Applique' Jon-Jon Details

As all sewers know, putting buttons on an outfit MUST be the hardest part, because we certainly put that little task off! Since Anna and Christian are still visiting, I am basically getting no sewing none, but I did manage to get the Jon-Jon finished.

I do so little machine applique' that I usually wait until Anna is around and we can do it together. Most people are surprised that I have not mastered the embroidery aspects of the sewing machine, but we all have to be good at something and I choose to let this be Anna's area.

We all decided that you can't help but smile when you look at the appliqued lobster on this summer Jon-Jon! The lobster came from Bunnycup Embroidery, one of our favorite websites.

Are you getting in summer sewing done?

Michie'

Size Chart

I now have an official size chart! The size chart may be viewed through the website with the individual patterns or you may click here to download a printable copy.

Isn't that a sweet face? Christian is now 5 weeks old and he and Anna are both doing great. Apparently this is the face you make after spitting up on everyone in the household.....

Michie'

Jon-Jon Tutorial

I know that pictures are often a huge help with instructions. The Jon-Jon pattern is very simple, but turning the leg openings can be a little confusing.

Here I have stitched together a Jon-Jon out of pale blue pique' and lined it with white Imperial Broadcloth. I am now to Fig.18 in the pattern instructions. You may start with either leg opening. Hold the side seam of the outfit in one hand and the side seam of the lining in the other.

Still holding the side seams, pull them out away from each other and up and over the outfit. You will continue until they are pulled over the top of the outfit and the right sides of the outfit side seam and the lining side seam meet.

Pin the two side seams together. My right hand is holding the pinned seams and my left hand is holding one of the crotch openings. Fig.19 shows lining these up together, and preparing to pin.

I have now pinned across the entire length of the leg opening. Fig.20.

Stitch the entire length of the leg opening and trim the seam to about 1/4". Fig.20

Fig.21 and 22, shows reaching into one of the crotch openings and pulling the outfit right side out. This picture shows me reaching in and by holding onto one of the shoulder piece, gently working the outfit right side out.

After turning the outfit right side out, you now have one leg opening completed. Follow the same instructions to complete the second leg opening.

I am now ready to complete the crotch openings and add buttons! You can look forward to a picture of the completed Jon-Jon and details about the embroidery design!

*I am aware that the website is down. I'm sure it will be up and running in no time at all!

Michie'

Summer Top and Shorts

Like many sewing projects, this outfit made by pattern #116, changed as a I went along. I guess that is when we call it "designing." I started out with this fun cotton print from Nashville Cotton Company. A bias trim was added to the edge of the collar and rick rack stitched on top.

As I worked on what started out as a dress, it dawned on me what a cute top it would make with green gingham shorts! I cut off about 8" from the bottom edge of the dress to make it the correct length. The shorts were made by pattern #121 and are super easy to make! Can't you just see Emma wearing this to the park next Summer?

Michie'

Adding A Contrasting Band To A Sleeve

We are having such an extra hot summer that many days all Christian needs is a little shirt with his diaper. The ecru and pale blue Imperial Batiste give this shirt a vintage look that I love. I felt like the blue fabric was needed some place besides the neckband, so I decided to add a band to the sleeves as well.

I cut off the sleeve along the Fold Line that is indicated on the pattern. A piece of fabric the length of the sleeve (you can see in the picture that I do few things exact) and 1" wide. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, the band was then stitched to the sleeve. The side seams of the shirt were then stitched and trimmed. Turning under 1/4" of the raw edge, the band was then slip stitched on the wrong side of the sleeve. * This is the same technique used in the pattern for the neckband.

Of course the shirt looks its' very best when on the baby! Our little guy is 1 month old today. How did that happen?

Michie'

More Jon-Jon Inspriation

A couple of months ago, one of Anna's friends asked her to help her get smocking and sewing for her little guy. They used my "Beginning Smocking Book" to get started and a couple of the designs in the book. The Jon-Jon pattern was still in the test stage, so it was perfect for them to go through and check the instructions for me.

Carrie caught right on to smocking and had just enough sewing background to get her off to a good start. She didn't even have a machine at the time and was borrowing Anna's.

Since then, Carrie now has a nice new sewing machine of her very own and I can tell that Carter has a lot of cute clothes in his future made by Mommy. Way the go Carrie!

Isn't he the cutest thing ever?

Michie'

A Little Jon-Jon Inspiration

Here are couple of the Jon-Jons that have I made by the new pattern. The first is made out of a green check that I bought not having a clue what I was going to do with at the time. I like having green fabric on hand since it works great for boys or girls.

The "Tiny Turtle" smocking design is original. Hopefully, space permitting, we will be seeing this outfit along with the design in Sew Beautiful Magazine next Summer.

Blue gingham is one of my all time favorite fabric. This Jon-Jon is a 3 month size and at the rate he is growing Christian should be able to wear it before long. It would also go into Fall with a little white polo shirt under it. This is also an original smocking design that I hope to see in the magazine in the future.

I have never been successful at graphing out Picture Smocking designs before although I had made several attempts. One day something in my brain clicked and I am now able to do basic designs! I think that this comes from all the beginners that I have taught over the years. I know what will come easy to you and what will be confusing. Since I do not have an interest in producing and selling smocking designs, you can watch the blog for occasional free designs that will be suitable for beginners.

Michie'

And The Winners Are.......

And the winners of the free Jon-Jon pattern #137 are..........

Pat, hutchinsonpat1@gmail.com

Elisabeth Rose

Shirley Clark

If you ladies would please e-mail me your full name and address at crmichie@aol.com , I will get your patterns in the mail.

Thank you for entering the giveaway by taking time to leave your comments. I always love hearing from each and everyone of you!

Michie'

New Jon-Jon Pattern!

At last I have a Jon-Jon pattern to add to my collection! My boys wore Jon-Jon's all the time and I have known ever since we found out that Christian was a boy that I needed to get busy. Anna and I managed to have it completed the week before he was born. I actually took it to the printers the day after he was born, where my good friends there informed me that I looked terrible and needed to get some sleep. Finally the patterns are packaged, added to the website and ready to ship. On the website you can also see a completed outfit made from green check and smocked with little turtles.

Every little boy needs a Jon-Jon and this pattern is super easy to make and includes sizes 3 - 24 months. It is fully lined, can be made long or short, is great for smocking or applique'. The pattern accommodates 6 or 8 rows of smocking.

In celebration of completing my project, I am going to give away a pattern to 3 lucky winners! Just leave a comment on this blog and I will randomly pick out 3 winners Friday morning. Good luck!

Michie'

Our Little Cutie

Know how to make my day? Just e-mail me a picture of this cutie in the sundress that I sent home with her! Hard to believe that our girl is 6 months old now and trying to sit up! I really really need to be there to kiss those fat cheeks!

Michie'