Susie in Stitches

Perfect timing for a special dress.  I've been wanting to try out my new Embroidery Module and  Embroidery Library designed another flower ballerina and I couldn't resist buying the design.   Independence Day is always one of my favorite holidays, so I finally made a fun patriotic dress for Susie. The BFF is a dress I've always wanted to sew and I'm really happy I made one for Susie before she outgrew size 6 (She is 4.5" tall, so fully in size 6 now).  Her chest is pretty skinny (22.5" so just size 4), but I just made a straight 6 instead of blending sizes.  The dress is drafted with 2 3/4" of ease in the chest; a comfortable fit for play. My Bernina 770 stitched out the Red, White, and Bloom Ballerina design flawlessly.  It is on linen (a remnant for Joann's) with two layers of cut away stabilizer.  One layer of Poly Mesh and one of  Heavy Weight cut away.  I bought the 4.85" x 5.93" version with 20,323 stitches. ...

I am happy to share my two new knit dresses for my daughter.  This is the Sassy Dress pattern by Puperita, which I received for free in exchange for testing the pattern.  I've returned to work, so I'm pretty picky about what pattern's I will spend my time sewing, but I never hesitate to sew a Puperita pattern.  The Pattern features a collar, long or short sleeves, pockets, an overlap snap placket on the back, and a sweet A-line shape.  The simple design is best when sewn up with busy fabric or when you add an applique.  The back snap placket allows you to use any knit fabric, regardless of stretch percentage.  It is designed for thicker weight knits, so she added the suggestion to take a larger seam allowance on the sleeves if you sew it with thinner jersey. The PDF pattern features the following: layers, so you can select the size you want to print trim pages measurements chart finished garment ease fabric requiremen...

  I finished Susie's skirt for the Fourth of July, but I put off the top, because it is a long sleeved pattern, and lets face it Texas is hot ( old post with the skirt ).  Since we have had a few cooler mornings I cut out several warmer tops for Susie. Last week I cut the Oliver +S Sailboat Top, Patterns for Pirates Jolly Roger Raglan, The Cottage Mama Double Dutch Cardigan, and a Titchy Threads Rowan Tee. Cut out patterns waiting to be sewn. I'd asked about sizing the sailboat set before making the skirt and had been told to size up the top if I wasn't using knit. I opted to make it in a size 3, because my knit has very little stretch. I must say I'm thrilled with the quality of this pattern and simplicity. The Sailboat Top, Skirt and Pants  pattern is rated one scissors out of four for difficulty and I agree that though it has lots of pieces it is a very simple sew.  There are facing pieces for the front and back top and the front and back hem...

I made my first Oliver + S pattern for Susie and I loved how beautifully the skirt came together.  I had the pattern printed for months, but I was intimidated by all of the pieces that I sat it aside.  When I found this gorgeous sailboat fabric at Joann's Fabric I knew I had to overcome my fear and sew the sailboat skirt .  Turned out when they said it was an easy pattern they were not kidding.  The facing pieces allow for fool proof assemble and a beautiful finished product inside and out. The hardest part was choosing her size.  She is 2 years old, 37" tall, 20" chest, 19" waist, and 21" hip.  I thought about cutting a 18-24m width and 2T length, but the way the pattern was nested that just wasn't possible.  I ended up choosing the 2T thinking that if it was too big at least she would be able to wear it longer. I'm really glad that I cut a size 2T since I'm very happy with how it fits.  If I make another one soon I may add a bi...