Save 15% Off Everything for 2 Days!
Happy Creating,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com
Monday, May 30, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Just Hours Left!
Sale ends at midnight MT tonight. Hurry and save big!
Happy Creating,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.comOliver+S Swingset Set and Arrow Flight Fabric Review
Today's review is the
Oliver + S Swingset Tunic and Skirt
provided by Stephanie Wilson of Mohawks and Pearls
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
provided by Stephanie Wilson of Mohawks and Pearls
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
The Oliver + S Swingset Tunic and Skirt is a must have summer staple! The pattern can be purchased as a set in size 0-24m or 2t -5 on the Whimsical Fabric site here. Or the skirt can be purchased alone here.
For the Swingset Tunic I used Michael Miller's Arrow Flight Offline Blush Metallic and I couldn't be more pleased. The fabric itself is easy to work with, extremely soft and offers a beautiful metallic shine that is subtle and sweet. The perfect compliment to this darling top pattern!
The Swingset Tunic offers spaghetti straps and gathers along the curved bodice for both the front and back. The pattern has perfectly placed guides for 3 buttons on the back bodice for easy on and off. I have a not so positive relationship with buttonholes and my 30 year old machine so whenever possible I go for snaps :-)
I chose the size to make based off of measurements and the fit is spot on! A fitted bodice with enough room for movement and playing comfortably.
Pairing perfectly is the Swingset Skirt made with Michael Miller's Arrow's Coin Metallic. Once again, this fabric is a dream to work with and absolutely beautiful. The skirt is fully lined which adds to it's fullness much to the delight of my little miss. The waist has two elastic casings along with a drawstring that ties on the side. I chose to forgo the drawstring for this one but have plans with fun coordinating fabrics for future ones!
Overall the Swingset Tunic and Skirt is everything you would expect from an Oliver + S pattern. The digital PDF pages printed and lined up perfectly. The well thought out and concise instructions make construction painless.
The end result is a well made garment that is not only sweet to look at but is perfect for running and jumping and playing!
You can find both the pattern and fabric in the shop with the links below.
Happy Sewing,
Stephanie Wilson
Monday, May 16, 2016
Oops! - Customer Appreciation Sale Extended!
We are so sorry. We made a mistake with the ending time of our Customer Appreciation Sale. The sale has now been extended through Tuesday to give you some extra time to shop. Everything is 25% again and will remain until 11:59 MT Tuesday, 5/17. Enjoy and save big!
Happy Creating,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Only 24 Hours Left for our Customer Appreciation Sale
Make sure to shop our Customer Appreciation Sale if you haven't already. Everything is 25% off until midnight MT tonight. Hurry and save big!
Happy Creating,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.comTuesday, May 10, 2016
Sew Along #14 - Frannie Dress - Lesson #4
The Frannie Dress by Children's Corner
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
Note: Links to products within this post are either links to our website or affiliate links.
Please read the directions in your Frannie Dress pattern all the way through before you begin. It's probably a good idea to read through this lesson once before you begin also.
Day 4 - Adding the Back Closure Button, Creating a Button Loop, and Closing Up the Lining.
1. If you have already added your button and an elastic loop to your dress go ahead and scroll all the way down to step 3 as you only have to close up the lining today and then you are finished.
Sew a button onto the top of the back dress opening. I sewed mine here on the left side, but convention is to sew it on the right side. You can add more buttons to the back opening if you like. Kits came with just one button, but the choice is totally up to you.
2. We are now going to sew a button loop for your back closure. I'm first going to show you how I originally learned to sew these. Then, I'm going to share a series of videos that show you what I feel is an easier way to make the button loop. Do not fret if your button loop isn't perfect. You will get better at this the more often you make them. Let's jump in.
B. Go up through the hole in your lining and out the edge of your seam opposite your button. You want to come out near the top of where your button is on the the other side. Secure the knot on the inside between the dress and the lining.
C. Measure about how long you want your button loop to be by wrapping it around your button.
D. Then, go back into the dress and out the original hole with your needle.
E. Pull your threads until the loop is the size you just measured and determined you desired. You can try it on the button to make sure.
