Sandra NZ (New Zealand) recently wrote an article for her local Barbie club newsletter and had this to say about using MFB On the Runway pattern for Campus Belle Dress:

"Now the treat I have saved till last to cheer you up and give a little encouragement is a wonderful webb site to get patterns from for our vintage dolls. (most seem to be designed to make up and look like our favourite originals)

"This lady (Shirley) is wonderful, sooooo helpfull, she posts international and combines several pattens into one parcel to reduce postage. I joined ebay and paypal just to give these patterns a try and I have to say the first one I made up last weekend went together like a dream! It is called Campus Belle. The only alteration I made was a sharper V to the neckline. Sewing tips she gives are great. On this one the suggestion made was to do a tissue template to place over the bodice pieces and stitch right through all layers, where the armhole is you can follow the line exactly on the tissue to get the perfect shape you need. I also found doing the small bow for the front hard (that was just me not the pattern!) and ended up using a slim piece (approx 1/4 inch wide) of light iron on fabric to fold the bow fabric over then press to hold it all in place helped me get it right. The shape for the bust is actually made with folds and once the center front seam is pressed open just seems to fall into the right place and this different construction gives that neat vintage look and feel to the garment. This site also has the older Aileens pattern which I have not tried. I just LOVE Shirleys 'On the Runway' look and am sticking with them! Highly recommended!"

Wonderful job Sandra, love the color of the dress and the accessories! Thanks for your kind words.

Return to Campus Belle