get all your updates. Remember everyone has a life outside of FB & they might have missed it or chosen to ignore it ;)

As for tagging notifications … it’s an ongoing issues and I hope to get to the bottom of it asap.

Phew that was long, but I hope it helps! Quick! Run to your computer, update your News feed and post as many photos of your fabulous creations to my wall as I have missed seeing them soooooo much!

UPDATE: (Please know if you have tagged me and never received a comment under the photo – yes I really do drop by and comment under everyone!!! – I’m not ignoring you …. I never got the notification! PLEASE post ALL photos you’d like me to see to my Facebook Wall! Hugs & Happy Sewing Everyone xxx)

Pocket Princess Sewing Pattern Finished Hooray!

2012-05-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

Meet my Pocket Princess!!! With her Crown, felt and fabric hair tutorials, easy jointed limb tutorials, as well as her built in dress & shoes you'll have the perfect gift for your little Princess in no time!

These adorable Princess love to have fun ... they'll sit and read ....

Dance and play .....

And talk all day ........

Plus they have a really cool friend ... my Pocket Prince ... isn't he charming ;)

She's the perfect size ... still oh so huggable ... but you can stuff her in a pocket for a quick cuddle too!

Find my Pocket Princess Sewing Pattern in my:

Instant Pattern Download Shop

& my Etsy Shop

Knight Sewing Pattern - Pocket Prince is Finished!

2012-05-25T12:41:00.001-07:00

Meet my Pocket Prince. Boys will love how ruff & tuff he is! When this Little Prince isn't fighting battles ...... he's off on adventures as a Knight, with a trusty sword in his hand!

Watch out Mr Dragon ... your flames won't get through his helmet or shield!!!!!

And he always get's to save the girl!!! Thank goodness for this Little Pocket Princess's Prince Charming! He's saved the day again!

Find my Pocket Prince in my

Instant Pattern Download Shop

& Etsy Shop

Why I Love Fray Check for Doll And Softie Making

2012-05-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

My Pocket Princess Sewing Pattern has a Cotton Hair Applique Tutorial included in it!

Fray Check or Fray Stopper is heaven in a little bottle! Such a simple idea but with amazing potential to us dolly makers.

Brilliant for small doll pattern pieces. Seriously saves on time .. no more fiddly pattern pieces to serge (over-lock) .. and you don’t run the risk of fraying your cotton (especially vintage cottons) using a tight zig-zag. Simply go around the entire outside of your fabric pattern piece and let it dry … :)

It’s fabulous for using on woven fabrics (or delicate vintage fabrics) that would normally need to be serged (over-locked) to get them to stabilize for a doll/softies tummy fabric. Simply go around the entire outside of your fabric pattern piece and let it dry … :)

I use it to stop the ends of my ribbons from unraveling on me. Whether they are used on the outside as ties or bows or the ends are placed hidden in a seam … a dab of fray check and I know that ribbon won’t disintegrate.

And last but not least … cotton appliques can be made in a jiffy! Don’t have Heat & Bond fusible interfacing…. Don’t worry, seal your edges, let it dry, pin and sew in place! Read my Free Cotton Appliques Tutorial.

Always test your Fray Check on a small piece of scrap to make sure it won’t stain your fabric before using it on a big project.

Tip: Keep a pin handy to un-clog the tip if you have used it before as it has a tendency to dry up inside it. If you flick the tip of it before closing it up after you have used it (like you see Nurses do to a syringe in a TV show) you will be able to see the air bubbles coming out and the liquid go back into the bottle this helping not to clog. If all else fails cut the tip off and pop a little into a plastic saucer each time, and dip your edges into it that way (waist not want not!)

Sneak Peek – Meet My Pocket Prince & Princess!

2012-05-21T15:07:00.002-07:00

Meet My Pocket Prince & Princess sneak peek Sewing Pattern! The Prince is ever so brave … he's off fighting dragons this week and the Princess, well she’s busy redecorating the castle … but they’ll be ready to meet you all very very soooooon!

New Dolls And Daydreams Pattern Download Shop!

2012-05-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is a HUGE day for Dolls and Daydreams!!! I am very excited and proud to announce the launch of my very own site! www.dollsanddaydreams.com

This new site now consolidates everything 'Dolls and Daydreams' into one space... My Blog, My Facebook and Download Pattern Shop.

This means from any of these sites you will be able to seamless go to another. The newest part of this is my much improved instant download feature. You will be able to view, shop, and download my patterns directly from my site. There is no need to sign up for an account or log into a different website, Hooray!

Since Dolls and Daydreams is now a 'one stop shop', all NEW patterns will only be found on my new site and my Etsy shop!

