Wellie Wishers Bed

With my daughters’ and I’s love of the new American Girl Wellie Wishers line I knew it wouldn’t be long before we needed a few doll beds sized just right for them.  I have always been intrigued by doll furniture crafted from CPVC.  I reached out to Kristen at ClubMatilda.com in July 2016 and requested a Wellie Wishers sized pattern.  I was thrilled when Kirsten considered the request and released a pattern this September 2016.  So with a leap of faith I purchased the necessary supplies per the pattern and got to work.  A huge THANK YOU goes out to my sponsor, Lowes and Amy T., for the supplies for this project.

Wellie Wishers bed inspiration came from the loft bed in the Wellie Wishers Playhouse.

The bed frame was super EASY and fun to make.  The step by step directions from AptOne8 were perfect…easy to follow and understand.  I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to start working with CPVC.  I did purchase the cutters they suggested…made cutting the CPVC like a hot knife to butter!  I did glue all joints together as advised in directions.  The bed is very sturdy after gluing.  It will definitely hold up to play. We liked the almond color of the CPVC and chose not to paint it.  You can find this pattern here: https://clubmatilda.com/product/cpvc-plans-snug-as-a-bug-collection-twin-bed/

You can see that the Wellie dolls fit perfectly in this bed!

Now to create the bed mattress and bedding.  Club Matilda does offer patterns for the mattress and bedding which you can find here:  https://clubmatilda.com/product/pattern-snug-as-a-bug-collection-basic-bedding-set/ and here: https://clubmatilda.com/product/pattern-snug-as-a-bug-collection-ruffled-bedspread-pillow-sham/

I did not use the Club Matilda patterns for the mattress pad and bedding. The AptOne8 bedding is GORGEOUS, but it was above my daughters’ sewing skills so I created my own which I will share with you today.  I wanted my daughters to be able to join in on the sewing, so I kept my pattern very simple.

1.  A piece of prepackaged foam was purchased.  I used one inch thick foam.
2. I was able to get two mattresses from this one piece.  I cut each piece 7 inches wide by 16 inches long.  I used an electric knife to cut the foam.  It is thin and will cut with scissors just as easily.
3. Take your desired fabric (we chose white to keep it neutral – that way top bedding can easily be changed up) and fold over bottom end of foam.
4. Pin along each side.

5.  Remove foam.

6.  Stitch up each side where pins where placed.  Trim off excess material, leaving 1/8 inch hem.

7.  At each bottom corner, stitch in a 1/2 inch seam/tuck.

8.  Right-side out and restuff with foam.

9.  You can see how sewing the corner tuck will give you a nice squared corner.

10.  For the other end of the mattress, it will be sewn like a present.  Fold in sides and stitch in place.

11. Bring long sides together and pin in place.  Trim off excess material if needed.  Fold in edges (pins may need to be removed).  Press if needed to keep flat.

12.  Sew straight stitch to close.

The coverlet/bedspread was created by taking two 14 inch wide by 21 inch long pieces of coordinating fabric.  With like sides together, the two long sides and bottom where sewn together.  Right-side out.  Then a 1/4 inch batting (13 x 19-1/4 inches) was placed inside for a slight fullness.  The top fabric edges were folded in and a zig-zag stitch was used to close the casing shut.

The throw pillows were created from 4 x4 inch fabric.  Like sides sewn together on three sides.  A small opening was left on bottom to right side out fabric.  A clip art image was printed onto Jolee’s transfer sheets, cut, and ironed onto the pillows.  Each daughter got to pick own pillow graphic and color.  This adorable fox art that looks very similar to AGs pillow art can be found here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/280032872/fox-clipart-foxes-vector-graphics-foxes?ga_search_query=fox&ref=shop_items_search_3 .  Once graphic was ironed in place, the pillow was stuffed and with a simple over handed stitch, the opening was closed.

The bed pillow was made be tracing a 4×6 index card.  Sewing steps as above for throw pillow.  For the pillow case I cut a piece of fabric 4-1/2 inches wide x 16 1/4 inches long.  I folded (right sides together) in half and stitched along each side.  I turned right-side out.  I tucked in edges of pillow and sewed a zig-zag stitch all around to create a seam……seam was created 1 inch from edge.  For a great tutorial on bed pillows see here: http://matildajo.com/doll-sized-bed-pillow/

Looks cozy!  I did attach Velcro dots to the bottom of the mattress and bed frame to keep the mattress from slipping during play.

My daughters wanted the beds to be part of our treehouse/playhouse makeover so they placed the beds under the treehouse cabin.  A perfect fit!  I can’t wait to start my next CPVC project!

Craft on!