Happy Halloween!

There were going to be others, but this year I managed only one Halloween costume for the 18 inch dolls like American Girl, Springfield, Our Generation, etc. A year or so ago I stumbled upon the cutest toddler’s costume and pinned it immediately. I didn’t know at the time how – just knew someday it would happen. And, it did! Now, somewhere in Texas, the chicken is on an AG doll, ready to trick or treat!

What a fun fun challenge!

During the interim, I happened across the tutorial: MakingAmerican Girl Doll Tights from a knee sock and, of course, pinned the link under Clever Ideas for safe keeping until needed.

Sofia (Springfield) was a good sport throughout the process!

I followed the directions to make the tights from a sock I had, and cut out the “feet” from felt. I then put the sock/tights on Sofia and hand stitched the feet on top of the sock.

The “base” is from the smallest onesie I could find/buy

then adjusted to fit Sofia.

I used a second onesie to form the hood.

Once the 2nd was pinned down to the first,
I hand stitched, then trimmed away excess.

I then attached the beak and red comb (or crest) on top of the hood.

With needle and thread, I quickly realized the boa used for the toddler was MUCH too big for Sofia. To make this work, I had to come up with Plan B.

I took plastic wrap and totally covered Sofia, securing well, then put her onesie back on.

Yep, pulling out individual feathers from the boa, and using good ole fashion Elmer’s Glue worked great. Tedious, but great. As a result of this plucking, the boa also became thinner. Then it was perfect size to wrap around here and there and across the shoulders and over the chest and back up to the snaps between her legs – hand stitching along the way to secure.

I let the costume (glue) dry thoroughly for several days before removing, to remove the plastic wrap and put the tights back on, then the feathered onesie.

She’s ready!

At the last arts/craft show, I had her standing at the table facing the aisle … so wish I had a candid camera going to share now! The expression on people’s faces (especially the little ones that were at eye-to-eye level) when they realized what they were looking at was absolutely priceless!

I’m thrilled the woman who bought the Chicken Costume was as excited to get it as I was to create it!

Another First - A Fun Challenge

Last week, my sister asked if I could create an 18 inch doll cheerleader uniform to match her niece’s uniform – with a due date of October 26^th (her birthday!). Without hesitation, I answered, “Yes!” However, I had to ask for a couple of things. Because of matching school colors, I wanted the fabric provided. I also needed several pictures showing different views of the little girl’s uniform for a “go-by”.

Over the weekend, while in Dallas doing an arts/craft show, I received the “washed and dried” fabric (THANK YOU!). Then, over the course of the next few days and requests for specific views needed, I received enough pictures via email to get a good idea of what needed to go where. And, the challenge began!

Light source is not good... coming from computer's monitor!

Needed to see side seam - light source coming from behind camera - MUCH better view!

In case you didn’t know, an 18 inch doll’s body, and where it bends and where it doesn’t, is a bit different than a real person’s body. Therefore, rather than a pull over, the top had to have an opening along the back. No problem. Done.

NOTE: Sewists know stretchy fabric (which this was a lightweight knit rather than quilt type cotton), stretches out of whack VERY easily! One must take extra care when dealing with knits!

Waiting to hem shorts whenever skirt is done!

The original uniform had webbed trim zig-zagged together to make the “stripe” – which is much too wide for an 18” doll. Therefore, I had to create the stripe using the knit fabric. That was fun!

After spending hours trying to work it out proportionally, I realized the original skirt’s stripe detail was too big for the doll’s skirt (even though the stripe was much smaller on the doll uniform). There was simply not enough skirt fabric, or “time” for it to come around and make the V. The doll’s skirt stripe is now simply around the hemline.

While meeting this challenge, trying to get it perfect, Mother kept reminding me when she made my oldest niece’s uniform to “match” my High School drill team’s uniform. Two year old Leasa was our mascot my senior year. It didn’t “match” exactly, but it coordinated nicely.

