Practice makes perfect halfway decent
I've had a hankering to do some embroidery lately but, like anything, it's good to practice a little when you're rusty. It's not like riding a bike (at least for me). It's more like a use-it-or-lose-it kind of thing.
The first one (on the left) was awful because I realized, after the fact, that I needed a better needle and the floss I was using was some cheap stuff from a kit so the bullion stitch wouldn't slide through easily. It wasn't soft and smooth like the DMC floss and it made a huge difference. By the time I did the one on the right I was getting the hang of it again.
Here's the next one I did for the ruffle on this skirt. I think it turned out sweet! I also did some cute little french knots on the green "vines" but unfortunately you can only see a hint of them (but they're really cute, take my word for it).
And I was so shamed by my friend Kelci's post about using the fancy stitches on her new machine that I decided to try some of my own (seeing as I've had my machine 2 months longer than her!). I'm so tickled with the results! Look at the little apron! It so weird watching the machine do all that pretty work in such a perfectly straight line.
Here's the whole outfit (Holy smokes! It already has a bid! No way!). I added these cute sleeves to the tank top (more machine embroidery!) and it was so easy I will take pictures of the process next time because I think it's a great way to add some "flare" (or is it "flair"?) to a plain little top.
Thanks for the nice comments on the girls Easter outfits. I promise to get some full length pictures up soon.
Oh, and I just put in a nice order with Free Spirit for some more delicious fabrics!! Yippy! And Sandi's Ginger Blossom fabrics are really flying out the door so don't wait to long to get some!
Wait! Would you say that I inspired you or just shamed you? If there was even an ounce of inspiration, I'm going to have to mark this day on my calendar. I find the decorative stitches to be so exciting. I know, it's pathetic, but it feels like magic.
And I think this is your best outfit ever! I love everything about it. I'm going to see if Bella can deliver pizzas on her bike to earn money for it. It's twirly and princessy so it meets all of her requirements.
Posted by: Kelci-Crafty Mama | March 27, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Love your attention to the smallest detail. That's what I loved about sewing girls clothes when my daughter was young.
Posted by: pam | March 27, 2008 at 06:25 PM
LOVE the outfit! Those bullions can be a PITA; especially if it's been a while! ;-)
Posted by: Pam | March 27, 2008 at 06:32 PM
J, As always, fantastic! I love the embroidered flower on the ruffle...and the leaf stitching on the apron...and the skirt itself. Lol! It's lovely & springy & pretty & makes me happy! Bravo!
Posted by: Diana | March 27, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Did you paint that picture in the background?
Posted by: Cary | March 28, 2008 at 12:54 AM
That is adorable. When the school year is done I fully intend to find a little project for myself.
Posted by: JennyT | March 28, 2008 at 06:23 AM
Adorable outfit! The funny thing is, I don't really care for the European fancy clothes(I don't know the proper term for this style of clothing LOL), but I love your stuff. You can make outfits fancy and frilly with lots of different fabrics, but you never cross over the line into tacky.
I hope this came out as the compliment it was meant to be : ) You have a great sense of design and style!
Posted by: Tonya Richard | March 28, 2008 at 06:38 AM
That looks good enough to eat. I love it. I want to touch it and pet it. I love dots and this is really great work, congrats on a job done so incredibly well.
Posted by: nanette | March 28, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Wowww, absolutely beautiful !! I envy everyone who is able to handle an embroidery needle. If I hadn't my brother 180-D, I would be in a fix *LOL*
Posted by: Chris | March 28, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Oh.My.Goodness. This is absolutely beautiful!!! My little Bella would look adorable in this (unfortunately it would swallow her whole : ( That's okay, I'll just drool over your amazing creations until she's a little older--no hurry at all on that one : )
: )april
Posted by: April Jaehn | March 29, 2008 at 06:40 AM
I am *in love* with the bouquets and dots fabric! I would buy the outfit... but alas, I am 24... and I don't think it would fit. Do you mind sharing where you bought the fabric? I looked around the links you listed and couldn't find it! Thanks so much!! :)
Posted by: Lauren Christine | April 03, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Hi, I am wondering what pattern you use for the skirt. I love it!!!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer S. | June 02, 2008 at 11:15 PM