Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes Part 2

[aimeeg]

Okay, I have to type fast. We are having a yard sale Saturday am at my Dad's. We live in a phoof phoof community that does not do things like that. So, I have been like Andy's mom grabbing stuff all over the house. My Dh is going to drop the first load tonight. We have several truck loads of crap to get rid of. Whatever we do not sell goes to charity. Like Clean house except our money is then being sent to the house of mouse for our deposit!

Anyway, I am so excited because I went to the local quilt shop today. We found super cute pirate fabric and polka dots. I asked if the sold smocking supplies and said no but . . . there was a store practically in my neighborhood that does. Who knew! They also have classes. I am going to take the first class on how to smock a Christmas tree in August!!

Here is the pirate fabric. It is made by Timeless Treasures Fabrics Inc. PATT#KIDZ-C 9891. It was around $8.50 a yard. It was expensive but I thought the cutest I have seen!

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

I found some more....

 

[cdotla]

Iluvwdw4ever -I LOVE your pics - your kids and outfits are adorable.

What great X-Mas outfits. I may be looking you up next year in preparation for our Dec 08 trip!

 

[heath-and-javens-mom]

Iluvwdw4ever.............I Love your outfits! I PMed you.

 

[TravelinGal]

I'll go back and read the pages I missed tomorrow - but tonight I have a question -- I started on this dress yesterday around 10am (started taking the old dress apart) - I worked through lunch - all afternoon - DH made me stop to eat dinner and I worked on it until 11:30 last night. Got up this morning and started on it again - got it done around 6:30 tonight with just a short break taken for lunch. And, I'm in way over my head.

To start from the beginning: I had a dress that I just LOVED - to death... DH said I HAD to get rid of it because it was getting so threadbare. So, I sat down yesterday and cut it apart - well, used a seam ripper and took all the seams apart. I then used the pieces to make a pattern. (first time every trying this). Biggest problem is that the original dress was gauze. So, needless to say it stretched out horribly. (couldn't find any plus size sundress patterns that had godet insets in the skirt or I'd have just gone from there! ---- godet - "A triangular piece of fabric usually set into the hem of a garment to add fullness.")

I got the dress to where I like it/ want it now except for the neckline. It pooches out funny. I have no idea how to remedy this.

Here's a pic of the neckline - and a photoshop image of the dress. It actually has 4 panels in front and 3 in back (center back piece was cut on the fold) and 8 godets (3 each front and back and 2 side). The front was originally cut on a fold too, but I put the seam down the middle trying to remedy the gap in the neckline.

Thanks for any help you can offer!!

Once I get this last kink worked out, I'm going to use this pattern for a couple of dresses for our trip. It's more comfortable than the pink dress I made (and posted) a week or so ago.

 

[alikat99]

Everyone's outfits have been an inspiration to us all!

I know that I was the first male poster on this thread. I bet I am the first male sewer on this thread also.

DW used to sew all the time, and I would occasionally help her with threading the machines, and the general maintenance and cleaning of them. Well, I guess I kinda taught myself too in the process.

DW has developed skin allergies and now finds it hard to sew. She still wanted DD to wear customs at the park and for dinners, so I decided that I would give it a try.

Anyway, here is what we came up with.

Also, I just have to say that the bookmarks on the first page of this thread were a GREAT help. It answered some questions that I had, and also saved me some bucks on custom bows for DD. DW used to buy them on the popular auction site, but now, we figured out how to do them ourselves!

This was also the first time that I had done any kind of applique work. I practiced on some scraps, until I got the hang of it. I think it turned out o.k.

So.... should I trudge on and try to make some more? DW has about 20 rubbermaid storage containers full of fabic and "stuff". I hate to see it all go to waste!

OMG - I just LOVE it!!! I just love the pink/green combo!!!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I'll go back and read the pages I missed tomorrow - but tonight I have a question -- I started on this dress yesterday around 10am (started taking the old dress apart) - I worked through lunch - all afternoon - DH made me stop to eat dinner and I worked on it until 11:30 last night. Got up this morning and started on it again - got it done around 6:30 tonight with just a short break taken for lunch. And, I'm in way over my head.

