Disboutiquers Part 25 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

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You keep posting so many cute things. Keep them coming

i'm a beginner sewer and finally decided to sew something after reading all of the posts here but now find myself in need of some more tips. . .i followed the skirt tutorial and made the casing for the elastic and when the skirt is layed flat, it looks so adorable! but when you try to put it on, the elastic gets twisted. i even top stitched the top of the casing because it said that would help. should i tack it down somewhere? TIA for any help.

PS: this is the most inspirational site!

Did you twist the elastic after pulling it through. I have done that several times. After I pull it through and then sew the casing up I was somehow twisting the end piece.

Just a few more quick questions about the Brother 770. I know most everyone orders their thread from Marathon, what do you get Polyester or Rayon ? The needles are just regular sewing or ball point needles, not special embroidery machine needles ? Thanks again everyone for all the responses for my first few questions.

As for needles I always buy the embroidery ones and use them on my Tshirts all the time.

My PE770 came with a spool of Brother thread for bobbin winding. I have been winding my own bobbins. For those of you who wind your own bobbins do you only use the Brother thread or is there another thread more readily available that I can substitute? I have never seen the Brother thread in fabric stores.

I only buy the Brother bobbin thread but I have to get it at a sewing machine store that is a brother dealer. I am too afraid to try anything else

Thank you ladies so very much. I actually got a Minnie Mouse head to stitch out. It's not perfect but it's my first. YAY! I'm so excited. Thank God for being married to a geek... he helps me on the computer stuff but Nini that info really helped!


So that makes me ask a question on top of a question: Are you only suppose to use the Brother bobbin thread that came with the machine like Andrea asked? Or like with regular machines you match your bobbin to your thread... cuz I wind my own too, matching colors. I know that sounds like a ridiculously newbie question but I'd rather know than be doing things wrong.

Also, my appliques seem to be "holey" like there's a lot of space between the fabric and the thread.... is that normal or does it have something to do with the type of needle/thread/fabric/stabilizer I'm using? It was much worse on my machine designs than my minnie head.

You ladies are just so sweet to help out with all these questions.. I hope y'all know you don't go unappreciated.

What type of stabilizer are you using? I use Cut Away as it is sturdier for appliquing on Tshirts.

Okay ... as promised!

The boys in their patriotic red, white & blue pants:

That was a good shot of the pants, but this is the best shot of the two of them:

And I just have to share these two:
The boys with their cousins, Lily & Ellie:

And a somewhat decent family shot of the four of us:

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

You "guyz" are such a cute family. (see I had to use my RI accent in there)

Sweet!

A couple things to share.

I finished DDs ruffled shorts, these were a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee.

Here is DS toy story outfit for our trip.

I am now saving some scraps for AG clothes. I had dd read the easy fit instructions today.

Those came out so cute. I really love the alien and wanted one of my kids to pick it but DS3 wanted Woody

I finished my DD birthday dress today. The pattern is Miley from Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops. Someone on here posted a dress, so I bought the pattern that day I don't think it is a beginner pattern like it says but I got it done. I like it, and so does DD! Now I need to figure out how to use this for our DW trip coming up. I need to start sewing for that!

That is so pretty. Love the twirl factor.

We just got home from a busy afternoon ... we rode bikes 3+ miles each way to the beach and back (took a run in the bay water while we were there) ... then jumped into dry clothes and into the cars to go watch fireworks ... We're leaving to head back to NC tomorrow and I haven't packed a thing!!! Looks like we'll be leaving tomorrow night and driving through so I have enough time to pack tomorrow ...

Hope everyone had a safe & happy 4th!

Safe travels and hopefully we can meet up in August when you head back to RI. I know our boys will get along great since all of them are huge Star War fans

 

[mphalens]

Thanks! I meant the pattern, not that dress for our trip. This one has cupcakes for her birthday. I am going to so something with dots for disney. I think I will use the mickey comic fabric for the goblets.

That makes so much more sense!

D, were you around last summer when I posted the pics of the machine I have? My dad acquired this machine that had been painted and left outside and is in horrible condition. These are the before pictures...last summer I got a fair bit of the paint stripped off but it's still a work in progress. I want to restore at least the wood parts and use it as furniture at some point. It's not electric and uses the big pedal to move the wheels, though, what I'm figuring was a belt to connect the bottom to the actual machine is missing. I doubt I would ever sew on it but it's sure nice to look at!! I do all my sewing on a 70's-tastic White machine.

