Isabelle Pintuck Short 18" Doll Clothes Pattern

Main challenge: small enough pintucks

Seamstress/Reviewer skill level: advanced beginner The pattern is well written and easy to follow. I saw some reviews saying people didn't like the way the elastic was put in the shorts (ie make a canal and then string it through and sew). I'm too novice to know another way, and I had no problem with it - just make sure your elastic fits your canal and don't over sew the seam allowance. The pintuck was my biggest challenge even with it being fairly simple. If you think the pintuck looks too big after you sew it, it is. If you think it looks okay, it's probably still too big. I think I did one side 2x and the other 3x. If you make your pintuck too big, the top of the shorts will not match up with the band - or at least that is why I assumed my pin tucks were too big. The shorts came out fine but didn't quite have the look I wanted. To be fair, the pattern picture IS accurate. I wasn't sure from the pattern picture if they would meet my high waist needs, but decided to go for it because I wanted the pintuck. They are a mid to high rise; not quite high enough for the 40s/50s look I was going for, but high enough that they look awkward under a more fitted/sheer top. I don't own Nanea yet but I think these would still look cute on her. A very simple, fast work up pattern (when you aren't seam ripping pin tucks). I would make it again if I needed to.

Nice, but a bit confusing

I am a very experienced seamstress and I found the waistband instructions on these shorts to be pretty confusing. I sewed it up my own way and it turned out okay, but gosh a lot of these patterns are needlessly fussy. The shorts are cute when done and fit well.