#113 Pattern of the Week!

The pattern of the week is #113! The romper pattern includes 3 different style collars and includes sizes 2- 5.

Made from green and white pique', a 4" by 4" pocket was added to the front of the romper. The machine embroidered puppy is from "Bunnycup Embroidery."

I found this fabric several years ago and just had to have it! It took hardly anytime at all to hand embroidery tepees onto the square collar.

Made from yellow pique' this romper is perfect for Easter.

Shadow Embroidery shows up nicely on the Imperial Batiste collar. The collar edge is trimmed with tiny rickrack which I attached by hand with yellow DMC floss.

This striped fabric is from Nashville Cotton and features a Shadow Embroidered whale on the collar. Instructions for Shadow Embroidery, along with the Easter and Whale designs can be found in the "Heirloom Embroidery" book.

If you would like the romper in smaller sizes, pattern #133 is the same romper in sizes 3 month to 24 month.

Don't forget that we can only sew for the boys for a short time, so don't let the time get away!

Michie'

Girl Road Trip

Anna and I will be traveling to Tulsa, OK this week! We will be meeting Sylvia from "Sylvia's Delicate Stitches" and a group of ladies for two days of classes!

Friday, will be the "Bias Bound Baby Daygown" class, which is an adaption of pattern #128. The ladies will construct the gown, sew on the bias binding and work on the embroidery in class.

The second day, will be the "Beginning Heirloom Sewing" class. The ladies will either choose from this variation of pattern #126 for a boy's bubble or #127 if they had rather make a dress.

They will learn hints for making tiny tucks and lace shaping.

Gathering lace to entredeux, stitching entredeux to fabric, and several other heirloom techniques.

They will also learn several embroidery stitches to add a touch of elegance to their outfits.
This is the longest road trip that Anna and I have taken by ourselves and we are both pretty excited about the 9 hour drive!!! But, we can't think of anything that could come up that we can't handle and we are really excited about the adventure and spending several days together! I will be sure to take class pictures and let you know how the road trip goes.
Michie'

Other Things Besides Sewing

Although the intention of my blog is normally to inspire you to sew, this blog is to inspire you to enjoy the great outdoors. Sometimes the best trips are spur of the moment. We pulled out the picnic basket that I got him for Christmas, stopped at the grocery store deli, and headed up the mountain to the park.

On the way we could see storm clouds forming, but decided to continue. We could always eat in the car!

By the time we arrived the rain had stopped and it was about 10 degrees cooler.

We enjoyed the evening and a walk around the lake.

"More picnics", is a goal that we are taking very seriously this summer! What is your summer goal?

Michie'

Making A Bias Tube

I had few questions about making the bias tube for Bridging or Faggoting around a collar.
First, measure around the outer edge of the collar to determine the length of the bias strip. Fold the fabric at a 90% angle and cut along the fold.

Fold the fabric again to a depth of about 1" and cut along the fold. You now have your bias strip.

Fold the bias strip in half and stitch ABOUT 1/16" from the folded edge. *This is the goal, but this measurment may need to be adjusted depending on the weight of the fabric.

Do not cut off the thread tails! These will be used when turning the bias tube. Trim the excess fabric off of the bias strip, leaving a little less than 1/16".

There are several good loop turning tools on the market, but my favorite remains the most inexpensive! It is made by Dritz, is easy to find at most fabric and craft stores and is under $5!

Run the loop turner through the bias tube and securely wrap the thread tails around the hook at the end of the loop turner. Say a prayer, hold your mouth just right, and gently begin to pull the loop turner back through the tube, gently pulling the tube right side out.

Press the bias strip and continue with your project!

I consider it a good day if the the strip turns easily on the first try, so don't be discouraged if this takes a little practice.

Michie'

Why I Do What I Do!

For the love of fabric?

For the love of buttons?

For the love of pretty things?

No! I design and create, so that I can receive those wonderful e-mails that say, "I used your pattern and made this myself!" One of life's rewards is knowing that you have helped someone else find their own creative spirit! Are you teaching someone to sew?

*All pictures were taken at "The Stitchin' Post" in Little Rock, AR.

Michie'

Bridging or Faggoting Tips

Here is an up close and personal look at Bridging (Faggoting) along with a few tips. I first fell in love with this technique 32 years ago when I recieved a Feltman Brothers outfit as a baby gift for my oldest. (32 years ago......that actually hurt to write!) Anyway, it wasn't until I started working at our local Heirloom Sewing store that I found good instructions and could give it a try! It is a very old technique used to attach lace or a tiny bias band to fabric.

I discovered that the biggest secret is basting the fabric and lace to piece of light weight interfacing. This keeps the two pieces the correct distance apart. Try not to stitch into the interfacing. My thread of choice at the moment is a polyester/cotton blend sewing machine thread. I find that the thread tangles less if I use Bee's Wax on the thread.

This is not a complicated stitch. It just takes a little practice getting the spacing or the stitches correct and remembering to keep the thread under the needles for each stitch. The instructions for the Bridging (Faggoting) are included in many of my patterns and the "Heirloom Embroidery" book.

I would love to hear if you are giving this technique a try!
Michie'

The Quest for the Right Fabric

We are always on a quest for the right fabric for the right project. I decided to try Martha Pullen's Classic Cotton for this bubble made from pattern #129. The fabric is a soft 100% cotton and is a nice weight. Some of us who have packed away garments made of polyester/cotton blends have discovered that they are starting to discolor. Because of that, I always recommend using 100% cotton for your treasured creations.

Because I was not sure if this was the right fabric, I started out one step at a time. I experimented with the tiny tucks to see if they would stitch and press in neatly. Next I tried making the bias tube for the the Bridging (Faggoting) around the collar. Once I decided that the results were what I wanted I continued on with the outfit.

I was thrilled with fabric and finished outfit! After the outfit was completed I decided to add the little belt to give it a more tailored look. This outfit reminds me of one that all three of my boys wore years ago, so you know it is one of my favorites.

Michie'