Oooh! pretty!!!

yes I sews at least the little I know how to do I have only sewed the bottom of 2 skirts to make pouches for my fish extender for our cruise. it is a 328k it doesn't have a manual and with me being such a new at sewing it might take a while but i just mentioned to my mom i would like a sewing machine and she went to an auction and got this and the cabinet for $8 with fees and tax so really cant beat it

That's an awesome deal! Have you checked ebay for the manual? I recently found a Home Ec manual for my 401A ... it's great! It cost me $12 but SOOOO worth it!!!

You "guyz" are such a cute family. (see I had to use my RI accent in there)

Youz Guyz are hilarious!

{QUOTE=miprender;41720352]
Safe travels and hopefully we can meet up in August when you head back to RI. I know our boys will get along great since all of them are huge Star War fans[/QUOTE]

Aw! Thanks!!! And yes, we'll have to meet up in August when we come back!!!

 

[DMGeurts]

D, were you around last summer when I posted the pics of the machine I have? My dad acquired this machine that had been painted and left outside and is in horrible condition. These are the before pictures...last summer I got a fair bit of the paint stripped off but it's still a work in progress. I want to restore at least the wood parts and use it as furniture at some point. It's not electric and uses the big pedal to move the wheels, though, what I'm figuring was a belt to connect the bottom to the actual machine is missing. I doubt I would ever sew on it but it's sure nice to look at!! I do all my sewing on a 70's-tastic White machine.

This is an amazing machine! You have yourself a Singer treadle machine - and there are many many people in the modern world that still use treadles as their primary machine! I would seriously go to this website... they do a lot of treadle restoration and I am sure you could find all the info you need to restore it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual_section.jsp?vsnum=1013

I do know that all the belts and everything are readily available on the internet, but you might have to dig around on that forum a bit to find the info you need to restore it. It's a great machine and I can't wait to see it all finished!

yes I sews at least the little I know how to do I have only sewed the bottom of 2 skirts to make pouches for my fish extender for our cruise. it is a 328k it doesn't have a manual and with me being such a new at sewing it might take a while but i just mentioned to my mom i would like a sewing machine and she went to an auction and got this and the cabinet for $8 with fees and tax so really cant beat it

That is a fantastic deal. Here's the link for the free online pdf manual (you'll have to download the 319k - same machine - yours has a freearm - this is the manual yours would have originally come with. Inside the manual, it will tell you everything you ever needed to know about your machine. When I first started sewing, I sat down and read the manual, cover to cover, twice -- with the machine in front of me, so I could learn the parts.

If anyone else needs manuals online - they should all be here and be free:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html

A couple things to share.

I finished DDs ruffled shorts, these were a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee.

Here is DS toy story outfit for our trip.

I am now saving some scraps for AG clothes. I had dd read the easy fit instructions today.

THese are so cute! You did a great job!

I finished my DD birthday dress today. The pattern is Miley from Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops. Someone on here posted a dress, so I bought the pattern that day I don't think it is a beginner pattern like it says but I got it done. I like it, and so does DD! Now I need to figure out how to use this for our DW trip coming up. I need to start sewing for that!

I love this dress! I am going to that website now!

D~

 

[RMAMom]

Happy 4th EVERYONE!

thank you all for all the warm welcomes and friendly comments on my stuff...
I love all the esy fits {mphelans boys in their star pants are too cute1] love the AG dresses too,i made a few simple sundresses fro Elli's Kit to match her dressesi made her for her birthday in april,nothing fancy but Kit liked them,hehe...
a little confession about the DHS dresses the girls were wearing with the Green Army Man,the reason the hems are different sizes is I am a 'cheater' sew-er,I just used the band from the sheet /pillowcase I used for the sleeve fabric, I just pinned,sewed,flipped and top stitched and done! and the sleeve fabric was folded double before I cut out the sleeve so I didn't have to take time to do the hem or elastic in the sleeve! I had so much sewing to do I was using everything I could to save time.
Confession is GOOD for the 'Sewl' hehe

I'm a little late but wanted to say welcome. I also sew for my grandbabies, I only have two but I'm currently working on outfits for our trip this Sept.

i'm a beginner sewer and finally decided to sew something after reading all of the posts here but now find myself in need of some more tips. . .i followed the skirt tutorial and made the casing for the elastic and when the skirt is layed flat, it looks so adorable! but when you try to put it on, the elastic gets twisted. i even top stitched the top of the casing because it said that would help. should i tack it down somewhere? TIA for any help.

PS: this is the most inspirational site!

Twisting the elastic is a very common mistake and very frustrating because a lot of times you don't notice until you have it in and then it has to come out and start over. There were so many times when I was sure I got it in straight and then realized I had somehow twisted it.