The letter “H” – oh so tiny! I tried different ways to get it cut out from the fabric provided, but it kept tearing apart due to the thinness along the sides. My sister sent me a commercial letter H but it was too big! I finally decided to simply cut it out of one-side sticky thin foam! Seems to work okay… will be a gently hand wash item!

Sending out in the mail on Monday and it should arrive in time for her birthday on the 26th! Love it when a plan comes together!

P.S. This was a fun challenge!

P.S.S. I absolutely LOVE the back drop Mother created for me and my doll pictures!!!

I'd rather sew

In January 2012, I wrote a series of themed articles on different marketing strategies. The plan was to do this every Monday throughout the year. I will be the first to admit, the “Monday Marketing” aspect may have helped in some ways, but then went flat when I got so confused with all the information out there – it was a struggle to make it through January! Because…

I’d rather sew.

Will the Best Marketing Strategy Please Stand Up? see the Aha Moment!

Going Viral Through Social Media relies on others to share!

Monday Marketing – Product Photo working on it!

Monday Marketing – Aha Moment mixing it up all year!

But, it’s time to do a bit of marketing prep. I have business cards. Now I would like to create a brochure for the upcoming craft and specialty show in Arlington, Texas. I’d like a little bit of information for visitors to take away with them, for reference and provide contact information. So, I go back to the ole trusty Google and do a search:

How to write a brochure

I find a gazillion opinions.

A couple tips/suggestions, however, keep reoccurring:

• write a catchy headline, something that will grab their attention
• focus on persuasion, not information

What type of attention grabbing headline could I write? What do I write about doll clothes or aprons or e-reader covers, to persuade someone to purchase from me rather than someone else? Geez!

I’d rather sew!

It's a Wrap!

If you’ve been here from the start you know, during National Sewing Month my writing focus has been totally on sewing. Throughout September, it was my hope to

inspire and encourage,

and

create an atmosphere

benefiting those who stopped by. I also hope along the road a new technique or tip or share helped in some small way.

This month, I also wanted to give others a platform to share insights into their world of sewing. I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know some of my family and friends.

Again, my humble thanks go to:

(in order of appearance)

Linda (my sister)

Jackie (BFF for over 45 years)

SueEllen (friend met through my sister)

Gail (neighbor/friend)

Arleen (met through the FB Sewist Group and now Facebook friends)

Leola (High School teacher and long time friend)

Joyce (met at the Burnet, Texas Arts/Craft Shows & we’re now Facebook friends)

Oleta (my mother)

 Another year, another National Sewing Month is over.

It’s a wrap!

Oleta's Insights

And, last but not least, our guest post today is from the person where I get my inspiration. She is my teacher, my mentor, my mother, Oleta.

Who taught you to sew? 

Being the youngest child of six girls and one boy, we all sewed. Our mother helped us and we learned from each other. When I was five and my sister next to me was seven, we would take turns paddling the treadle sewing machine for the other to sew. I remember clearly, we made doll clothes. 

Why did you start sewing? 

Never really wondered why I started sewing. It was just something we did. Everybody sewed either by hand or machine, even our neighbors came over and sewed with us. 

What inspires you? 

I get inspired with the designing aspect, especially making formals and wedding dresses. I love listening to another’s description of how they want their special dress to look. I then sketch it out until it meets their vision, and then make it happen! 

I’ve made special dresses for both my girls and both granddaughters, and a niece, and my girls’s high school teacher who did not have a mother to do it for her. In fact, for Leola, I designed the whole wedding, picked out the material, beading, lace, and even designed and made the hats worn by the bride and bridesmaids.

Leslie & Leasa getting ready for prom night

Leslie's dress

Leslie's petal sleeves

Working on Leasa's dress

Leasa's finished dress

Leasa

Leasa

Leola and Oleta

Leola's soft train

The Ladies

Close up of Bridesmaid dress

What do you love most about sewing? 

Making it right the first time without having to rip out the seam and start over. 

What are your favorite things to make? 

Things that a family member would like to have. 

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? 

