Disboutiquers Part 24 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[PurpleEars]

I'm trying to find a pattern for a top that is pillow case style that went into a halter around the neck line but fitted on the sides (saw one on ETSY I'm trying to recreate) I want to add ruffle shorts to make an outfit. Any suggestions?

I don't have suggestions for pillow case style top but you may want to look into the Easy Fits on youcanmakethis.com for the ruffle shorts. Good luck!

 

[NiniMorris]

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

 

[vester]

Ok I'm not sure if this is ok to do this on here, but here goes.....if its against the rules then just someone let me know and I'll erase it.

I need an embroidered Jessie with my daughters name on a T-shirt for Disney World. I'm wondering if anyone on here with a wonderful embroidery machine could do that for me for a price? If so, private message me!

If this is a huge no-no to ask, then I apologize in advance and will take it off straight away!

Thanks!
Vester

 

[aboveH20]

I've had cruising on the brain the last few days.

Wowsers. Suddenly I have cruising on my brain, too. They are wonderful.

Here is what I have been working on this week.
A customer order for an Epcot dress:

and the back...

And I also made both of my DGDs (2 of them) these dresses for an upcoming Butterfly festival next weekend and they will probably wear them for Easter too.

I love the Epcot dress. I especially like primary colors and I like Minnie's balloon bouquet. The butterfly dress is amazing as well. I like the ruffle in the front. Perfect!

WOW!!!! I just went to Overstock. com to see what the site said about warranties. I decided to click on the "live chat" feature. I was helped quickly and I told the rep what was going on. She said they'd be sending me a new machine in1-2 days and will email me a postage label for returning my old machine. I am VERY impressed with the way they handled this issue! I was afraid it would be difficult to make a return to an online store. Let's just hope that my next machine will not give me troubles!!!

I love happy endings. I haven't ordered from Overstock but It's nice to know about the customer service.

Did you say check your ticker? What ticker?

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)

No help, sorry, but I'll be interested to read the responses.

My computer is upstairs and my sewing stuff is in the basement. I think part of the reason I haven't gotten around to doing any of the CarlaC patterns I have is that I don't want to print out everthing. Are you saying I could save them to a disk and then put that in a computer in the basement? I know we have enough computer parts around that I could Frankenstein a computer down there.

 

[NiniMorris]

That is what I do...I print out just the size I need and then use the instructions from the computer. Then I put the pattern pieces in large ziploc bags (I think they are 2 gallon size) and file them in a drawer. When I need that size again it is waiting on me.



I have filed my patterns away like this for years...but emboridery is still new to me and I can't seem to get a good handle on how to file them..


Nini

 

[WDWAtLast]

Love all the new creations- the cruise outfits are especially cute! I have a question for those of you without a dedicated sewing space- how to you motivate yourself to sew???? I havent sewed since January- and I got my new Brother serger 2 weeks ago and it is still in the box the idea of cleaning off the kitchen table to sew for 2-3 hours, clean it off for a meal, repeat, just is not appealing. Any ideas?

 

[jessica52877]

WOW!!!! I just went to Overstock. com to see what the site said about warranties. I decided to click on the "live chat" feature. I was helped quickly and I told the rep what was going on. She said they'd be sending me a new machine in1-2 days and will email me a postage label for returning my old machine. I am VERY impressed with the way they handled this issue! I was afraid it would be difficult to make a return to an online store. Let's just hope that my next machine will not give me troubles!!!

If anyone wants to order, the machine is $659 (I had a 10% off coupon in my email today, so you might want to check to see if you have one) and go through Big Crumb or Ebates or a website like that. I went through Big Crumbs which has 5.6% cash back. Shipping is free right now, but it is usually only $2.99.
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-PE770-Embroidery-Machine/5301560/product.html

Glad to hear that! I think Aimee had to send hers back too but I can't remember for sure.

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

I have the same issue. I have way too many designs for some reason and no idea what to do with them/how to store them. My machine will take a 3.5 disk so I started out putting them on disks, which works for the most part, but a disk won't hold that many designs. I looked at staples the other day and 100 of them were $35 so not horrible, but really do I want 100+ MORE disks sitting around. I had been saving them to cd's when I think about (not often) and writing right on it what was on it but still not working the best. Probably because I don't do it enough. I bought an alphabet the other day and don't really feel like saving it all.

