Bullion Stitched Bunny

This little boy's bubble, featured in Sew Beautiful magazine several years ago, will always be one of my favorites! Because of the classic style and simplicity of the pattern, #102 Pleated Bubble has remained one of my most popular patterns. The outfit is made from pale blue Imperial Broadcloth and the collar is trimmed with purchased white tatting which was stitched on by hand. The instructions for the bullion stitched bunny and the feather stitching are in the Heirloom Embroidery Book. The bunny is stitched with three strands of DMC floss and for the feather stitch I used one strand of floss. Always use a millner's needle for the bullion stitch for the best results. It is a fun stitch to master and is suitable for all types of garments.

First Day of Spring!

Today is the first day of Spring and it is time to begin thinking of Easter baskets and bunnies! This classic little boy's outfit can be made from pattern #113 Toddler Romper or #133 Baby Romper, and is a style that I enjoyed making for my own boys when they were small. For the fabric I chose yellow pique and white imperial batiste to give it a fresh spring look. The Easter basket and bunny designs are included in pattern #113 and in the Heirloom Embroidery Book, along with the Shadow Embroidery instructions. If you have not tried shadow embroidery, it is a fun and easy stitch and is perfect when you need a soft look. After the collar was completed I attached the white rickrack to the edge using yellow embroidery floss and a whip stitch. Rickrack has become extremely popular again and is a great edging for the boy garments. Can't you just see this outfit on your little guy on Easter morning?

First Easter Dress

This elegant little dress is perfect for baby's first Easter. The dress is made from pattern #104 Bubble/Dress using white Swiss Nelona with an overlay made from a purchased Swiss embroidery. The simplicity of the dress makes it an easy project for the new seamstress or for those who need a quick project. The dress could be lengthened for a dedication gown and embellished with you own embroidery.

Planning for Easter

Although it still feels like winter outside, it is time to start planning your Easter sewing! The planning can be as much fun as the actual sewing and can almost take as much time, so don't delay. Only one year did I get into a big time crunch as a new mother and was putting on the buttons the night before. I vowed that would not happen again. Experience also teaches us that life can suddenly get very busy, so after that I tried to have all outfits finished several weeks ahead of time! I will update the blog for the next few weeks with ideas for Easter outfits to help you get your imaginations going. Lets start thinking bunnies, Easter egg hunts, warmer weather and flowers!

This first outfit is one that I just completed this week. It is pattern #102 Pleated Bubble and is one of my most popular patterns. Because it is such a simple pattern and goes together quickly, I often use it while teaching classes. The outfit is made from blue and white linen and is embellished with a silk ribbon bunny. The bunny was stitched with 7mm white silk ribbon and literally took about 10 minutes to complete! The bunny's body was made with five straight stitches and his head with three. His ears are made with a lazy dasy stitch and his tail is a twice wrapped French knot. I think of bunnies as simple and sweet and so is this outfit!