Fabric Dollhouse

Whew! Many hours were logged for this project and I have to say, I think I redeemed myself after the bear/elephant/pig/anteater-thingy. I am in love with this little house!! Before moving forward, I just have to say, this (like all the other posts on this blog) is NOT a tutorial. The more in-depth stuff is basically for me to look back on, should I ever decide to make a duplicate. Or, if you've come across this blog by chance by searching for help, maybe you can find a little help here! OK, onto the fun stuff!!

Here are some of the supplies I needed. I added some embellishments toward the end that didn't make it into this picture.
The fabric getting measured and the mesh canvas:


The start of the mesh cutting:


Sewing the batting around the mesh: (I knew I was close to needing to change my needle so I made sure to get all of the mesh stuff out of the way and then put in a fresh one)


Now comes the assembly. Many steps and very detail oriented. Glad I am!!

The mesh pieces all covered and organized like the book says to do:


The side, outlining the side on the fabric, the completed side:


Putting the pieces in order into the fabric:


I sewed a piece of felt to one side of the ribbon. The directions didn't say to do this, but it's shown like that in the picture. Just like the door and windows I added. I feel so accomplished putting stuff on this that isn't in the directions!


Extra points to the person making any craft who also has a couple of cuties doing their own crafting at the same table:


A much needed breath of fresh air for dinner with aforementioned cuties:


After said cuties go to bed, plug away at further assembly...

This is the strip all sewn before turning it right-side out. I failed at taking a few of the in-process pictures, as I got too involved. And forgot. But inside this strip are the 2 sides, 4 of 5 elastic straps and one of the ribbon handles:


And this is what it looks like when turned:


After putting each mesh piece into its appropriate spot, I sewed a strip to hold it into place. The bottom piece was left open in order to add the second ribbon handle and the last elastic loop. Here's what it all looked like pinned and ready to sew:

The directions say to hand-stitch this step but I HATE hand-stitching so I used my machine. So there.

Getting the house pinned and ready to stitch the sides:


As I just mentioned, I hate hand-stitching. But I must say, I don't particularly suck at it. Not great, but I've certainly done worse:


The back with the top button:

By the way, this is the first time I've ever sewn buttons like these on. I'm not 100% happy, but know that I can only get better!

Side view with one of the other buttons:

Also, I haven't added the 2 extra buttons that it calls for, near the bottom part of the roof. I don't think my 2-year-old will have the patience for 5 buttons. I'm guessing only the top one will be used as it is.

Opened with a little scene I'm trying out. Pond, a table with place mats and 2 seats: (I only safety pinned them on so we can change around the scenes as desired).


I added a little Polly Pocket and another little doll and this is how my cutie is going to find it in the morning!


Things I learned:
*How to measure for a roof peak.
*How to sew batting.
*I love my new fabric marker.
*Hand-stitching is made easier when done in the company of your cuties while enjoying a little boob-tube with them.
*How to sew on decorative buttons. Kind of.
*The anticipation of seeing your cutie find the finished project is a little bit like a mini-Christmas.