F. When you have the loop the size you want and all the threads are lined up together, wrap the loose thread around your index finger like shown below.
G. Now, poke the needle through your button loop from back to front.
H. Next, slide your needle under the thread on your finger.
I. Pull the thread.
J. Keep pulling and slide the knot down to the base of your loop until it is tight.
K. It should look like this.
L. Repeat steps F thru J until you have covered the whole loop with your stitches.
M. When you have your loop finished, push the needle back in between the dress and the lining and knot your threads.
3. The very last step for your dress is to close up your opening in the lining. I like to use a ladder stitch as I feel it is strong enough and hides the hole well. You can use whatever method you prefer.
That's it! You just made a Children's Corner Frannie! Wasn't that awesome! Thank you so much for joining me. It's been a total pleasure to teach one of my all time favorite patterns.
Miss Sydney today in a Frannie.
* If you would like to enter the prize drawing, please make sure you submit a picture of your completed lesson four to the Facebook Album by 12:00 noon CT, Thursday, May 12th. Also, if you have any questions the Facebook Group is a great place to ask.
Thanks for sewing with me,
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
Note: Links to products within this post are either links to our website or affiliate links.
Please read the directions in your Frannie Dress pattern all the way through before you begin. It's probably a good idea to read through this lesson once before you begin also.
Day 4 - Adding the Back Closure Button, Creating a Button Loop, and Closing Up the Lining.
1. If you have already added your button and an elastic loop to your dress go ahead and scroll all the way down to step 3 as you only have to close up the lining today and then you are finished.
Sew a button onto the top of the back dress opening. I sewed mine here on the left side, but convention is to sew it on the right side. You can add more buttons to the back opening if you like. Kits came with just one button, but the choice is totally up to you.
2. We are now going to sew a button loop for your back closure. I'm first going to show you how I originally learned to sew these. Then, I'm going to share a series of videos that show you what I feel is an easier way to make the button loop. Do not fret if your button loop isn't perfect. You will get better at this the more often you make them. Let's jump in.
Note: It will probably be helpful to click on the pictures to be able to see the steps in more detail.A. I used 4 LONG strands of sewing thread for my button loop. Thread these on your needle and tie a knot in the end so you will be sewing with a total of 8 strands of thickness. You can probably get by with as few as 2 strands (4 when doubled), but I like my loops strong. If you are using embroidery floss you may get by with even less.
B. Go up through the hole in your lining and out the edge of your seam opposite your button. You want to come out near the top of where your button is on the the other side. Secure the knot on the inside between the dress and the lining.
C. Measure about how long you want your button loop to be by wrapping it around your button.
D. Then, go back into the dress and out the original hole with your needle.
E. Pull your threads until the loop is the size you just measured and determined you desired. You can try it on the button to make sure.
F. When you have the loop the size you want and all the threads are lined up together, wrap the loose thread around your index finger like shown below.
G. Now, poke the needle through your button loop from back to front.
H. Next, slide your needle under the thread on your finger.
J. Keep pulling and slide the knot down to the base of your loop until it is tight.
K. It should look like this.
L. Repeat steps F thru J until you have covered the whole loop with your stitches.
M. When you have your loop finished, push the needle back in between the dress and the lining and knot your threads.
Below are three videos that also explain how to accomplish the same task of creating a button loop, but in a little different way. This is how I prefer to make them now as it is really quick. The only suggestion I would make is to keep the thread tails after your knot longer. They will be hidden inside the dress and the knot is more secure if they are longer.
3. The very last step for your dress is to close up your opening in the lining. I like to use a ladder stitch as I feel it is strong enough and hides the hole well. You can use whatever method you prefer.
That's it! You just made a Children's Corner Frannie! Wasn't that awesome! Thank you so much for joining me. It's been a total pleasure to teach one of my all time favorite patterns.
Our youngest, Miss Sydney, in her very first Frannie I made for her first birthday.
Miss Sydney in a Frannie at age 5. Oh how fast they grow!
Miss Sydney today in a Frannie.
* If you would like to enter the prize drawing, please make sure you submit a picture of your completed lesson four to the Facebook Album by 12:00 noon CT, Thursday, May 12th. Also, if you have any questions the Facebook Group is a great place to ask.
