Sasha Secrets - Whats Happening

Issue 6 is now available.

2012-03-01T12:16:00.000Z

Issue 6 is now ready :o) we have some great patterns and articles for you this quarter, here is a taster of whats in the magazine

Contents:

Short Story

Photography tutorial

Craft - Picnic Quilt

Knitting - Roll Neck Sweater

History - Doll Chart

Sewing - Raincoat & Hat

Photo Gallery

I have sent reminder emails out today but if you are not already on my list or your email does not arrive you can contact me at sashasecrets@btinternet.com
As always; the Magazine is available on CD or in PDF format received via email attachment or by download link. The price is £4.40 / $7 approx.
It can also be purchased via Ebay.

Sasha Classic Studio Pattern Book

2011-12-14T21:53:00.002Z

Here are the outfits from the new pattern book

This coat and hat is a knitted set made from long eyelash yarn and was again inspired by an outfit from the Sasha Puppen Book but I am sure the original was in fact made from real fur.

The Smocked Dress has full and easy instructions

There are two sets of classic underwear, a basic set and a pin tucked set.

The Classic Dress pattern can be made up in so many ways and looks.

There is even a knitting pattern for a simple pair of roll top socks as worn by the Studio Dolls

Honeycomb Yoked Knitted dresses for Sasha and her Toddler/Baby sister

The Pattern Book is available now to pre-order, all copies will be posted as soon as our postal service returns after Christmas.

£20 + £4.00 post and packing.

I post worldwide.

Contact me on sashasecrets@btinternet.com

Issue 5 - December 2011 Now Available

2011-12-01T17:38:00.000Z

This magazine contains:

Sewing - Ugg Style Boots & Ankle Strap Shoes
A charming Sasha Adventure Story
Photography
Knitting - Double Breasted Cardigans
History - Doll chart
Craft - Coat Hangers
Photo Gallery
Printable's for Christmas
Competition
Calendar for 2012

For an invoice to purchase it just email me at

sashasecrets@btinternet.com

December magazine coming along just fine

2011-10-27T14:36:00.000+01:00

Its seems ages since I posted on the Blog, serious health problems and life has just got in the way. The knitting pattern is ready and tested, a chunky warm double breasted jacket for Sasha or Gregor. The sewing section is still open to comments.......................I have done a standard Classic style Sasha Shoe and some Ugg style boots - which one would you prefer? please leave a message or email me at sashasecrets@btinternet.com.

There will be a winter competition with a Duffle Coat as the prize. The puzzle page will be back and the history page will conclude the Time charts.

Tom is busy preparing another brilliant photography lesson...................I cant wait to see what he has for us this time :o).

Not long to wait now readers,,,,,,,,,,,,,in the meantime have a super Halloween!!

Sasha in the Seventies - NEW BOOK available from 5th Sept

2011-08-30T12:39:00.003+01:00

This Book contains 17 patterns and full sewing instructions.

I have grouped them together to make 7 outfits.

You can have fun mixing them together differently.

The patterns are designed from outfits that children wore during the 1970s.

The baby dress and panties is from my favourite pattern that I made for my daughter, she was born in 1974.

The book is A4 Spiral bound to lay open easily when following the instructions.

The patterns are printed on A3 sheets and can be cut out or traced.

£20/$33 approx + Postage

PLEASE NOTE I AM IN THE UK THEREFORE OVERSEAS MAIL CAN TAKE

UP TO 14 DAYS TO ARRIVE.

You can pre order by emailing: sashasecrets@btinternet.com
you will be sent an invoice and I will post when payment is received.

New Pattern Book Coming Out

2011-07-23T11:52:00.000+01:00

I am pleased to announce my first pattern book, it will be out in September and called "Sasha in the Seventies". It will contain fashions that little girls would have worn and loved during this decade. It will cover Sasha, Gregor and of course the Toddlers and Babies.

I will announce more details soon!

Victorian Style Side button boots for Sasha

2011-06-14T18:04:00.000+01:00

On request I have drafted a pattern for Victorian Style Side button boots. The pattern is now available on my website SashaSecrets Website at £3.00.

The Pageboy Pattern is finished and is now available

2011-06-12T17:58:00.001+01:00

The Pattern will consist of:

Jacket with Breastplate & Epaulets

Knee length Trousers

Thigh Stockings

Leather buckled shoes

Tasselled Belt

It is as close as I could get to the Page boys' uniforms in a style worn by Regency Foot Guards officers in the 1820s.

