Friday 28 November 2014

Making
           Making
                      Making
 Just a short reminder page about making garments

We have had some lovely, beautiful dresses and shorts.  Fantastic fabrics and effort.

One small thing - we hope won't  become a bit of a problem - is quantity overtaking quality.

The parent organisation in the USA are very strict on fabric choices, sizes, seams, seam finishes and hems as well as decoration.

Louise made a decision to be more 'lenient' and 'forgiving' however, as you will see from photographs I will post next week - which in no way identify makers!!! - some dresses are not quite hitting the high standard we know you would like.

Please do remember 

1 ~  That seams need to be finished - if you don't have an overlocker - and not many of us do!! - then double stitch,  once for the seam line and then a second row of zig-zag to ensure the seam lasts and lasts through numerous hard wear washes.  Alternatively you could do what is called a run and fell or an enclosed seam.  See this posting from Sue for a guide. HERE

2  ~  Hems, please turn up a small 1/2" hem and stitch, then turn up another 1" and stitch again.  The second turn up could have decorative stitches - or some pretty ribbon or strong lace.  Our single lingered lace I am afraid is not 'man' enough for the job.  It is such a shame when the lace disintegrates after the second or third wash, that is so disappointing for the child as I know you all understand!

3  ~  Sizes, whoops, we have had one or two or more dresses that are far to narrow and so we have had to dis-assemble and insert more contrasting/matching fabrics to make the dresses - which were so pretty - a practical wearable size.

4  ~  General hints  and tips LOOK under the October posts in 'Tips and More'

This is the size chart we all internationally use.




In the chart above, in the 'cut size' column, it shows the first measurement is the length and the second measurement is the width of fabric which is then folded over.  So for example the first one on the list for a 6 month old is cut at 17 inches long and the fabric is cut at 30 inches wide and that is then folded over to make a dress that, finished, is 14 inches wide and 28 inches around the hem.  That allows for plenty of movement for the child at that age.  

For the last three on the list ~ the 10, 11 and 12 year olds the dresses would need to finish at 20 inches wide with a small extra pleat or just a short 5 inch split in the seam to allow for walking.  If you imagine a young person in a 20 inch wide skirt it would be quite restrictive!! A more ideal size for those would be to cut at 50 inches wide and that give a finished width of around 24 inches still trim but allowing more walking!

Jacqui and I do hope that you all understand the need to keep quality at the top of our agenda as these are 'Best Dresses' and are all a gift to a young person as a special event!  Imagine your own young person being in receipt of the garment you have so lovingly made and you will know what we mean!!







           

Monday 17 November 2014

PATTERNS FOR GIRLS DRESSES & BOYS SHORTS & SIMPLE TOYS

PATTERNS, patterns patterns!

You have all been asking for patterns, whilst we have posted links it is not easy - and it is tiresome for you to search a blog for links - so here they are again.

Girls dress pattern - simple A line style with shoulder ties

Start by reading these hints and tips from Flo  - HERE

For boys shorts
Shorts in all sizes are simple to make, find the pattern from Media Fire HERE

Now - for dresses made from a length of fabric and the instructions on how to make please click HERE 

for instructions on how to make dresses from a pillowslip please click HERE

The printable PDF for the armholes for the simple pillowslip dress is HERE

and for a downloadable PDF dress pattern click HERE

For a dress with three lightly gathered tiers style which again has a simple neckline and ties click HERE


For a wrist bracelet or a pretty headband with a little flower click HERE Please note that if you make the headband you should not stuff with little balls - just finish off by threading elastic through the band and stitch securely on both the ends.  Finish with a button and loop or join the ends together.

Free printable PDF Peasant Dress Pattern in sizes 12 months to 8. Step by step tutorial w/ photos.
and FINALLY a delicious pattern see the picture above - from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom - for a peasant dress, instructions and down loadable pattern HERE


This cute little simple bear pattern from Patchwork Posse is HERE