After testing first on a scrap, always press anything that has a nap to it by first laying out a terry hand towel then place the garment face down on the towel. Lightly put the iron on the wrong side. 

What is your favorite project you have created? 

One day I brought in a large brown paper sack filled with pieces of white, shaded with blue, fur skins and the tape I’d gotten at a furrier. From the pieces, I made a fingertip length coat. I only had it a year, before someone took it during a home burglary. 

Another favorite project was the designing and making of my high school Senior Day outfit. It was a red linen two piece dress with a bright print sash, a white hat with a band of sash material, and white shoes with a band of the sash material. I received the opportunity to model it and present my fashion drawings to the Dallas Sportswear Meeting of Representatives. This effort resulted in winning the Neiman Marcus Design Scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. 

What are you currently working on? 

Well, I was going to make a print skirt for a yellow jacket I have to wear to a last club meeting before Fall arrived. But, that was before I stepped on a needle and had to have eleven stitches in my right foot! Maybe I can get it done before next spring!

Thank you, Oleta, my sweet momma, for sharing insights into your world of sewing! I hope everyone stopping by leaves her a comment!

Noise vs Silence

What “noise” surrounds you while sewing at the machine? Are you listening to music or a book on tape/disk? Do you have a television set going? Do you prefer sewing with background noise, or in total silence except for the hum of your machine? What floats your boat?

Since I’ve temporarily moved my sewing space back in the guest bedroom, rather than being in the living room, I’m one room removed from a television set. Sometimes I miss the tv as I love sewing while watching/listening to Perry Mason reruns! The majority of the time, however, I’m so grateful not having to listen to… well, I better not list the unending reruns, game shows, or the screaming woman that I don’t particularly want to hear!

While enjoying the silence, I find myself “thinking” a lot. I’ve wondered what I would do if I didn’t or couldn’t sew anymore. How would I fill my days? I don’t know why, but lately I find myself trying to envision a life without sewing.

Right now, this moment, I sew because I love working with fabrics, especially when I’m creating doll clothes. I’m extremely grateful that I can do what I love. I will never take the ability and opportunity for granted – no matter where my mind goes while I’m sewing!

Joyce's Insights

We have Joyce for our guest blogger today! She shares with us her insights into the world of sewing!

Who taught you to sew? 

My mother 

Why did you start sewing? 

Mom made most of my clothes and my brother’s pants – we were hard to fit back then (‘60s). When I turned 9 or 10, I started making these stuffed mice out of left over fabric and selling them at school for 50 cents each. Then I tried my hand at dresses and elastic pants. I’ve given up clothes sewing – that leaves me more time for other projects! 

What inspires you? 

Sometimes a pattern will inspire me to find the right fabric to make it out of. Other people’s projects are very inspirational so I love seeing other creations on the internet. My husband has been a good source of inspiration – he will find a fabric he likes and talk me into making a shirt for him out of it. Holidays and celebrations are another “reason” to create something special for those I love! 

What do you love most about sewing? 

When I’m FINISHED! 

What are your favorite things to make? 

BAGS, BAGS, BAGS – it’s an addiction! I also like making teddy bears and cloth dolls. 

I made this horse for Mom's day care center when she was keeping Maggie, Renee & Mark, Lindsey, Miranda & Cameron - so figure out how old that is. The years & hours of play had this feller looking pretty bad and I used Aunt Lydia's rug yarn on the mane & tail (if you remember that stuff then you know how old this horse is). Eyes were discolored, fur was all dirty, so I brought it home, took it apart, threw the pieces in the washer, then reassembled it with new stuffing, new leg joints, new mane & tail with a high dollar, super soft, bumpy yarn. I was real pleased with the results now I think I'll donate it to some worthy cause.

2012 First Place winner at Burnet County Fair

 What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? 

I don’t have any! 

What is your favorite project you have created? 

I just finished a suitcase sized bag from a Simplicity charity pattern with lots of zippers & pockets. I used a cotton print and machine quilted it first, then put the bag together. I even added purse feet:

What are you currently working on? 

