Shirt sleeves

Especially when sewing boy's shirts, you do not want puckers or 'ruffles' in the sleeve.  The pattern instructions always say to run two  rows of gathering stitches in the cap of the sleeve, the problem with that is, you then have to work out those gathering puckers that form in the top of the sleeve.
Having sewn for boy's for quite a few years I was thrilled to learn this technique for Nancy Zieman.

You want to control the fullness at the top of the sleeve. So, do not let the fabric feed through, keep your finger at the back as you sew. If to much fabric is piling up, you can let it go, and continue again with your finger in the back of the pressure foot.   This also works on girls blouses where you want a smooth top to the sleeve.

With this done, take the sleeve to the ironing board and steam it very well. Do not! touch the iron the the sleeve, just give it a good shot of steam to shrink out the fullness.

Now, you have a nice neat sleeve without having those little tucks sneaking into your sewing.

Lining a jacket

These simple steps will make a lining a jacket quick and easy.  I used Bonnie Blue "Jillian" pattern. Love that pattern and am hoping to find it in a larger size.

Sew your jacket pieces together, then sew the lining pieces together. Now its time to put the two together, you will place the lining to the jacket right sides together. Match edges and shoulder seams. Stitch along the front and along the lower edge. Stitch across lower back back edge. Stitch lower edge of sleeves. Trim and clip seam, I like to use my pinking scissors, they trim and clip at the same time.  Remember your side seams are open at this time.  Do not turn right side out.

Line up the lining pieces and the jacket pieces. On one side of the jacket pin the underarm sleeve seam to underarm sleeve lining seam, right sides together. Continue pining jacket sides and jacket lower edge seam.  Make sure lining is matched to lining and jacket is matched to jacket. This is a circular seam, you will sew the lining and continue sewing the jacket.

Continue doing this on the other side but this time leave about three inches of the lining open, you will need to turn your work through that opening.

this gives you a better view of how the pieces are kept separate.

Now sew in one continuous line of stitching.

There you can see how both are sewn, trim and finish seams.  Pull the jacket through the opening you left in the lining. Turn jacket with right sides out and push sleeve lining into sleeves. Press well.

There you go a little lined jacket.  Now, you can add buttonholes or not, depends on how you want to finish. Top stitching always looks nice, or you could do decorative top stitching, its all up to you.

A little more Disney

Want to make something casual for the trip to Disney Land?   These little outfit will get your creative motor started.   I especially like the trims Jerry used.  She always seems to add rick rack and now I started  finding places to put rick rack.
You could use any A-Line pattern when sewing these dresses.  Martha Pullen has one that is very popular, I like to use the Bonnie Blue Holly pattern.
Another little touch, is the buttons on the Mickie A-Line, they were machine embroidered.  Little touches can make the most casual clothes something very special.

Announcing another contest!

Here is where to go  http://ellieinspired.com/apps/blog/  to sign up for the new contest and I must add it is a very good contest!!  Laura now has another pattern available and I have to tell you it is one I have been waiting for and bugging her about this adorable skirt pattern that even has a smocked version.  This skirt goes up to size 8 is that not the greatest news?? 

I forgot to add it also has short built into the pattern for those little monkies.

Wild at Heart

Zoe models her new dress saying the best part about being my model is she gets to keep the clothes.  Her mom reported she thought Zoe was going to sleep in the dress as she would not take it off. I have not had a report back telling me if she slept in it.  I for sure hope not!!

Ah Spring

With spring comes little leauge baseball and what can be more fun then watching those kids play their heart out. I am so lucky to be able to live close enough to some of the grands and so enjoy cheering them on.

Big brother play's while sister cheers.

Seth did very good last night. He was hit by a ball while sliding into second base, but he was safe and a little ice will take the swelling down on the lump on his leg.

Seth and Zoe taking a moment to slow down and pose for grandma. 

Ariel

For this dress, Jerry used the Sandpiper pattern by Kathy Dykstra from AS&E Issue 88.  Really shows how versatile that pattern is and what a little creativity can do.
The apron overskirt can also be smocked as shown in the magazine.

This is a view of the back.  I love how Jerry combined colors, it really looks like it is under the sea.