Some of Our Fav Etsy Sellers

Well, we usually do "Outfit of the Week" on Saturdays in the past, but I thought since we haven't done one in awhile that I should start 2010 slowly with just a list of some of our favorite Etsy sellers who are currently offering some neat-o doll clothing. We haven't really done this since April-ish 2009, so it's about time we refresh it. There is a lot of stuff listed on Etsy for American Girl dolls and it can be kind of intimidating to find the best items. Hope this helps!

Patti Kuz
Doll Closet
Terristouch
Lavenderlore

Suzy M. Studio
Naya's Designs
Julia's Creations
Melody Valerie

Abygail Elizabeth
AM-PM Creations
Magic Genie Crafts
Donna Cotterman

Sew Fun Doll Clothes
Jill's Fabric Designs
Helen's Handmades
Enchanted Designer

Vintique Designs 56
Lemieux Doll Boutique
Love2sew
AGSeamstress

Cindyrella's Closet
Mux Originals
Vebasews4u

That was a large-ish list! Well, hopefully if you guys are in a browsing mood, this will be a fun list for y'all. This list is by no means comprehensive and if readers have an Etsy seller to recommend, please feel free to do so in the comments!

And for those of you who are seamstresses, here is some advice. Even though you didn't really ask for it, I'm giving it anyway! If you are thinking about selling your dolly creations, please photograph them well and on an American Girl doll. Buyers like to see the item clearly and know how it will fit on an AG doll.

Also, if you are making modern clothing- look at human modern clothing for trendy styles and fabrics. This is why everyone is crazy about Liberty Jane Clothing- this designer is creatively inspired by tween and teen fashion trends on celebrities, on television, and in the fashion magazines. And as I said before, there is not a lot of punk and Goth items currently available. So yes, look at GAP and J. Crew designs for inspiration, but also look at stores like Hot Topic. ;)

As far as historical clothing goes, my best advice would be that if you are currently making it-- keep making it! The market is saturated with non-historical clothing and those sellers that make great historical clothing shine out like beacons in the night. AG releases many new contemporary outfits each year, and only a few historical items. This is why The Dollies' Dressmaker, Terristouch and Keepers Dolly Duds (for example) do so well. They are not really competing with AG's historical lines; they are simply expanding their potential (especially for those dolls that have been archived or have 200 retired outfits.)

And the most important advice I can give dolly clothing designers is that even if you are inspired by someone else's design or idea- either from a brand or another seamstress- never copy. Always be original and creative. Originality and creativity will help make your items stand out and be popular!

I hope this helps everyone, both buyers and sellers! :D