To start from the beginning: I had a dress that I just LOVED - to death... DH said I HAD to get rid of it because it was getting so threadbare. So, I sat down yesterday and cut it apart - well, used a seam ripper and took all the seams apart. I then used the pieces to make a pattern. (first time every trying this). Biggest problem is that the original dress was gauze. So, needless to say it stretched out horribly. (couldn't find any plus size sundress patterns that had godet insets in the skirt or I'd have just gone from there! ---- godet - "A triangular piece of fabric usually set into the hem of a garment to add fullness.")

I got the dress to where I like it/ want it now except for the neckline. It pooches out funny. I have no idea how to remedy this.

Here's a pic of the neckline - and a photoshop image of the dress. It actually has 4 panels in front and 3 in back (center back piece was cut on the fold) and 8 godets (3 each front and back and 2 side). The front was originally cut on a fold too, but I put the seam down the middle trying to remedy the gap in the neckline.

Thanks for any help you can offer!!

Once I get this last kink worked out, I'm going to use this pattern for a couple of dresses for our trip. It's more comfortable than the pink dress I made (and posted) a week or so ago.

Wow, I admire your persistance! You worked really hard on this. It must be frustrating trying to figure out why it pooches out.

Have you tried altering the shoulders to adjust the way it lays? That is the only thing I can think of.

The fabric is very pretty by the way.

Good Luck!

 

[alikat99]

I have now decided that I "need" that fabric but our Hancocks is 45 minutes away in an area of Tampa I am not familiar with. Do you think DH would mind taking me on a road trip this weekend? I looked on the website, but I couldn't find it.

Are you talking about the one in South Tampa on Dale Mabry? It's actually not too far from me, just across the bay.

 

[NanasCustomCreations]

OMG - I just LOVE it!!! I just love the pink/green combo!!!

I just KNEW you would LOVE This!!! We also need to chat about "Back to School" Nana

 

[the_seamstress]

Austinsmommy here...

Love the pixs. Thanks for sharing!

 

[cdotla]

Tom: I am a bit late in responding, but can I just say "WOW"!!!!

Like many others, I view this to be right up there with the best of the outfits posted, if not the best. It is obvious from the dress how much time and effort you put into this and we all know that this is something so few Dads (or Moms!) would even consider doing!

It sure shames me as I just sit on my computer and order the stuff.

Hats off to you Tom. And if you ever change your mind and want make one to sell, drop me a line. I would also offer to buy your dress when your daughter outgrows it, but without even asking, I know that this will be a family heirloom for years to come.

Well done, and please post those pics of your daughter (and maybe one of proud daddy beside her) when you get a chance!

Everyone's outfits have been an inspiration to us all!

I know that I was the first male poster on this thread. I bet I am the first male sewer on this thread also.

DW used to sew all the time, and I would occasionally help her with threading the machines, and the general maintenance and cleaning of them. Well, I guess I kinda taught myself too in the process.

DW has developed skin allergies and now finds it hard to sew. She still wanted DD to wear customs at the park and for dinners, so I decided that I would give it a try.

Anyway, here is what we came up with.

Also, I just have to say that the bookmarks on the first page of this thread were a GREAT help. It answered some questions that I had, and also saved me some bucks on custom bows for DD. DW used to buy them on the popular auction site, but now, we figured out how to do them ourselves!

This was also the first time that I had done any kind of applique work. I practiced on some scraps, until I got the hang of it. I think it turned out o.k.

So.... should I trudge on and try to make some more? DW has about 20 rubbermaid storage containers full of fabic and "stuff". I hate to see it all go to waste!

 

[disneynewbee]

I can try to answer your question, if you applique on a t-shirt or other knit fabric (think stretchy) then you have to use a tear away stabilizer on the back. It would be the bottom of your layers. Stabilizer, shirt, applique.