Just a few more quick questions about the Brother 770. I know most everyone orders their thread from Marathon, what do you get Polyester or Rayon ? The needles are just regular sewing or ball point needles, not special embroidery machine needles ? Thanks again everyone for all the responses for my first few questions.

For my PE770 I have been using the rayon thread and for T-Shirts I use ball point needles and 9 times out of 10 I don't change it for other fabric. I have bought needles from Marathon and from Joanns

Thatnks for the Octi-comments, I did notice she looks like the nemo one. When I showed it to my family they all said "You guys made me ink"
Flounder is a great idea! I LOVE the little mermaid, and I was even thinking of making an Ariel doll, as I have some newly aquired Peach felt. I guess I'll have to make a Flounder to go with her!

I can't believe that you do all of that by hand! WOW!

And now I have a question I would like to post:
QUESTION?
My PE770 came with a spool of Brother thread for bobbin winding. I have been winding my own bobbins. For those of you who wind your own bobbins do you only use the Brother thread or is there another thread more readily available that I can substitute? I have never seen the Brother thread in fabric stores.

I buy the spool from my local sewing store. I found them by googling Brother repair and my zip code. I did try to use the pre wounds from Marathon and both times my machine ended up in the shop with tension issues. Thankfully it was still under warranty both times so it didn't cost me anything but a box of prewounds I can't use. The woman at my local sewing store did have prewounds for brother machines so you may want to ask about that, I did use those once successfully but I am still using the bobbin thread that I bought at the same time so I haven't gone back for more.

Okay ... as promised!

The boys in their patriotic red, white & blue pants:

That was a good shot of the pants, but this is the best shot of the two of them:

And I just have to share these two:
The boys with their cousins, Lily & Ellie:

And a somewhat decent family shot of the four of us:

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

Beautiful Family! Love the picture of the boys and their cousins.

A couple things to share.

I finished DDs ruffled shorts, these were a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee.

Here is DS toy story outfit for our trip.

I am now saving some scraps for AG clothes. I had dd read the easy fit instructions today.

Cute! Love the toy story outfit and what a great way to save a pair of jeans!

I finished my DD birthday dress today. The pattern is Miley from Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops. Someone on here posted a dress, so I bought the pattern that day I don't think it is a beginner pattern like it says but I got it done. I like it, and so does DD! Now I need to figure out how to use this for our DW trip coming up. I need to start sewing for that!

Beautiful!

 

[mphalens]

This is an amazing machine! You have yourself a Singer treadle machine - and there are many many people in the modern world that still use treadles as their primary machine! I would seriously go to this website... they do a lot of treadle restoration and I am sure you could find all the info you need to restore it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/virtual_section.jsp?vsnum=1013

I do know that all the belts and everything are readily available on the internet, but you might have to dig around on that forum a bit to find the info you need to restore it. It's a great machine and I can't wait to see it all finished!



That is a fantastic deal. Here's the link for the free online pdf manual (you'll have to download the 319k - same machine - yours has a freearm - this is the manual yours would have originally come with. Inside the manual, it will tell you everything you ever needed to know about your machine. When I first started sewing, I sat down and read the manual, cover to cover, twice -- with the machine in front of me, so I could learn the parts.

If anyone else needs manuals online - they should all be here and be free:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html

D~

Wow! That would have been a great site to know about sooner But you rock for knowing and sharing that info!!!!

Beautiful Family! Love the picture of the boys and their cousins.

Thank you!
We seem to have a series of pictures of the boys & their cousins ... they're always in age order (and this is the first time we put them that way on purpose) sitting on the steps at my parents' house ... so now it wouldn't feel like we'd made a trip home without one of these pictures to look back on


Someone had asked what pattern I used for my circle skirt ... I used the directions in the book One Piece Wearables. I bought mine at Joanns with a 50% off coupon, but here is the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/One-Piece-Wearables-Garments-Accessories-Domestic/dp/1592533442
Just keep in mind that I double checked my math but the opening I cut for my waist was HUGE ... I think the next time I try this out I might do a muslin trial skirt first to make sure I have all the measurements correct for me ...

 

[Meshell2002]

Okay ... as promised!

