Disboutiquers Part 18 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[cukal6]

Hi there! Do you have a machine? You may be better off making character themed sets, princess dresses can be tricky! I haven't attempted it! LOL.

Did you see the first post? That is a GREAT place to start!!!

I do have a sewing machine, and I can sew a straight line. I have been reading this board all day and I'm very inspired. Going to look for patterns this week!

 

[aksunshine]

Awesome!!! Heck I can't sew a straight line most of the time, LOL! Try youcanmakethis.com!

 

[aksunshine]

Ok PLEASE help out this beginner! I think I am going to try and make DD the pink cinderella dress. I do have a sewing machine, but I have VERY limited experience. So far I have sewed:
beanbags
felt play food
a blanket

My questions are - who makes the simply sweet pattern? Where do I buy it?
Is it really simple? Can I really do this?
How much fabric do I need to sew a dress for a 3.5 yo? (Trying to decide if sewing is cheaper than buying)
How do you sew bows onto a dress?
Thanks so much!!!

Hi there!!! Simply sweet is a Carla C pattern. I haven't made this particular piece before, but I have used others by Carla C and they are super easy to follow. She walks you through every step, with pictures! Buy the pattern at www.youcanmakethis.com!

As far as bows are concerned, I would get snaps, sew half to the dress and the other half to the bow. That way they can be removed to wash the dress. Good luck!

 

[twob4him]

I have a new baby!

Y'all know how I was freaking out about spending 400 for a new serger after mine died? Well, I made the big mistake of checking out the others while I was there and... (drumroll please)

I have added Nellie (Elna 745) to my family! She was, um, a little over the $400 I was planning to spend (ok, a lot) but the dealer actually gave me over $800 off retail,(including my broken machine as trade in) plus all lessons, even advanced, for free. It's a 5 thread, so it does chain stitch at the same time as serging, which was a huge plus for me now that I have so much less time. Plus, it has two different rolled hems, one a two thread for really fine fabrics like batiste, organza, etc. And the most beautiful knit coverstitch you ever saw in your life, I promise you.

I admit, I didn't understand spending $$$ for a serger, but I think I get it now. I also thought about the Babylock w/ jet air threading, but knowing my luck, something would go wrong LOL, plus the dealers a good bit further away and I couldn't get one for what I got this one for. But it feels completely different than my old serger; much quieter, much more tolerant; the diff. feed is awesome; no changing plates or fingers; I'm welling up, she's just so beautiful- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

As soon as my heartrate goes back down, and I can breathe well again, I'll post pics.

Congratulations!!! I know you and Elna will be making many pretty things!!!

 

[Colleen27]

Brand new here! I consider myself a crafty person, but I've never been able to sew. Believe me, it's not for a lack of trying. I really need to learn, and quick! My two boys love Disney and have enjoyed several trips there, but we are taking our daughter for her first trip in April. She will be almost 9 months at the time. I really want to make her some really cute outfits to wear! I would love to make a princess dress but I may be dreaming! It would be easier to buy but I can't find them that small. Any way, I need all the tips, encouragement, and inspiration that I can get!!!!!

I quite literally never sewed anything more involved than pillowcases or curtains and was more than a little scared of my sewing machine up until my second DD was born. Faced with two daughters, 7 years apart, and the older asking for matching outfits, I decided to start sewing. I swear, finding this thread was the best possible thing that could have happened! I have had nothing but problems with commercial patterns, but the Carla C patterns from youcanmakethis.com are fabulous, easy to use, and fun to make! And as an added bonus, one pattern has the sizes I need for both girls.

If you can find the tutorials for the princess adaptations of the Simply Sweet pattern (probably in the bookmarks in the first post), that would be a good place to start on princess dresses. The Simply Sweet is super easy, and once you get the hang of it you can pair it with different skirt styles for different looks.

