A Bubble For The Girl

Although I really like little girls in dresses as much as possible, Emma has explained to me (by loud protesting) that bubbles are more practical when you are learning to walk.  Who knew that short little legs could get tangled so fast in a dress!

Lucky for Emma, this bubble made by pattern #115 was hanging in the closet just waiting for someone to grow into it.  The pink print floral print is just right for spring and the bright pink gingham trim adds a pop of color.

I added the gingham band and piping to the collar.  Satin stitched flowers on the collar were quick and a small enough that they did not cause too much of a challenge.



Michie'

Skip The Tucks!

For the reader who asked, "How do you adjust the Dedication Bubble pattern to fit different size tucks" you are in luck since this post explains a little more about the pattern!  Several of my newer patterns, including #126 Dedication Bubble, are designed so that the tucks are sewn into a square piece of fabric then the front pattern piece is pinned on top and cut out.  This gives you the freedom to use the tuck guides included in the pattern, make up your own, or make a plain bubble as shown above.  I know that you are now asking if the Dedication Bubble can be made plain, why is it not shown on the pattern front?  An excellent question, and one that I have no answer for except that it didn't occur to me at the time!    

The bubble is made out of white linen with the Blanket Stitch edging the collar and sleeve.  The duck embroidery design can be found in the "Heirloom Embroidery Book."

Michie'

Same Pattern, Different Look

This is the same Dedication Bubble pattern used in the previous blog. Once again, the bubble is made from white linen with a couple of design changes.
This outfit features a collar, which is included in the pattern, and is trimmed with purchased Whipped Stitched Piping. Slightly larger tucks and a Shadow Embroidered goose help to give the outfit a more casual look.

Michie'

The Secret Weapon!

First of all, a closer look at the white linen bubble that Christian is wearing in the new Sew Beautiful Magazine.

The article in the magazine will give you step by step instructions for accurately marking the tiny tucks on the fabric which is the most important step!

And here is MY secret weapon for getting straight tucks. A presser foot with an adjustable guide. I don't even know what it is called! All I know is that it fits my Baby Lock Ellure sewing machine and that it is pretty magical!

Set the needle in the center position, then adjust the dial to set the white plastic guide for the tuck depth. The folded edge of the fabric, which will become the tuck, rests against the guide.

If your sewing machine will not accommodate a magical presser foot like this one, don't panic! I only discovered this little gem a few years ago and learned with accurate marking and a little patience, I could still get great tucks.

Michie'

A Sneak Peek

My preview copy of the new Sew Beautiful magazine arrived last week right in the middle of all of the Easter prep confusion! As always the magazine is full of sewing inspiration and great ideas.

The "For the Boys" article features Christian in a white linen Dedication Bubble. The article shares my years of experience and secrets to mastering tiny tucks! After a little practice you will never need to avoid a project with tucks again! :)

Stay tuned for more ideas for the Dedication Bubble.

Michie'

Easter Photos?

The babies did not think that sitting still for Easter pictures was a good idea at all!
They had other things on their minds, like exploring and eating grass.
Finally, they were both still for a split second and I got a decent photo.

What a wonderful time we had. A house full for Easter dinner, games, and babies to play with!

*We are now back and forth to Vanderbilt with doctor appointments and tests for Rex over the next month. We have a neurologist who is determined to get a firm diagnosis, prevent more strokes if possible and is planning on physical and speech therapy. Rex is also feeling much better on new medications, so we are greatly encouraged.

Michie'

The Easter Dress

The Easter dress is finished!!!! It has been a really long time since I have run this close to a deadline, but it has also been a really long time since we have had babies in the house.

I went for sweet and simple this year. Pink gingham with a white smocked insert, collar, and sleeve bands.

The dress is a size 18 month, so I adapted Little Memories "At the hop" for 6 rows of smocking and only smocked 2 bunnies. I used pattern #131 for the dress and shortened the front yoke to add the smocked insert and lengthened the back yoke to the correct length.

Now to finish the white fancy panties. I should be able to finish them while Emma is busy with breakfast in the morning!

Michie'

A Dress For Spring

Beautiful spring weather and a sweet blue and white print dress. A cool cotton print and a white Imperial Batiste collar edged with a bias strip of fabric and hand bridging. The instructions can be found in pattern #106 and in the Heirloom Embroidery Book.
Tiny hand embroidered flowers add a little color to the white collar.

Michie'