And a somewhat decent family shot of the four of us:

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

Y'ALL are soooo cute! I will post a pic of my kiddos in a little bit...Love the easy fits

I agree with Nini...I like the prewounds unless making an in-the-hoop design, which usually needs a colored thread. I have a box of prewounds I inherited with the machine, it's all I've ever used except for ITH stuff. I've got several spools of bobbin thread, but figured since the prewound stuff was on the machine cabinet, that's what mom must have used most of the time. I never paid attention, she always did the embroidery for me, I was spoiled that way. It's taken me 3 years to go through almost the entire 144 spool box, which came from Long Creek Mills. I'm about at the point where I need to decide what I want to order next, and from where...I think my sister lived near there when mom made the purchase on a visit, but she's since moved. Is Marathon thread a site all it's own, or do y'all have a favorite place? And, while I'm thinking on it...stabilizer...someone (Nini maybe when you made the kajillion shirts for your family WDW trip ) posted a place to purchase bulk, precut stabilizer. I thought i had bookmarked it, but guess I didn't because I can't seem to find it now.

I think I'm one of the few people on here that doesn't have a Brother embroidery machine...mine has to have a specific bobbin size (and only my machine takes that size bobbin) so I can't buy the pre-wound....when the bottom thread color doesn't matter I use 40 wt white Rayon thread....works great....and I wind my own bobbins. One huge cone of thread has lasted my about 6 yrs.

I finished my DD birthday dress today. The pattern is Miley from Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops. Someone on here posted a dress, so I bought the pattern that day I don't think it is a beginner pattern like it says but I got it done. I like it, and so does DD! Now I need to figure out how to use this for our DW trip coming up. I need to start sewing for that!

Love the dress and the model is soo pretty! I want to take this pattern and make a Rapunzel out of it....maybe put a blouse under it for the sleeves.

 

[VBAndrea]

Twisting the elastic is a very common mistake and very frustrating because a lot of times you don't notice until you have it in and then it has to come out and start over. There were so many times when I was sure I got it in straight and then realized I had somehow twisted it.

I buy the spool from my local sewing store. I found them by googling Brother repair and my zip code. I did try to use the pre wounds from Marathon and both times my machine ended up in the shop with tension issues. Thankfully it was still under warranty both times so it didn't cost me anything but a box of prewounds I can't use. The woman at my local sewing store did have prewounds for brother machines so you may want to ask about that, I did use those once successfully but I am still using the bobbin thread that I bought at the same time so I haven't gone back for more.

Thanks Mary. The Sew Vac right up the street from me deals with Brother so hopefully they will have the thread. I hate going in there though -- Bruce always tried to sell me things I don't need -- like a $700 Singer vacuum cleaner!

I mark my elastic before I put it in. I just use pencil marks on both ends of the strip and that helps me know if I twisted it or not.

If anyone else needs manuals online - they should all be here and be free:

http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html

D~

Can I just download you instead to come down here and figure out how to do rolled and lettuce hems on my serger? It just doesn't work with the manual settings.

 

[kha100399]

I haven't made one yet, but I've been thinking about making some Jake costumes for my boys ... I did find a tutorial at www.dana-made-it.com for a vest ... if you look around she even shows you how to make it into a pirate vest (and shows you how to make a pirate hat too) ... I think there might also be boot instructions ... but I do remember someone else recently posting about "shoe covers" for boots in this thread ... you could try a search ...





You can choose the first one ... Or I can look in the Singer book and see which one they "taught" first in the home ec class ...
I'm just glad to be "forced" to learn them!!!

The link is: http://stores.ebay.com/231terrysstore

The grease DID come out!!!! WooHoo!!!!



So cute!



Um, Hayley? How did I NOT know you have an embroidery machine? Or are you going to use it for hand appliques? We really do need to have a "planning night" when I get back to the QC





WOW! Congrats on the great deal!!! Ask away! I'm still on the "newer" side here, and I have to say, all the things I've made since joining in I NEVER could have done without this fabulous group!!!



All of your creations are terrific! I just love this picture - what cutie-pies!


WOW!!!! That's gorgeous!!!


Okay ... have to share a couple of things ...
First, here's a shot my cousin took of the boys yesterday - they were wearing their star pants I'd made for them (and had just finished Phalen's the night before)

Then, here is the circle skirt I started a couple of weeks ago. If you remember, I was all finished with the waistband only to discover the waist was HUGE on me D had the great idea to take in the side seams (there weren't any, but I still could pretend there were and took it in where they would be) ... So, D, thanks for saving my skirt!!!
Excuse the horrible pictures, I had DH snap them on my phone so I could show you the finished product:

And the back (I just love the bow):

QUESTION:
Can anyone point me in the direction of an A-line skirt pattern for me? I all but finished one from one of the "big 3" pattern companies tonight and there was just WAY too much material for it to look even halfway decent on me... I used material that we literally have YARDS of, so it wasn't a huge loss (and I'll probably still turn it into something else) but I don't want to go that route again ... it's frustrating to be almost done and realize you WON'T be wearing that item anyplace

Marianne- My mom bought the PE770 that everyone is always talking about, I found a good deal online. She has had it a few days and is still trying to figure it out! I've searched old threads for info when people were just getting started, and couldn't come up with much. So anyone who doesn't mind repeating themselves and has any tips would be much appreciated!

