Another great thing about the embroidery machine I now have is that I don’t have to do machine applique by manipulating the fabric under the needle.  With this machine I can take a digitized file, hoop together two layers of fabric and stabilizer and push start.  The machine does the applique for me and then I just trim away the excess fabric.  Since I wanted to practice the skills I learned in the class, I downloaded a clip art heart from the internet and set about digitizing just the outline.  Then I did the method above and the result was a really cute applique heart.  One thing led to another and by the time the day was over, I had completed a very adorable set of overalls for a 6 month old boy from scrap fabric I had in the drawer.  There are endless possibilities for this method and I know you will see more of the results show up here in the coming months.

PS. The reason the bib and cuffs are a solid color is because I did not have enough striped scraps to make the outfit.  Sewing two colors together and then cutting the pattern out is a great way to use up those scrap fabrics in your stash

Fair Winds…

Related articles

• Preemie Gowns (deborahfillmer.com)
• Hand Made Smocked Clothes and Gowns for Preemie or Premature Babies (scottfillmer.com)

Play Dough Recipe

• 3 C flour
• 1 1/2 C salt
• 6 tsp cream of tartar
• 3 C cool water
• 3 Tbsp oil
• food coloring (cake decorating paste works best)

Mix dry ingredients together in a large cooking pot. Blend all liquids in a separate bowl.  Combine with dry ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat when dough pulls away from sides of the pot and can be pinched without sticking (about 5 minutes).  Turn onto board or counter and knead until smooth and play dough consistency.  Store in airtight container.  Dough will last about 1 year if kept sealed.  Great for gifts and contains no chemicals.

Homemade Bubble Solution

• 9 parts water
• 1 part dish-washing liquid
• 1/2 part glycerin (purchase at drugstore)

Combine all ingredients.  The longer this is stored, the better it works.  Make in advance for parties, etc.

Homemade Finger Paints

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1/2 C cornstarch
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 2 C cold water
• food coloring
• dish-washing liquid
• white shelfpaper

Soak gelatin in 1/4 C warm water and put aside.  In a medium saucepan, combine cornstarch and sugar.  Gradually add water and cook slowly over low heat, stirring until well blended.  Remove from heat and add softened gelatin.  Divide mixture into separate containers for each color.  For each color, first add a drop or two of liquid detergent and then add food coloring a drop at a time until you have the shade you want.  Store up to six weeks in the refrigerator.

The original order was for three heirloom dresses and three men/boy’s ties.  During the assembly of these items, the customer was blessed to adopt another baby girl.  So, on the fly a fourth dress was added to the total.  Once the dresses were completed, I realized that I should tell the customer that she should make certain that the girls had slips for these dresses.  So, she added 4 slips to the order, which was not my intention, but why not…  All told, this order was for 4 heirloom, hand embroidered, dresses, 3 ties, and 4 slips.

The best part of the whole order was the delivery.  All 4 dresses fit the girls perfectly.  This is truly amazing, since I only had the measurements of each girl to work with.  I had never met the girls before.  Armed with only one family portrait and all the important measurements, I went to work.

All four dresses are made from blue batiste and lace. The dropped yoke dresses are hand embroidered around the scalloped hems and scalloped collars. Lace surrounds the bottom of the dresses, the edges of the puffed sleeves, and the collars. All dresses have embroidered roses on the buttons, sash ties, and bow keeper on the back.  Here are the photos from our shoot and I hope to post updated photos when the girls are wearing the dresses.

Now my attention turns to two more orders in the queue.  Stay tuned…