Disboutiquers Part 28 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[pyrxtc]

two questions....

1) if I make a reversible dress then what kind of zipper do I get ? Should I try to use snaps instead of a zipper? I don't know how that would work.

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

 

[Teamtori]

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

I'm not sure about the zipper question but as far as the paper patterns..I find that a lot of stuff on YCMT is more "boutique" looking than a lot of paper patterns, I like the simple instructions and step by step pictures. To me, some of the "traditional" pattern instructions are difficult for me to understand and I have to call my mom to translate! You can also print the pattern in different sizes, so you can use the same pattern for a lot of things. And I like that the paper is thicker than the tissue paper patterns. Mine always gets crinkled up and it is harder to store. I still use purchased patterns from time to time but it get far more success with the printed ones.

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

two questions....

1) if I make a reversible dress then what kind of zipper do I get ? Should I try to use snaps instead of a zipper? I don't know how that would work.

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

I can't help with the zipper either, I've only done an Aline dress reversible, and I used buttons on the top. As for the e-patterns, it's like TeamTori said, they're more boutique than traditional patterns are, and usually have a greater size range. And since each size is printed on different pages (usually) the pattern can be used multiple times. I only print the size I need, and never the directions. Its usually not too many pages that way. I just follow along with the computer as I sew. I've stored them on my iPad, so I can have that in my lap as needed on something that I might be having trouble with. For beginners the e-patterns with all the pics, especially CarlaC, its like a mini sewing lesson. Lots of ladies here hadn't sewn a stitch in years, if ever, now create great things starting with her patterns.

 

[squirrel]

Yikes! I missed a move and haven't even checked out the Disboutique Board in months.

I haven't been doing much sewing since Christmas, not sure if I even posted any of the Eye Spy Bags I made.

I've made another Rapunzel dress for a friend's girl, a pillowcase dress and a peasant dress out of a pillowcase for my niece.

I'm going with my mom on my next trip so I don't need to make any Disney dresses. Kind of miss making them. I guess I could get started on some Christmas gifts.

 

[Sandi S]

Here are some items I recently did for Justin's BG that the family has received. Amy helped by buying the shirts, Heather helped by giving us all the designs, and Amy paid for the shipping. Amy's dd Allison also enclosed an AWESOME picture in the package.

Peter Pan is for Justin, Captain Hook is for Hayden and Callie naturally gets twirly Tink.

I am not thrilled with the Tink -- the greens all lined up as did the lavenders but there was no way to make it look good -- I like the Tink I did for Glo much better. I still think it's decent though and hope Callie enjoys the dress (she's modeling it in the ptr).

Boy's Shirts:

Dress:

Some close ups:

Those are great! I really like the Tink dress a lot!

Ladies, I have a huge problem. I just discovered there is a HUGE fabric store about 2 minutes from my work!!!

I went there during my lunch break! They have a HUGE selection, but it is a little pricey. A lot of stuff was 10.99 a yard but it was so cute! And I found some really cute Wizard of Oz material on clearance for $5.99, so that is cool. The best part is they offer a lot of classes, including a four hour beginning sewing class, including how to do zippers!! And it is $35, so I might do that, just as a good refresher. The last time I sewed a zipper was in home ec, and that was in...1989? They also have a class on sewing cloth diapers and quilting.

Anyway, I'm excited about that. Do you all have any favorites for getting fabric? Do you shop at big stores mostly or from ebay? Etsy? Where can I get good prices?

Also, Tori is going to be an ambassador for the Ride for Wishes, which is a motorcycle ride to raise money for Make a Wish. I'd like to make a "Disney motorcycle" themed outfit for her to wear. Are there any cool "Tough Mickey" appliques or fabrics? I am probably going to get some "flame" kind of fabric since a lot of their bikes have that.

It sounds like you found a good store! I shop at all kinds of places - it all depends on what I need/want/am dying to have...of course, I really need to make more of an effort to shop the hundreds of yards of fabric in my garage first!

two questions....

1) if I make a reversible dress then what kind of zipper do I get ? Should I try to use snaps instead of a zipper? I don't know how that would work.

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

1. Use snaps.

2. I use magazines a lot - particularly Ottobre. I trace those patterns.

 

[VBAndrea]

Thanks to all for the compliments on the TInk dress

Andrea...I keep looking at the embroidery on your dress, and I'm falling in love. I= I haven't done any on a patchwork before...what size did you make your squares? I've got the stuff to do a Minnie one here ready to go, I might add some embroidery to it.