For those who have purchased instant download patterns in the past, thank you! Please be sure you have saved them to your computer or external device (HDD, CD-RW, flash drive, etc.).
They may not be available on the Meylah site in the future.

Thank you so much everyone, I am so excited you are all coming along for the ride on this wonderful journey!

Stay tuned for a sneak peak photo of my NEW Pocket Prince & Princess Tomorrow!!!

Hugs & Happy Sewing!

Sarah xx

Meet My Pocket Princess .. and Prince!

2012-05-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

Look who's in my sketchbook! My Pocket Princess & the love her life ... yup .. her Prince .. a very brave knight! I made her for my daughter's 'Princess themed' birthday .... and the little boy it tucked away for my little chap! Both patterns will be out this month, I can't wait to finish them and for you all to see them in person <3 they are too cute to miss!
P.s. Hope you all have very Happy Mother's Days this weekend with your families! Hugs xxx

Selling handmade children's toys in UK & EU? Are you CE certified yet?

2012-05-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

For all my lovely ladies making and selling dolls in the UK & EU there are new rules ... yup you need to be CE Certified. But don't worry there is a wonderful group the 'CE self certification support page' on facebook! They have brilliant logical information for you all, and make it all sooo less stressful. In fact those I have talked to have been able to do it all themselves and are already up and running again.

So please pop on over and take the worrying away ... so that you can start dolly making again today! Wow that rhymed ... hmm I must have been singing to many nursery rhymes this week hahaha

Oh and please don't forget to add you name/link etc to my Dolls And Daydream Finished Dolly & Softie Directory!

Why so quiet?

2012-05-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Why so quite?! April has to be one of the craziest months for me! So what happened last month .. hmm lets see,

... it started with my Father-in-laws birthday (he's shy so no photo for him :) ) ......

On the front in Sidmouth, Devon, Uk ... Miss you both so much ...

....then my Granddad's birthday .. then my Nanna & Grandand's wedding anniversary ... then my Nanna's birthday ....

Love you darling ♥

then it was my 10 Year Wedding Anniversary ...

Kisses!!!!!!!!

..... then my beautiful Daughter's 3rd birthday .... (see top photo ♥) We had a Princess party ... Lots of fun was to be had, she changed her dress twice (just like her mother hahaha) and a special dolly made by Mummy (hence the lack of contact with you all as I didn't want to slip and spoil the surprise ... as you guessed it .. my NEW Pattern was my Daughter's 3rd Birthday Dolly!!!)

Love this photo of us, I was soooo pregnant with my daughter and yet we were off to a Livery do in London in our ball gowns ... sooo cold outside berrrrr :) ... and I had to stop on the way for a burger hahaha oh to be pregnant!! hahaha

.... then my Mum's birthday .... Miss you so much Mummy!!!

Phew ..... and now it's back to work work work .. so stay tuned as I'll be posting a sneak peek of my 2 New Patterns very sooooon!

Finished Dolls And Daydream Doll & Softies World Wide Directory!

2012-04-30T14:59:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a finished doll or softie made from one of my patterns? I am pleased to announce a new fabuluse directory for all of my Doll & Softe Makers to add their shop links to over on my Facebook Fan Page.

Do you sell Dolls & Softies predominately Made from Dolls And Daydreams Patterns? Please feel free to add your links :) I love sharing handmade love around and as I’m always being asked for referrals, I thought this was the best way for people looking for dolls/softies made from my patterns could find you all.

I ask for nothing in return except that you follow my copyright info and link back to me ♥

I have a mini Ironing Board in my Sewing Room

2012-04-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you ... but I loath ironing .. unless it's fabric for making a dolly or softie of course! As space is limited I decided to hunt around for a small ironing board I could keep stowed away in my sewing room. I found the perfect one at Ikea of all places! Not only do I love it for it's size ... but the price was crazy cheap ... and it had a clever little hook on the back.

All I have to do is flatten the legs down, push the hook up and it hangs flat down the side of my fabric shelving unit (see this post for more photos of my sewing room). I have to say it perfect for me .. but I might just have to make a new more 'retro' fabric cover ... one of these days <3

Free Mermaid Paper Doll

2012-04-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's coming up to swimming season in my neck of the woods and as you all know my little girl loves her mermaid doll, I thought I'd save this Free Dover Mermaid Paper Doll for a rainy day! .. Doesn't rain much here in Arizona (about 3 weeks total in the year - and you wonder why I moved her from the UK hahaha) but yesterday it did .. now they don't print out super big but boy did we have a giggle with our mini paper dolls....