Thanks for sewing with me,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.comMonday, May 9, 2016
Sew Along #14 - Frannie Dress - Lesson #3
The Frannie Dress by Children's Corner
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
Note: Links to products within this post are either links to our website or affiliate links.
Please read the directions in your Frannie Dress pattern all the way through before you begin. It's probably a good idea to read through this lesson once before you begin also.
Day 3 - Creating Underarm Casing & Ties, Adding Decorative Buttons, and Hemming.
1. Lay out your dress and pull the lining up through the neck opening.
2. We are going to create the casings for the underarm ties. Make sure to have your buttonholes marked.
3. Stitch the buttonholes. Make sure you are only stitching through the dress. Don't catch the lining in the buttonholes. You will be creating four buttonholes total, two on each side.
4. Carefully rip open your buttonholes. I like to use a pin to keep me from ripping too far.
5. After you have sewn and ripped open all 4 buttonholes pull your lining back down. Smooth out your lining and dress. Match up the side seams of your lining and dress and pin together so nothing can slide around.
6. Start at one end and stitch along your top casing marking, through the side seam, and end on the other side. Repeat for the bottom casing marking. DO NOT stitch the casings closed at the ends yet!
7. Grab your four tie pieces. Fold each tie in half lengthwise, with right sides together, lining up raw edges, and iron.
8. Using a ¼" seam allowance, stitch across one end and then down the length of each tie. Trim off excess.
9. Turn each tie and then iron them flat. I like to use a chopstick to press out my seam.
10. I also like to topstitch my ties. I lengthen my stitch when I topstitch because I think it gives it a more professional look.
11. Use a safety pin or bodkin to thread your ties through the casings. Place the pin (or bodkin) into the raw end of your tie.
12. Thread the tie through the buttonhole and up through the casing.
13. Keep going until you reach the end of the casing.
14. Smooth out your tie and make sure it isn't twisted in your casing. Then, stitch across the ends. I normally stitch, backstitch, then stitch again to make sure it is very secure.
15. Repeat for all four ties.
16. Next we will be adding decorative buttons to the front of the dress. If you are not adding decorative buttons to the front of your dress go ahead and skip down to step #21.
Lay out your dress and decide how many decorative buttons you want to use and where you want to place them. If you don't have a fold line down the center anymore you can make one with your iron to help with placement.
17. Use a marking pen if you have one to mark your button placement.
18. Cut small squares of your fusible interfacing. You need them just the size of your buttons. Fuse those onto the back of your front dress fabric where you will be placing your buttons.
19. I used some Wonder Tape on the back of my buttons to stick them on my dress. I just might have a slight addiction to the stuff!
20. Stitch your buttons in place.
22. With your other hand reach into the hole in the side of the lining.
23. Carefully push/pull the side seam bottom edge you are holding up through the lining opening. Be careful not to twist the fabrics. Once through, you will need to let go slightly so you can flip each over placing right sides together.
24. Pin.
25. Don't forget to offset the lining a ¼" so when you turn the dress the lining will not peek out the bottom.
26. Continue to pull the dress hem through the lining opening, pinning as you go, until you reach the other side seam.
27. Stitch hem using a ¼" seam allowance. Trim your seam.
28.Repeat for the second half of the hem making sure not to get a twist in your fabrics.
29. Push your dress back through the hole in the lining. Smooth out your dress and press well. If you offset your lining you should see your dress fabric pull slightly to the inside of your dress.
You made it through lesson three. You're doing fantastic! Just one more day left and your Frannie will be complete. Make sure to check back here on tomorrow for lesson four.
* If you would like to enter the prize drawing, please make sure you submit a picture of your completed lesson three to the Facebook Album by 12:00 noon CT, Wednesday, May 11th. Also, if you have any questions the Facebook Group is a great place to ask.
Thanks for sewing with me,
** If you would like to see an image on our blog in a larger format, just click on it to enlarge.
Note: Links to products within this post are either links to our website or affiliate links.
Please read the directions in your Frannie Dress pattern all the way through before you begin. It's probably a good idea to read through this lesson once before you begin also.