 

[mphalens]

Marianne- My mom bought the PE770 that everyone is always talking about, I found a good deal online. She has had it a few days and is still trying to figure it out! I've searched old threads for info when people were just getting started, and couldn't come up with much. So anyone who doesn't mind repeating themselves and has any tips would be much appreciated!

Lucky girl!!!

 

[100AcrePrincess]

WTMTQ! So much super cute stuff. I really wish I had time to keep up better.

D, were you around last summer when I posted the pics of the machine I have? My dad acquired this machine that had been painted and left outside and is in horrible condition. These are the before pictures...last summer I got a fair bit of the paint stripped off but it's still a work in progress. I want to restore at least the wood parts and use it as furniture at some point. It's not electric and uses the big pedal to move the wheels, though, what I'm figuring was a belt to connect the bottom to the actual machine is missing. I doubt I would ever sew on it but it's sure nice to look at!! I do all my sewing on a 70's-tastic White machine.

This looks almost exactly like the one that we had hiding in the basement. So pretty!

 

[NiniMorris]

I am so excited! After weeks of trying, I gave up on SEU. It was so hard for me to think in the terms it wanted me to. I gave it my best shot, but could not make the names I added to shirts look great. They looked ok from a distance, but not close up. I was so not pleased with the results...and I could not figure out how to adjust the density of the stitches to save my life!

Today, I attempted Embird. I watched one short tutorial on it and was able to figure it out perfectly! (Of course I haven't stitched it out yet, but it already looks better on the screen!) I only wish I hadn't wasted 2 weeks of my 30 day trial on it...but then again, I think I had to fail at SEU before I was ready to write it off and try something new.

I managed to merge a file and add a name to the file! (On SEU I had to do them in two separate hoopings!) As soon as I get the kitchen floor mopped I am going down to try it out on real fabric. If it passes the test, then I will try for it on an actual t shirt!

For reference, I spent an entire week attempting to do my grand daughter's shirt announcing she was finally 40 inches tall (thanks Jessica Lee for the inspiration!) After over 10 attempts, I finally came up with something that looked almost right...until I stitched it on a t shirt...yuck! I ended up having to stitch it twice. It looked better, but still not happy with it.

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net...766756300321_1581598032_1370389_2148477_s.jpg



Here is me crossing fingers to see 1- if the picture shows up and 2- if the new design stitches out right...


Evidently I am more computer illiterate than I thought I was!


Nini

 

[aboveH20]

Okay ... as promised!

The boys in their patriotic red, white & blue pants:
That was a good shot of the pants, but this is the best shot of the two of them:

And a somewhat decent family shot of the four of us:

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!

I love the photo of your sons and great family photo. Seems like it's always hard to get everyone in a photo.

i am trying to post these pic if anyone has any advice on working this machine I would appriciate it

No advice, but it looks heavy duty! Probably would have been useful a couple weeks ago when I replaced the zipper in our leaf vac bag.

A couple things to share.

I finished DDs ruffled shorts, these were a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee.

Here is DS toy story outfit for our trip.

I am now saving some scraps for AG clothes. I had dd read the easy fit instructions today.

Your shorts turned out great and I love the toy story outfit. After lunch I'll post my GA easy fit pants.

I finished my DD birthday dress today. The pattern is Miley from Fairytale Frocks and Lollipops. Someone on here posted a dress, so I bought the pattern that day I don't think it is a beginner pattern like it says but I got it done. I like it, and so does DD! Now I need to figure out how to use this for our DW trip coming up. I need to start sewing for that!

Your daughter is beautiful and so is the birthday dress. Nice job.

I have a bunch of Ginger's dresses to share, but for now I'll post a "before" photo of the castle my son was making in the basement. I got excited thinking it would be Ginger size, but it's on a smaller scale. It's for a dragon, not a princess.

 

[RMAMom]

Thanks Mary. The Sew Vac right up the street from me deals with Brother so hopefully they will have the thread. I hate going in there though -- Bruce always tried to sell me things I don't need -- like a $700 Singer vacuum cleaner!

