Iam trying to post some of the owrk I have done in the past two years. The thing that makes me laugh is most of it was work samples. So I don't seem to have a ton of stuff...

OK I am going to load some designs I have done!

Baby Lock SErger Pattern for Dress a Girl Around the world

So this is the dress that I have made for "Dress a Girl Aournd the World" It is a wonderful organization that tries to ensure that every girl around this globe can have a dress. How awesome is that! I have taken the pattern from their website http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/ and adapted it for a Baby Lock Serger. This pattern goes together quickly and smoothly. 

To see serger tips go to my video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vIgG4NMESk

Skill Level: BEGINNER

Supplies:

Pattern adapted from instruction on website.

Baby Lock - Evolution or Ovation

Ruffling Foot

Baby Lock Embroidery Machine (optional)

Baby Lock Sewing Machine

4 Spools Madeira Aerolock serger thread

1 Spools Madeira decorative embroidery thread (optional)

1 yard of cotton fabric.

10.5” x 5.5” piece of Fabric for Pocket (contrast coordinate will have embroidery design)

14” elastic (3/4”inch)

1 yard bias binding

Wonder Clips

Cut Instructions:

Focus Fabric

Cut the dress form 25” X 44 (WOF).

Cut two 5” X WOF

Cut 2” X 36” for bias strips

Pocket and Elastic

        (After you embroider on pocket design) cut two 5”x 5” squares

Cut two 7” lengths of elastic

1.     Fold the 25” X WOF in half lengthwise.

2.     Put the armhole template in place and cut. (template is placed on the side of fabric away from the fold.) 

         

3.     Attach the two 5” pieces together with an overlock stitch.

4.     Attach this long strip to the hem of the dress with the ruffling foot.     

       Serger Setting - 4 Thread Overlock

       Differential Feed set at 2

       Legnth of Stitch 4

5.     Use 4 thread overlock stitch close the seam up the side of the dress.

       Serger Setting - 4 Thread Overlock

       Differential Feed - N

       Legnth - 3.0

6.     At top edge of dress fold and press the fabric over 1/4”.

7.     Fold top edge of fabric over 1 ¼”. Press and sew closed with a chain stitch.  

8.  Put safety pin on one end of elastic. Put an anchor stitch at this and run elastic through opening to other end. Run another anchoring stich.

9.     Repeat steps 5-7 on back of dress.

10.  Create two double fold bias strips.

11.  Fold a strip in half and mark the midpoint. Use this midpoint as placement at the bottom of the armhole. Put the bias strip in place with wonder clips. Stitch bias strip with the cover stitch – right narrow

12.  Finish the hem of this dress with a 3 thread overlock - Narrow Hem.

13. All dresses should have at least one pocket that’s an appropriate size for the size of the dress with a minimum finished size of 5x5 inches. Cut 2 pieces of measured fabric for each pocket. One will act as the facing. If you wish to add lace, ribbon, rickrack, or add embroidery design etc., sew it to the front piece. With right sides together, start above the middle of one side and sew a backstitched 1/4” seam around to a point 2-2 ½” from where you started (you’ll use this opening to turn the pocket). Trim seams, clip the corners/notches on curved seams. Turn pocket right side out and push out the corners with a point turner, chopstick, etc. Press.

14.  To place the pocket on the dress, find the halfway point from the top casing to the hem. Move the pocket 1 - 2” above that halfway point and about 2” from the side seam. The turned opening should face the dress’s side.

15.  Attach the pocket, stitching close to the edge and backstitching at both top corners.

16.  Stand Back and admire your creation!

TEMPLATE FOR ARMHOLE CAN BE FOUND AT:

http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/5%20Piece%20Final.pdf

Quilt top that I have been working on is finally off to the Barb Sorenson to quilt for me. She is a new person I am trying out. I met her through the Issaquah Sewing and Vacuum Center. She does custom work and I am excited to see how this works out. 

The pattern was written by Joe at ThimbleCreek. The idea is to use up all your French General left overs. I had so many pieces left over after a block of the month...This was perfect and is now my new favorite.

 

Now I am off to try and complete a hand embroidered Christmas Quilt before May. It is going to be a challenge, but should be fun. A Crabapple Hill design.

A few photos

Straythreads has the most beautiful quilt that is being raffled off in June.  I am completely honored that hey asked me to help. I did a row and a corner block. Here is a photo of the row. So awesome. The finished quilt is stunning.

 So it was about a year ago I finished the Asteria Quilt for my son Eli. It was one of those projects that makes me think I lost my mind. It is 110" wide. King Size. Crazy green...

I have been busy at work. My wonderful mother-in-law, who I just love, sent me a challenge. It was a challenge to design a pin cushion. Funny thing that I had been dabbling in miniature pin cushions at that very moment. So I began to investigate and create a pin cushion that required crafting wire.

I created the wonder and lost it. I pulled th whole house apart looking for it.... Then about 48 hours later I hear a noise at 4 AM. It is our puppy Remington throwing up. You got it...the wool came up but the wire did not. It led to a series of Xrays, endoscopy and two surgeries to finally recover the wire out of his liver. So traumatic.

This did not stop me from entering the contest. I will post a photo once I know if I am accepted into the competition.

Our guild is having the applique group create our next raffle quilt. It was quite the honor for them to let me create a portion for them. I will post the quilt as we complete it in May.

My next move is to complete a quilt for the American Heros. Red White and Blue!! Yeah!