Finishing up a few projects for a November craft show.

Thank you, Joyce! I so hope everyone who stops by will leave Joyce a comment!

Leola's Insights

Today's spotlight is on Leola. Through an interview, she shares a bit of insight into her world of sewing. I hope you enjoy...

Who taught you to sew? 

My grandmothers, Maude Ramsey and Elsie Taber encouraged me to start, but I don’t remember how old I was. I wanted to be like them and do what they did. I did take homemaking in the 9th grade which was when I first made a skirt for myself to wear. Decided as a junior in high school to major in Home Economics and teach. 

Why did you start sewing? 

So I could make my doll’s clothes and quilt tops for their bed. 

What inspires you? 

Beautiful fabrics just jump into my arms. Then something has to be done with them. Never tire of looking at fabrics. Must be an addiction for me, but then, there are worse addictions. 

What do you love most about sewing? 

I’m not sure. 

What are your favorite things to make? 

Made most of my own clothes for years until middle age distorted my body. 

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? 

Not sure if it’s a trick, but I press everything and try to have everything and seam. Try to have everything I’ll need for that project ready before beginning. Even cut out and attach interfacings and make all markings before joining pieces. 

What is your favorite project you have created? 

A suit made from the mattress ticking off the mattress of my grandparents, Frank L. and Maude Ramsey’s, bed. Due to stains on it and age, it was going to be thrown away. Looked at it and thought it was pretty. Got some scissors and began cutting around the edges of both top and bottom. I then had 2 large flat pieces of fabric. 

I took them to D. D. French Cleaners in Dallas and told Mr. French I didn’t know if they could be cleaned or not. 

Amazed at what I’d brought in, he inspected them and said they would. And they did. 

Loved wearing it as it was quite a conversation piece.

What are you currently working on? 

I’m slowly making a black and white print shirtwaist dress. I never had time to do crafts or other types of needle work. Now regret that I didn’t continue crochet, but just didn’t have the time or time to learn to knit.

Thank you, Leola, for your insights! I hope everyone leaves Leola a comment!

Online Community of Sewists

Have you heard of Threadbias? It’s an online sewing community where you can “share your projects, sell your patterns, and join conversations”! It’s easy to sign up. It’s free, too! I’ve joined, but haven’t yet set up my studio.

You’ll find another community of like-minded folks on Facebook – the Sewists Group. Send a request to join and I’ll approve you as soon as I see it!

Yahoo!Groups has a slew of support groups. For example, I just did a search for “embroidery” and it found 2043 related groups! (I need to find one! I need help learning about my machine!)

I belong to several different Yahoo!Groups already. Some of the characteristics I look for before joining a group:

• Membership required – weed out non-serious folks
• Moderated – yes!
• Recent activity – I want an active group!

Once you’re a member and the group doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always “leave the group” without any problems.

Do you know of any other online community for sewists?

Arleen's Insights

Today's guest blogger is Arleen! Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy reading Arleen's insights into her world of sewing!

Who taught you to sew?

My Momma, who was my first hero, and a single parent to three girls and one boy. Although she taught herself to sew, most of our clothes were store-bought during our elementary school years. But once I learned how to sew and was able to buy/translate patterns for her, she created some of my most memorable outfits in high school as well! 

 Why did you start sewing? 

The summer before I turned 13, my Mom came home from visiting a friend. It was summer school vacation in a border town in Texas, 1967, and not much to do. She was put off when she found me and my other two sisters, ages 10 and 6, just watching TV. 

 So my Mom threw the challenge out by saying that her friend’s two daughters, ages 10 and 9 had been sewing their school clothes when she had stopped by. It was the good old “shame on you” tactic and it worked. 

 I like to think that part of the success came about because the 60’s and 70’s were the most awesome time (style-wise) to sew in America. There was the “mini” – the “maxi” – the “midi” – hot pants, bell-bottomed pants, the “granny” dresses, the poncho, the peasant blouse, dresses with cutouts, I even remember a short stint with paper dresses! Add to that, the fall of 1969 was the beginning of my high school years and the disco era was another hook into sewing for me. 