About the thread, I always use the expensive thread . I buy Gutterman. THey don't have it at walmart. I love it because it never breaks. I always use the same color bobbin as the thread I am sewing with. I don't think everyone does that. You can get more bobbins at Joann's or Hancock. Take one of your own with you to make sure you get the right ones. if you are sewing onto a white fabric or shirt though you could use white thread and it will show less.

If you can see the bobbin thread on the right side of your work then you need to adjust the tension on your machine. I think you have it too tight. Consult your machine's manual to see what to change.

Thanks so much I thought something was wrong that so much bobbin thread was showing through.

 

[UtahMama]

I tried my hand at shirring a dress for DD4 and it was SO easy!! The machine and the elastic thread do all the work (if the machine is working properlly, that is). I just followed the directions (pretty much) in this link from terejoy's bookmarks:
http://www.kukyideas.com/journal/2007/04/shirred-dress-tutorial.html

Here's my little darlin' in her dress:

A close-up before I added the straps:

I think she likes it!

I followed the directions in the above link, except for a few things:
- I didn't see the point in cutting the fabric into 2 big rectangles, I just used 1 wide piece and then I only had 1 seam on the side.
- I used bias tape (It's the new duct tape!) instead of fabric for the straps amd I added bias tape to the bottom hem.
- I made it a halter because I wanted the front to come up higher than the back.
- I backstitched at the beginning and the end of each row of shirring, instead of tieing the elastic thread together and knotting it.

Heyyyyy! Guess what? I'm doing a jumper with that exact print! YOU have fabulous taste and that is a really cute dress!

I've never even heard of shirring. I just bought the ready-done tube dress material and stitched up one side and VIOLA! Your's is way cuter. I wrote down your tips, thanks a bunch.

Loved your duct tape comment. We call it "duck" tape in our redneck family!

 

[PrincessLeighsDaddy]

Tom: I am a bit late in responding, but can I just say "WOW"!!!!

Like many others, I view this to be right up there with the best of the outfits posted, if not the best. It is obvious from the dress how much time and effort you put into this and we all know that this is something so few Dads (or Moms!) would even consider doing!

It sure shames me as I just sit on my computer and order the stuff.

Hats off to you Tom. And if you ever change your mind and want make one to sell, drop me a line. I would also offer to buy your dress when your daughter outgrows it, but without even asking, I know that this will be a family heirloom for years to come.

Well done, and please post those pics of your daughter (and maybe one of proud daddy beside her) when you get a chance!

Holy Cow! Thank you EVERYONE for the comments!

I really to appreciate them!
What you don't see on the outfit is the one mistake or should I say "mishap" that happened when I was adding the ruffle on the bottom.
I had my DD on my lap, she was "helping", and I accidentally caught the bottom of the dress into the cutting knives of the serger.
DD actually saw it first as green rick-rac was poring out of the serger!
Luckily I caught it in time. (I really didn't want to redo one whole side of applique work that I had worked so hard on!)
I had to "mend" the area with more fabric, reapply the rickrack and all came out well.
I told her that it was our little secret! The first thing she told Mommy when she got home from work, was that I cut a hole in her dress. DW even had a hard time finding the "mend", but it is there.

So I guess it will be an heirloom piece that my little princess can pass on to her little princess . I am sure she will have stories to tell of the "Minnie" dress that I made and cut a hole into!

Also, I saw a comment about the bows at the top of the dress. Those are the hair bows for DD's hair.(I just clipped them on the straps to show how they coordinate) The bows that I was referring to earlier, were the ones on the Minnie appliques. Those are sewed on. I hope that makes sense!

DW has already given me ideas for the next project. It is supposed to rain all weekend, so I might get a start on it!

I will be sure to post it when I have it done!

 

[UtahMama]

You are not intruding! I love it when we get new seamstresses and now we have a tailor (wasn't Mickey a tailor in one of his cartoons?)

Anyhow, if you are looking for this fabric, it is from Joann's and I had to get it when I saw it and they had the boo fabric there too and I had to buy it. I WISH I was going to the MNSSHP but we won't be there for it. I am going to make Trick-or-treat bags out of it. It would be really cute for one of those three layer skirts with the tulle in the middle!