I mark my elastic before I put it in. I just use pencil marks on both ends of the strip and that helps me know if I twisted it or not.

Thats brilliant, why is it the biggest annoyances have the simplest fixes and I can never come up with them on my own! Thanks for sharing that.

I am so excited! After weeks of trying, I gave up on SEU. It was so hard for me to think in the terms it wanted me to. I gave it my best shot, but could not make the names I added to shirts look great. They looked ok from a distance, but not close up. I was so not pleased with the results...and I could not figure out how to adjust the density of the stitches to save my life!

Today, I attempted Embird. I watched one short tutorial on it and was able to figure it out perfectly! (Of course I haven't stitched it out yet, but it already looks better on the screen!) I only wish I hadn't wasted 2 weeks of my 30 day trial on it...but then again, I think I had to fail at SEU before I was ready to write it off and try something new.

I managed to merge a file and add a name to the file! (On SEU I had to do them in two separate hoopings!) As soon as I get the kitchen floor mopped I am going down to try it out on real fabric. If it passes the test, then I will try for it on an actual t shirt!

For reference, I spent an entire week attempting to do my grand daughter's shirt announcing she was finally 40 inches tall (thanks Jessica Lee for the inspiration!) After over 10 attempts, I finally came up with something that looked almost right...until I stitched it on a t shirt...yuck! I ended up having to stitch it twice. It looked better, but still not happy with it.

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net...766756300321_1581598032_1370389_2148477_s.jpg



Here is me crossing fingers to see 1- if the picture shows up and 2- if the new design stitches out right...


Evidently I am more computer illiterate than I thought I was!


Nini

Congrats on figuring that out. I would love to learn to digitize but I just don't have the time to figure out the programs.

 

[VBAndrea]

Marianne- My mom bought the PE770 that everyone is always talking about, I found a good deal online. She has had it a few days and is still trying to figure it out! I've searched old threads for info when people were just getting started, and couldn't come up with much. So anyone who doesn't mind repeating themselves and has any tips would be much appreciated!

Here are my supply tips -- this is just off the top of my head
Thread -- many of us buy form Marathon (on line) and get the starter set of 50 in rayon.
Buy extra needles -- apparently anything but Singer fits. I got the organ needles on line when I ordered my thread from Marathon
I also bought the Marathon tear away stabilizer which is cheap
For cut away stabilizer I use Floriani medium weight
Scissors: I bought the really expensive embroidery scissors from Joann's (using a coupon) and also a pair of manicure scissors from Target
I use the Dritz spray -- it's a bit expensive too so I used a Joann's coupon as well
Have either a marker that fades or washes out or chalk pencils for marking placement

Both SWAK and Embroidery library have tuts on doing appliques

I do the following: I prewash my shirt or fabric. I hoop Floriani medium weight cut away. I mark the placement lines on that. I mark a cross on the inside of my t-shirt (or fabric) as well. I spray the stabilizer and put the shirt on it lining up my marks. I then pin it in place (pin the t-shirt to the stabilizer). On most appliques I will just float a piece or two of the Marathon tear away under the cut away. If I am doing a fill I have found it better to do two pieces of the cut away -- I hoop one piece and float the other under it.

For the PE 770 be sure to use the spool back up thingy if the hoop doesn't line up right to make it easier to snap the hoop in place.

I just do a google search whenever I have a problem and it helps.

I got my machine for Mother's Day and asked tons of questions. If you go to the dates right after MD you should find some good info posted by other's on here that really helped me out. I just kept a notebook by my computer and took notes (and sorry I can't locate my notebook right now to post the good tips).

HTH. Just ask specific questions. Once you do a couple of things it gets really easy. I was very intimidated at first and the machine is actually very user friendly. I did refer to the manual a lot at first though and still refer to it from time to time.

I am so excited! After weeks of trying, I gave up on SEU. It was so hard for me to think in the terms it wanted me to. I gave it my best shot, but could not make the names I added to shirts look great. They looked ok from a distance, but not close up. I was so not pleased with the results...and I could not figure out how to adjust the density of the stitches to save my life!

Today, I attempted Embird. I watched one short tutorial on it and was able to figure it out perfectly! (Of course I haven't stitched it out yet, but it already looks better on the screen!) I only wish I hadn't wasted 2 weeks of my 30 day trial on it...but then again, I think I had to fail at SEU before I was ready to write it off and try something new.

I managed to merge a file and add a name to the file! (On SEU I had to do them in two separate hoopings!) As soon as I get the kitchen floor mopped I am going down to try it out on real fabric. If it passes the test, then I will try for it on an actual t shirt!

