Disboutiquers Part 16 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew

[aimeeg]

I lurk here all the time...and now really really want to start doing some appliques - SO......is there somewhere that I can find very SIMPLE BASIC hints and tips as to how to start? Or even a book...Applique for Dummies?? I've been through most of the thread, but with so many pages have a hard time remembering what is where!!

A good place to start is Heathersue's tutorial. The link can be found on the first page of each thread.

I only have a regular sewing machine - that I can do a zigzag stitch on...(I did make a shirt with a "2" on it for my DGS birthday)...

A zig zag stitch is all you really need.

For instance.....
what fabric is best to use?

I like to use prints for my applique fabrics. The seem to be a little stronger than the solid colors. A great way to get a variety of printed fabric is to use fat quarters. They are on sale for 99 cents quite often at Jo Ann's.

do I wash the fabric and shirt before starting?

Yes, you should that way you know if it will run or shrink.

would it be easier to do the "face" onto a square and then applique the square onto the t-shirt?

I think so. Knit can be tricking to work with. Appliqueing on cotton and then adding it to your shirt is a really good idea.

I'm thinking about just starting with a Mickey outline - and then adding a hat or something to him....
How do I figure which color of the pattern piece to zigzag on when two pieces come together?

I the appliques you should have foreground, mid-ground and background. See the art teacher is coming out in me. Start with the background and move forward. A great trick is to look at some of the digital design sites. You can see where the put their colors. It can be helpful in figuring out placement.

I got a couple of "Mickey Chef" ideas from some wonderful people on here....and I am so wanting to get started!!! Thank you everyone on here for all your inspiration and know that I am soooo very impressed with all your talent!!

This is a really cool group. Two years I ago I threw out shirts if they need a button. I have had a lot of fun learning from everyone.

Also, when you all mention the pattern names of some of the twirl skirts and dresses are they all from You Can Do This???? Same with the Fabrics....I'm familiar of course with Walmart, JoAnns and Hancocks...but are there any others that you frequent, even on line??
Thanks again for any and all the hints or tips you can send my way!! barb

The YCMT site is great. I think everyone agrees Carla's patterns are wonderful. It is like taking a sewing class. You really can be a newbie and make beautiful outfits from her. The other patterns people talk a lot about are the Studio Tantrum patterns. They are the Euro patterns.

Hope that helps!

 

[2manyprincesses]

I lurk here all the time...and now really really want to start doing some appliques - SO......is there somewhere that I can find very SIMPLE BASIC hints and tips as to how to start? Or even a book...Applique for Dummies?? I've been through most of the thread, but with so many pages have a hard time remembering what is where!!
I only have a regular sewing machine - that I can do a zigzag stitch on...(I did make a shirt with a "2" on it for my DGS birthday)...
For instance.....
what fabric is best to use?
do I wash the fabric and shirt before starting?
would it be easier to do the "face" onto a square and then applique the square onto the t-shirt?
I'm thinking about just starting with a Mickey outline - and then adding a hat or something to him....
How do I figure which color of the pattern piece to zigzag on when two pieces come together?
I got a couple of "Mickey Chef" ideas from some wonderful people on here....and I am so wanting to get started!!! Thank you everyone on here for all your inspiration and know that I am soooo very impressed with all your talent!!
Also, when you all mention the pattern names of some of the twirl skirts and dresses are they all from You Can Do This???? Same with the Fabrics....I'm familiar of course with Walmart, JoAnns and Hancocks...but are there any others that you frequent, even on line??
Thanks again for any and all the hints or tips you can send my way!! barb

Check out Heathersue's Applique Tutorial in the bookmarks in the first post of this thread. It is sooo easy to follow and answers a lot of questions! If you finish that and still have questions, I'm sure some of the other girls here can help you. I'm pretty novice in applique myself.

As far as patterns go: the website is Youcanmakethis.com There is lots of good stuff there (even free!) but for starterslook on the sidebar for the "shop by author" button and scrool down to Carla C. Her patterns are really cute, instructions are very detailed and easy to follow, AND she's a Diser! Gotta love that.

 

[2cutekidz]

Aimee - that set is too cute!! I'll have to check out the juinors departmaent at Walmart!! Is the tank from the Juinors section too?