Sashasecrets Website

JUNE ISSUE 3 is now available

2011-05-31T14:12:00.001+01:00

It is available in PDF format on CD, by download or as an email attachment. If you would like a Paypal invoice please click the following link stating which method you prefer Email for Paypal Invoice

For those of you who have a YUDU subscription, the magazine is in your Library now. Yudu should have requested the subscription renewal from you Paypal accounts already.

The Royal Bridesmaid Silk Dresses are finished !!

2011-05-11T20:18:00.000+01:00

I am quite pleased with the outcome, although the toddler/baby size version in pure silk was a challenge to say the least. The tiny box pleated and gathered sleeves were difficult to handle as the silk just "melts" when handled too much.

A good compromise would be satin finish cotton and certainly would not be such a headache to sew :o).

Royal Wedding - Sasha joins the fun !

2011-05-05T14:08:00.001+01:00

The beautiful Bridesmaid dresses at the Royal Wedding really inspired me to make one for Sasha to enjoy. After making my interfacing draft the first test gown is done. I have used Silk Dupion that has good body and drapes well for the box pleats. From the angle of the box pleats on the original dresses I believe the skirt to be cut from a circle but because this takes a considerable amount of fabric and Silk is expensive I have done mine on the straight instead.

Now that I know the pattern works and fits well I will make the final dress in Ivory Silk with a light gold sash. The main points of these beautiful little dresses are; box pleated skirts and box pleated capped and cuffed sleeves to match. The skirt has an under lace where just the scallops peep out. The back closure is button & loops and the finishing Sash has front pleats opening out to a large bow at the back and draped pointed ends. I have tried to incorporate all these things;

This pattern will be added to the June SashaSecrets Magazine as a bonus pattern. I will also draft one for Sasha Toddlers/Baby and attemp the Uniform for Gregor - this will be my biggest challenge :o).

It will be for sale next week, contact me at sashasecrets@btinternet.com if you are interested.

Cabled Cardigan in Issue 2

2011-03-03T22:57:00.000Z

It has come to my notice that there is a slight error in the knitting pattern. Dianne has very kindly corrected it for us. If you have already got your magazine please contact me on sashasecrets@btinternet.com and I will send you the amended file.

SashaSecrets Issue 2 March 2011 is out NOW

2011-02-28T12:57:00.002Z

SashaSecrets Magazine Issue 2 is available now. Here are your options to purchase at £4.40:

via Yudu.com using this link -

http://www.yudu.com/item/details/295889/SashaSecrets-Issue-2-March-2011

If you are not already a member, Yudu will require you to join, you will be asked to complete a small form giving some personal information (if you do not want to answer any question in particular just put in some random characters.....it usually works)

via Email, sashasecrets@btinternet.com Please put Issue 2 in the title line and I will send you an invoice for Paypal.

via Google Docs (you will need to open a simple account, they only require your current email address and a password and no further questions). Please email me at sashasecrets@btinternet.com quoting Google Doc Issue 2 in the title line and I will send you an invoice for Paypal.

via Ebay - the PDF file is written to a CD and posted out to your home address.
Ebay UK - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320664253110

I'm Back !!

2011-02-25T14:55:00.000Z

No, I had not fallen off the face of the earth :o) but I have just been having health problems so have used all my computer time allowed to finish off the new March SashaSecrets Magazine.

It will be available on the 28th February when I will post the new links here.

The Ice Delight outfit is now on Ebay

2011-01-05T16:10:00.000Z

I finally finished the Ice Delight outfit and it can be found on Ebay now http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320639018550 why not pop by and have a look :o).

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T11:39:00.000Z

I would just like to wish all my readers a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year. May your dolly collections thrive and your crafting be enjoyed.

I have some exciting ideas for the 2011 Magazine issues and hope you will be enjoying and learning along the way with me.

Hugs Gloria xx

The Snow Inspired outfit takes shape

2010-12-21T15:58:00.000Z

The hands have calmed down and as you can see I even managed to sew some pretty flower beads into the dress. The boots are next and I think it deserves a hat as well :o). In my tulle stash I have some pretty bright pink that will make a beautiful petticoat to go underneath and will be just the finishing touch it needs. Once finished it will be available on my website but probably not until after Christmas now.

I swayed away from the task in hand today!

2010-12-20T17:55:00.000Z

It's one of those days today.........the hands just wont do as they are told! OK the Moccacins are fiddly but that is no excuse for the "shakes", the more I try to concentrate the more the hands shake. I have tried talking to them (yes I am sure I am a little mad) but they just wont listen..................so OK hands you have won this time around. Perhaps I will have better luck tomorrow!