What inspires you? 

When I first started to sew, it was the opportunity to have many outfits at a very low cost, something that was doable for my single parent. Then the inspiration was fueled by styles of the 60’s and 70’s and the ability to own one-of-a-kind outfits. 

I did try to sew some shirts for my husband early on but somehow men’s clothes were not fun for me. When my daughter was born, however, that was a whole new “territory” to explore. Dresses on a small scale, “new” fabrics to sew with, wow! It was like Alice in Wonderland falling down the hole all over again! 

When my son was born in 1980, I found out that infant/toddler clothes for boys were very limited. So I sewed for him as well. Sometimes, both of my kids reminisce about the MC Hammer pants/shorts era when Mom used to sew those whacky shorts made of different colors/prints! My son, who is now 31 will say, “Mom, I can’t believe I wore those shorts!” My answer is always, “You weren’t the only one, but no one else had your shorts and I didn’t pay store prices for them!” 

Today, my inspiration comes from my six-year-old granddaughter (and soon, my new infant granddaughter).  She loves dresses. She gives me the opportunity again to explore a whole palette of colors and to go back to an era when little girls dressed like little girls.

And close on the heels of my granddaughter, is my love for dolls. I’ve sewed for dolls when my daughter was a child and didn’t pick it up until about a year ago for my granddaughter’s dolls. It’s gotten to the point that I’ve started to buy my own dolls, including a vintage “Grocery Store” doll I recently purchased because it looked like the one I used to have! 

My granddaughters and my dolls, they are my inspirations! 

What do you love most about sewing? 

Spring and summer are my favorite “sewing seasons.” I love the fabrics (whites, pastels, summer prints) and styles for those seasons. Because I live in the southern California desert where temperatures can reach 118 degrees in the summer and winters are paradise, I’m able to indulge myself. Our “spring” is ready to go as early as mid-February and our summer heats are still with us into late October. 

What are your favorite things to make? 

In my younger and working days, women’s dresses and suits. My favorite styles were in the 1990’s when all pattern companies were cranking out beautiful jacket styles. 

Today, the vote goes straight to little girl dresses, from infant to size 8, and doll clothing. Unlike my granddaughters who will one day “outgrow” those sizes, doll clothing is a journey that will always stay the same “size and age.” 

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? 

That’s a tough one since sewists, whether you’re just starting out or been at it for a long time, we’re always learning new/better/smarter ways to do things. 

But one of the tips that I will teach my granddaughter as she learns to sew, is visualize, visualize and visualize. It’s important to learn how to “visualize” what your finished product, especially an outfit, is going to look like before you even begin. How is it going to fit YOU?  Do the colors fit my skin tone? Is this print too loud/not appropriate? Will the fabric fit the style? 

It sounds like a lot, but once it becomes second nature, it actually becomes part of the shopping pleasure we experience in a fabric shop – or at least, I do! 

What is your favorite project you have created?
When my daughter was about 16 months, I made her a denim overall, with matching fleece-lined coat and bonnet. It was a hard project for me at the time but I got so many compliments from other moms with children the same age, I’ve never forgotten it. 

What are you currently working on? 

I’m planning and currently working to establish myself on-line to sell my homemade dresses and doll clothing. I am currently laying out plans to find a clientele of Moms who still like to outfit their infant/toddler daughters (and their dollies) with clothes appropriate (and fun!) for children. 

Towards that end, I’ve been adding to my doll “family”, exploring the Internet (wow! and is that overwhelming!), putting together “libraries” of tutorials, help sites, notion vendors, looking for vintage sewing patterns, “inventorying” my supplies, etc. 

Oh, yes, and admiring all the beautiful creations of my fellow sewists!

Thank you for sharing your insights, Arleen! I hope everyone who stops by will leave her a comment!