And just for some random encouragement, I'll share my Thanksgiving story. My DD15mo is tiny. Really tiny for her age, and just into 12mo sizes. I bought her a beautiful fall skirt & sweater combo at a consignment shop back in the spring, figuring she'd wear it for Thanksgiving. Its her size, but Gymboree which runs a little big. So I realize as I'm getting her dressed on Thanksgiving morning that there's no way the skirt will stay up! So in about 2 hrs, I made this from some stray corduroy that was in my fabric basket:

 

[ireland_nicole]

I quite literally never sewed anything more involved than pillowcases or curtains and was more than a little scared of my sewing machine up until my second DD was born. Faced with two daughters, 7 years apart, and the older asking for matching outfits, I decided to start sewing. I swear, finding this thread was the best possible thing that could have happened! I have had nothing but problems with commercial patterns, but the Carla C patterns from youcanmakethis.com are fabulous, easy to use, and fun to make! And as an added bonus, one pattern has the sizes I need for both girls.

If you can find the tutorials for the princess adaptations of the Simply Sweet pattern (probably in the bookmarks in the first post), that would be a good place to start on princess dresses. The Simply Sweet is super easy, and once you get the hang of it you can pair it with different skirt styles for different looks.

And just for some random encouragement, I'll share my Thanksgiving story. My DD15mo is tiny. Really tiny for her age, and just into 12mo sizes. I bought her a beautiful fall skirt & sweater combo at a consignment shop back in the spring, figuring she'd wear it for Thanksgiving. Its her size, but Gymboree which runs a little big. So I realize as I'm getting her dressed on Thanksgiving morning that there's no way the skirt will stay up! So in about 2 hrs, I made this from some stray corduroy that was in my fabric basket:

Great job!

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I have a new baby!

Y'all know how I was freaking out about spending 400 for a new serger after mine died? Well, I made the big mistake of checking out the others while I was there and... (drumroll please)

I have added Nellie (Elna 745) to my family! She was, um, a little over the $400 I was planning to spend (ok, a lot) but the dealer actually gave me over $800 off retail,(including my broken machine as trade in) plus all lessons, even advanced, for free. It's a 5 thread, so it does chain stitch at the same time as serging, which was a huge plus for me now that I have so much less time. Plus, it has two different rolled hems, one a two thread for really fine fabrics like batiste, organza, etc. And the most beautiful knit coverstitch you ever saw in your life, I promise you.

I admit, I didn't understand spending $$$ for a serger, but I think I get it now. I also thought about the Babylock w/ jet air threading, but knowing my luck, something would go wrong LOL, plus the dealers a good bit further away and I couldn't get one for what I got this one for. But it feels completely different than my old serger; much quieter, much more tolerant; the diff. feed is awesome; no changing plates or fingers; I'm welling up, she's just so beautiful- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

As soon as my heartrate goes back down, and I can breathe well again, I'll post pics.

Congrats on the new baby and we must see pictures. Let us know how it sews out.

 

[squirrel]

For the online patterns (CarlaC and others), do you print the pattern out on regular computer paper? How many sheets does it take to do most patterns?

I have just used the commercial brand from the fabric stores.

 

[dogodisney]

I have a new baby!

Y'all know how I was freaking out about spending 400 for a new serger after mine died? Well, I made the big mistake of checking out the others while I was there and... (drumroll please)

I have added Nellie (Elna 745) to my family! She was, um, a little over the $400 I was planning to spend (ok, a lot) but the dealer actually gave me over $800 off retail,(including my broken machine as trade in) plus all lessons, even advanced, for free. It's a 5 thread, so it does chain stitch at the same time as serging, which was a huge plus for me now that I have so much less time. Plus, it has two different rolled hems, one a two thread for really fine fabrics like batiste, organza, etc. And the most beautiful knit coverstitch you ever saw in your life, I promise you.

I admit, I didn't understand spending $$$ for a serger, but I think I get it now. I also thought about the Babylock w/ jet air threading, but knowing my luck, something would go wrong LOL, plus the dealers a good bit further away and I couldn't get one for what I got this one for. But it feels completely different than my old serger; much quieter, much more tolerant; the diff. feed is awesome; no changing plates or fingers; I'm welling up, she's just so beautiful- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

As soon as my heartrate goes back down, and I can breathe well again, I'll post pics.