 

[anggye]

Thank you for the welcomes, I was nervous because I didn't want to upset the wonderful flow of this thread!! I have lots of things I want to post pics of, but I need 10 posts to share photos, right? I tried to multi-quote, but I am tech-challenged. we will be at DL oct.7-11. We are all so excited. This will be my 2 oldests 6th time. My kids think that everyone goes there as often us us!!

 

[aimeeg]

Aimee - that set is too cute!! I'll have to check out the juinors departmaent at Walmart!! Is the tank from the Juinors section too?

Thanks! The tanks were in the girls dept. They had lots of colors. There was a cute pink on pink. They also come with a coordinating under tank. The pleather pants were in the juniors dept.

 

[2cutekidz]

Thank you for the welcomes, I was nervous because I didn't want to upset the wonderful flow of this thread!! I have lots of things I want to post pics of, but I need 10 posts to share photos, right? I tried to multi-quote, but I am tech-challenged. we will be at DL oct.7-11. We are all so excited. This will be my 2 oldests 6th time. My kids think that everyone goes there as often us us!!

Skip the multi-quote (for now)! You need 10 posts before you can post pictures. Feel free to do countdown posts here and you can tell us a little about yourself - if youd' like

 

[2cutekidz]

Aimee - are these the leggings? I have a feeling Emily would think these were cool - I on the other hand am cringing! Adorable with the tank though!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11073914

 

[emcreative]

Thanks! The tanks were in the girls dept. They had lots of colors. There was a cute pink on pink. They also come with a coordinating under tank. The pleather pants were in the juniors dept.

Do you mind my asking what girls' size your daughter normally wears (that was the equivalent of a 0?) I ask because she looks to be the same build as my daughter Hannah, but Hannah is away for a week so I can't take her with me to try anything on.

 

[aimeeg]

Aimee - are these the leggings? I have a feeling Emily would think these were cool - I on the other hand am cringing! Adorable with the tank though!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11073914

Yes those are the ones! They are a little more shinny on the website though.

Do you mind my asking what girls' size your daughter normally wears (that was the equivalent of a 0?) I ask because she looks to be the same build as my daughter Hannah, but Hannah is away for a week so I can't take her with me to try anything on.

Hannah is five. She is very tall and narrow. Is it wrong that I am jelaous!!!! Hannah normally wears a seven in skirts with the adjustable waist. Tops are more of an 8 now. It is hard because they are never long enough and always too wide. She is just longggggggg. The last time I measured Hannah she was a 22.5 inches in the chest, waist and hips.

I think the 0 leggings could really fit any tall child over the size 5. They are made to be skin tight. UGH! I am not ready for that.

 

[ibesue]

Trying again since my pics didn't work earlier....Finished another VIDA. This has to be my new favorite pattern and it is soooo easy. I took off the bottom panel and just added the ruffle instead so it was a bit shorter. Can't wait to see this one on Abby. Dot fabric is Amy Butler and the other I picked up at Hancock...

So cute! I love the owl fabric!

Ok, I've not shared anything in FOREVER! So, here goes...

My Emma top, which funny enough is for my dd4 Emma

I made these tanks for the girls when we were planning to go to WDW in September. But, they still wear them at home, so not wasted time.

This is a LisaZoe Tshirt resell that I bought and made these capris to match

I was trying to find Halloween stuff, but I didn't make anything for Halloween last year So, these are from 2007. Kinda hard to see, but I made patchwork skirts and frayed applique Tshirts for the older girls and a candy corn tiered skirt for dd4. Her shirt is from Target and says "Candy Corn Queen" LOL

Anyone have any good suggestions for Zebra print? My JoAnn did not have any & the one I found at Wal-Mart I just didn't really like all that much.

They are all very cute! I would keep checking Joann's for the zebra print. They get it in all the time, but its popular, so it sells quickly. I looked many times and then one day it was there. Now I see it a lot.

All the Vida's and Halloween stuff looks great or course so does everything else. I have not been sewing much lately. I have started working on another ebook though. This one is for a fall jacket. Simple and cute. At the end of September we are planning on moving away and that will mean that Jenna will no longer have to wear uniforms to school. She is so excited about this, as am I. I have only been able to make things for her to wear to school on a couple of occasions, so this is going to be fun. You guys that have always been able to make cute stuff for your kiddos for school don't know how much I have envied you. I think that I will make a Back to School Vida for her for her first day to the new school.