I vary the sizes depending on the size of the child. In this case, because I appliqued on the squares with 4x4 designs, I made the top row 5" x 5" . Then I keep the same height but do 1.5 times the length for the second row. So my second row was 5" x 7.5 and third row was 5" x 11.25 inches -- and I quite possibly rounded up and made the second row 5" x 8" and the third row 5" x 12" -- sometimes I will do it 1.75 times wider as I go down. I don't know what size ruffle I put on this dress. It's a lot of gathering but I find it easy to line up the squares (many people do patchwork without lining the squares up but my personal preference is lined up). I serge BEFORE I gather and I find that makes it easier too.

Ladies, I have a huge problem. I just discovered there is a HUGE fabric store about 2 minutes from my work!!!

I went there during my lunch break! They have a HUGE selection, but it is a little pricey. A lot of stuff was 10.99 a yard but it was so cute! And I found some really cute Wizard of Oz material on clearance for $5.99, so that is cool. The best part is they offer a lot of classes, including a four hour beginning sewing class, including how to do zippers!! And it is $35, so I might do that, just as a good refresher. The last time I sewed a zipper was in home ec, and that was in...1989? They also have a class on sewing cloth diapers and quilting.

Anyway, I'm excited about that. Do you all have any favorites for getting fabric? Do you shop at big stores mostly or from ebay? Etsy? Where can I get good prices?

Also, Tori is going to be an ambassador for the Ride for Wishes, which is a motorcycle ride to raise money for Make a Wish. I'd like to make a "Disney motorcycle" themed outfit for her to wear. Are there any cool "Tough Mickey" appliques or fabrics? I am probably going to get some "flame" kind of fabric since a lot of their bikes have that.

My favorite store is priced that as well -- it's mainly a quilting store that carries really good fabric. Most of my things come from sales at Joann's, Hancock's or Walmart. I only order off etsy for knits and have bought a couple of things off e-bay b/c it was fabric I really wanted and couldn't find in a store.

I would just look at HeatherSue's MM designs and see what she has -- she has oodles of them so hopefully you'll find something that would work.

I love this dress ? Can I ask the pattern ?

The bodice is the Simply Sweet Halter style (from YouCanMAkeThis.com) but I do cut the underarm portion a bit higher than the pattern calls for -- like 1/4 of an inch larger to allow for better coverage -- to me it makes a huge difference in the fit. I also add two rows of elastic at the back to account for the weight of the patchwork skirt. I just do my own thing for the skirt portion as described above.

two questions....

1) if I make a reversible dress then what kind of zipper do I get ? Should I try to use snaps instead of a zipper? I don't know how that would work.

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

I can't help you witht he zipper since I'm clueless about zippers.

I like the download patterns b/c they are like mini sewing lessons and speak English. Yes, they are more expensive, but to me it's worth it. You don't need every pattern under the sun either. For example, I bought the Simply Sweet and can do a patchwork skirt or a stripwork skirt with it and vary it up a bit. I like being able to print different sizes -- I do tons of different sizes since I do a lot of BG's. I print my instructions because I don't have a lap top or I pad and my computer is downstairs/sewing upstairs. I print two pages of instructions to one page to help save on ink and I only print the pages I will need -- some of the pages have info that I find unnecessary.

I also like Farbenmix patterns -- they have to be traced which I'm not fond of, but they have CUTE things.

I can't stand instructions on commercial patterns, sometimes the patterns don't line up right once sewn and I hate that tissue paper crap!

 

[VBAndrea]

It sounds like you found a good store! I shop at all kinds of places - it all depends on what I need/want/am dying to have...of course, I really need to make more of an effort to shop the hundreds of yards of fabric in my garage first!

I think I would like to come shopping in your garage!

 

[ivey_family]

Oh Carrie, I didn't even write out the whole story (because it's really long) but the way everything worked out was nothing short of divine intervention! We are so grateful. LOL yes , I took them some cookies, homemade cinnamon rolls (Pioneer Woman's recipe), Peanut butter square (like Reese's cups but BIGGER), and Oreo Truffles! Mind you that was spread out over four different days, but every day when we went to go visit our pup while he had to stay there I brought something different. I plan on bringing another goodie when we go for his follow up appt this week. It really is the least we can do for the huge blessing we received.

Sunshine

Everything sounds yummy! (Love the Pioneer Woman!). Hooray again for such a wonderful blessing!

