Baby Polly by Pintucks and Petticoats

This will become one of my favorite patterns.  It is really versatile and so easy to make.  I first saw this pattern in a SB issue many years ago and I believed it was used for a night gown, so I bought the pattern and it has laid in wait ever since.  Then I saw it again in SB July/August 2011 issue using smocking and tucks and knew I had to attempt it.  I did and failed miserably!!  So I opted instead for simple tucks and embroidery.

The tucks are 1/4" with space between each set of 3.  I then machine feather stitched in the open spaces.  I had this really pretty cotton lace edging and thought it would be pretty along the bottom and around the armscyes.

As my bad luck would have it, I also attempted horizontal tucks along the bottom.  And when I ripped those out, I managed to also rip a hole in the top.  It was an awful lot of work to scrap it.  I used interfacing on the wrong side of the hole, then stitched ribbon across the right side bottom to cover it.  Whew!!  I then hand embroidered an old fashioned feather stitch in between since the ribbon just seemed out of place on its own.

I was going to make the bloomers just as directed in the pattern BUT I didn't have 1/8" wide elastic and 1/4" was way too big.  I decided to try several tucks at both leg openings and decided I didn't like those.  So I opted for a large inverted pleat which then got ribbon ties on either side followed by some machine feather stitching to keep the folds in place.  I also trimmed the legs with the same cotton lace.

I must say I am having so much fun sewing for the new little girl who has graced our lives.  Mommy has also been very gracious to allow me to make little Lila an Easter dress.  So I have a smocked bishop in the works.  But I couldn't stop there.  I also have a pillow case dress awaiting an applique and ruffled butt bloomers.

I seriously think I have an addiction a problem.  And since I've ordered more fabric, I don't see it ending anytime soon.  It is so much fun sewing for a little girl again!  And I get to be her adopted Mimi.  It's great practice for when my own daughter decides to find her unicorn and start having some babies of her own. In due time!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
Angela

Bonnie Blue Designs Marcy

This is one of the easiest patterns I've done.  It was quick, easy to understand, and it turned out so cute.  This is not, however, a pattern for a newbie.  The instructions were good.  Don't get me wrong.  But you have to know things like how to apply piping, because while they give great instructions on how to make piping, it lacks actual instruction on how/where to apply it to the garment.

Also, the pattern calls for installing the elastic before doing the appliqued flowers on the panties.  Take my advice and do it before.  It's hard, especially on the smaller sizes, to get the fabric to lay flat under the machine.  That's why my flowers are up higher than I would have liked.

It button down the back, and I loved the button placement guide.  I rarely find one that I like in patterns.

The scalloped hem was super easy.  It's the first I've done I believe.  The pattern has 2 views, one like this with the coordinating color scallops.  And one that is all one color.

I will definitely make this pattern again.  I think so many things could be done with it.

Thanks for stopping by!  Please feel free to ask questions or post comments.

Angela

Cross Body Lunch Bag

I had a request from my niece for a cross body lunch bag that would carry not only her lunch but a book as well.  I found a cute tute for a bento bag and thought it would be perfect.

I simply lengthened the strap and we were in business.

This is the top view.

And top view opened.

I liked that it completely opened for plenty of room.  I used a bright red ripstop for the lining.  I don't think this one was thick enough, so I'll use something different next time.

I also did not like that the zipper doesn't go all the way to the edges.  I couldn't find any zipper stops in town and I didn't have time to order any, but I'll do that differently if I make this bag again.

I had some left over faux leather from Robbie's Halloween costume and thought it was perfect for the coordinating fabric. It's hard to see in the pic, but it's the black pieces. :)

I really love the design of the bag and think my niece will love it.  It was very easy to make, and the instructions were easy to follow.  I would make this again.

Thanks for stopping by!  Feel free to leave comments or ask questions below.
Angela