How cool to do a back to school wardrobe!!!

This morning I felt like sewing but not for our trip in 6 days. LOL Yesterday when I was at Walmart I picked up this tank and the "beyond awesome" pleather stretch leggings from the Miley Cyrus collection. LOL

My DD told me- "Mommy, these are the ugliest leggings I have ever seen but I LOVE the shirt. Can I wear this to Kindergarten?" LOL

Her pleather leggings are actually a size 0 from the Juniors department. Here is my daughter channeling her best Joan Jett.

So cool!!! I like the pleather leggings!

When you buy an embroidery machine does the digitizing software come with it? IF not, how much is the cost for average software?

What machine do you wish you had? If you bought one but after a year wanted a different one, which one do you wish you had bought?

What is the easiest to learn software? But still very functional? I am good with Photoshop CS4.

Santa, being me, DH and Mom are all buying me a machine for Christmas and I wanted to make sure I get a machine and don't have regrets later.

I just want to learn how to make faces and designs like the evil queen and star wars Mickey.

Thanks for putting up with my questions. Look I get read and post since I don't start work until 12 today, but work until 8 pm

My DD got a Brother 270D online. Before we could even try the embroidery, My DH got me a very nice embroidery machine. I would start checking your sewing machine stores. I know you live far out, but maybe there are some in your area? The software does not come with the machine unless they give you a package including it all! I would suggest at least 5X7 hoop and a USB port. When I go to DD's house, I do not take my card reader. I just connect my laptop to my sewing machine using the USB port and it makes it so much easier.

lol - heathersue has an applique tute in the bookmarks, and here's one i wrote up.

http://my-sweet-sunshine.blogspot.com/2009/06/quick-applique-tutorial.html

lets see if i can answer some of your questions...

What fabric is best to use?

you can really use any type of fabric for applique, but cotton is what is used most often.

do i wash the fabric and shirt before starting?

it's reccommended to always wash your fabric and tees (or jeans, etc.) before you start sewing. Don't use any fabric softener though.

would it be easier to do the "face" onto a square and then applique the square onto the t-shirt?

i think this is just personal preference. I've never had a problem manuvering a tee while appliquing, but i tend to work with size 4-6 the most

i'm thinking about just starting with a mickey outline - and then adding a hat or something to him....

a basic mickey shape is a good pace to start, but curves are sometimes hard to master. Practice on a scrap square then a circle before you move onto the tee shirt.

how do i figure which color of the pattern piece to zigzag on when two pieces come together?

again - personal preference. For a mickey head with a chefs hat (for example) i would layer it so the hat is the top layer.

also, when you all mention the pattern names of some of the twirl skirts and dresses are they all from you can do this???? Same with the fabrics....i'm familiar of course with walmart, joanns and hancocks...but are there any others that you frequent, even on line??

ycmt is www.youcanmakethis.com alot have been using european patterns lately too - the vida, feliz are a 2 of the most recently posted. They are studio tantrum (feliz) or farbenmix (vida) patterns and they can only be purchase online. You can do a google search or search ebay and etsy (in supplies) for the patterns. Our favorite ycmt author by far is carlac - aka thescientificseamstress - aka louiesmama (here on the dis)

i think there is a list in the bookmarks for online fabric sources. Honestly, i search ebay if i know the name of a certain fabric. I've had lots of luck on ebay.

LOL, what she said! I also embroider right on the T. But that does take practice. I didn't realize that a lot of people embroider on another piece of fabric, then put that on the T. Actually, I did that once and it was cute, but I thought everyone else embroidered directly to the T so I worked many T's until I got it down! Now its easy! And honestly, if I can do this, you can too!

This is a long ago T that I embroidered (didn't applique ) on fabric and then attached the fabric to the T.

I hope all our girls in the Pacific Northwest stay cool today!

 

[LisaZoe]

And if you need a tester for that pattern I am here. Actually you could come to my DD's house in Beverton. I can't believe that I left So Cali to come to the heat??

So, you're the one who brought the heat with you, eh? It wouldn't be so bad if it at least cooled off at night. I don't think it got below 80 last night. I bought 2 small fans at Wal Mart this morning in hopes they'll help me as I try to sew.

