Shortcake Romper and Dress

A fun little romper for Spring!

I used this pattern, Shortcake Reversible Romper & Dress

by The Cottage Mama.  It includes Sizes 6 Months to 6 Years.

Designer, Lindsay Wilkes, has recently started marketing her cute patterns.

She also has a fun blog, The Cottage Home, filled with scrumptious recipes, tales of being a young mother, and examples of her creative sewing.

Her patterns include excellent instructions, complete with photographs of each step of construction.

This pattern also included a recipe for Lemon Blueberry Shortcake Muffins!

Yum!

My version of the romper used Freckles in blue by FreeSpirit Fabrics and

Treetop in pink from an Oliver + S collection for Moda Fabrics.

This is a Size 3T.

This is a very easy and simple pattern, perfect for beginners, or if you just want to whip up something really, really quickly!  There is no hand sewing at all.  It is all completed by machine.

It probably took me longer to decide on fabrics and trace the pattern, than it did to actually stitch.

The romper is completely reversible, making it two outfits in one!

Both romper and dress tie at the shoulders.

I did add a sweet applique monogram to the blue side.

This is the Rick Rack Monogram from DigiStitches.

I alternated the fabrics for the leg bands, to add a little more contrast and interest to the finished project.  I also applied a lightweight woven fusible interfacing to each  leg band piece.  I believe this added a little stability and gave a more finished appearance.

In all honesty, I thought about adding the interfacing while tracing and preparing the pattern.

In my haste to get to the fun part of stitching, I forgot to cut out the interfacing.

Again, I decided to try and follow the pattern instructions for this first time use.

However, after attaching one leg band, I could tell interfacing would really help.

So, my trusty seam ripper was put into action!

After a few minutes of cutting and applying interfacing, I was stitching again and more pleased with the outcome.

For the dress version, I selected Half Moon Modern Big Dots in Steel by Moda.

I used a solid pink broadcloth for the lining.  While the dress is still reversible, I made it mostly to be worn with the dots as the outer fabric.

The hem is edged with pink rick rack.

The dress is Size 4T.

I really love the more full swing style of this little dress -- perfect for running, skipping and twirling!

I also monogrammed the dress in pale pink to match the rick rack and lining.

The font is Empire, one of my all-time favorites, from Embroidery Arts.

I am cleaning up my sewing room to prepare for a few more projects.

First, I am off to pamper myself with a much needed manicure!

Happy Friday to all!

All fabric and patterns available at BessieMary.

Lizzy

This is Lizzy, a new pattern from Bonnie Blue Designs.

I used a raspberry and pink floral from Fabric Finders.

While I love this fabric, it does make the design features of the pattern a little more difficult to discern in the photographs.  They are more visible in real life!

This is the dress with sleeves version.  I love the little gathered cap sleeves!

There is also a sleeveless version that may be worn as a jumper or dress.

I planned on using white pique for the yoke.

However, by the time I cut it out, I must have forgotten!

When I finally made it to my sewing machine with the pieces, I had cut them all from the floral fabric.  So, I plowed ahead!

Beneath the narrow yoke, is a center box pleat with two more pleats on either side.  These are all topstitched for a few inches, before releasing into soft gathers.

Again, the busier floral print does not allow all the details to be seen.

This style is great for those who are not crazy about full gathered skirts.

The pattern is sized to 8 years, and the pleated skirt is a more contemporary silhouette the older girls would probably like.

The dress buttons down the full length of the back, making it very simple to sew.

There are two pleats, repeating those of the front, on each side of the back.

I used floral shaped raspberry buttons, which seem to almost disappear in these photographs.

When I am sewing a pattern for the first time, I tend to sew it as the pattern shows.

In my personal sewing, that is probably not what I would do.  I would be adding my own mark to it with favorite techniques or embellishments.

However, many of my customers will stitch it as the pattern shows.

I believe I must have had that experience also, in order to better assist them.

As I was constructing this little dress, I thought of things I would probably do differently.

I do believe the addition of piping along the yoke and skirt seam would help to create a more finished look.  With this type of print, it would also help to break some of the busy floral design.

I might also add piping to highlight the square neckline.

As part of the general instructions included in most Bonnie Blue Designs patterns, there are excellent instructions on how to make and apply piping.  So it is something that any seamstress could easily attempt with this pattern.

The pattern illustration does show ribbon applied across the yoke of the jumper, with a bow at center front.  That would be another option for adding embellishment and a dressmaker touch.