Carrie, "Snakes" scare me -- small or large! I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack. I can't work in my flower beds anymore for the fear of them. If there's a snake within 100 miles of me it will find me.

Sheila

YES! That's exactly the feeling! I've got to fight through it though for the sake of my flowers beds and children playing outside.

I know I don't post too often (lurk all the time!), but I knew you guys would commiserate with me. My machine died yesterday!! Luckily I finished DS's pair of patchwork shorts just before it died (probably what killed it), but I still had some shirts to applique. Guess I'll be doing iron-on tees for the rest of their outfits. I do have a second machine, but I don't know it very well, so I'm going to just be done sewing for this trip.

Awww! There's never a good time for a machine to go down. I'm sorry that happened in the midst of your project!

Thank you..if I cant get ti moving myself I will look for somewhere to take it

here she is:

its the round thing that spins under the bobbin..if my goggle skills are correct..called the hook? It spins so far..then stops...i can push it past the stuck spot and it spins to get stuck in the same spot again, forwards and back. Id like to try to troubleshoot myself..because to take it somewhere would have to wait..I doubt after what i spent on fabric this weekend DH would let me spend any more on sewing stuff for a bit

Nice! Have you freed it from the lower half of the case to see if you can see anything from the bottom? If all else fails, I take mine in. It's never fun to spend that money, though, kind of like an oil change on a car. I hope you're able to get her up and running!

I have a hand-me-down from my mom. It's a singer from the mid 60s. It works well but I would like a tune up. Any ideas where to look for repair? I do have a newer macihine but always liked the way this one worked. I'm so jealous of all the beautiful work you all do! I live in the Detroit area. I will put a picture of it up if I can figure out how. I just signed up for my 1st big give ( blankets) so I need to get busy. I did send blankets for the Haiti project but those required no sewing.

I do! I do! I'm also from the Detroit area and I took my restored 1946 Singer to this man. He works nights and weekends out of his house, so it took about a week, but he did a fantastic job adjusting timing, etc. I think it cost me $50. Hope that helps!

Here are some items I recently did for Justin's BG that the family has received. Amy helped by buying the shirts, Heather helped by giving us all the designs, and Amy paid for the shipping. Amy's dd Allison also enclosed an AWESOME picture in the package.

Peter Pan is for Justin, Captain Hook is for Hayden and Callie naturally gets twirly Tink.

I am not thrilled with the Tink -- the greens all lined up as did the lavenders but there was no way to make it look good -- I like the Tink I did for Glo much better. I still think it's decent though and hope Callie enjoys the dress (she's modeling it in the ptr).

Boy's Shirts:

Dress:

Gorgeous as always!

Regards,
C.

 

[TinkNH]

Nice! Have you freed it from the lower half of the case to see if you can see anything from the bottom? If all else fails, I take mine in. It's never fun to spend that money, though, kind of like an oil change on a car. I hope you're able to get her up and running!

Regards,
C.

I did not even know it could come out of the case! In all the years I saw my mother use it it was always in the case...off to look for directions to get her out!

 

[nowellsl]

here she is:

Here's some info about your machine http://www.ehow.com/how_8545510_singer-457-sewing-machine-instructions.html Sounds like it would be worth it to have it looked at! Mine looks almost just like it but mine is blue

I haven't had the bobbin problem, so I can't help hopefully it's something simple!

 

[PurpleEars]

The robin family on our porch is doing well so far. There are four babies, and they are so ugly they are cute! I think we're all going to be a little sad when they leave since we've enjoyed peeking at them every so often. The kids have finally allowed us to go near the door. I'll post a pic this week.

Unfortunately, dh spotted a not-at-all welcome addition to our wildlife refuge - a garter snake that lives under our patio. No pics because I cannot even look at a snake. Parastaltic movement is beyond creepy! I'm a seriously huge baby about it! It was ON the patio. deep breaths, right?

I haven't had too much time for sewing this week, but hopefully more will get done next week!

Regards,
C.

Thanks for the update on the robin family. Snakes scare me too. That's why I live up north, would rather deal with snow than creepy crawlies. We hardly get any bugs in the house and I like it that way.

