Disboutiquers Part 20 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[angel23321]

I have had three machines now. The first was a complete lemon! It was horrible. I had to send it back and get a new one. The second one was fantastic! I just wore it out. I had over 2 million stitches on the machine. The brother repair place is several hours away. I decided to buy a new one. I had not planned on buying a new machine so soon but I figured I had tangible proof that I use the thing. I was also told that you CANNOT use any other bobbin thread other than Brother because it is a different weight then the bobbin thread at the fabric store. Good Luck and I hope you can get your machine working!




QUOTE]

I agree 100% my brother does not like any bobbin thread except brother. I can use any top thread just not in the bobbin.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

For those asking about machines, I would say that this is purchase that you do want to buy the best you afford. I have gone through several machines and finally found my favorite Brother 4000D Innovis. It is both a sewing machine and an embroidery machine.

For embroidery machines make sure you get the biggest hoop machine you can afford. I started with a 5X7 and a hard to attach hoop that gave me nothing but problems, 2 months later I bought the said brother and have been happy since.

Do take time often to clean out the bobbin case. I take off the plates, remove the race, dust with the little brush, even use canned air to make sure everything is out. I take off the covers on the thread part and also clean out the tension disks. I only do the disks once every few months. I bring my machine into the store for a general once over each year.

Good luck in making a wise decision and you must post pictures after you get your machines.

 

[glorib]

Thought I'd share an idea that I had regarding our upcoming trip! Both of my kids know our home phone number and Caleb knows my cell phone number (we're practicing with Ella) but I worry what would happen in an emergency - if they'd forget or just freeze up and be too scared to tell whomever was trying to help, etc. . .

Anyway, I just ordered custom silicone bracelets with my cell phone number debossed into them. (like the livestrong bracelets) I figured that way, if there's an emergency or we accidentally get separated, they will have our phone number readily available. I'm hoping that since the number is debossed and in the same color as the bracelet, it won't be obvious to strangers, especially since those types of bracelets are pretty popular.

Here's the website I ordered from - I bought two bracelets at 4.50 each (they have a child size), with free shipping. I was tempted to buy one of several colors so that Ella would have a matching color to her custom each day, but DH vetoed that thought, saying I was "obsessing just a tad too much." I don't think of it as obsessing so much as good planning and proper coordination!

silicone bracelets

 

[kelly1218]

Thought I'd share an idea that I had regarding our upcoming trip! Both of my kids know our home phone number and Caleb knows my cell phone number (we're practicing with Ella) but I worry what would happen in an emergency - if they'd forget or just freeze up and be too scared to tell whomever was trying to help, etc. . .

Anyway, I just ordered custom silicone bracelets with my cell phone number debossed into them. (like the livestrong bracelets) I figured that way, if there's an emergency or we accidentally get separated, they will have our phone number readily available. I'm hoping that since the number is debossed and in the same color as the bracelet, it won't be obvious to strangers, especially since those types of bracelets are pretty popular.

Here's the website I ordered from - I bought two bracelets at 4.50 each (they have a child size), with free shipping. I was tempted to buy one of several colors so that Ella would have a matching color to her custom each day, but DH vetoed that thought, saying I was "obsessing just a tad too much." I don't think of it as obsessing so much as good planning and proper coordination!

silicone bracelets

And if you can't find child size to fit your kids...or if you think they won't keep it on. Adult sizes fit on most younger kids ankles!

 

[ireland_nicole]

I have one completely finished! I decided to charge $25 each because of how long it takes to make each one and based on the info a few of you have given me. SO I have white & light pink shirts ready to make at home. ANd I was thinking of trying a black shirt too so the embroidery really stands out. WDYT?

Hopefully they will bring in a lot of money for a very good cause because the way I see it -If we can find a cure for breast cancer, a cure for other types of cancer is not far behind. I posted them on my FB page and hev 2 friends who already want them. So we will see. I am going to make hopefully a bunch in advance to sell at craft fairs and such this summer. I plan on adding a few more designs too.