Serger hem help again sorry... I asked this on the other thread and got a response and thought I saved it but now I can't find it. I have a four thread serger and want to do the rolled hem some of you ladies do with it where it's covered in thread(rolled hem?) but not sure how to set it and I lost my book many moons ago. Please Help!

Yeah, I have, it's a white 1600 and there's no manual available though on the white site it does say I don't need to change my plate so I don't know....maybe I should try you tube videos lol

I think I have the same machine. It's pretty simple to do. First you need to find the screw on top of the presser foot. Loosen it, slide over the little flat piece of metal so it's against the cutting blade and retighten the screw. Next you want to change your stitch length to the shortest possible. If you want a narrow rolled edge, remove the left needle so you're only using 3 threads (that's the traditional rolled edge). I like a wider stitch for some things. For that I just leave the needles in place. That's it! Be sure you put things back the way they were before you do regular serge stitching.

I lurk here all the time...and now really really want to start doing some appliques - SO......is there somewhere that I can find very SIMPLE BASIC hints and tips as to how to start? Or even a book...Applique for Dummies?? I've been through most of the thread, but with so many pages have a hard time remembering what is where!! Thanks again for any and all the hints or tips you can send my way!! barb

HeatherSue's applique tutorial is a good place to go for step by step instructions. I'm planning to add a tutorial to my blog at some point.

I only have a regular sewing machine - that I can do a zigzag stitch on...(I did make a shirt with a "2" on it for my DGS birthday)..

As long as you can adjust the length of your zigzag stitch, you should be all set.

what fabric is best to use?

You can applique with a variety of fabric but I think using a woven cotton (or cotton/poly blend) is the best when you're starting out. You didn't mention thread but that's another thing to consider. Starting out, I'd suggest using whatever you have as long as it's a nice sewing thread. It does help to use bobbin thread for the bobbin because it's much finer and allows the top stitching to pack closer together.

do I wash the fabric and shirt before starting?

I strongly encourage people to pre-wash. It's better to get any possible loose dye and shrinkage out of the way before putting time into an applique.

would it be easier to do the "face" onto a square and then applique the square onto the t-shirt?

Personally, I think it's easier in most cases. It also means if you mess up, you don't have to replace the tee.

How do I figure which color of the pattern piece to zigzag on when two pieces come together?

When I'm tracing out the design onto the fusible (I use Heat N Bond Lite), I decide which pieces overlap others. I choose which is on top based on which would be in the front on a 3 dimensional version. For example, if I was doing a simple Minnie head silhouette with a bow, the bow would overlap the head in some areas. 99% of the time I stitch the fabric with the thread that matches the fabric (or is a shade or two darker).

Also, when you all mention the pattern names of some of the twirl skirts and dresses are they all from You Can Do This???? Same with the Fabrics... I'm familiar of course with Walmart, JoAnns and Hancocks...but are there any others that you frequent, even on line??

Many people use patterns (ebook format) from YouCanMakeThis. Some also use commercial pattersn from McCalls, Simplicity, etc. Another pattern brand that is popular is from Farbenmix, which is a European brand mostly available online (a quick google search for the brand and specific pattern name can find places to order).

I think TeresaJoy has a list of fabric sources in her bookmarks. These are sites that have been shared on the various parts of this thread.

 

[tnmom25]

I love it!!! Cute and funky! I really need to make an NBC outfit!!!

I love your outfits!! Those Tink Pants are so cute! Do you mind if I make something similar? I have a cute Blue Tink fabric I am going to make a tunic top for DD and I love those pants!

The little picture of your family in your signature is so cute! I love how everyone has a different hat. Did you create/draw that?

Go right ahead! Just make sure to take pics

My sig was created by someone on the Creative DISign thread. I definitely don't have the patience to make something like that LOL

 

[bear_mom]

Wow - made it page 6. Better than the last couple of moves where I didn't make it until page 15 or 20


Way off topic, but.... I know there are a number of nurses that hang out here... I'm thinking about making a career change and going to nursing school. Any thoughts, advice, tips, etc? I've been out of school too long, so there are 4 pre-reqs I'd need to (re)take before I can start and I wouldn't actually start school until Fall 2010. Please feel free to PM me if you have any advice to share.


Thanks!

Hey, I didn't make it until page 33. Between work (after 12 hour days, I don't spend much time on the computer) and camping, I missed the move.

