What’s a Crop-a-dile and who’s up next for a doll dress?

I’m sure you’ve all heard of a crocodile but how about a Crop-a-dile… anyone? It’s a fun punch tool that sets snaps, eyelets, grommets or you can just use the holes for lacing up if you like. I’ll give you a brief demonstration… I bought mine at Joann Fabrics about 2 years ago when they were on sale. It was normally about $29.99 if I remember correctly. Kind of a high priced item but I was wanting it to make eyelets for Kirsten’s dirndl’s mostly…

[If you click on the pictures they will enlarge.]

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I kept the package because the directions are on the back.

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It has a little prong on one side and a little dome shaped prong on the other and when they are pressed together… voila!!…a hole is punched.

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It can do lots of things like punch holes in your fabric, leather, paper, etc, but it also can set eyelets or grommets too. It’s a hand held punch and is pretty simple to use, but does take a little getting used to when setting eyelets or you’ll get them backwards… (don’t ask me how I know that!)

I got a little carried away the first day I had it…

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Okay… now how about that riddle…

This dolls name has 7 vowels… Josefina Montoya

The name of her pet that ended with an “A” was her pet goat, Sombrita

Josefina was born in 1815 and those numbers…1 + 8 + 1 + 5 = 15

What piece of her furniture generally sells high on Ebay? Her piano

Okay, now back to the Crop-a-dile… I’m using it to make a new pair of moccasins for Josefina.

The moccasins she came with were pretty awful, so I took them apart to use them for a pattern.

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I cut out the new ones from that cherry red Ultrasuede dress I found at the Thrift Shop.

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Here’s a good start…

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Ahhh… much better than the old ones…

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I haven’t looked in my stash for laces yet, but I’ll find something to tie them up with.

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This is the fabric Josefina and I picked out for her debut dress!

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See how well it goes with her shoes?

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Oh my goodness, I think she’s a pretty doll!

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Now lets hope I don’t have any interruptions so I can get going on her new dress!

Oh, one more thing… Amma’s under blouse fit her perfectly when I took it to her today. She was excited and said she’d have someone take pictures of her in the whole Sari tomorrow. Just wanted to let you know…

See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne

10 thoughts on “What’s a Crop-a-dile and who’s up next for a doll dress?”

  1. There are so many wonderful “contraptions” out there for seamstresses, that make a world of difference to someone that uses them, Jeanne! I have to “make-do” when I need something like the crop-a-dile! Yes, those are pricey, but I guess worth it when you use them a lot.

    Oh, so Josefina is your next model! I kind of thought so, but wasn’t sure. I love the way you made her new shoes and they do go well with the fabric you picked out. She looks wonderful in brightly colored prints and solids with her coloring. Can’t wait to see her finished dress, and the complete sari outfit you made!

    I hope it warms up today—and I can’t believe I’m saying that!!!

    1. HI Linda,
      I guess I could have used an awl for a punch, but this is much more fun!

      Yes, Josefina is up next and she’s thrilled to be on top of my cutting table watching me make her first dress. You’re right, Josefina does look so pretty in the brighter colors!

      Don’t count on a warm up today at least… it’s pretty cool out there today…
      Thanks so much, Linda,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  2. I never would have guessed Josefina, Jeanne! One, I forgot you had Josefina, and two, I had no idea she even had a piano. Really, she did? I learn something new every day! LOL!
    That Crop-a-dile looks like a nifty little gadget. I used an awl to make additional lace holes in Gina’s boots, but they don’t match the others. This probably would’ve worked much better. Now, I need a Perfect Pleater AND a Crop-a-dile.
    Those little booties look SO much easier to make than Ten Ping’s. One try and perfection! You deserve that after all of the work you put into the other shoes, and you didn’t even have to feel bad taking apart the originals.
    Have a great “sewing Sunday”, Jeanne! (hopefully)

    1. HI Cindy,
      Yes, it’s Josefina’s turn and yes, she had this square piano… at one time it was averaging about $650 on Ebay.
      Her new moccasins were a piece of cake compared to Ten Ping’s tiny little shoes!
      I’m trying to make it into my sewing room, but haven’t gotten there yet… DISHES… from the last 2 days were in my sink… first things first! First I work, then I play!
      Thanks Cindy,
      Blessings, Jeanne

  3. Lucky Josefina! I found her name to have the 7 vowels but I know nothing about her story, family or pet. She is a beauty though and the material you chose is perfect including her shoes! I think you have mastered shoes! Can’t wait to see the outfit you will be making her.
    Also, can’t wait to see the finished sari. Your sewing abilities just amaze me. Your sewing room must be an unbelievable sanctuary of sewing!
    Blessings and enjoy your Sunday.

    1. Thanks so much Paula,
      I’m hoping Josefina’s shoes don’t look too “matchy-matchy” with her dress…

      I got some pictures of Amma and a few other girls in Sari’s this morning and will share them when I get a chance…
      Blessings, Jeanne

  4. Love Josefina’s replacement shoes. Can’t wait to see what you have in mind for the new dress to match.

    1. Thank you Joy,
      I’m thinking Josefina’s new shoes HAVE to feel better on the inside than her old worn out ones did! I hope her dress meets your expectations…
      Blessings, Jeanne

  5. Que linda tambien (how pretty also). Josefina’s ropa nueva son muy bonita. ( Josfefina’s new clothes are very pretty). You did a beautiful job on the vestido y los zapatos ( dress and shoes). El color rojo es perfecto para su. ( Red is perfect for her).
    I couldn’t resist answering in Spanish.
    Josefina’s piano is crazy expensive. The GOTY Grace’s bakery just sold out and an eBay seller now has the $500 item listed at $1229.99. I guess for desperate parents for Christmas. I wouldn’t have considered it at $500 when my daughter was a child. We often made things.

    1. HI Laura,
      How appropriate that you should comment in Spanish! I love it!
      When I checked on her piano I thought the same thing… crazy expensive! I could never do that and would just have to look for a substitute… It’s funny how some things turn out to be the biggest sellers for the dolls.
      Thanks so much for your comments…
      Blessings, Jeanne

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