I would love to see it in black! It's my fave color- slimming LOL.

I think black would look great. You could always do one as a sample to see what you think but I bet the embroidery will 'pop'. I know pink is usually the color associated with this cause but since the embroidery is pink, I think using different colors for the tee is a quick way to expand the options to attract more buyers. Good luck on the fund-raising!

Thanks for all the input on the pocket. I took it off, replaced the brown with the dot from the back ruffles and added white rickrack around the edge. I think this makes the pocket looked planned rather than added as an afterthought.

Perfect! Wowyee!

Definitely wash them first! I was in a hurry the night before Thanksgiving and appliqued turkeys on unwashed t-shirts for my daughters. They looked great for Thanksgiving Day, but did not do well when I washed them. They were 100% cotton Old Navy t-shirts. The shirts shrunk a little, but the fabric I used for the appliques did not and it just looked awful. The turkeys ended up with puckered necks! I won't make that mistake again.

doesn't that just make them more authentic looking?

Longtime lurker. I admire all the creativity you put into your designs. For several years long ago I did the same but my kids grew up and I joined the corporate world.
Now for my question. I would like your honest opinions on new sewing/embroidery machines. Mine are old now and I have more time to enjoy this hobby again. I currently have a Janome Memory Craft 7000, a Janome 4 thread serger w/ D feed, a Babylock 3 thread serger w/ D feed, a Singer Poem embroidery machine and a Singer industrial machine. These were state of the art when I got them. I thought these were reasonably priced but can't decide which one(s) to get or just keep the old ones!.
Singer Futura SES2000 $1200 all software included
Singer Futura CE350 $800 all software included, can use hat hoop too
Brother PE 700II $600
Brother Serger Lay In Threader 1034D $200
Love them, hate them? TIA!

I don't have a futura, but I know a lot of people have had issues w/ them. I have a Brother PE 700II and I love, love, love, love it! I have over a milion stitches on it, so I've used it enough to get a good feel for it I think. I HAD the brother 1034D. I really wouldn't recommend it. Mine only lasted 5 months, before it was broken beyond repair and trying to get it serviced (bought online) was impossible. I ended up buying an Elna and I love it. Much heavier duty, doesn't wimp out when serging gathered seams, and does a beautiful rolled hem.

LOVE the Sham rock shirt! Patrick wanted the same thing...not really sewing much of anything right now...so he was massivley jealous of that!


I plan on keeping very busy this weekend in advance of Tuesday...I am so not ready for this! I know everything will be okay, I am jsut more wore about the process than the outcome! I have NEVER had any surgery so this is uncharted ground for me. But I finally told my mom this week and she was actually calmer than I thought she would be...but she is coming down to stay with us, I will need help with the kids so that is a good thing.

I'll be praying for you on Tuesday, and am glad your mom is coming to help. Also thanks for the compliment on the shirt

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

I made a skirt out of the top of a pair of sparkle jeans - What do you think? I think I am going to make an Emma top to go with it.

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

THAT'S why it looked strange to me...I'm used to seeing the Heart.

Now that I know why it's different I like it. I hate when something that simple bugs the crap out of me.

Does that make sense? (I will state now...I have never ONCE said I'm normal and made sense )


I LOVE the pink. Can you post a picture of the black one when you are done?

And how are you selling these? I may need one for my walk


ETA...I just saw you are posting them on Facebook.

I think I am putting them on either or e--y but not sure yet. I want to get a couple done first before I list anything. Some I will probably sell in person to family & friends. The heart thing bugged me too at first - I am not normal either - I am a Star Wars geek at heart.

 

[Granna4679]

I have never done Hoop or Mick's BBQ and not sure if you wanted just specific character places but we love Liberty Tree Tavern, Teppenedo and Prime Time Diner. The food is excellent at all of the places.