I must also apologize for disappearing off the side of the planet, but my poor pup got REALLY sick. We took him into the vet and had an xray done that showed he had a staple in his tummy and also some other obstruction in his intestine. The worst part was that we were unable to afford the surgery that he needed. The kids were with me at the time, so we just said our goodbyes and the staff took our dog to the back where they would put him to sleep. It was honestly the most heart wrenching thing I have ever had to go through. BUT THEN the next day we got a call from the vet (I should mention that we had never been to this place before) and the man on the phone started out the phone call with, "I sure hope you aren't going to be mad at me for what I'm about to say..." and proceeded to tell us how he decided to save our dog and didn't expect us to pay anything!!! So on Friday we got to bring our sweet doggie back home! I have been really busy making sure that everything is cleaned up and there is nothing our pup can get into that would hurt him again. It has been such an emotional roller coaster all week, but life seems to be starting to get back to "normal".
Sunshine

My goodness, just reading your story gives me tears in my eyes. I can't imagine living THROUGH all of that. I am glad to hear that you have a wonderful vet and your dog is on the mend.

Keeping in mind that I have no little kids to sew for What should I make next?? So far I have made a few pair of easy fits and a coin purse (currently making another one for my nephew.)

I downloaded the pattern for the rosetta bag, but I've never made ruffles before. I also bout some skirt patterns that say EASY on them, but I don't know if I feel ready for that.

Is the rosetta bag super difficult??

Rosetta bags are a lot of fun to do, but I would suggest starting with the skirts first.

morning!

My mother just stopped by..and gifted me with her old sewing machine...and I have no idea what to do with it.

This thing weighs a TON compared to my new little one. I can remember her sewing on this in the 70s when I was a kid, she says she made most of my baby clothes on it so it must be from the late 60s early 70s. It smells like basement so I am hoping ti will air out some, and that i can figure out how to use it!

Congrats on your new (to you) machine. Those old machines are work horses. I so wish I didn't have to give up my first machine, but I just could not afford to move it across the country.

I know I don't post too often (lurk all the time!), but I knew you guys would commiserate with me. My machine died yesterday!! Luckily I finished DS's pair of patchwork shorts just before it died (probably what killed it), but I still had some shirts to applique. Guess I'll be doing iron-on tees for the rest of their outfits. I do have a second machine, but I don't know it very well, so I'm going to just be done sewing for this trip.

Oh I am so sorry to hear that your machine died! At least it chose a reasonable convenient time to do so! I hope your family will have a great trip!

Here are some items I recently did for Justin's BG that the family has received. Amy helped by buying the shirts, Heather helped by giving us all the designs, and Amy paid for the shipping. Amy's dd Allison also enclosed an AWESOME picture in the package.

Peter Pan is for Justin, Captain Hook is for Hayden and Callie naturally gets twirly Tink.

I am not thrilled with the Tink -- the greens all lined up as did the lavenders but there was no way to make it look good -- I like the Tink I did for Glo much better. I still think it's decent though and hope Callie enjoys the dress (she's modeling it in the ptr).

Boy's Shirts:

Dress:

I know I commented on the BG board, but I want to say again that they look great. When I grow up I want to be able to make patchwork twirls like Andrea (not that there is that much difference in our age, so I guess I better be a quick learner).

two questions....

1) if I make a reversible dress then what kind of zipper do I get ? Should I try to use snaps instead of a zipper? I don't know how that would work.

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

I would suggest snaps instead of a zipper.

I use the online pattern because you can get multiple sizes. I sew for Big Gives so I don't know what sizes I need. Case in point: I have made all sizes of the Bowling shirt and the Meghan peasant now. The other thing is that I don't need to worry about destroying a pattern when I customize the pieces because I can always print a new copy. Frankly, the online patterns are not that more expensive than the paper ones in Canada anyway. The best on sale price I have seen McCall's patterns in the last couple of years is $3.99. Simplicity have gone as low as $1.99. It is crazy when you consider that our currencies are worth about the same. So for me it really doesn't make that much difference and I go for the online convenience factor.

This is a long weekend for us. My weekend project was to plant a few annuals and work on a set of baby shower gift. This is the baby shower gift (bibs, burpies, and a crayon roll for the older sibling). One burpie is partly flipped over to show the back:

 

[TinkNH]

I figured out the problem!!!

Google is my friend!! There are plastic gears at the top that drive the hook and bobbin mechanism, and apparently one of them is prone to breaking esp if it is old and the plastic degraded....

I took of the top of the machine and the gear is broken into itty bitty bits...as in pieces i couldnt even take pictures of. There are directions on voldemort (see I read page 1 ) how to replace the gear..which is about $13 so gonna try doing it ourselves...if we fail then bring it to someone.