Congrats on your new baby.

For the online patterns (CarlaC and others), do you print the pattern out on regular computer paper? How many sheets does it take to do most patterns?
I have just used the commercial brand from the fabric stores.

It depends on the pattern and thd the size but it's not many pages and yes you print them right on computer paper. Carla gives you guidelines on printing to make sure your printer is printing correctly.

 

[MaeB]

Good day ladies (and Tom)

HELP!
I'm back again to ask for help with my neverending tshirt quilt project. I've had the top of a tshirt quilt complete for about 3 months but have stalled because I can't wrap my head around how to finish it. I need to add an edge and then sew it to a backing. Ok, so...how do I do that? I can figure out how to get the edge on, I think. I was planning on sewing the raw edge of the blanket and the raw edge of the edging fabric together. Then, I will press the other raw edge of the edging (still with me?) so it has seam. Now, do I then just fold the edging in half (ish), press that, and then sew it to the backing that is laid out on the blanket top? Wow...that's hard to describe for a non-sewer. The blanket is made of thshirts, sweat shirts and jeans. What's the best edging and backing fabric?

 

[NiniMorris]

Good day ladies (and Tom)

HELP!
I'm back again to ask for help with my neverending tshirt quilt project. I've had the top of a tshirt quilt complete for about 3 months but have stalled because I can't wrap my head around how to finish it. I need to add an edge and then sew it to a backing. Ok, so...how do I do that? I can figure out how to get the edge on, I think. I was planning on sewing the raw edge of the blanket and the raw edge of the edging fabric together. Then, I will press the other raw edge of the edging (still with me?) so it has seam. Now, do I then just fold the edging in half (ish), press that, and then sew it to the backing that is laid out on the blanket top? Wow...that's hard to describe for a non-sewer. The blanket is made of thshirts, sweat shirts and jeans. What's the best edging and backing fabric?

OK..I'll jump in here.

Are you going to quilt it, tie it, or just have the front (Tshirts) and the backing only connected at the seams?

My experience has been to put a border all around the tshirt material (it tend to be a bit stretchy). This will help to stabilize it (size wise).

Are you putting in a batting? Since you have jeans in th body of the quilt, I might suggest you use a very lightweight batting ...like maybe flannel. Some people like to do quilts made out of heavy material without a batting, but I find if you at least use a flannel, it gives the quilt a bit more body. I mean after all the work, you want it to look nice, right?

Next, we need to use a method of keeping all three layers together. You can quilt it or tie it. For my first couple hundred quilts - I tied them. I used bunches of safety pins to pin the layers together (about every 2 to 3 inches), then took embroidery floss and a large needle and took a small stitch and then tied the ends together, leaving the 'tails'. If you use a good tight square knot, it will hold up through many many washings! (I have some that are over 30 years old and going strong!)

Or you could quilt it. Here there are a lot of methods...you can hand quilt it (shouldn't take more than a couple years (I HATE handquilting...LOVE the look, HATE doing it!), or you could use the sewing machine to quilt. My only concern with this method is the jeans will make the quilt heavy and not very easy to shove it under the machine.

Now, if I haven't lost you...I think your original question was about putting on the border? There are also several ways of doing that (seem a theme developing here?) I will tell you how I do it (but you have to promise not to turn me in to the quilt police!) I just decide how wide I want the border (to give a pleasing look and to stabilize all those squares) and then cut strips of fabric that wide. I might seam two or three pieces together to make it long enough for each side...then attach. I don't miter the corners...way too much frustration.

Of course, the very last step is to attach the binding. This is the part that gives you the nice finished edge. I hate attaching binding. It is a lot of work (especially when the quilt looks almost finished!)

Again, there are several methods of doing this.