I have to do something, I just cant give in all together........ so I have started a pretty and cosy snow outfit. The pattern is done and the pieces cut out. I will sew it together tonite and attempt some embroidery around the hemline, I might even manage to sew some beading as well. I will post again later tonite and show you the progress so far!

Getting sorted for the March 2011 Issue 2

2010-12-19T10:27:00.000Z

KNITTING - The very talented Dianne Lam has kindly drafted a gorgeous knitting pattern for us all to enjoy.......or should I say our Sasha's and Gregor's to enjoy :o).

SEWING - I have drafted the pattern for the Moccacins but I am not quite happy with the fit yet so just a few more tweaks to go. I will post a picture as soon as I am happy with them.

Well, I think I had better stop playing now and get back to sorting out Christmas festivities!! Weather permitting we have 3 young boys here to enjoy Christmas day with. One activity is a treasure hunt - that might keep them busy for a few minutes :o) and hopefully the presents they find will keep them occupied for a few more !!

Seasons Greetings to you all and a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year - with a few lovely Sasha/Gregor surprises along the way.

Off on vacation

2010-12-04T10:10:00.000Z

Hi all, its time for a well earned break. So weather and open airports permitting I am away from 6th Dec - 13th Dec 2010.

We are off to our favourite warm spot - Sharm El Sheik in Egypt. The weather is just right at the moment, not too hot for comfort but just hot enough to warm up these old joints :o).

See you when I get back, I am taking some yarn and needles with me and will be drafting and knitting for Gregor this time.

I have marked my website that I am away and will reply to all emails and enquiries on my return.
Hugs Gloria xx

The sketch comes to life !!!

2010-11-30T16:46:00.000Z

The Winter Warmer sketch comes to life - finished and photographed this afternoon - the pictures are not too good as the snow gave me light problems. The pattern and outfit will soon be available on my website and consists of; 1970's inspired flared hipster trousers with front bib detailing and fasten at the back. The roll neck hand knitted jumper is finished in twisted rib stitch and opens at the back neck for easy dressing. The extra warm fleece Gillet is fully lined with side pockets and tie closure at the neck. The jumbo Beret has a bow and button trim at the top and depending on your dolls hair length, can be worn several different ways. And we could not forget to keep the hands warm.................so fleece mittens were in order.

All pattern pieces and full sewing instructions are included together with the knitting pattern for the jumper. Two sizes are given for the Gillet; 1 for fleece finish and 1 for lighter weight fabric. Priced at £7 / $11 approx.

If you would like to pre-order please contact me on sashasecrets@btinternet.com

When sold the outfit will also have the white boots included.

Although Gregor said he was "well warm enough" he did complain bitterly about the colouring "lilac really isnt my thing - would be much better in beige or blue" Oh dear............what these poor models have to put up with :o).

Its going so well

2010-11-26T16:25:00.000Z

A BIG thank you to all those of you who have supported and bought the new magazine. I have had some really lovely comments which have spurred me on to start the next one already!.

There were a few initial teething problems, when the site was particularly busy but if anyone is still experiencing problems just let me know and I will sort it out for you.

I have had lots of requests to produce the magazine in PDF format and put on a disc, so today it has been added to Ebay under listing http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320622587328 it is free to post out in the UK but £2 postage has been added to cover higher costs of posting overseas.

If you want to enter the FREE DRAW for the "no sew" version of the dress made for the magazine dont forget to enter on the "and finally" page - click on the star link and good luck.

I will keep you all posted about the articles in the next magazine and if there is anything you want to see, dont forget to let me know at sashasecrets@btinternet.com

It's up and available :o)

2010-11-23T23:56:00.004Z

The first Issue is now up and ready. Click on the Magazine picture or link below it and it will take you to the Subscription payment details. I have set the subscription for half yearly giving you 2 issues. You will be contacted by email as soon as Issue 2 is available to download.

When you open your Magazine you will see a "Carbon Neutral" advertisement on the first page. At the top righthand side is an Instructions Tab - this tells you how to navigate through the Magazine. At the top lefhand side of the Page click on the word "Options" - here you can download an offline version direct to your computer so that you can read it anytime without having to be online. The Magazine has the option to Magnify the pages for easy reading and you can print out individual pages for your patterns and instructions. I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

I have printed mine out onto paper and have put the pages into a Display Book, maybe you can do this too!