I think they'd make a fab little extras at a Mermaid themed birthday party too :)

Just love all her outfits! yes .. you're right mummy had a good old play with them tooooo hehehe

Enjoy everyone!!!!

(UPDATE: How to save this to your computer - click on the image (takes u to my Flikr) - click on 'Actions'- click on 'View All Sizes' ..... 'Original ' .. Right Click ..... and "Save to Computer")

T Rex and Brontosaurus Dinosaur Sewing Patterns All Finished

2012-04-24T05:07:00.000-07:00

My Dinosaur friends are ever so kawaii cute and have lots of fun together ... These two are from my New ‘Sew Easy’ Starter Patterns sewing line and are perfect for beginners to learn basic softie sewing skills and are fabulous for experienced sewers to whip up and de-stash!

Ooowwww look at my sharp teeth! Gerrrrrrr I need some meat!

Ooww no meat for me! I love leaves :)

But what they both love are ....... hugs!

My Brontosaurus Sewing Pattern can be found here in my

Instant Download Shop and Etsy Shop

And my T Rex Dinosaur Sewing Pattern can be found here in my

Instant Download Shop and Etsy Shaop

Happy 10 Year Anniversary Darling!

2012-04-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hugs to my Best Friend in the World ♥ I love you ♥ BIG KISS xxx Sarah xxx

Easy Dinosaur Sewing Patterns Out Friday!

2012-04-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

So excited about my 2 New Very Quick & Easy Dinosaur Sewing Patterns coming out this Friday! Both are Kawaii Cute and have been a BIG hit with my kiddies ... can you tell hahaha my little chap takes his Dino everywhere with him :)

There's a Dinosaur in my Sketchbook!

2012-04-11T08:37:00.002-07:00

Ok there are two Baby Dinosaurs in my sketchbook to be exact!! A baby Brontosaurus and a T-Rex ♥ These ever so easy sewing patterns have been bubbling away for sometime, not only as my little boy would love a dino friend, but my little girl is addicted to a cute tv show called Dinosaur Train.

But who wants a scary dino as a friend, not me! So ... the babies were hatched hehehe

These patterns will be super easy, super fast and will be perfect for beginners to cut their teeth with and a doddle for experienced sewers to whip up for a quick gift, make into ribbon tag toys, rattles and are brilliant stash busters ♥

Hope to have them out next week so watch this space :)

My Creative Space: Cherry Blossom Tattoo Dolly

2012-04-04T22:01:00.001-07:00

What does a doll maker do on her night off? ... Make a Cherry Blossom Tattoo Dolly of course!

Fabric Shopping :)

2012-04-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

I wonder if you'll be able to guess what kind of patterns I'll be working on this month from the photo?!

Small Doll Clothes - How to Reduce My Patterns

2012-04-01T16:02:00.001-07:00

I've been getting a lot of e-mails about removable clothes for my Little Sister & Flower Fairy Sewing patterns. If you reduce the pattern size by 50% for my 18"+ Dress Up Doll/Softie Clothes ... have a little dolly fitting session .... 'tweak' them a little .. ta-da one dress up mini dolly.

2 quick methods for reducing a sewing pattern

1) Print the pattern out full size and reduce it on the photocopier

2) Change the print settings in Acrobat and print it out at a smaller size.

Just remember that the 1/4 seam allowance is already added, so reduce that by the same % also!

Melissa added her own twist to a mini version of my Party Dress & Skirt & Top Doll Clothes Patterns

I popped a challenge up on my Facebook page last month to see who could post the first photo of one of my little dolls in some 'reduced' doll clothes, and the lovely Melissa from Precious Little Poppet won! ♥

Melissa lives in Melbourne, Australia, she's a mother to three small children, an Army wife and 'an habitual crafter'. She's been sewing for about six years, and after borrowing her Mum’s sewing machine when her daughter was about six months old she hasn't looked back! In the last year she's become obsessed with creating her Precious Little Poppets, and believe me, they are precious!

"I love hearing the squeals of delight and the imaginative play that happens when children get a hold of my Poppets." Melissa

Of course she makes a whole range of toys ... I love her superhero monkeys and oh so sweet dress up bunnies!

“Sarah’s patterns are incredible! Wonderful clear tutorials, great photos and the dolls so easy to put together. The finished dolls are just beautiful." Melissa

Why not pop on over to Melissa's Facebook Page or visit her Shop and say Hi!

If you'd like a chance to be featured on my Facebook Page & Blog don't forget to tag, link and send your photos to me, and always watch out for fun sewing challenges :)

Superhero PDF Sewing Pattern Finished!

2012-03-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

Is it a plain ... is it's car ..... no it's Superhero boy!!!!