However, in the smaller sizes, the yoke is 2" or less.

Adding ribbon to this size 2, seemed to take too much room on the yoke and throw things a little out of proportion.  I think piping or another small trim along the seamline would be better for the smallest sizes.

When using a light to medium weight fabric, I would also add a lightweight interfacing to the yoke.  The interfacing might not be as necessary if corduroy, denim or a heavier twill was used.

I did topstitch around the neckline.  I felt it would help reinforce the square corners and the overall finished look.

I do really love the sleeve!

This style is also a little more contemporary, and may appeal to more people than a traditional puffed sleeve.

I also appreciate the fact that it is lined, lending to a very finished look.

One fun thing, which the pattern suggests, is using a coordinating print for the lining. 

With so much white background in this print, the ginghams, plaids or stripes that I auditioned for lining shadowed through too much.  So, I just used white broadcloth.

By the time I was constructing the sleeves, I did decide the dress needed a little something extra.  So, I added green rick rack at the edge of the sleeves.

The pattern instructions have the sleeves applied flat, before stitching the underarm and sides seams.  I prefer to attach my sleeves in the round.

After applying the rick rack, and stitching the lining and outer sleeve together along the bottom edge, I flattened the lining and outer sleeve.  The underarm seam was stitched in one pass, beginning at the lining underarm seam and ending at the outer sleeve underarm seam.  I then folded the lining to the inside, exposing the rick rack and pressed.  Gathering stitches were stitched along the upper edges and the sleeve was applied to the dress in the round, with the skirt side seams already finished in tiny french seams.  This results in no visible raw edges of the underam seam within the sleeve.  With the french seams in the skirt, there are no exposed raw edges there, either.  Especially since the sleeve is lined, I feel this step makes them look even better.

Overall, I really like this pattern.  Next time, I will probably add piping and maybe a few other touches to add even more to the sweet design features.  I also think it would be fun to try an all white heirloom version, maybe with softly gathered lace around the neck and armholes.  It could be sweet for Easter or summer beach portraits! 

Linking to Sew Darn Crafty at Sew Many Ways!

Fabric, pattern and trim available at BessieMary.

More Imaginary Sewing

This is a peek at my current sewing project:
a version of Rose, the latest pattern from Children's Corner.

I selected a large size gingham in hunter green, accented with red piping and buttons.

It is approximately three-fourths constructed, but a cold has zapped me of sewing energy.

I also discovered that sneezing and watery eyes do not help with sewing straight seams!

So, we will do a little imaginary sewing while waiting for the medicine to kick in and the sneezing fits to pass.

While I still love the traditional Christmas colors of red, green and white, it is also fun to play with some of the more trendy color schemes.  Turquoise and red have always been a favorite combination of mine, and they are showing up more and more in holiday decorations and fashion.

This turquoise houndstooth in a brushed cotton would be cozy and warm for the winter months.  I can definitely see it smocked, embroidered or appliqued with jolly red Santas!

To extend the wear beyond the holidays, a winter themed smocking plate is perfect!

The snow and evergreen trees in this design by Little Memories lend a bit of holiday feel, but could easily be worn well beyond the holidays.  Turquoise and pink or always a fun combination!

Another idea for turquoise and pink, and another fun winter themed smocking design from Little Memories!  Who can resist mittens and snowmen?

We cannot forget the boys, either!

I think turquoise can be a fun color for little guys, too.

Think of brother and sister outifts with these precious penquins!

The plate on the left is by Junebug Designs, and on the right, another plate by Little Memories.

By changing the floss colors from pink and lavender to deeper and more "manly" colors, you can achieve a completely different look.

I hope sudden winter storms and colds have not sidelined too many of you.

I plan to be back at my machine and visiting here more often, once I quit reaching for a tissue every few minutes. Thanks for joining me in some imaginary sewing in the meantime!

All fabric,smocking plates, floss and trim available at BessieMary.



The dress that was not,

is not, and may not be made!

I had a plan.
I had the fabric, smocking plate and trim.

I was not completely committed to a pattern, but was narrowing it down.

With a little tweaking of floss colors, I was envisioning a cute little brown and white polka dot

back-to-school dress.  It would be smocked with an apple design and trimmed with lime green rick rack or piping.

I blinked, school had started and we were headed toward October.

Thus, Plan B was born!

So many cute Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving designs from which to choose!
Replace that apple with a happy pumpkin, plump turkey or silly scarecrow.

Substitute orange for the lime green, and it was full steam ahead.

