Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Happy Dancing Day!

I came home and found a new baby left on my doorstep. My “new to me” machine has arrived! It’s a refurbished Voyager.

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I have to say I’m more than a little intimidated by all the pieces that need to go together. Six boxes full to be exact…..but that will be hubby’s job *grin*.

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Now to make room to squeeeeeze it in the sewing room.

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Happy, Happy Day!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Doll Summer Outfit

 

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Skirt
doll modeling (2)

 
Supply List
1/4 yard fabric
11 inches of 1/4-inch wide elastic
Freezer paper, wrapping paper or newspaper to draw your pattern
Sewing supplies
 
 
Step 1 - Make the Pattern
Draw a 9 x 20 inch rectangle on paper and label it “Skirt – cut 1”
 
Step 2 - Cut the Fabrics
Pin the pattern to the fabric. Cut out the skirt.
 
skirt step 1

Step 3 – Edge Finishing
Set your machine on a zig-zag stitch and sew along the top and bottom edges of the fabric. This will keep it from fraying apart as your doll wears it.
 
Step 4 – Sew the Casing and Hem
Set your machine back on a regular straight stitch before you continue.
 
Measure and fold the top of the skirt down 1/2 inch. Make sure it is folding towards the “wrong” side of the fabric and pin.
 
Sew along the edge to make the casing.
 
Repeat this process on the other edge for the hem of the skirt.
 
skirt step 2
 
 
Step 5 - Insert the Elastic
Use a safety pin on the end of the elastic to help insert it in to the casing.
 

When the end of the elastic meets the fabric, stop and sew it in place.
 
 
Continue pulling the elastic through the casing. When it’s out the other end sew it in place.
 
Remove the safety pin.
 
 
Step 6 - Sew the Back Seam
Fold the skirt in half. Make the edges even and pin.
 
Sew using a 3/8 inch seam.
 
 
Set the machine in on a zig-zag stitch and sew along the edge to keep it from fraying.
 
Turn right side out and press neatly.
 
 
Enjoy Your Skirt!
 
 
 
 
Tube Top
 
doll modeling (2)

 
Supply List
1/4 yard fabric
Two 11 1/2 inch long pieces of 1/4 inch wide elastic
Two 1/2 yard pieces of narrow ribbon
Freezer paper, wrapping paper or newspaper to draw your pattern
Sewing supplies

 Step 1 - Make the Pattern

Draw a 5 1/2  x 8 1/2 inch rectangle on paper and label it “Tube Top – cut one on fold”. Label one edge as the fold.

 
Step 2 - Cut the Fabrics
Fold the fabric in half. Pin the pattern on the folded edge. Cut out the tube top.
 

Step 3 - Edge Finishing
Set your machine on a zig-zag stitch and sew along the top and bottom edge of the fabric to keep it from fraying.

Step 4 – Sew the Top Casing
S
et you machine back on a regular straight stitch before you continue.

Measure and fold the top edge of the fabric down 1-inch and pin. Make sure it is folding towards the “wrong” side of the fabric.

Sew along the edge. Sew again 1/2 inch from the fold. There needs to be at least 1/4 inch between the two lines of stitching for the elastic to fit in.

Step 5 – Sew the Bottom Casing
Measure and fold the bottom edge 1/2 inch and pin. Make sure it is folding towards the “wrong” side of the fabric. Same direction as the top casing.

Step 6 – Insert the Elastic
Use a safety pin to help insert the elastic in to the bottom casing.

When the end of the elastic meets the fabric stop and sew it in place.

Continue pulling the elastic through the casing. When it’s out the other end sew it in place.
 
 
 
For the top casing make sure you insert the elastic between the two stitching lines.This will give your casing a ruffle at the top.
 
Even out the gathers.
 
 
Step 7 – Seal the Ribbon Ends
Add a drop of fray check to each end of the ribbon to keep it from fraying. Set it aside and wait until it’s dry before sewing it on.
 
 
 
Step 8 – Make the Shoulder Ties
 
On the back of the fabric measure and mark a dot 1 1/2 inches on each side of the center.
 
Pin the ribbon at the dots.
 
Sew across the ribbons. Be careful to sew over the stitching that is already there.
 
 
Back View
 
Front View – Notice where you stitched the ribbon is almost invisible.
 
Step 9 – Sew the Back Seam
Fold the tube top half with “pretty” sides touching. Make the edges even and pin.
 
Sew using a 3/8 seam.
 
 
 
 

Enjoy Your Tube Top!

May Stash Bee Blocks

My May Stash Bee blocks are done. Easy and colorful log cabins.

Have a Happy, Colorful Day!