Linda's Savannah

Linda Steinhoff of Bermuda created this delightfully frilly Savannah.  We loved her choice of fabrics and the special details that she added made this Savannah uniquely "Linda".   

For extra cuteness, Linda added ruffles to the back of the bloomers.  She cut 1-1/4 inch strips of a coordinating fabric and finished them with a rolled hem.  She gathered them in the middle and stitched them to the back of the bloomers.  She left about 1/4" between the ruffles on her bloomers, which were a size one.

Linda's other adorable detail was the loopy flower she added to the front.  To create this flower Linda used bias tubes for the petals and a 5/8" covered button for the center.  When I see something this cute and hear how simple it is I can't wait to run to my workroom and try it myself!

Linda, thank you for inspiring us!

Click here to see Savannah and our other patterns

  

Jerry's Savannah

Jerry Roberts of Jackson, Mississippi created an exciting Savannah for her granddaughter, Mary Kennedy. 

Jerry lowered the yoke a bit (which helped the size 6 fit her size 7 MK), added some wonderful, twirley swirls of bias and adorable buttons.   Hmmm - should this pattern be available in larger sizes?

Jerry chose a pale lime green dotted baby wale pique and turquoise twill.  She cut bias strips for her swirls, ran them through her bias maker steaming the strips and her fingers :-) .  She used a template for her swirls and traced them onto her fabric.  She pinned her bias in place, then lifted the bias to use dots of fabric glue (Roxanne's Glue Baste) to hold the bias before stitching in place with a 4.0 dougle needle.  She added 3/8" bright pink buttons at the bottom of each loop to add some interest and a 3rd, accent color.  She plans to accessorize Mary Kennedy's total look with a bright pink hair bow.  How cute is that!

Here is what Jerry said about using the Savannah pattern...

"I thought the directions were very concise, well written, and easy to understand."

"I loved the way the back yoke encased the top edges of the ruffles on each side."

"I must say that I’ve NEVER had such wonderful results with a neck or arm binding as I did on this garment! YAY!!"

We loved Jerry's Savannah!  She has a style that is uniquely her own. Thanks for sharing this, Jerry!  

Jerry is also going to work her magic with our new  pattern - Ellis.  We can't wait to see what she does with it! 

Click here to see Savannah, Ellis and our other patterns.

Ruched Piping

Add a fun addition to your next project with ruched piping.

You need piping cord and bias strips.  Piece together your bias strips to form one long strip.

It's easy to do.  Begin with a l-o-n-g bias strip.  You will need 2 to 3 times the length you would with regular flat piping.

Fold your bias strip in half enclosing the piping cord and stitch close to the cord - but not too close.  You want a little room to be able to scrunch up the fabric on the cord.

Stitch across one end of your piping strip through the cord.  This will hold the cord while you scrunch and prevent the cord from pulling out.  

Place your unscrunched piping back into the machine.  Use a "needle down" position so that when you stop stitching and raise your presser foot the needle will hold your piping in place.

Now begin the scrunching and sewing.  Raise the presser foot and scrunch your fabric along the cord to the desired fullness.  Lower the presser foot and stitch, using something like a shishkebab stick to control the fabric as you stitch.  Continue scrunching and stitching, raising and lowering the presser foot until you have enough piping. 

Try this technique using purchased piping. 

Announcing ELLIS !

We are happy to announce our newest pattern - Ellis.  This A-line dress features a square neckline in both the front and the back.  Add a cute ribbon belt with a bow.  The neckline can be piped or not, but we love that accent.  It buttons up the back so it is as cute from the front as it is from the back!  Sizes 3 - 10.  Pre-order this pattern now and receive FREE Shipping.  We expect this to ship in June in time for all your summer fun.  But wouldn't it be perfect for fall, as well?

Click here for more information and to pre-order Ellis.