So, someone give me a good idea. I though about usb thingy but I find that I would never know what was on it unless I actually wrote it down.

Off to sew. I have quite a bit to get accomplished this weekend!!!

 

[dianemom2]

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

My designs have no organization. I would love to hear how others organize them. I have so many designs and sometimes I can't find them. I know some people have a fabric obsession. I seem to have an embroidery design obsession I am also just terrible at remembering to save them onto a cd. My machine only takes 3.5 inch disks or my design card. That's a problem for me because I don't have a computer that has a 3.5 inch disk drive!

 

[jessica52877]

My designs have no organization. I would love to hear how others organize them. I have so many designs and sometimes I can't find them. I know some people have a fabric obsession. I seem to have an embroidery design obsession I am also just terrible at remembering to save them onto a cd. My machine only takes 3.5 inch disks or my design card. That's a problem for me because I don't have a computer that has a 3.5 inch disk drive!

We got one free with one of our laptops and we got it just because. I am so thankful we did now. I believe Heather ordered one off of ebay. The ones that just plug in via a USB port.

 

[cogero]

mine are all on my computer (laptop). I have them organized by where they came from

ie HeatherSue,Bowsandclothes ETC

then they are seperated by character or movie.

ie Peter pan (has peter and tink)
Mickeyheads
pooh
princess (which is then subdivided by princess)

I am going to put them all on CD for backup this week.

 

[teresajoy]

That stinker!!! I love those!!! We're not planning a cruise anytime soon but think it is precious!!!

I didn't see Mickey in the wheel on her FB. Is that one hers too?

That one doesn't look familiar to me, so I don't think that is hers.

I'm trying to find a pattern for a top that is pillow case style that went into a halter around the neck line but fitted on the sides (saw one on ETSY I'm trying to recreate) I want to add ruffle shorts to make an outfit. Any suggestions?

In the bookmarks there are directions for turning a pillowcase dress into a halter top. You could follow those directions and make it shorter and narrower.

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

Mine are unorganized in a folder called "embroidery Files". I have a trial version of software called "Studio III" which, shows me a little picture of each of my files. I think if you buy the software you can move things around with it and organize them. I've thought it might be a good investment, but I'm too cheap to buy it!

Did you say check your ticker? What ticker?

It's in my signature, below my links. It may be cut off on your computer, I have a wide screened monitor.

My designs have no organization. I would love to hear how others organize them. I have so many designs and sometimes I can't find them. I know some people have a fabric obsession. I seem to have an embroidery design obsession I am also just terrible at remembering to save them onto a cd. My machine only takes 3.5 inch disks or my design card. That's a problem for me because I don't have a computer that has a 3.5 inch disk drive!

Like Jessica said, Heather bought the floppy disk drive on Ebay. I think it was pretty cheap $10 - $15?

 

[miprender]

Now that it has been received, here is the Nemo dress I did for Hannah's Big Give:

Thanks for looking!

Love this dress. I actually went out a bought some white/orange polka dot fabric for trim when I finally make DD her dress or a skirt.

I finished up a Mad Hatter shirt for my dad to wear to 1900 Park Fare breakfast. He doesn't know he's going to wear it, but I'm sure he'll be cool with it! Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I'll finish up my daughters Mary Poppins dress!

Thanks for looking!!

Too cute.

Here is what I have been working on this week.
A customer order for an Epcot dress:

and the back...

and a matching shirt for an older child

And I also made both of my DGDs (2 of them) these dresses for an upcoming Butterfly festival next weekend and they will probably wear them for Easter too.

Thanks for letting me share them.

Just beautiful! When you add the butt ruffles to the Vida how do you know how much you will need?

Last week,I bought the Brother PE 770 embroidery machine from Overstock (great deal by the way, go through Big Crumbs if you buy there). I am having some tension issues with it though. Sometimes, the thread gets all loopy and loose. This usually happens eerytime I change the thread color. If I turn the machine off and back on,it usually works right again.But, that is a pain to do between every color! I have had some luck adjusting the upper tension, but it seems to reset itself on it's own!

