I'm Glad That Someone Is Getting To Sew!

 Although I am not having time to sew at the moment....I'm glad someone is!  These cute pictures can be found at http://mommysapronstrings.blogspot.com/  I love what she did with pattern #110.

And most of all I love what she did with the fabric.  Great work!

What am I doing these days that could possibly more important than sewing?  Well.....one of the blog readers commented that I sounded "real" when I posted about the Easter sewing rush.  My life is more than a little "real" right now.  My office/sewing room has become sweet Emma's bedroom while she, Mommy, and Daddy stay with us while waiting for their new house just 5 minutes from us instead of in Arizona!  No complaints here, I get to see her little face and visit with Mommy and Daddy everyday!  Next, Daniel is home for a couple of weeks before heading back to South Korea, so a whole lot of visiting and catching up is going on.  

And last and most importantly, we are still dealing with Rex's health issue.  I am actually writing this from a hotel room in downtown Nashville, so we can be at the clinic first thing in the morning for a 3 to 6 hour memory test.  A 2 hour drive here, a little shopping on the way, and I mean a little, he didn't last long at the mall. I then found the clinic, found the hotel, found a restaurant for dinner, and now I am just glad to be back in the room.  I expect a long morning then the drive back home, where I will drive and he will sleep.  I made sure to bring plenty of good CDs to listen to on the way home this time!  We will not know anything until the end of the month, we are getting really good at waiting, and are praying for results that will move us forward.  Right now going back to work doesn't seem likely, but he is having more good days, is able to play a few family games with us, and Emma thinks that Grandda is the only one who can read her favorite book to her.  The last 3 months have been long and hard as we try to adjust to our new normal, but we are confident that God will continue with us on this journey.

Michie'

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'