If I haven't confused you too much, let me know any question you have...I'll try and see if I can make my ramblings clearer!

And remember...anyone that tells you there is a right way and a wrong way to quilt...ignore them. There really is no quilt police! There are some ways that are easier than other, and some ways that give a better finished project than others...but you have the final say as to how it is done!

Most important is to have fun!

Nini

 

[minnie2]

Ok PLEASE help out this beginner! I think I am going to try and make DD the pink cinderella dress. I do have a sewing machine, but I have VERY limited experience. So far I have sewed:
beanbags
felt play food
a blanket

My questions are - who makes the simply sweet pattern? Where do I buy it?
Is it really simple? Can I really do this?
How much fabric do I need to sew a dress for a 3.5 yo? (Trying to decide if sewing is cheaper than buying)
How do you sew bows onto a dress?
Thanks so much!!!

CarlaC makes the pattern. As others have said she makes it so easy!!!! She has this amazing way of taking what looks complicated and making it so easy!
As for sewing being cheaper then buying well. not always. If you mean a boutique dress then yes making it your self is cheaper but if youa re taling a store bought dress not but you don't get the satisfaction and joy of making it.

I have a new baby!

Y'all know how I was freaking out about spending 400 for a new serger after mine died? Well, I made the big mistake of checking out the others while I was there and... (drumroll please)

I have added Nellie (Elna 745) to my family! She was, um, a little over the $400 I was planning to spend (ok, a lot) but the dealer actually gave me over $800 off retail,(including my broken machine as trade in) plus all lessons, even advanced, for free. It's a 5 thread, so it does chain stitch at the same time as serging, which was a huge plus for me now that I have so much less time. Plus, it has two different rolled hems, one a two thread for really fine fabrics like batiste, organza, etc. And the most beautiful knit coverstitch you ever saw in your life, I promise you.

I admit, I didn't understand spending $$$ for a serger, but I think I get it now. I also thought about the Babylock w/ jet air threading, but knowing my luck, something would go wrong LOL, plus the dealers a good bit further away and I couldn't get one for what I got this one for. But it feels completely different than my old serger; much quieter, much more tolerant; the diff. feed is awesome; no changing plates or fingers; I'm welling up, she's just so beautiful- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

As soon as my heartrate goes back down, and I can breathe well again, I'll post pics.

Congratulations! I still can't decide if i really NEED a serger. I think I want one but not sure.... Maybe I am just scared of them! LOL


LOVE all the new stuff!

 

[emcreative]

OK...I'm looking at embroidery machines again. Money is tighter than I would like it to be, and with the HSN flex payments I think I MIGHT be able to swing one. But after reading all the reviews etc... (Brother HE 240) I have a question. There is one review that speaks of the ability to only download 12 or so designs... does that mean I can't save them on the computer (or something like that) and use them again later? Or would I have to purchase the designs again if I needed to use them a year or so later?

I know that is probably a strange question, but from reading the reviews...I got a bit confused. I know sometimes people don't really know what they are talking about in the reviews, but I did see this comment several times, so it has me worried.

I know I am probably not going to be happy with only a 4x4 area, but it is one of the sacrifices I may have to make in order to get one sooner.

I know I am jumping the gun a bit on this, because if Santa doesn't bring it, it will probably have to wait until Jan or Feb to come live with me...but hey...I'm out of fabric and can't sew until this afternoon. I have to have SOMETHING to do...besides clean house!

Nini

What about the 700ii on the Flexpay? That's what I ended up with and after the first lemon (the exchange system was great, though) I'm pretty happy! Then you could have 5x7.

Another tutu, a little different this time, for our last-minute decision to make an appointment at the Pirates' League. The on-the-hanger shot doesn't do it justice, but it shows the fabric. I used 6" organza instead of tulle, and it came out really, really cool. Heat sealing all the edges wasn't the most fun I've ever had, but I think the end result was worth it.

You're gonna have a fantastic time at PL! We loved it!

1) I JUST BOUGHT AN EMBROIDERY MACHINE!