I second the Liberty Tree Tavern and the Prime Time Diner. We loved both of them...GREAT food!

First of all, anyone need an extra husband for a couple hours?

Anyway, I am trying to do my first applique. I think it's something simple compared to what everyone else does. It's just a MM head on a t-shirt. If I set the stitch length at .5, the stitches are too far apart, but if I set it at .3, they get all clumped together. No, I do not have a .4. Also, how do I avoid a bump that my foot won't go over? That seems to happend when it is set at .3. My thread on the underside is really loose and ugly and all over the place. It's just bad. I read and re-read Heather's tute on this, and actually printed out a copy to have next to my sewing machine to refer to. I know I need to keep practicing, and I do see it improving from one try to the next, but these are a few things I just don't know how to correct. I do understand the corners and have done those nicely every time.
Thank you, I appreciate the advice.

Nancy

I do A LOT of appliqueing and I set mine on .3 all the time. Are you using stabilizer? I use Sulky tear away. It seems to hold in place and makes stitching even. Sometimes when I go over something "again" it does what you are describing. Try taking thread and bobbin out and re-threading everything. And also, is the machine threaded through the little tension thingy on the top? I have missed that step a time or two when threading and this is what happens also. I hope I have helped.

These are so cute. Bambi and Thumper look great.

Thank you. My little DGD calls Thumper "Dumper" so I had to make something with "Dumper" on it for her because I just well...just like to hear her say it. Ha!

I made a skirt out of the top of a pair of sparkle jeans - What do you think? I think I am going to make an Emma top to go with it.

Very cute idea. I have a ton of overalls and denim skirts that I need to use for something. I used to applique overalls all the time but I am rather burned out on them. I might try adding a skirt of some sort like this. I like your applique too.

 

[weluvdizne]

I do A LOT of appliqueing and I set mine on .3 all the time. Are you using stabilizer? I use Sulky tear away. It seems to hold in place and makes stitching even. Sometimes when I go over something "again" it does what you are describing. Try taking thread and bobbin out and re-threading everything. And also, is the machine threaded through the little tension thingy on the top? I have missed that step a time or two when threading and this is what happens also. I hope I have helped.





Thank you. My little DGD calls Thumper "Dumper" so I had to make something with "Dumper" on it for her because I just well...just like to hear her say it. Ha!
.

I am using the Solvy stabilizer that is water soluble. It is on the front over the applique. Do I have the wrong kind? Is it placed wrong? Should I have it on the inside of the t-shirt as well? At first, I forgot it completely, but when I added it, I noticed the thread on the front got better. I have missed the tension thing on top a couple times, so I will have to go check that out. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.

Your DGD sounds so cute. I love it when they say things cute like that. It's a sad day when they realize they are saying it wrong and then correct themselves. It means they are growing up. How old is DGD?

 

[Mommy2JulietJocelyn]

You need stabilizer underneath the material you are applique-ing I use stitch n tear and it works well, I also have sulky stuff for non-hooped embroidery.

 

[Astro Orbiter]

First of all, anyone need an extra husband for a couple hours? He is making me crazy as I struggle with this. The kids are out in the backyard playing, and he keeps coming over to me and my sewing machine and hoovering. All he ever says is, "How's it going, Sewing Lady?" AND - he is standing in my light! Whoever said your husband is your biggest child was correct.
Sorry, had to vent! I'm sure some of you have been there!

Anyway, I am trying to do my first applique. I think it's something simple compared to what everyone else does. It's just a MM head on a t-shirt. If I set the stitch length at .5, the stitches are too far apart, but if I set it at .3, they get all clumped together. No, I do not have a .4. Also, how do I avoid a bump that my foot won't go over? That seems to happend when it is set at .3. My thread on the underside is really loose and ugly and all over the place. It's just bad. I read and re-read Heather's tute on this, and actually printed out a copy to have next to my sewing machine to refer to. I know I need to keep practicing, and I do see it improving from one try to the next, but these are a few things I just don't know how to correct. I do understand the corners and have done those nicely every time.
Thank you, I appreciate the advice.