I also got her ugly avocado green case off her so hopefully I will have her up and running in a week or so, as soon as the gear gets here

My mother said she had it completely serviced and cleaned before storing it...and I think she got ripped off. there were LUMPS of blackish gunk in places that the pictures I see online obviously do not have it! Plus wouldn't they have noticed the gear was in pieces or damaged enough that it needed replacing?

Thank goodness i have my cheapo brother to at least continue working on stuff

 

[ivey_family]

I figured out the problem!!!

Google is my friend!! There are plastic gears at the top that drive the hook and bobbin mechanism, and apparently one of them is prone to breaking esp if it is old and the plastic degraded....

I took of the top of the machine and the gear is broken into itty bitty bits...as in pieces i couldnt even take pictures of. There are directions on voldemort (see I read page 1 ) how to replace the gear..which is about $13 so gonna try doing it ourselves...if we fail then bring it to someone.

I also got her ugly avocado green case off her so hopefully I will have her up and running in a week or so, as soon as the gear gets here

My mother said she had it completely serviced and cleaned before storing it...and I think she got ripped off. there were LUMPS of blackish gunk in places that the pictures I see online obviously do not have it! Plus wouldn't they have noticed the gear was in pieces or damaged enough that it needed replacing?

Thank goodness i have my cheapo brother to at least continue working on stuff

Woohoo! At least it sounds like it will be a relatively easy fix! Now she needs a name! Any machine can have a name, but it seems like a requirement for a vintage one!

Oh, and depending on what kind of grease and oil were used, it MIGHT not be the service dept fault that it's gummed up. Time and temperature could also cause that. Look in D's PTR for links to cleaning out an old machine.

Regards,
C.

 

[Teamtori]

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

 

[TinkNH]

Woohoo! At least it sounds like it will be a relatively easy fix! Now she needs a name! Any machine can have a name, but it seems like a requirement for a vintage one!

Oh, and depending on what kind of grease and oil were used, it MIGHT not be the service dept fault that it's gummed up. Time and temperature could also cause that. Look in D's PTR for links to cleaning out an old machine.

Regards,
C.

Yes a name ..however calling something as old as me vintage makes me feel REALLY old (im 41..but feel 23)

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

Thats beautiful!!! I better not let my girls see or I know what they will be begging me to try to make

 

[Teamtori]

Here is a shirt I made for Tori tonight..Want to try a skirt I think to match.

 

[cogero]

I figured out the problem!!!

Google is my friend!! There are plastic gears at the top that drive the hook and bobbin mechanism, and apparently one of them is prone to breaking esp if it is old and the plastic degraded....

I took of the top of the machine and the gear is broken into itty bitty bits...as in pieces i couldnt even take pictures of. There are directions on voldemort (see I read page 1 ) how to replace the gear..which is about $13 so gonna try doing it ourselves...if we fail then bring it to someone.

I also got her ugly avocado green case off her so hopefully I will have her up and running in a week or so, as soon as the gear gets here

My mother said she had it completely serviced and cleaned before storing it...and I think she got ripped off. there were LUMPS of blackish gunk in places that the pictures I see online obviously do not have it! Plus wouldn't they have noticed the gear was in pieces or damaged enough that it needed replacing?

Thank goodness i have my cheapo brother to at least continue working on stuff

Here is a website D had given me about older Machines http://www.sew-classic.com/

I hope she pops on because she could totally point you in the right direction on fixing it yourself.

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

Fabulous job.

So I will actually have something to post here tomorrow

 

[ivey_family]

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

Very cute! You're doing great!

Yes a name ..however calling something as old as me vintage makes me feel REALLY old (im 41..but feel 23)

Eeek! That puts me in the vintage category, too. I'm also 41. Ok, new plan - our mental age is the only thing that counts, right? I feel about 30ish.

Here is a shirt I made for Tori tonight..Want to try a skirt I think to match.

That design is just great! You're really cranking things out!

Nursing-Cover-O-Rama continues here. Since I only have a couple hours a few nights a week, I think I need about two more weeks to be completely done.

Regards,
C.

 

[miprender]

WOW... I miss a few days online and I am so far behind.

I am only 30 days until my trip and still so much to do Hopefully I can get some stuff done this week.

