My girls both got a doll from American Girl for Christmas this year.  My Emma got a new full sized girl, and gave her baby to her little sister Victoria.  They both got gift cards too so they could pick something out at the store themselves.  Me, I got a sewing machine.  I just couldn't see letting the girls waste their money (gift cards from their grandmom) on things that I could make.  Here's what I came up with for them.  I used three different patterns by Simplicity that I purchased at Walmart for $1.97 each.  I love how different you can make something cut with the same pattern by using different materials, trims, and patterns.
Here's what I came up with. 
Meet Jessica.  She is Emma's new American Girl and is loving living with Emma so far.  
  | 
| This is the unfinished purple dress.  I had considered stopping right here and pinning a little to make it a shirt.  However, Emma was a little disappointed with the lack of fullness that the white dress had to offer.Therefore, I pressed on.    | 
  | 
| This is one of the pattens that I used; I found it at Wal Mart. | 
  | 
| Quite full, and rufflie I think. | 
  | 
| Emma really wanted to buy the "Special Occasion Dress" from American Girl, but I just couldn't see letting her spend so much money on something that I could make.  It's not exactly the same, but I tried to capture the details for her.  Purple waste line, white bow to one side.. slightly gathered shoulder band. | 
  | 
| I added a few inches to the hem of the dress and omitted the ruffle, adding lace for length and girly detail.   | 
  | 
| I pleated the collar line of this shirt a little to give a more flattering shape to it. | 
  | 
| I cut leaves out of felt, and added a button to add interest to this simple blouse. | 
  | 
| Victoria is always excited when I give her something new for her sweet Sarah. | 
So that's it for now, Victoria would really like more things for Sarah, her baby.
All of the dresses are made using the same pattern, just a little tweeking here and there to get a different look.  The shirts for both dolls are made from the same pattern.  I did not make the shoes, jeans or actual hat.  The headband I made to fit on just Jessica's head, or as a hat band over the hat.  
  | 
| Here;s the inspiration dress... It's more different than I realized...  | 
  | 
| I think that I will try to make a dress like this next... I think that it is Sarah's turn.  |