Nancy

Are you using an embroidery machine or doing it 'by hand'? If by hand, run it around at .5 then go around it again to fill in the gaps.

And, of course, rethread your machine. It's like when you call IT and they tell you to reboot. Just do it, because sometimes it helps and no one knows why. Generally when I have loose crazy thread on the back it's because my top thread has slipped somehow.

Check the tension, too. If you zigzag on a piece of scrap, does it look right?

Thought I'd share an idea that I had regarding our upcoming trip! Both of my kids know our home phone number and Caleb knows my cell phone number (we're practicing with Ella) but I worry what would happen in an emergency - if they'd forget or just freeze up and be too scared to tell whomever was trying to help, etc. . .

Anyway, I just ordered custom silicone bracelets with my cell phone number debossed into them. (like the livestrong bracelets) I figured that way, if there's an emergency or we accidentally get separated, they will have our phone number readily available. I'm hoping that since the number is debossed and in the same color as the bracelet, it won't be obvious to strangers, especially since those types of bracelets are pretty popular.

Here's the website I ordered from - I bought two bracelets at 4.50 each (they have a child size), with free shipping. I was tempted to buy one of several colors so that Ella would have a matching color to her custom each day, but DH vetoed that thought, saying I was "obsessing just a tad too much." I don't think of it as obsessing so much as good planning and proper coordination!

silicone bracelets

Call me weird, but I used a sharpie and wrote our cell phone number on the inside of DD's shoe. She wouldn't wear any jewelry and girly girls don't have pockets, you know. It was crazy enough that we hoped she'd remember.

Deb

 

[2cutekidz]

First of all, anyone need an extra husband for a couple hours? He is making me crazy as I struggle with this. The kids are out in the backyard playing, and he keeps coming over to me and my sewing machine and hoovering. All he ever says is, "How's it going, Sewing Lady?" AND - he is standing in my light! Whoever said your husband is your biggest child was correct.
Sorry, had to vent! I'm sure some of you have been there!

Anyway, I am trying to do my first applique. I think it's something simple compared to what everyone else does. It's just a MM head on a t-shirt. If I set the stitch length at .5, the stitches are too far apart, but if I set it at .3, they get all clumped together. No, I do not have a .4. Also, how do I avoid a bump that my foot won't go over? That seems to happend when it is set at .3. My thread on the underside is really loose and ugly and all over the place. It's just bad. I read and re-read Heather's tute on this, and actually printed out a copy to have next to my sewing machine to refer to. I know I need to keep practicing, and I do see it improving from one try to the next, but these are a few things I just don't know how to correct. I do understand the corners and have done those nicely every time.
Thank you, I appreciate the advice.

Nancy

Even thought it probably looks like it a bobbin issue, the thread on the underside being loose sounds like your machine isn't threaded right. Re thread it and try it again. If that still doesn't work, take some picture of your machine and bobbin area and post it, maybe we'll be able to help with some pictures.

I am using the Solvy stabilizer that is water soluble. It is on the front over the applique. Do I have the wrong kind? Is it placed wrong? Should I have it on the inside of the t-shirt as well? At first, I forgot it completely, but when I added it, I noticed the thread on the front got better. I have missed the tension thing on top a couple times, so I will have to go check that out. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.

You definately need stabilizer on the underside of the t-shirt. I only use Sulky tear away on the underside, no stabilizer over the applique (never heard of doing it that way) I will say, my first sewing machine never appliqued well. There were almost always gaps, bumps, or clumps in the front. I didn't get the smooth lines or the hang of it until I got my Kenmore.

 

[elmonshea]

Hello Ladies!
I want to start by saying you all do WONDERFUL work!!!!!
I look on here often and while I am inspired, I am not great at sewing. I try and that is all I can do....