Congrats!

LMAO!!!! That's how I feel. I finally nailed down dates. My biggest issue was taking Isabelle out of school (she'll be in 3rd grade next year!). So I decided on November 27- Dec1. It's way less than we usually go, but we will be taking a 6 month old and doing our VR. This way I'll only be taking Isabelle out 3 days.

But...But...you'll miss us! (we get there Dec 3rd)

You asked for it, here are too many Cindy-Lou-Who's

I cased this from a picture I saved from this board from last year, I cannot take any credit for the design. It is a Felize, my first and I have to say it was a bit tricky.
Hope that helps.
Christine

Adorable!!!

 

[NiniMorris]

What about the 700ii on the Flexpay? That's what I ended up with and after the first lemon (the exchange system was great, though) I'm pretty happy! Then you could have 5x7.

Last time I checked they don't carry it anymore! They have another one that is similar...ut I can't find a model number to research it!

That was my original plan.

Nini

 

[emcreative]

Last time I checked they don't carry it anymore! They have another one that is similar...ut I can't find a model number to research it!

That was my original plan.

Nini

Gah you're right, it's not there anymore

THis is the one they have:
http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/brothe...42_xp.aspx?web_id=5745342&ocm=sekw|cust_picks

It lists as: Model # PE-770

 

[NiniMorris]

Gah you're right, it's not there anymore

THis is the one they have:
http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/brothe...42_xp.aspx?web_id=5745342&ocm=sekw|cust_picks

It lists as: Model # PE-770

That is the one that is at the PX...I'm hoping Santa brings it...if not, then I have to figure out how I can get it for myself!

It is what I was supposed to get for my birthday, but they were out of stock, so I got the serger instead. I know I will get one eventually, just not sure when! My hubby is pretty good about getting me what I want, just have to wait to work it in the budget.

Nini

 

[disneygirlsanddrew]

Congratulations! I still can't decide if i really NEED a serger. I think I want one but not sure.... Maybe I am just scared of them! LOL


!

I feel the same way about a serger...wondering if I really need one when I have been getting by with finishing edges with an overcast stitch (or whatever it's called) and they sound scary!!!! Not sure why...they just do!

 

[angel23321]

Need some ideas - Okay, I need some ideas for Christmas outfits. I'm looking for a causal one for Emma's party at school and then maybe dresses for church for both girls. I thought of an A-line for my little one.

Also...what do you use as a shirt for under an A-line or Simply Sweet?

 

[ireland_nicole]

I feel the same way about a serger...wondering if I really need one when I have been getting by with finishing edges with an overcast stitch (or whatever it's called) and they sound scary!!!! Not sure why...they just do!

I understand your concerns, I only got my first serger 7 months ago (hard for me to believe) and I asked the same questions. What I will say is that yes, my machine could overcast, but the serger is literally more than 10 times faster than my machines overcast stitch, plus the seams are stronger. Also, I love using rolled hems on euro ruffles or napkins, and you need a serger for that. When I upgraded this time due to the untimely demise of my "starter" serger, I realized that some of the features of the higher end machines were features I would really use. Like being able to sew a straight stitch and overlock the edges at the same time, or do a double or triple coverstitch (the way t-shirt hems are finished) also in one fell swoop. These are things that might not be necessary for you, and that's great; it's a matter, I think, of deciding what you will really need. Because I'm working now, I figured it was worth 2 days wages to get a machine that would basically sew and serge in one step. That way I'm saving over 50% of my time, especially on simpler projects. (like the matching pj's for Christmas for everybody). I do think it's definitely worth getting a serger, and having done two ways, would recommend getting one from a dealer who can teach you how to use it, and really support and service it. If I had bought my serger from a dealer in May, I would have paid $100 more for it then, but I would have had free classes in how to use it, and if it had broken now, it would have been fixed for free. (Otherwise labor is $79/hr here). So I will buy my machines from a dealer from now on, just for the peace of mind. And also, I feel like I will get the full money's worth out of my machine. They'll keep teaching me (over and over if necessary) until I understand everything I want to. I've had my sewing machine for 10 years, but because I didn't have access to classes to really learn how to use it, I have probably only used maybe 1/3 of it's capability. I don't want to not know and understand, or be afraid of, any more machines. I want to use them confidently. Good luck whatever you decide, but at whatever price point, I promise once you use a serger, you won't go back to not using it.