I've changed the needle,checked for threads stuck in the bobbin case and in the top. I'm using medium weight cut away stabalizer. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm also making sure my thread is through the little thread holder thingy right before the needle. I've tried adjusting the bobbin tension too. I'm wondering if I got a dud machine,or if there is something I'm missing?
Oh,I've tried prewound bobbins and I have wound my own with the bobbins that came with the machine.

Glad to see that you are getting a new one. A few times this has happened to me and it was usually because my bobbin thread was too loose.

I love this thread! Ive been a long time lurker and have been begging to get a sewing machine and give it a try. DH finally got me one, nothing fancy, just one from Wal Mart, and we moved into our new house, so I do now even have a room to call a sewing room (and spare bedroom). I am a teacher and CANNOT wait for school to be out and to be able to get sewing on this. Ive never sewed, I think Im crafty enough and hope to catch on quickly enough. Ive looked around and want someones opinion...what is a good thing to start with? I have a DD3 (DD11 and DS13 too) but DD3 LOVES Disney and cannot wait for me to make her something. Is there anywhere to download free patterns? Any good advice? I dont even know what kind of thread to get or anything. I bought a good table, chair, sewing maching, I know I need some good scissors, thread, material, pins and patterns. Is there anything Im forgetting?

I've had cruising on the brain the last few days.

Just beautiful

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

I just organized all my embroidery files a few weeks ago in my computer. I had them in just one file and now I grouped them in by type. Example I have all Mickey and Minnie in one folder, Misc Disney, Princesses etc. That way I can go to that folder and look for what I want instead of searching through numerous files. Plus it helps me to see what I have because I think I have accidently purchased some of the same designs twice.

 

[miprender]

Welcome! I can't wait to see what you come up with For free patterns you have do on line searches for tutorials. There a free tutorials out there for pillow case dresses, some regular dresses and tons for skirts (which would likely work well for your older daughters).

Here are some I have bookmarked:
http://www.jenleheny.com/pillowcase-dress-instructions/
http://www.freshlypickedblog.com/2008/03/pillow-case-dress-tutorial.html
http://bridgetbaxter.blogspot.com/2008/04/happy-anniversary-to-you.html
http://my-sweet-sunshine.blogspot.com/2009/05/okey-dokey.html
http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/peasantskirt_inst.html
http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/free-bag-patterns_ss1.html
http://grandrevivaldesign.typepad.com/photos/ruffled_skirts_tutorial/skirts4000.html
http://thornberry.wordpress.com/2008/11/16/cup-day-skirt-tutorial/
http://donnachurchillritter.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/yoga-style-skirt-tutorial/

That should hopefully give you a start . I put a free bag tutorial in there too as bags are fun to make and teens might like them.

.

Thanks for posting those. I will have to check them out.

 

[Blyssfull]

I don't embroider but I'm an organization nut.

If it was me: I would invest either in an External Hard drive OR even better, a USB stick (some people call these jump drives). They are both easy to use, mainly just drag and drop kind of like you do with pictures or a MP3 player. An external hard drive is a smaller stand up extension to your computer and it just plugs into a USB port and it's extra storage for your computer. The awesome thing about these are it comes with up to 1 TG of storage and this is all you could ever need it's so large! This is portable too but it's just not as small. They look like this:

A jump drive would probably be my own personal route. It's a little stick that you plug into your USB port and it holds all kind of files. And the best part it's portable. So you can take it anywhere you want. These look like this:

I would def. make sure if you go this way you get a good brand. www.newegg.com has awesome deals on stuff like this or amazon, ebay. But you can always get them at places like Wal-mart or Best Buy.

 

[clairemolly]

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

I have all my files saved onto an external hard drive by category...Holiday, Kids, In The Hoop, Disney, Fonts, etc. Then I have categories within each category...so in my Disney folder I have Pooh and Friends, Miickey and MInnie, Toy Story, Princesses, etc.

