I had the opportunity to interview my friend Jane Wilkes of Janie Carroll Designs. I love Janes patterns they are some of my standard go-to ones. You can find her Etsy shop and all her great items here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JanieCarrollDesigns
What is your favorite part about creating patterns for doll seamstresses?
Feeling that I’ve encouraged people to try something new!
Who does Jane call on when she needs help?
I’m a book person, and I have a large personal library of sewing related books. If I can’t find what I need there I will ask on a number of sewing or crafting Facebook groups. Collectively? We know it all! I also love Pinterest and find lots of good information there. I’ve also been known to do a lot of Google searches. As to style questions, my daughter is my go-to. She’s in her twenties and closer to ‘the loop’! She is also loving but honest!
How do you balance work and creative time?
Not very well, I’m afraid! lol. I try to start the day with some housework that needs to be done, laundry, etc. Once I get my sewing or creating under-way, I may not surface for hours. This strategy has saved me more than once with the husband. ‘Look, Honey! I made these cute outfits today. I also did a load of whites! Clean underwear! Supper tonight is every dog for himself!’ As to work life, I am blessed to work outside the home only 12 to 15 hours per week, as an insurance producer. It’s an intrusion on my sewing time but it does force me to get out of my PJ’s and go out into the world!
How did you move from seamstress to pattern designer?
On a personal level, this happened because I was discouraged with the lack of designs that I thought would be great for my doll sewing. I wanted to streamline techniques so that garments would go together quickly. Beyond basic rectangular skirts, the Ezy T was really my first pattern. I was selling poodle skirt sets like crazy and I wanted something quicker than a blouse with collar and sleeves. A little white tee would work great! Eliminating the sleeves, extending to a dress length and adding my signature ‘picot edge’ stitch elevated it to a really outstanding basic. As I posted photos of these outfits on Facebook doll pages I had requests for the pattern. It might have ended there but an online friend offered to help me digitize the drawings and get started. I’m afraid my original format was pretty rough but the pattern was very well received. It grew from there. I’m always waiting for inspiration to strike. The Starlet Mermaid pattern sprung from a desire to get a mermaid look in which the doll could still stand up without looking ridiculous. It had to go together quickly and easily, too.
What are some of Janes favorite things to have in the sewing room?
Well, the decorating is a favorite for me. It’s the only room in my house that is all about me! It features lots of nostalgia; from my grandmother’s Hoosier cabinet (now red), my Snoopy lunchbox, a purse my mother adored, etc. Lots of red, everything bright and cheerful. Alas, it is almost always a terrible mess and even I wonder how I get anything done in there! lol. I do love having a TV in there. As to tools or supplies, placing my ironing board at a seated level was huge! The ability to swivel the chair and press things are probably my number one suggestion. Figure out how you can do this, Friends. Proper pressing makes all the difference.
Do you have any advice for the home seamstress that just wants to create doll clothes for kids, grandkids or close friends?
Always allow more time than you think you’ll need – just in case. Select things that are appropriate for your skill level and the equipment you have. Join Facebook groups where you can ask questions. My online friends may recall how often I ask, ‘Did you have any fit issues with this?’ when they post something cute because I want to mark my pattern, or possibly purchase one. Cut carefully. How can you expect things to go together well if your cutting is sloppy? Pay attention to seam allowances. It’s very easy for 1/4″ to become 3/8″ and one is hardly aware of it – until the garment is too snug! Always ask yourself, ‘If I saw the project I’m planning made up in a store would I want to buy it’? If the answer is no, make changes! Same goes for grandchildren. Ask them what they want and make that. Little girls are not always interested in the styles we think are cute!
Which is your favorite doll to create for?
The 18 inch American Girl size or the 14.5-inch Wellie Wisher size? 18″ inch standard AG size for me. I find I have a much larger market of interest for her and she can also wear styles that are ‘older’. I can dress her as a 6-year-old, or as a 14-year-old. I like that versatility.
Thank you so much Jane for the interview!