For reference, I spent an entire week attempting to do my grand daughter's shirt announcing she was finally 40 inches tall (thanks Jessica Lee for the inspiration!) After over 10 attempts, I finally came up with something that looked almost right...until I stitched it on a t shirt...yuck! I ended up having to stitch it twice. It looked better, but still not happy with it.

https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net...766756300321_1581598032_1370389_2148477_s.jpg



Here is me crossing fingers to see 1- if the picture shows up and 2- if the new design stitches out right...


Evidently I am more computer illiterate than I thought I was!


Nini

The picture showed up albeit sideways and extremely tiny so I couldn't see any flaws. I hope you have much better luck with Embrid. Someday I may go that route, but for now I'm still getting used to my machine and buying designs. I did add a name to a shirt of my daughter's that I appliqued, but just used a machine font.

I have a bunch of Ginger's dresses to share, but for now I'll post a "before" photo of the castle my son was making in the basement. I got excited thinking it would be Ginger size, but it's on a smaller scale. It's for a dragon, not a princess.

Get your son working on a Ginger size castle and tell him she needs plenty of closet space for her wardrobe! I'm excited to see Ginger's new attire. Any more pillow case dresses?

ETA my dd just saw the castle and would like one. She's even bigger than Ginger and despite her complaining that she "has nothing to wear" needs a huge walk in closet for her castle. I should take a pic of her current one so you can all see how truly deprived she is in the wardrobe department.

 

[cogero]

Andrea you have me laughing quite a bit today.

 

[RMAMom]

I have had the best couple of days! I have been off since last Friday, DH was home with me over the weekend and did a few projects that needed done and I have just floated around and did a little of this and a little of that. I went to work a little over a year ago and I have really missed my housewife days the last few months. ( Who knew ) Anyway, the last few days have been great "playing housewife" back to work tomorrow though.


I finished the kids outfits for DHS

For Edward

[/IMG]

For Emily

I think I'll work on Ohana outfits next, I bought the cutest fabric on Sunday.

 

[aboveH20]

(Cue the announcer with a deep resonant voice) When we left off last week there was a flurry of stitching in preparation for meeting real live AG dolls . . . .

Okay, so I had my meet and greet. ~D was right, some of the patterns I was using are a bit big for AG dolls, although they seem to fit GA dolls perfectly.

First is Oliver's popover dress, featuring my first ever digitzed logo -- Mythbusters for Andrea. Needless to say I'm quite proud of my digitizing and see making it a profitable hobby.

It didn't quite make it over Ginger's petite head.

Then, I remembered that I have my sister's AR doll.

It fit Ann Raggedy quite well. (AR was made by my grandmother whom you met a few posts back -- her real name was Minnie and she lived to 108.)

Next up I tried a bowling shirt and easy fit fits -- my first ever for either one. I've read sooo much about them it was neat to actually make my first ones. I was up against the clock so I didn't finish the bowling shirt (you probably wouldn't have noticed if I didn't mention it.)

Ginger had a hard time putting the pants on.

I finally had to take out the elastic for them to go over her ample hips. They remind me of bell bottom pants, which of course I would have no first hand knowledge of, but have read about in history books.

I started a raglan, couldn't quickly find any knit material, but wanted to do a size check on the real live AG dolls. Another one I didn't come close to finishing. Please note the jaunty red beret, it adds so much.

Then I moved on to Molly's jumper. The pattern suggests plaid, but I know plaid is not always a sewer's friend, so I used a calico I thought would be more forgiving.

It fits . . .

. . . . from the front, not so much from the back.

I had a hard time figuring out bias and grain and front and lining, and I'm still not sure how they think the waistband goes, so I tried another one. This time in plaid -- like I said, not a sewer's best friend.

It didn't fit any better than the first one, but Ida came over (no relation to my Aunt Ida). Please, she's not anorexic, just has very good metabolism. It fits her perfectly.

And so that wraps up this week's episode. Gotta figure out what's next.

(I have my fingers crossed that the photos aren't all crazy sizes. Here goes the submit button.)

 

[ericalynn1979]

(Cue the announcer with a deep resonant voice) When we left off last week there was a flurry of stitching in preparation for meeting real live AG dolls . . . .

You never fail to make me smile, thanks!

Has anyone tried AG patterns for the "Duffy" bears? I have two that I bought last year for our cruise, and everyone says that the Build a Bear clothes will fit them. However, I can't find anything for BaB (pattern-wise). And since I have Carla's fabulous patterns, I have the doll patterns too. I just don't want to waste my time trying for a matching set, and not have it work out.