To most he’s your average schoolboy … but when trouble is in the air he’s off to save the day!

POW! His reversible mask and cape means he can be a Super ‘Hero’ or ‘Villain’ depending on the game your little one wants to play :)

He makes a brilliant crime fighting sidekick ... plus both the Mask and Glasses will fit your children too for hours of fun dress-up and imaginative play! So why not make a second set for the Superhero in your life!

You can find my Superhero Sewing Pattern in my
Instant Download Shop and my Etsy Shop

Schoolgirl PDF Sewing Pattern Finished!

2012-03-31T07:17:00.001-07:00

This kawaii cute schoolgirl is a retro kind of girl ... and loves her 1950's style glasses!

She's such a happy little thing, that there's not much she doesn't love! She loves a good book or too, always does her homework and is never late for class ....

She's always one for dressing up too ....

But most of all she loves playing with her Best Friend! (I designed her Glasses to fit your children too for hours of fun dress-up and imaginative play!)

You can find my Schoolgirl Sewing Pattern in my Instant Download Shop and my Etsy Shop.

Double Sewing Pattern Release Party this Saterday!!

2012-03-26T18:23:00.000-07:00

Let’s have a Double Pattern Release Party!! If I hit 3000 Facebook fans I will Release BOTH my NEW Super Hero Boy & School Girl Doll Pattern with all their wonderful accessories on this Saturday (31st March)!

Hooray! So please pop on over to my page and share with all your Sewing Friends ♥, Fans ♥ & Family ♥ !

My Mum's Trip - where does the time go!?!

2012-03-17T09:13:00.002-07:00

Has it really been 2 weeks since my Mummsy left? Wow I guess throwing ones self into work really is the remedy for homesickness!!! Ahhh but I miss her ..... So I thought I'd share some of my lovely times with you all :)

All the way from England :)

She brought me these vintage Babushkas as a little prezzy ..... I was (as you can imagine!) very happy and promptly popped them with my ever increasing 'inspiration' doll collection!

Mum ran through countless driving test questions with me ...... and ....

Hooray!

... I'm driving again - Hooray!!! (Don't get me started about how silly the whole thing was hahaha)

So of course we went hunting in vintage shops and thrift stores ....

Yummy new vintage fabric to add to my collection!

And we found this cute china faced doll in a lovely antique shop in Scottsdale :)
the wooden ones my mum gave me when I was 10 ♥

This little chap started crawling like a crazy man! And he's now eating solids as well ... which means a little more sleep for mama!

My Cheeky Monkey!

My little girl went to the park almost every day for 'special time' with her Gaga ♥

Pretty Little Peek-a-boo Baby!

And we all got to spend some wonderful time together! .....

Loved sitting in this orange grove outside for lunch ♥

Pose for the photo ..... oh sod it let's have a big squeeze!!

Happy Mother's Day Mummsy!

We all Love and Miss you tons xxxxx

Felt Giveaway Update!

2012-03-13T19:48:00.002-07:00

Eeek the Link to the Giveaway photo in my last post wasn't working!!!!

Sorry!

So here it is again:

Comment below this photo on my Facebook Page :)

You still have time to enter!

My New Dollies are so much fun and easier than they look!

And Janet's felt is fabulous for their big beautiful eyes ♥

Good Luck!

Fefe by Naomi (Au)

Wool Felt GIVEAWAY - Make the Perfect Big Doll Eyes!

2012-03-12T07:27:00.005-07:00

Look into our eyes .... errr ok EYE ...as in the case of Freddie hehe ... Would you like to make beautiful BIG eyes too?

Well with the help of the wonderful Janet's of Felt on The Fly's 100% Wool Felt ... and my lovely step by step photo tutorial ... YOU CAN! Hooray!!

Janet and I got together when I was designing these cuties and I picked out these lovely bright colors.

Giveaway

Up for grabs are 5 beautiful pieces of 6x8 sheets of Janet's wonderful Wool Felt. Perfect for blue, green and brown eyes ♥ Plus .. She ships all over the world!!!! ♥

How to Enter:

1) 'Like' Janet's Facebook page

2) Comment below this photo on my Facebook Page :)

3) Share my Facebook Photo Giveaway post on your Fan/Personal Facebook Page and get 3 extra entries, that's a total of 4 chances to win!!!

(please don't forget to leave 4 separate comments under my facebook post :) )

Winner will be picked at random.

Giveaway will End on Thursday, 15 March at midnight (AZ, USA time).

♥

Good Luck Everyone!

♥

Why not pop on over to her Etsy shop Felt on The Fly to have a look at all the other amazing colors in her range :)