Day 3 - Creating Underarm Casing & Ties, Adding Decorative Buttons, and Hemming.
1. Lay out your dress and pull the lining up through the neck opening.
2. We are going to create the casings for the underarm ties. Make sure to have your buttonholes marked.
3. Stitch the buttonholes. Make sure you are only stitching through the dress. Don't catch the lining in the buttonholes. You will be creating four buttonholes total, two on each side.
4. Carefully rip open your buttonholes. I like to use a pin to keep me from ripping too far.
5. After you have sewn and ripped open all 4 buttonholes pull your lining back down. Smooth out your lining and dress. Match up the side seams of your lining and dress and pin together so nothing can slide around.
6. Start at one end and stitch along your top casing marking, through the side seam, and end on the other side. Repeat for the bottom casing marking. DO NOT stitch the casings closed at the ends yet!
7. Grab your four tie pieces. Fold each tie in half lengthwise, with right sides together, lining up raw edges, and iron.
8. Using a ¼" seam allowance, stitch across one end and then down the length of each tie. Trim off excess.
9. Turn each tie and then iron them flat. I like to use a chopstick to press out my seam.
10. I also like to topstitch my ties. I lengthen my stitch when I topstitch because I think it gives it a more professional look.
11. Use a safety pin or bodkin to thread your ties through the casings. Place the pin (or bodkin) into the raw end of your tie.
12. Thread the tie through the buttonhole and up through the casing.
13. Keep going until you reach the end of the casing.
14. Smooth out your tie and make sure it isn't twisted in your casing. Then, stitch across the ends. I normally stitch, backstitch, then stitch again to make sure it is very secure.
15. Repeat for all four ties.
16. Next we will be adding decorative buttons to the front of the dress. If you are not adding decorative buttons to the front of your dress go ahead and skip down to step #21.
Lay out your dress and decide how many decorative buttons you want to use and where you want to place them. If you don't have a fold line down the center anymore you can make one with your iron to help with placement.
18. Cut small squares of your fusible interfacing. You need them just the size of your buttons. Fuse those onto the back of your front dress fabric where you will be placing your buttons.
19. I used some Wonder Tape on the back of my buttons to stick them on my dress. I just might have a slight addiction to the stuff!
20. Stitch your buttons in place.
Note: If you are adding a ruffle to the hem of your dress you will want to add the ruffle now. Follow the pattern insert directions to create a ruffle band. Then, with right sides together and matching the raw edges, pin the ruffle band onto the hem of your dress fabric only. I always baste around the ruffle about ⅛" from the edge, just like you did with the collar. This way you can remove all the pins and they won't be in your way while you hem the dress.21. We are now going to hem the dress. Grab the dress and the lining at the bottom of the side seam that you left the opening in.
22. With your other hand reach into the hole in the side of the lining.
23. Carefully push/pull the side seam bottom edge you are holding up through the lining opening. Be careful not to twist the fabrics. Once through, you will need to let go slightly so you can flip each over placing right sides together.
24. Pin.
25. Don't forget to offset the lining a ¼" so when you turn the dress the lining will not peek out the bottom.
26. Continue to pull the dress hem through the lining opening, pinning as you go, until you reach the other side seam.
27. Stitch hem using a ¼" seam allowance. Trim your seam.
28.Repeat for the second half of the hem making sure not to get a twist in your fabrics.
If you need additional help on hemming the dress you can watch this video from Children's Corner. Lezette does it a bit differently than I do, but it's the same results. Take a peek.
29. Push your dress back through the hole in the lining. Smooth out your dress and press well. If you offset your lining you should see your dress fabric pull slightly to the inside of your dress.
You made it through lesson three. You're doing fantastic! Just one more day left and your Frannie will be complete. Make sure to check back here on tomorrow for lesson four.
* If you would like to enter the prize drawing, please make sure you submit a picture of your completed lesson three to the Facebook Album by 12:00 noon CT, Wednesday, May 11th. Also, if you have any questions the Facebook Group is a great place to ask.
Thanks for sewing with me,
Danielle Storm
www.whimsicalfabric.com