A couple of those folders have more subsectioning in them, such as Mickey and Minnie...there is a folder for Mickey, one for Minnie, and one for them together. In my princesses folder it is by princess, so everything associated with Cinderella for example is in the Cinderella folder...the glass slipper file, Cindy herself (cutie, head and shoulders, etc), Prince Charming, the step-sisters and Lady Tremaine...

I have all my e-book sewing patterns in a similar fashion on the same external drive...tops/dresses, pants/skirts, baby things, totes/purses, etc. My external drive is backed up when the rest of the computer is by DH onto a separate external drive.

So far this is making it much easier for me to find things. If I know I want my Eeyore file, I just know to click Embroidery Files/Disney/Pooh and Friends/Eeyore and then pick the file from there...regular or cutie and the right size.

 

[dianemom2]

This is my first Vida. I got the pattern last week and I tried it out. It was pretty easy to make. Although I have to say that I did not enjoy tracing the pattern. I am not crazy about the yellow Pinkalicious wording on the top. I should have changed the color of the wording even though it is yellow on the front of the book. It doesn't stand out enough. I certainly have plenty of other fabrics that I could have used! I forgot to take pictures of the back but I did ruffles across the back. They turned out a little crooked but not too bad. I think my next try at the ruffles will go more smoothly.

Also, since the family has received these I can post pictures of what I made for one of the big gives.

 

[clairemolly]

I have all my files saved onto an external hard drive by category...Holiday, Kids, In The Hoop, Disney, Fonts, etc. Then I have categories within each category...so in my Disney folder I have Pooh and Friends, Miickey and MInnie, Toy Story, Princesses, etc.

A couple of those folders have more subsectioning in them, such as Mickey and Minnie...there is a folder for Mickey, one for Minnie, and one for them together. In my princesses folder it is by princess, so everything associated with Cinderella for example is in the Cinderella folder...the glass slipper file, Cindy herself (cutie, head and shoulders, etc), Prince Charming, the step-sisters and Lady Tremaine...

I have all my e-book sewing patterns in a similar fashion on the same external drive...tops/dresses, pants/skirts, baby things, totes/purses, etc. My external drive is backed up when the rest of the computer is by DH onto a separate external drive.

So far this is making it much easier for me to find things. If I know I want my Eeyore file, I just know to click Embroidery Files/Disney/Pooh and Friends/Eeyore and then pick the file from there...regular or cutie and the right size.

Yes, I am quoting myself...I have thought about using jump drives, but those are so easily lost, at least in this house. I keep my external drive plugged into the computer at all times, so I always have my files handy at a few clicks of the mouse. I can quickly save the projects I plan to do next onto the jump drive that I keep stored in my machine (so I don't lose it). My machine is right next to my computer, so it only takes a minute or two to swap out files on the jump drive. I like to keep mine relatively clear of files, so every time I add things I delete the ones I am finished with.

 

[dianemom2]

We got one free with one of our laptops and we got it just because. I am so thankful we did now. I believe Heather ordered one off of ebay. The ones that just plug in via a USB port.

I just mentioned this dilemma to my dh (of course it is not the first time I've mentioned it. Only the first time he's paid any attention to it!) Within about 10 minutes he found an external 3.5 inch drive that plugs into my USB on my computer. It cost under $12 on Amazon. Plus he got me a 10 pack of 3.5 inch floppies. I actually had to add a book into my order so that I could qualify for Amazon Prime! I can't wait until I get everything. I hope it comes on Monday!

 

[PurpleEars]

I have a delimna ...so what is new? LOL

I know I have bought some embroidery designs, but can't find them on my main computer (after several hours of looking) I'm positive they are there, just not so sure where.

I'm sure I can get the designs again from the person I bought them from if I can't locate them (when she comes back from her vacation! ) but in the mean time I am more concerned with the fact that my designs are not organized in any way on my computer.

I was hoping to get a new computer for the studio and organize everything better on that...but that project had to be put on hold for Disney this year.

So, all of you that have been buying designs for a year or so, how do you have yours organized. I know there are programs you can purchase to help, (with thumbnails of the design as opposed to vague names) but how do you actually organize them on the computer?

(...and yes, I do back up the designs on a disk...about once every 2 months more or less...depends on how many I buy in a month. I have about 10 disks right now...with no idea as to what is on each disk! Bad....I know!)