Sasha Secrets's Subscription

or SINGLE ISSUE PURCHASE

SashaSecrets Issue 1 December 2010

A new Pattern in the making

2010-11-19T22:58:00.000Z

With only the final finishing touches to do on the Magazine I thought I would do a little pattern drafting and sewing over the last couple of days. The weather here in the UK is getting colder and damper! Therefore my thoughts moved in the direction of cozy layers to keep our Sasha's and Gregor's warm. Firstly a warm ribbed roll neck jumper, high enough to snuggle a neck into with comfort but this on its own just would not be warm enough. So............how about a fleece long line Gillet (Body Warmer)with pockets I thought to myself - I asked Sasha and she agreed but wanted trousers as well that were a little different!

Somehow the 1970's came into my mind and have definitely influenced the flared Faux Moleskin pants for this set. The drawing is looking good so far..................but what will finish it all off.....................I've got it! A Beret style hat and some Mittens.

I think I am quite happy with that and Sasha is giving it the thumbs up as well :o).

Body Form Complete

2010-11-17T12:50:00.000Z

I am quite pleased with the end result and with lots of care with your filling and sewing you can get a pretty good shape to help with pattern fitting. I have used my 1970's dolls for the sizing and the finished form is a good match. The Pattern is now available at www.sashasecrets.co.uk Click on patterns, it is priced at £5/$8 (approx) and includes full instructions. Also included are patterns for a Tailor's ham and Sleeve Roll to help with pressing those tiny sleeves and curves.

I'm Back !!

2010-11-16T18:44:00.000Z

Sorry ladies and gents but its been a while since the last post. I have been so busy finalising the magazine that I have not had much time for anything else! Just the classified section to finish and its ready to GO......

You may remember from an earlier post, I mentioned a Body Form for Sasha/Gregor - well its finally finished and I must admit was much more challenging than I thought - or maybe its just me being too fussy!!!!!

I just have the last arm cap to sew into place and I will take some pics and show you all. The pattern and making instructions will be available on my website in a couple of day time www.sashasecrets.co.uk. Teamed with the Tailor's Ham and sleeve roll it will hopefully make sewing and finishing a little easier. I am sure Sasha and Gregor will love not constantly being pocked with pins :o).

Knitting pattern testing

2010-10-27T14:36:00.000+01:00

Here is the design for the first magazine. I have typed it up and now would like a lovely volunteer to test it out for me. Please email me at sashasecrets@btinternet.com

It is knitted in 4 ply/sport yarn on 3.25mm needles and takes just under 25grms. THANK YOU LADIES I NOW HAVE A TESTER

No Sew Result

2010-10-26T17:09:00.000+01:00

I have made the No Sew Version of the Wrap Around Dress today, and I am quite pleased with how well it turned out. Even the button trims are tied on with Embroidery Floss and the knot sealed with PVA glue.

Cut out in one piece with only shoulder seams to join this really is so easy to make.

To Sew or Not to Sew......................................

2010-10-25T21:30:00.000+01:00

During the 1960's McCalls produced a range of patterns for both mother and daughter alike, our first pattern is inspired from a 1967 design and gives us the opportunity to create a lovely dress for Sasha with so many different finishes. The best part is..............................you dont even have to be able to sew.

I am sure this one will get your creative juices flowing and for those of you who never thought you would be dressing your Sasha in something you made yourself, you will be completely wrong :o).

I am going to love seeing all the different ways you produce this pattern.

The basic pattern shape is done, I just have to check the fit and redraw the final copy. Tomorrow I will make up the "no sew" version and show you how it turns out.

Testing, testing, testing

2010-10-22T18:38:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all those people who replied, via comments and emails regarding the sewing lessons, both beginners and Heirloom. They will definitely be included in the magazine as there seems to be so much interest and the whole idea is to cover things that YOU want to see.

From the feedback that people could not easily leave a comment - I checked my settings and silly me..............I had not checked the right boxes.

Today I have made a Sasha/Gregor Mannequin to make it easier when drafting and testing the patterns. I have made and used them before for my BJD collection and find them so helpful. I will make up a few and put them on Ebay for anyone who is interested.

Have a good weekend everyone and try and enjoy some Sasha time :o)

Hugs Gloria

Fabric, fabric, fabric

2010-10-20T16:48:00.000+01:00

I am about to start making up the sewing project for the magazine issue, so today I have sorted all my fabrics into colours. I have added so much new material lately that everything really needed a good sort out.

Looking through all the lovely texture and colour combinations it brought to mind.........I wonder if any new Sasha collectors would like to learn to sew? or maybe learn some simple Heirloom Sewing techniques. Let me know what you think and if enough people are interested I can add it to the Magazine.