 

[tvgirlmin]

You asked for it, here are too many Cindy-Lou-Who's

I cased this from a picture I saved from this board from last year, I cannot take any credit for the design. It is a Felize, my first and I have to say it was a bit tricky.
Hope that helps.
Christine

Great Job on Cindy Lou! So precious! And your daughter looks so cute in it! I am a little afraid of attempting the Feliz and Vida, but will eventually give it a go after the crazy business of Christmas! Easter, perhaps..

I have a new baby!

Y'all know how I was freaking out about spending 400 for a new serger after mine died? Well, I made the big mistake of checking out the others while I was there and... (drumroll please)

I have added Nellie (Elna 745) to my family! She was, um, a little over the $400 I was planning to spend (ok, a lot) but the dealer actually gave me over $800 off retail,(including my broken machine as trade in) plus all lessons, even advanced, for free. It's a 5 thread, so it does chain stitch at the same time as serging, which was a huge plus for me now that I have so much less time. Plus, it has two different rolled hems, one a two thread for really fine fabrics like batiste, organza, etc. And the most beautiful knit coverstitch you ever saw in your life, I promise you.

I admit, I didn't understand spending $$$ for a serger, but I think I get it now. I also thought about the Babylock w/ jet air threading, but knowing my luck, something would go wrong LOL, plus the dealers a good bit further away and I couldn't get one for what I got this one for. But it feels completely different than my old serger; much quieter, much more tolerant; the diff. feed is awesome; no changing plates or fingers; I'm welling up, she's just so beautiful- I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

As soon as my heartrate goes back down, and I can breathe well again, I'll post pics.

Congrats on Nellie! May you have many happy days together!

I quite literally never sewed anything more involved than pillowcases or curtains and was more than a little scared of my sewing machine up until my second DD was born. Faced with two daughters, 7 years apart, and the older asking for matching outfits, I decided to start sewing. I swear, finding this thread was the best possible thing that could have happened! I have had nothing but problems with commercial patterns, but the Carla C patterns from youcanmakethis.com are fabulous, easy to use, and fun to make! And as an added bonus, one pattern has the sizes I need for both girls.

If you can find the tutorials for the princess adaptations of the Simply Sweet pattern (probably in the bookmarks in the first post), that would be a good place to start on princess dresses. The Simply Sweet is super easy, and once you get the hang of it you can pair it with different skirt styles for different looks.

And just for some random encouragement, I'll share my Thanksgiving story. My DD15mo is tiny. Really tiny for her age, and just into 12mo sizes. I bought her a beautiful fall skirt & sweater combo at a consignment shop back in the spring, figuring she'd wear it for Thanksgiving. Its her size, but Gymboree which runs a little big. So I realize as I'm getting her dressed on Thanksgiving morning that there's no way the skirt will stay up! So in about 2 hrs, I made this from some stray corduroy that was in my fabric basket:

Love that skirt! It's awesome you were able to whip it together in 2 hours. And it is too funny, but Gymboree runs small on my little girl - it is the "booty" size in the pants and the dress lengths that get us. But we love their stuff.....gotta love Gymbucks time!

For the online patterns (CarlaC and others), do you print the pattern out on regular computer paper? How many sheets does it take to do most patterns?

I have just used the commercial brand from the fabric stores.

You just print the Carla's out on regular paper. Some do have a lot more pages than others, but the great thing is you can just print the pages you need - just skim it on the computer and then select which pages you want to print. Best of luck with your first Carla - I have made about 4 simply sweet variations now and I LOVE it!