Second, I have some more exciting news. I took my Grandma's old Elna Superlite (ha! that thing weighs a ton!) in to the repair shop to see if it was still workable. I was sure it was going to be a Huge Deal and it was going to cost a mint because it's older than I am. All it needs is a cleaning, tune up and one $20 part! I'm so excited! I used that machine back when I was in highschool, which was *gasp!* ~choke!~ #wheeze!# 34 years ago. No other machine I've had has been as good and I can hardly wait until it's done! The Nice Man said it would only take a couple of days.

Thanks again!

Lori in East Podunk, who thinks we need a sewing machine smiley!

Congrats on getting your Grandma's machine.

Please pardon the messy floor and DDs unkempt hair

better view of the back. I made a buttonhole in the casing to pass thr ribbon through. Was easier than i thought even tho I made it on the wrong side the first time so had to do it twice.

Thanks to the magic of youtube..I learned french seams, and what bias tape is..so the arm holes and seams on this one look a LOT better!
I am afraid I am already deeply addicted..and so are the girls..DD9 asked if I can make her some shorter ones to wear as tank tops and DS wants me to make him something for carrying his matchbox cars

Great job on the dress. And don't you love it when they ask you to make something. Only my DS4 still asks for me to make him things.

I finished up the appliques over the last few evenings...and then sewed like crazy tonight.

Great job.

I haven't made any clothes lately, but have been busy making boxy bags/toiletry bags. The green tink is for Alli, the inside is teal. The purple is for Skye (inside darker purple) the firetrucks are for Christopher and the Soccer balls for Jonathon. The peppers are for DH because he likes hot peppers. I made th Navy one for my MIL.

To see more details you can look at my PTR, hate to duplicate post for people.

Nice job on all the toiletry bags. I have to go check out your PTR.

I made this for my BFF for Disney, she loved it and now has all these visions of things I can make. I told her to let me get a few more projects under my belt first.

I am pretty please with how it turned out. The zipper is a bit puff, but I think if I sew closer to it, that will rectify the problem.

Also, I am still working on my machine satin stitching. So, I literally hand appliqued the mickey head witha needle and thread. It was easier than I expected, and I am really pleased with how it turned out.

Love the little coin purse. You have been quite busy.

Hi all!

First off, I want to say a huge THANK YOU!!! to everyone who answered my question about the sizing on commercial patterns. I haven't had a chance to even look at them again since asking my question, but your responses have helped me know how to go about picking the right size to make (and also any tweaks to the patterns I may need to do.)

I must also apologize for disappearing off the side of the planet, but my poor pup got REALLY sick. We took him into the vet and had an xray done that showed he had a staple in his tummy and also some other obstruction in his intestine. The worst part was that we were unable to afford the surgery that he needed. The kids were with me at the time, so we just said our goodbyes and the staff took our dog to the back where they would put him to sleep. It was honestly the most heart wrenching thing I have ever had to go through. BUT THEN the next day we got a call from the vet (I should mention that we had never been to this place before) and the man on the phone started out the phone call with, "I sure hope you aren't going to be mad at me for what I'm about to say..." and proceeded to tell us how he decided to save our dog and didn't expect us to pay anything!!! So on Friday we got to bring our sweet doggie back home! I have been really busy making sure that everything is cleaned up and there is nothing our pup can get into that would hurt him again. It has been such an emotional roller coaster all week, but life seems to be starting to get back to "normal".
hopefully I will get around to sewing sometime soon.
Sunshine

So sorry to hear about your dog, but what a wonderful ending. I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions but so glad your doggie is back at home.

Here are some items I recently did for Justin's BG that the family has received. Amy helped by buying the shirts, Heather helped by giving us all the designs, and Amy paid for the shipping. Amy's dd Allison also enclosed an AWESOME picture in the package.

Peter Pan is for Justin, Captain Hook is for Hayden and Callie naturally gets twirly Tink.

I am not thrilled with the Tink -- the greens all lined up as did the lavenders but there was no way to make it look good -- I like the Tink I did for Glo much better. I still think it's decent though and hope Callie enjoys the dress (she's modeling it in the ptr).

Boy's Shirts:

Dress:

Some close ups:

You are joking right???? That tinkerbell dress is beautiful. I don't think you can make a bad patchwork skirt/dress. They always come out so gorgeous.

Ladies, I have a huge problem. I just discovered there is a HUGE fabric store about 2 minutes from my work!!!
.