Thanks!

 

[ericalynn1979]

I have had the best couple of days! I have been off since last Friday, DH was home with me over the weekend and did a few projects that needed done and I have just floated around and did a little of this and a little of that. I went to work a little over a year ago and I have really missed my housewife days the last few months. ( Who knew ) Anyway, the last few days have been great "playing housewife" back to work tomorrow though.


I finished the kids outfits for DHS

For Edward

[/IMG]

For Emily

I think I'll work on Ohana outfits next, I bought the cutest fabric on Sunday.

I LOVE those! Thanks for sharing!

And the board ate my multi-quote, but I just want to say how much I love everything that's shared on this thread. Always great inspiration!

 

[mphalens]

I have had the best couple of days! I have been off since last Friday, DH was home with me over the weekend and did a few projects that needed done and I have just floated around and did a little of this and a little of that. I went to work a little over a year ago and I have really missed my housewife days the last few months. ( Who knew ) Anyway, the last few days have been great "playing housewife" back to work tomorrow though.


I finished the kids outfits for DHS

For Edward

[/IMG]

For Emily

I think I'll work on Ohana outfits next, I bought the cutest fabric on Sunday.

Sew cute!!! Sorry - I'm at the point in packing where I'm just "hilarious" ... but I do really love those outfits!

(Cue the announcer with a deep resonant voice) When we left off last week there was a flurry of stitching in preparation for meeting real live AG dolls . . . .

Okay, so I had my meet and greet. ~D was right, some of the patterns I was using are a bit big for AG dolls, although they seem to fit GA dolls perfectly.

First is Oliver's popover dress, featuring my first ever digitzed logo -- Mythbusters for Andrea. Needless to say I'm quite proud of my digitizing and see making it a profitable hobby.

It didn't quite make it over Ginger's petite head.

Then, I remembered that I have my sister's AR doll.

It fit Ann Raggedy quite well. (AR was made by my grandmother whom you met a few posts back -- her real name was Minnie and she lived to 108.)

Next up I tried a bowling shirt and easy fit fits -- my first ever for either one. I've read sooo much about them it was neat to actually make my first ones. I was up against the clock so I didn't finish the bowling shirt (you probably wouldn't have noticed if I didn't mention it.)

Ginger had a hard time putting the pants on.

I finally had to take out the elastic for them to go over her ample hips. They remind me of bell bottom pants, which of course I would have no first hand knowledge of, but have read about in history books.

I started a raglan, couldn't quickly find any knit material, but wanted to do a size check on the real live AG dolls. Another one I didn't come close to finishing. Please note the jaunty red beret, it adds so much.

Then I moved on to Molly's jumper. The pattern suggests plaid, but I know plaid is not always a sewer's friend, so I used a calico I thought would be more forgiving.

It fits . . .

. . . . from the front, not so much from the back.

I had a hard time figuring out bias and grain and front and lining, and I'm still not sure how they think the waistband goes, so I tried another one. This time in plaid -- like I said, not a sewer's best friend.

It didn't fit any better than the first one, but Ida came over (no relation to my Aunt Ida). Please, she's not anorexic, just has very good metabolism. It fits her perfectly.

And so that wraps up this week's episode. Gotta figure out what's next.

(I have my fingers crossed that the photos aren't all crazy sizes. Here goes the submit button.)

Very nice!!! Glad to see Ginger didn't let the pants waistband issue get her down ... well, I guess they did (was she trying the old "lie down on the bed to zip them closed" trick???), but you know what I mean

Did you download Molly's patterns from that site someone listed the other day? I dug out my old Kirsten patterns (and also downloaded them from that site) ... haven't had a chance to look them over yet though...

Can't wait for next week's episode!!!

You never fail to make me smile, thanks!

Has anyone tried AG patterns for the "Duffy" bears? I have two that I bought last year for our cruise, and everyone says that the Build a Bear clothes will fit them. However, I can't find anything for BaB (pattern-wise). And since I have Carla's fabulous patterns, I have the doll patterns too. I just don't want to waste my time trying for a matching set, and not have it work out.

Thanks!

I haven't had the chance to see Duffy in person ... BUT, if BaB clothes will fit I'd try Cabbage Patch patterns and just shorten the leg length a bit ... I have Cabbage Patch clothes patterns my Mom made the boys and they always wind up on their BaB's with pant legs or sleeves rolled up Unless Duffy is very trim I can't see him fitting into AG clothes (length, yes, width, no)...