I changed careers to nursing from engineering. So far I'm happy with the change, I started working a little over a year ago. School wasn't too bad for me, but others in my class seemed to think it was really hard. I like only working 2 days a week, I'm part time. The days get long sometimes, other days they seem to fly by, some days are hard, others are easier. Mostly depends on the patients and their families. I work on a medical/surgical floor.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Emily

 

[Tinka_Belle]

Tinka Belle, check your PM here!

I did! April check your inbox on Facebook.

Aimee-Love the NBC outfit. I am hiding it from Jenna, because that is her favorite right around Halloween.

Sue-I am very excited to get to do a school wardrobe. I can't wait!

 

[aimeeg]

Thanks for all the NBC compliments. I have lost count how many NBC things we own. Is that bad?

I am looking forward to sewing when I get home. I have a great idea for the girls MNSSHP NBC customs. I bought the fabric yesterday. It is very fancy and there will be a LOT of butt ruffles.

 

[emcreative]

Y
Hannah is five. She is very tall and narrow. Is it wrong that I am jelaous!!!! Hannah normally wears a seven in skirts with the adjustable waist. Tops are more of an 8 now. It is hard because they are never long enough and always too wide. She is just longggggggg. The last time I measured Hannah she was a 22.5 inches in the chest, waist and hips.

I think the 0 leggings could really fit any tall child over the size 5. They are made to be skin tight. UGH! I am not ready for that.

Yes, that's my Hannah as well, same build though technically short for her age. She turned 8 at the beginning of May and was mortified when someone on a Disney Bus guessed she was 5! My Hannah is a 22.5 in waist, but a 24 in chest. We're a family of "Gypsy Women" (excuse the slur, but when I say "Romany" no one knows what I mean) and all hips and curves if not fluffly- and then there's my Hannah, who takes after the other side of the family, my Aunt Liz particularly. We had to teach her years ago that when anyone commented on her tiny size to just say "I'm the perfect size for me!"

Hmm, maybe I should get those measurements from LisaZoe, lol, the 2-4 just might fit, lol!

If anyone is going to order the pants, I thought I'd mention if you have dancers I saw the Danskin stuff is on sale/clearance there too.

**For those who joined me for my supersecret trip report**
I did manage to get some pictures up yesterday some of you will be VERY interested in (*cough*phin*ferb*cough*) I'm not sure, does it email when I update?

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Oh! Finally baby Hannah fell asleep! So I can post a few photos.

This fabric I picked up when I was checking out a new shop, showed it to DD3 who said she wanted a dress out of it...

had some scrap of this so I used it for the lining.



you cant tell in picuture, but I have a cute bow embroidery stitch on my machine that I did instead of top stitch along top and the rick rack was totally last minute, I found a scrap in my closet and it fit the bodice!



My first experience with co-ops, my fabric arrived in the mail today!

 

[emcreative]

Oh! Finally baby Hannah fell asleep! So I can post a few photos.

This fabric I picked up when I was checking out a new shop, showed it to DD3 who said she wanted a dress out of it...

had some scrap of this so I used it for the lining.



you cant tell in picuture, but I have a cute bow embroidery stitch on my machine that I did instead of top stitch along top and the rick rack was totally last minute, I found a scrap in my closet and it fit the bodice!



My first experience with co-ops, my fabric arrived in the mail today!

Nicole, that is SO cute...what co-op did you join?

 

[Stephres]

Cute Aimee! She looks ready for school.

Those pants are so cute, Where did you find the fabric?

Thanks, I found it at JoAnn's.

So cute! I love all the fabric you got from your co-op. You're going to have so much fun with it!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Nicole, that is SO cute...what co-op did you join?

fabric Obsession I believe is the name of it, run by Jacqui, I will say it was hard not having it as soon as I "ordered" it took a few months, next Im waiting on some Make It Perfect patterns...

So cute! I love all the fabric you got from your co-op. You're going to have so much fun with it!

Thank you! I have no idea what Ill be doing with it. I really like the little print with the flowers and butterflies, the castle fabric could be a cute feliz or vida I suppose....
wish I had more time to sew!
I have half of a cinderella simply sweet cut out (skirt and cuff left) and these are super simple, Im not doing anything extra on them and its so hard to find time. When Hannah gets bigger and takes consistant naps it will get better