Happy Shopping!

THAT'S IT!!!!


Cute for Trick or Treat Bags! (Do we need T 0r T bags for MNSSHP???)

And that would make a darling twirly skirt! I'm not sure what a 3-layer skirt is Sounds fluffy with the toille. Give me a minute and I'll find out!

Thanks Dreamer & Wisher! I really love that fabric. Would love to see more outfits and crafts made out of it.

Great. I'm darn near out of money to go to JoAnn's. I'm suposed to be saving money for our trip. Again, I blame this thread

Tom- I think you are the man of the hour!
I really loved the dress you did too! I forgot to ohhh and ahhhh out loud (ooops). It really is sweet! Heck, I liked the hair bows on the shoulders I'm pretty sure you now have a big ol' fan club now!!!

 

[MouseTriper]

I love this material!

This is just a suggestion. Have you seen the skirts that are made from strips of fabric on here? This would be cute if you used it with strips of fabric in different patterns in the same color as the dots. Like blue with white dots or red with white dots, red striped, or yellow gingham. I would just take the fabric to the store and layout anything in the matching colors, no matter what the pattern, and see what happens. You never know what's going to match. Did you see the black, white, red dress with aqua accents awhile back? It was unusual and very pretty. Hopefully you'll get several ideas from people on here! Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions. I think your right, I may just have to take the fabric to the store and see what I like with it! Thanks for helping me!

Where did you get that fabric!! I love it!

That fabric is actually from a pair of shorts that have never been worn. And the Disney characters glow in the dark. I really like it too and there is definitely enough fabric to use in some sort of custom for my little one. Now to just figure out what to make!!!???

 

[teresajoy]

I've had a frustrating day!! Got DD's much anticipated Cinderella dress today. The bodice of the dress was HUGE. I'm going to have to take it in about an inch on each side. I've pinned it so DD could try it on. It'll be adorable once I fix it!!

We also got a minnie twirl from the same seller. This one fits much better.

Good twirl!!

OOOH!! These are so pretty!!!

We've had a few catty moments here and there, but we usually get it turned back around pretty quick! I am always excited when someone new starts posting. If it stayed the same posters the whole time, I think we would run out of new creative ideas after a while!!!!

Exactly what I was going to say!

I tried my hand at shirring a dress for DD4 and it was SO easy!! The machine and the elastic thread do all the work (if the machine is working properlly, that is). I just followed the directions (pretty much) in this link from terejoy's bookmarks:
http://www.kukyideas.com/journal/2007/04/shirred-dress-tutorial.html

Here's my little darlin' in her dress:

A close-up before I added the straps:

I think she likes it!

I followed the directions in the above link, except for a few things:
- I didn't see the point in cutting the fabric into 2 big rectangles, I just used 1 wide piece and then I only had 1 seam on the side.
- I used bias tape (It's the new duct tape!) instead of fabric for the straps amd I added bias tape to the bottom hem.
- I made it a halter because I wanted the front to come up higher than the back.
- I backstitched at the beginning and the end of each row of shirring, instead of tieing the elastic thread together and knotting it.

I haven't been on here in a few days and I have 20 or so pages of posts to read through. It looks like there are some great things- and a beautiful dress sewn by a man- WOWEE!

Ok, I've known this adorable child from moments after her birth (those darn nurses wouldn't let me in the delivery room with a three month old!) and each and EVERY time I see her picture on here, it takes my breath away! Ok, enough of my gushing about my neice! That dress is gorgeous Heather!! I just love it! Lydia is going to be jealous.

The bias tape=duct tape comment was too funny!

Yup, I used a washable fabric marker to draw straight lines every 1/2". It sounds like you might have the wrong elastic. I think the stuff I used was just called "elastic thread". I don't have the wrapper anymore, so I can't check.

My sister tried the shirring and can't get it to work on her machine and she keeps messing with the tension and stitch length and everything. Maybe some machines are harder to work with, too.