I do have a question and wondering if you all can help me out..
I seen an outfit on ebay and wanted it so bad, but did not win..
So now I am going to TRY to make it..


I has appliques (I think????) for the people but I am going to try to find the pictures and use iron on transfer on to white fabric. I know that I can Not attempt to do them.
BUT I need help with making the skirt...........
I have 3 dd's ages are 2,4, 6(she is tall)
Not sure what lenghts I need to make for each or how wide I need for each section.. I have seen a tutorial on how to gather, but not sure if I know how much to gather..
I am a newbie and know nothing.. I have a reg. brother sewing machine and a very cheap embr. machine. I have sewed dresses, totes, my dd's bed set etc. but never done a twirl skirt.. So scared I will mess up.
Anybody want to help out????

 

[jessica52877]

I am using the Solvy stabilizer that is water soluble. It is on the front over the applique. Do I have the wrong kind? Is it placed wrong? Should I have it on the inside of the t-shirt as well? At first, I forgot it completely, but when I added it, I noticed the thread on the front got better. I have missed the tension thing on top a couple times, so I will have to go check that out. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it.

Your DGD sounds so cute. I love it when they say things cute like that. It's a sad day when they realize they are saying it wrong and then correct themselves. It means they are growing up. How old is DGD?

Use something on the back side of the applique like others have said. I use cut away. I don't usually use water soluble on much besides towels and sometimes blankets to hold the ?nap down. It will keep the stitches from sinking so isn't going to hurt anything, but probably makes it harder to sew.

 

[sahm1000]

Thank you so much to everyone that voted! I noticed that she's got another 20+ votes! Yeah! We can help her rock the vote!


And remember, if you have more than one email you can register on both emails and vote twice each day. Here is the link again if you haven't voted yet today:




http://ck.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=A&c=12907&s=3102222&i=1&r=565817

 

[mgmsmommy]

I made a skirt out of the top of a pair of sparkle jeans - What do you think? I think I am going to make an Emma top to go with it.

Very cute! Unique skirt too! Great job

 

[Happy Mom2]

WOW! I love this thread! Everyone does such amazing work. I've had my sewing machine for 7 years and other than sewing two rectangles for curtains, and fixing the seam in a pair of pants I haven't used it. I keep saying I want to take a sewing class, but y'all have inspired me to actually find one in my area!!

 

[ellenbenny]

Thank you so much to everyone that voted! I noticed that she's got another 20+ votes! Yeah! We can help her rock the vote!


And remember, if you have more than one email you can register on both emails and vote twice each day. Here is the link again if you haven't voted yet today:




http://ck.upickem.net/engine/Details.aspx?p=A&c=12907&s=3102222&i=1&r=565817

I voted!!

 

[ellenbenny]

I came across a Craigslist ad for a Brother Innov-is 4000D for sale. I contacted the seller and they said they are closing a store and selling it for $890. I have seen that they sell for over $2000 on ebay. Obviously I have to find out if this is for real, but tell me about this machine if anyone has it??

Also if it is for real, what to look at/for if I go take a look at it. She claims it only has 3 hours on it.

ETA:

Never mind, she got back to me and it is not local, is in Florida. I thought Craigslist was supposed to be for local advertising.

Looked the email address up on google, definitely a scam!

 

[2cutekidz]

WOW! I love this thread! Everyone does such amazing work. I've had my sewing machine for 7 years and other than sewing two rectangles for curtains, and fixing the seam in a pair of pants I haven't used it. I keep saying I want to take a sewing class, but y'all have inspired me to actually find one in my area!!

Welcome!! We're better than a sewing class! We're here for inspiration, encouragement, and how to's!! Get stuck on a pattern in the middle of the night, no probmlem, someone is almost always here to help you out! No joke! One of my first attempts at a commercial pattern had me pulling my hair out at midnight. I posted my question here and had an answer (and a waaaaay better explaination than the directions!) within minutes!!