And so the obsession begins. Welcome to FHA (fabric hoarders anyomous)

2) Why does it seem that the majority of you use patterns that you've downloaded instead of buying them and using paper ones ? I can not even fathom taping together pieces of paper so cut out a pattern ? And all of the ink.... Why, for those of you who do, do you buy them that way ? It seems like more of a pain than going out and buying the paper pattern.

I'll answer Question 2: I hate paper patterns because after I cut it out I am stuck with that size. I could do like my mom does and fold over the paper to get to the size I need so I can save the pattern but that just is too much work for me. I love being able to print out a pattern in the size I need, when I need it. It really isn't that much work to tape it all together.

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

Love the cheetah fabric.

Here is a shirt I made for Tori tonight..Want to try a skirt I think to match.

Great job. How did you like appliquing this? Did you find it straight forward after you started it?

 

[VBAndrea]

I know I commented on the BG board, but I want to say again that they look great. When I grow up I want to be able to make patchwork twirls like Andrea (not that there is that much difference in our age, so I guess I better be a quick learner).

This is a long weekend for us. My weekend project was to plant a few annuals and work on a set of baby shower gift. This is the baby shower gift (bibs, burpies, and a crayon roll for the older sibling). One burpie is partly flipped over to show the back:

Thanks! But....a) you already make a mean patchwork! You're the one I count on for the gives I can't sign up for! b) I think I'm more than a few years older than you -- I'm well beyond vintage -- ancient perhaps?

The bibs and burp cloths are a very nice gift. DH loves the name Eowyn but I knew if we used it everyone in the states would butcher the pronunciation.

I figured out the problem!!!

Google is my friend!! There are plastic gears at the top that drive the hook and bobbin mechanism, and apparently one of them is prone to breaking esp if it is old and the plastic degraded....

I took of the top of the machine and the gear is broken into itty bitty bits...as in pieces i couldnt even take pictures of. There are directions on voldemort (see I read page 1 ) how to replace the gear..which is about $13 so gonna try doing it ourselves...if we fail then bring it to someone.

I also got her ugly avocado green case off her so hopefully I will have her up and running in a week or so, as soon as the gear gets here

My mother said she had it completely serviced and cleaned before storing it...and I think she got ripped off. there were LUMPS of blackish gunk in places that the pictures I see online obviously do not have it! Plus wouldn't they have noticed the gear was in pieces or damaged enough that it needed replacing?

Thank goodness i have my cheapo brother to at least continue working on stuff

Glad you got the problem figured out

Depending on how long it was stored it may have been serviced properly -- especially if it was stored in a place that was not properly cooled. Attics and uncooled storage areas can wreak havoc on plastic and could have melted any lubrication to make it gunked up. I hope with a good cleaning and this fix that it is up and working in no time.

Ok ladies, here is my first attempt at an American Girl dress. I am very happy with how it turned out, especially considering I just learned how to make this dress and do appliques in the past few days!

I need to go back over the white stitching on the bottom, but other than that, I am happy with it!

I love it! It turned out really well!

Here is a shirt I made for Tori tonight..Want to try a skirt I think to match.

I think a strip work skirt with the fabrics you used in the princess would look really neat with the shirt. I just love that design. I hope you post a pic of you model in the outfit once it's completed. Were you able to figure out the design and fabric placement OK once you got going on the design? Well, clearly you did -- it turned out flawless

Nursing-Cover-O-Rama continues here. Since I only have a couple hours a few nights a week, I think I need about two more weeks to be completely done.

Regards,
C.

My goodness, are you still working on those? They are for a craft fair, right???? If so, when is it?

I am only 30 days until my trip and still so much to do Hopefully I can get some stuff done this week.

You are joking right???? That tinkerbell dress is beautiful. I don't think you can make a bad patchwork skirt/dress. They always come out so gorgeous.

30 days is not far away, but I've seen the things you've posted already and it looks like you all have a very nice wardrobe Do your kids still fit in anything from the last trip?

Nope not joking -- I made a really pretty Tink dress for Glo for her Wish Trip before I got my embroidery machine and I loved the fabrics and colors on that one soooooooo much more, so I was a bit disappointed in the way this one ended up looking -- I think the brighter purple threw me askew b/c it didn't look right lined up to certain colors. For Glo's dress I went out and bought fabrics. For this one I worked from my stash and sadly I only have scraps left from the Glo dress fabrics. So maybe because I'm comparing to a Tink patchwork I liked better is what makes me not 100% happy with the dress.