Except, I ended up cleaning out closets and a zillion other things.

Knowing my slow pace of picture smocking, I may not squeeze this one out by the time the menu calls for turkey and pumpkin pie.

I may be headed back to a twist on the original color scheme.
Brown is the color of reindeer, and at least one has a very shiny red nose!  A great color combination!

Lime green has become a very popular replacement for the traditional Christmas green.

Several holiday plates could easily be tweaked to incorporate it.

Not to mention, the brown polka dots remind me of snowflakes falling, and there are also plates with winter themes and winter animals - polar bears, penguins and more!

I am not saying this version will come any closer to completion.  At least now, you know I do think about sewing and smocking even if I am not writing about it!

Not sure whether I hope to hear I am in good company, or sad to think we are all too busy to sit and stitch.

All fabric, smocking designs and trim from BessieMary.

The Cost of our Craft

My grandmother and mother likely saved a little money as they stitched quilts, garments and other items.

I am not sure that is necessarily true anymore.

Most of my friends and customers sew for the love of it.

Stitching soothes many of our souls.

The creations springing forth from our machines and hands are the legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren.

Our God given talent is a way of giving back, as we stitch Wee Care gowns, quilts and blanket for homeless shelters, or head coverings for cancer patients.

We stitch for many reasons, and saving money may not be at the top of our list.

As a consumer, I cannot help but notice rising costs in all areas of my life.

As a shopowner, I cannot help but hear customers' concerns about the rising cost of fabric and other sewing  notions and supplies.

To help all of us better understand, I wish to share the following articles.

Jim Salinas, in a recent issue of American Quilt Retailer, explains why cotton prices have increased and how this impacts the price of fabric.

His article may be read here.

In addition, American Quilt Retailer, invited industry leaders to share their vewpoints on the current pricing of cotton commodities.

Their comments may be read here.

As many of the industry leaders ommented, the price of fabric has increased little when compared to the rising costs of other items.

We may not follow in the footsteps of our grandmothers and mothers who saved money when sewing.

We can continue to follow in their footsteps to leave a legacy and spread love with our stitching.

May your stitches soothe your soul today, and may the product of your sewing make someone feel special and loved.

Easy Peasy Breezy Slightly Patriotic Pillowcase Dress

**Thank you for all the kind comments!  I have received several inquiries through Comments and Emails regarding a pattern or instructions.  I hope to be back soon with some helpful hints. **

My mind and plate are both a little crowded right now, and delving into a complicated sewing project did

 not seem the prudent choice.  But stitching is my therapy, so easy peasy is the project!

If you can look past the stripe-y, moire-y effect of the poor photography, there is a simple little pillowcase dress for a special little miss.

I wanted to do something that she could wear for any upcoming Independence Day events, but one that would not still scream "July 4th" in August or September!

 

I selected Navy Stripe Candy Cord, a pima cotton fabric with a slightly raised ridge along the stripes.  The cotton fabric will breathe in our hot and humid summer temperatures.

I prefer to use elastic in the top casing, instead of running a drawstring through.  The little armholes are bound with pima cotton red gingham, and extends to form shoulder top bows!

At the hem, two tucks and some peek-a-boo red rick rack add a little more interest.

So there it is:

Easy Peasy Breezy Slightly Patriotric Pillowcase Dress!

I am participating in Sew and Tell Friday.

Hop on over to view other projects completed this week!

Inquiring Minds

There were a few questions from my last entry, which I will try to answer!

Martha inquired about the fabric for the bunny bishop I am currently smocking.  It is Honeydew Smoothie Microcheck by Nashville Cotton, and can be found here.

While I normally think of a honeydew melon as pale green, this fabric is more aqua.

Debbie asked about lengths for a size 18 month bishop.

It is true that dress lengths are a little longer today than those on older patterns.  Some of the newer patterns indicate finished lengths of 19-22" for a bishop of that size.  Children come in all shapes and sizes at that age, so it may depend upon your granddaughter's height. 

Personally, I prefer a slightly shorter length on smaller ones that are still learning to walk.  Too much fabric and length can complicate toddling, as well as hide those cute chubby legs!  Once they are a little older, I love the longer tea length.

To answer Kathy, I made The Pioneer Woman's version of macaroni and cheese!

It was very good!  The jury is still out whether we like it better than my usual recipe from Gracious Goodness, an older cookbook from the Symphony League of Memphis, Tennessee.  Might need to do some more cooking!

I love your comments, and always welcome questions!