Inspired By Buttons

This is not the first time in my many years of sewing that I fell in love with buttons and designed an outfit around them!  I often use pretty buttons as the focal point and keep the rest of the outfit simple. Pattern #133 had the look I was going for and navy DMC floss tied the white pique' fabric and white and navy buttons together.

To keep things simple, I added a Running Stitch to the collar.

Is there a secret for keeping the stitching straight and even?  Yes there is!  

Cut out the collars; starch and press.  Using a wash-away marker, mark the seam allowance around the outer edge of the collar.  Thread the sewing machine with thread the same color as the collar.  Set the stitch length to the length you would like your Running Stitch and stitch 1/4" from the seam allowance.  Thread a hand sewing needle with 3 strands of embroidery floss and stitch the Running Stitch close to the machine stitching using it as a guide.  When the stitching is completed, tie off the floss and pull out the machine stitching.  Attach the lining to the collar and complete the garment.  :)

Little tricks and tips go a long way to achieve a profession look.

Michie'

Featured Patterns #111 and #112

 Pattern #111
A dedication bubble suitable for those special occasions.  The bubble features pleats down the front with a choice of three  collars. Detailed instructions are included for adding your favorite laces along with a selection of embroidery designs.

Sizes:  3 - 24 mos.

Pattern #112
The Christening Gown has  front and back pleats and three-quarter length sleeves.  With a choice of three heirloom collars the gown may be given a tailored look or dressed up with lace insertion and embroidery.  A selection of embroidery designs and slip pattern are included.  The finished gown length is 29”.

Sizes:  3 - 12 months

Michie'

Featured Patterns #107 and #109

The  banded bubble,  is  a one-piece bubble with a two-piece  look.    Choose from two classic collar styles or a simple neckband.  Mock suspenders attach at the shoulders and at the front waistband. Collars may be trimmed with piping or embroidery.

The infant shirt and diaper cover includes a traditional shirt with a Peter Pan collar which may be trimmed with piping, lace, faggoting or a simple neckband.  A soft pleat in the center back provides fullness for comfort.  The diaper cover has elastic in the back and at the leg openings and buttons in front.  A selection of embroidery designs are included.

Michie'

Featured Patterns #101 and #102

We will be featuring a few patterns each week to show off our new look and share some sewing inspiration.  Our new website is still in the works, so although the patterns on the website show the old version everything sent out is now the new look!

A daygown is a lovely addition to baby's wardrobe.  The pattern offers the choice of either a plain yoke suitable for embroidery or a smocked version. Three different sleeves to choose from and a drawstring version adds variety for the sewer to choose from.
 *The smocking design shown is Ellen McCarn's "Mo-stroloy".

The pleated bubble features a center box pleat and is suitable for baby boy or girl.  Choose from two classic collar styles or a simple neckband.  Embroidery designs for the round collar of front pleat are included in the pattern.


Michie' 

Coming This Spring

Long or short pants with suspenders for the boys.  I have enjoyed testing the pattern using plaid suiting fabric that I found on sale.  Perfect for the boy who can't be still!

Michie'

Little Pumpkins For Fall

Inspiration for the "Little Pumpkin" smocking design can be found in the latest issue of Sew Beautiful magazine. I love that pumpkins are suitable all through the Fall, not just one holiday. The lovely orange of the pumpkins also works nicely with many different colors of fabric.

The smocking design can be found in the magazine or on the blog.  The dress is made by pattern #135 and the bubble by #115.

Michie'

A Sunsuit For Hot Summer Days

#132

 

For hot summer days, what could be cooler than a white pique' sunsuit?  The design for the hand embroidered puppy is included in the pattern.


Michie'

Smocking Makes The News!

If you have watched any news at all over the last few weeks you might have noticed that a certain famous baby has been spotted wearing lovely smocked outfits.  Although smocking is a very old technique' it became very popular some 30 years ago when the baby's daddy appeared in public in smocked outfits.  Those pictures way back then, and the fact that I had 3 little boys had a lot to do with my learning to smock. 

Because "classic" never goes out of style, these designs have been in my collection for quite some time along with a sailboat smocking design.  The bubble is pattern #115 and the dress is pattern #131.  Click here for the free down loadable smocking design.

Michie'

 

Sew Beautiful "Favorite Heirloom Sewing"

What a thrill to have been picked for the latest Sew Beautiful publication "Favorite Heirloom Sewing."  The photos of my garments appeared in the magazine several years ago soon after I started the business.  I was so excited to receive the call that they wanted a selection of garments to choose from.  What an honor it has been over the years to work with the magazine and staff and how sad to hear this week that the magazine is being discontinued this Summer.  It was a corporate decision and I don't believe a reflexion on the interest in sewing. 

I will continue to create and inspire with classic children's  designs in an effort to keep the craft of sewing for our little ones alive and well.

Michie'

 Pattern #111



 Pattern #108, pattern #104, and pattern #119.

 Pattern #106, pattern #124, and pattern #111.

Pattern #114, pattern #113, and pattern #107.



Bubble With Embroidered Anchors

Coming up in the May/June issue of Sew Beautiful Magazine .....a sweet little bubble with Bullion embroidered anchors.  Blue and white gingham around the neck and a tutorial for binding the sleeves and stitching the anchors.

Michie'

A Yellow Romper For Spring

How about a jumpsuit made out or yellow Imperial Broadcloth or maybe Pique'? And a little something to do with that cute "Baby Bunnies" smocking design.  :)

Michie'

Baby Bunnies To Embroidery

Is your Spring sewing all planned out?  I'm still making a final decision on a special Easter dress.  In the meantime, here are some ideas for a simple baby bunny embroidery design. 

Classic dress #131

Classic Bubble #115

Baby Dress #122

Dedication Bubble #126

Pleated Daygown #119

A smocked version of the bunnies is almost ready to share.  :)

Michie'

A Bullion Bunny

A bullion stitched bunny from the "Heirloom Embroidery" book, is a great way to add a special touch to a garment when time is short.    Try stitching a few bunnies in a row or in different colors!

A few tucks along with a bullion bunny makes a special Easter outfit.

Michie'

Smocked Daygown

A smocked daygown for baby made out of soft white flannel and smocked with "Baby Rattles" from the "Beginning Smocking" book.  The "Baby Rattles" are a good introduction to picture smocking and include a detailed tutorial.

Michie'

Featured Box Pleat

 Add interest to a plain yoke by adding a box pleat.  Instructions can be found in Sew Beautiful Magazine Feb/Mar 2014.

Winter Sewing

The new Sew Beautiful Magazine has arrived and is full of wonderful ideas for winter sewing.

Not wanting to let the baby boys to be left out, I once again have something in the magazine especially for them.  A long sleeve daygown made out of mint pima cotton with a sweet little train embroidered on the front yoke.  

It had a couple of winter babies and this is just the type of gown that looked so sweet on them.  

Michie'