As someone who has sewn for her dolls since the age of about 8 I always assumed everyone can sew, but I now know that is not the case. For dolls you dont need fancy sewing machines as sewing by hand can achieve beautiful results as well. It will be interesting to hear other people's thoughts on this.

Now off to make a cup of tea..........................

Custom Day - Slopers Night

2010-10-18T22:08:00.000+01:00

Today was spent busy working on a custom order for a Halloween outfit, so it was not until this evening that Magazine work got under way.

I have drafted some basic pattern slopers (pattern blocks) on which to built some outfits for the magazine. So if there is an outfit pattern that you would particularly like to see in the mag then please let me know.

Good news...............The V&A Museum in London have granted me the rights to reproduce a special toy for Sasha which I am sure she will love. Hopefully in the first issue providing I can get the files prepared in time. More than that I am not going to tell you - it will be a lovely surprise :o)

Halloween Pumpkin Suit for Sasha or Gregor 16" Doll

2010-10-16T11:06:00.000+01:00

I have today upload a new pattern to Yudo Halloween-Pumpkin-Suit-for-Sasha-or-Gregor-16-inch --Doll
just £4 /$6.30, Paypal will automatically convert your currency when you pay.

Why not have a look and see if your Sasha or Gregor would like it.

What a muddly day and I have not achieved a lot really

2010-10-15T23:18:00.000+01:00

My hospital appointment this morning prompted a "what a waste of time - waiting around" thought so I took along my sketch book and made the use of the time in the waiting area, making notes and drawing some outfits that I had floating around in my head!! The lady sitting next to me said "interesting, some little girls are going to be happy. Are you a designer of childrens wear". "Yes" I replied "but my models are only 16inches tall." Well.............you should have seen the look on her face. Just another person that thinks I am a little mad.

With the pain meds adjusted and the addition of "nasty" steroids I made my way back home.

The sketches have made their way to the large pin board that I have in my workroom and I have added swatches of fabric from my stash................now just to look at them now and again to see if I can find more inspiration for additional fabric choices. So, at least I have some ideas of sewing patterns for future magazines.

The knitting pattern has been tested and fits well, now to type it up and take some pictures........hhhhmmm there we have a slight problem - I need to make some trousers to go underneath. Its getting cooler over here in the UK and Sasha's little legs will get cold!

Its nearly 11.30 pm and time for bed so I wish you all goodnight and sweet Sasha dreams xx

Just when I thought I had made up my mind!!

2010-10-14T16:51:00.000+01:00

I received the perfect picture for a December magazine front cover. No more changing my mind - its now set

It depicts fun and adventure, just what I am having with this new venture.

Whats happened so far

2010-10-13T18:37:00.000+01:00

For all of you who will be subscribing to the Sasha Secrets Online Magazine, I thought I would keep you posted on the progress.

The background research has been completed and the template created, here is a taster for the front page

The articles and wonderful photos are arriving but I still NEED your contributions.

The knitting pattern has been drafted and I am testing it out at the moment, just a few more minor alterations and it will be ready for photographing and uploading.

The sewing pattern has also been drafted and I will be testing this out next week and taking photos for the necessary tutorials that go with it.

Its all go here at the moment, and it is so exciting :o)

Signing off for now..............................I will post again tomorrow.

Hugs Gloria

Sasha Secrets - Whats Happening

Issue 6 is now available.

Sasha Classic Studio Pattern Book

Issue 5 - December 2011 Now Available

December magazine coming along just fine

Sasha in the Seventies - NEW BOOK ***available from 5th Sept***

New Pattern Book Coming Out

Victorian Style Side button boots for Sasha

The Pageboy Pattern is finished and is now available

JUNE ISSUE 3 is now available

The Royal Bridesmaid Silk Dresses are finished !!

Royal Wedding - Sasha joins the fun !

Cabled Cardigan in Issue 2

SashaSecrets Issue 2 March 2011 is out NOW

I'm Back !!

The Ice Delight outfit is now on Ebay

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Snow Inspired outfit takes shape

I swayed away from the task in hand today!

Getting sorted for the March 2011 Issue 2

Off on vacation

The sketch comes to life !!!

Its going so well

It's up and available :o)

A new Pattern in the making

Body Form Complete

I'm Back !!

Knitting pattern testing

No Sew Result

To Sew or Not to Sew......................................

Testing, testing, testing

Fabric, fabric, fabric

Custom Day - Slopers Night

Halloween Pumpkin Suit for Sasha or Gregor 16" Doll

What a muddly day and I have not achieved a lot really

Just when I thought I had made up my mind!!

Whats happened so far

Sasha in the Seventies - NEW BOOK available from 5th Sept