Yes, if your machine will not cooperate, shirring is not as easy as it should be! Did anyone hear me hitting my head on it last night? I tried hand winding the bobbin with no tension, and I adjusted the tension on my machine, lengthened the stitch. But, it shirrs too much! My 45" wide fabric was reduced to 9-10" with NO stretch! I got it eventually to look good for two rows, but after that, it got too small again. I'm thinking maybe wider rows would help. I'm also thinking I have a little sister who thinks this is easy, and wouldn't she just LOVE to help out her big sister? It's really cute Lilo fabric too!

I'll go back and read the pages I missed tomorrow - but tonight I have a question -- I started on this dress yesterday around 10am (started taking the old dress apart) - I worked through lunch - all afternoon - DH made me stop to eat dinner and I worked on it until 11:30 last night. Got up this morning and started on it again - got it done around 6:30 tonight with just a short break taken for lunch. And, I'm in way over my head.

To start from the beginning: I had a dress that I just LOVED - to death... DH said I HAD to get rid of it because it was getting so threadbare. So, I sat down yesterday and cut it apart - well, used a seam ripper and took all the seams apart. I then used the pieces to make a pattern. (first time every trying this). Biggest problem is that the original dress was gauze. So, needless to say it stretched out horribly. (couldn't find any plus size sundress patterns that had godet insets in the skirt or I'd have just gone from there! ---- godet - "A triangular piece of fabric usually set into the hem of a garment to add fullness.")

I got the dress to where I like it/ want it now except for the neckline. It pooches out funny. I have no idea how to remedy this.

Here's a pic of the neckline - and a photoshop image of the dress. It actually has 4 panels in front and 3 in back (center back piece was cut on the fold) and 8 godets (3 each front and back and 2 side). The front was originally cut on a fold too, but I put the seam down the middle trying to remedy the gap in the neckline.

Thanks for any help you can offer!!

Once I get this last kink worked out, I'm going to use this pattern for a couple of dresses for our trip. It's more comfortable than the pink dress I made (and posted) a week or so ago.

I'm thinking darts might help? I'm not sure where you would put them though. I have some sewing tip links on my bookmarks site, you might want to check some of those out for some ideas.

ETA: I found this link that has a section on gaping necklines: http://cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-228.html



And, my big news of the night is that I finally found some ice cream cones fabric that I've been searching for! I went to my Joanns, where I saw some large cones on blue the other day (Before it went on sale, so I didn't buy it). But, when I went back today, when it was on sale, it was all gone! They called another store and they had some. So, I drove over there to get it. When they pulled it out, it was a completely different fabric that what they had had at my first store! But, I really liked it, so I bought it all. Unfortunately "all" was just under 3 yards. I wanted to make outfits for my daughters and three neices for our Beaches and Cream visit next year. Now, I need to find some more.

 

[teresajoy]

Here's a picture of the ice cream fabric I found. I'm thinking maybe twirly skirts with an applique top. We'll see though!

 

[Astro Orbiter]

Can someone help me out with putting a layer of tulle in a skirt?

I have a pattern for a 2-tier skirt that I want to add tulle to the middle of. Under the top layer, just a tad shorter than the overall length. Like so many that have been shown lately.

Those of you that have made these, how many layers of tulle did you use? I'm thinking two for me; I'm afraid three will have too much volume.

And did you have it the same length as the lower tier? Or was there more length there, for more gathering and more volume?

Better yet, if someone can point me in the direction of a website or pattern I'd love it. I've been stalled for a week on this because I can't seem to make a decision on this. I'd like to get to this tonight, so I appreciate any help!

Thanks!

Deb

 

[Stephres]

Thanks Nana for pming me about the friends fabric!

When I made the skirt, I used a half yard of tulle and it made two layers. I just attached it to the top ruffle and gathered and sewed to the back of the skirt:

I think I should have made it more full, using twice as much tulle (a full yard). That would have made four layers. It turned out almost the same length as the back of the skirt, so I cut triangles out of it so it would look more piratey. Feel free to pm of you have any more questions, I'll try to help!