Oddly, I don't have that problem with my patterns. All of my Carla C are together in alphabetical order. I use them often enough I have no problem remembering how they are listed.



Thanks,


Nini

Perhaps you can print out the designs and write the path (where the file is located) on the paper. When you back up, write down which media (CD, floppy, USB key, whatever) and what number on the paper. File the pieces of paper in a binder (sort by character or whichever makes sense to you). This is how I keep track of databases at work and I wonder if it will work for organizing embroidery files?

This is my first Vida. I got the pattern last week and I tried it out. It was pretty easy to make. Although I have to say that I did not enjoy tracing the pattern. I am not crazy about the yellow Pinkalicious wording on the top. I should have changed the color of the wording even though it is yellow on the front of the book. It doesn't stand out enough. I certainly have plenty of other fabrics that I could have used! I forgot to take pictures of the back but I did ruffles across the back. They turned out a little crooked but not too bad. I think my next try at the ruffles will go more smoothly.

Also, since the family has received these I can post pictures of what I made for one of the big gives.

Beautiful Vida and cute shirts!

 

[aboveH20]

For a recent Big Give with a child under the age of one, I made a color book. (It was perfect for me because I'm a 770 newbie and it gave me a chance to practice.) A couple people on the BG board asked for directions. Basically, it's just a matter of making "placemats" and sewing them together down the middle.

Here are the directions, with a couple questions at the end and a couple changes I'm thinking of making next time. I'm open to suggestions, remember, I'm a newbie. I made this one for me as a sample after sending off the orignal. The Mickey heads are Heathersue designs.

Materials

cover: cut one 9" x 13"
pages: cut ten 9 " x7"
fusible fleece: cut two 9" x6"
flannel: cut two 9" x 13"
colors: cut one each of eight diferent colors, approx. 4" x 4"
stabilizer: cut ten 12" x 9" (that's what I needed to fit the 5" x 7" hoop)

---> after the first one I decided I needed more stabilizer, so I used smaller patches of iron on tear away (not pictured) under the applique and wording

cover (as you can see, I used spray adhesvie and floated)

after I added the title to the cover, I ironed on fusible fleece to the wrong side of the cover, leaving a 1" gap in the center

then I did the pages . . . as you can see, I used a pencil to mark the centers which I lined up in my hoop, and then eyeballed fitting the rest of the fabric in

before

after

there are 8 pages with color, one blank page, and one "this book belongs to" page

Now the pages have to be put together. I made myself a little mockup book (green paper, see it?) to check and double check that I got the pages in the order I wanted them. I'd suggest doing the same and double check before sewing the pages together -- kinda like measure twice cut once

For your placemats there will be a "bottom" and a "top." The bottom pages are sewn together along the center seam, the top pages are folded under 1/2" at the center "seam" line.

In the photo below, my bottoms are on the left and my tops are on the right.

This is one of the bottoms that has been sewn together

This is one of the tops than has been folded and ironed under 1/2"

Pages done

Once again, refer to your little green book, because as pages are put together, they will be reversed. I know, hard to explain, but check your mockup book to make sure pages that you want to be back to back are.

Sandwich time. Lay one of the pieces of flannel down. Put the bottom pages (which are sewn together) on top, right side up. Put the two top pages on the bottom pages, right sides together. See photo!

Stack. Pin. Sew outside perimeter. Trim. Turn.

Zig zig the center seam. I set my zigger as wide as it would go.

Repeat with the other pages, just checing your little green book to make sure the order is correct.

Line up the pages . . . almost done

Stack up the pages, and use a straight stitch to sew down the middle/

And this is what you'll have. . .

My two questions are what kind of fabric would be best for the pages, and what kind of stabilizer would you use?

The two changes I might make for the third version would be to have the "bottom" two pages on one piece of fabric (so I wouldn't have to sew it together and a little less bulk along the "binding") and I may make the cover wider by half an inch so it goes around the other pages better.

Sorry the pictures are so big. I want to post this before any gremlins come by looking for trouble, but I'll try to go back and resize the photos so I don't single handedly get us up to page 250.