Fabric Markers For Embroidery

I'm often asked about marking fabric for embroidery.  My all time favorite is the Dritz brand fine tip water erasable fabric marking pen. The traced design shows up nicely on light colored fabric and rinses away in cold water once the embroidery is completed.

Tracing the design:
The white broadcloth was thin enough to lay directly on the design and trace.  For denser fabric you can tape the design and fabric to a brightly lit window which gives the effect of a light box.  Turning a clear baking dish upside down and placing a small flashlight underneath also works well. After years and years of transferring designs, I recently bought a 10" by 12" light box from Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon.  The light box has become a well loved addition to my creative space!

Our "Heirloom Embroidery Book" includes 16 basic stitches along with many embroidery designs to choose from.

Michie'

Blanket Stitch A Bunny Applique'

With Easter rapidly approaching I felt the need to stitch some simple bunnies.  A new dishtowel, floral fabric scraps, and brown embroidery floss were all the were needed to give my kitchen a touch of Spring!

Click here for the free down loadable Bunny Applique and instructions. 

Michie'

Featured Patterns #115 and #120

#115

The classic bubble, is great for baby boy or girl.  Choose from four collar styles, perfect for purchased trim or faggoting.  The bubble allows for six rows of smocking or soft gathers across the front.   Embroidery designs and faggoting instructions are included in the pattern.

Sizes:  3 - 24 mos.

 

#120

The sunsuit and dress button at the shoulders of a simple round yoke.  The sunsuit sports soft pleats, while the dress has sweet gathers for fullness.  The yoke offers a perfect place for embroidery, piping, or lace.

Sizes:  3- 24 mos.

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'

Button Organization

In my ever ending attempt to organize my buttons in a manner that keeps them grouped together leading to, "wow, here are the right buttons for the right project" I am trying small zip bags.  The little bags are intended for jewelry making and came packaged as 100 for $1.99.  Now, instead of a drawer of loose buttons and partly used cards of buttons, they are in the bags with color groups pinned together.  I find it a bit exciting to open the drawer and be able to tell, in just a few seconds, if I already have appropriate buttons on hand for my latest project.

I know you are wondering who on earth has time to sit and sort buttons!  Well, it is snowing hard, which is unusual for our area, so I found this to be a good project to work on while also being able to sit in front of the window watching the formation of a winter wonderland!  :)

Michie'