Tatting

For many years I was interested in learning how to tat. Tatting is a form of lace making that dates back to the early 19th century. It is done using a tool called a shuttle.

I had no idea how to do it, so I bought a book and followed the instructions and occasionally I would get it right but for the most part all I succeeded in doing was getting the thread knotted. Tatting is not difficult but there is one step that kept giving me trouble-dropping your fingers...

Remember the Flintstones Part 2

Today I worked on the Pebbles costume.  I started with the bloomers because I knew they would take less time than the top.  This is the leg of the bloomers-notice there is no ruffle.

And the finished product.

Next came the challenging part-the top.  I modified a slip pattern to make it fuller and shorter.  My customer wanted black triangles appliqued onto the green top.  I cut out the top and a group of small triangles. .

Remember the Flintstones Part 1

A customer contacted me and asked if I would be willing to create a Pebbles Flintstone costume for her daughter.   It has been a very long time since I saw the Flintstone's television show so I had to go searching for a photo.

I was not sure exactly where to begin

Ribbon Tee Shirts

One item that is always popular is a tee shirt that has been embellished with ribbon.  It is not difficult to do and it changes a plain tee into something really special.  I thought I would share with you today how I add ribbon embellishments to tee shirts.

First and most important, always, always, always use good quality ribbon and tee shirts.  I buy my ribbon from the Ribbon Retreat.  They have top quality ribbon, a great selection and reasonable prices.  Good tee shirts are available from Old Navy, Carters or any brand name store. .

Tutorial-Mop Cap

A real, old-fashioned mop cap, just like Laura wore on "Little House".  These caps are so quick and easy to make.  Every little girl you know will want one.

I was making a cap for a little girl and one for an 18" doll.  The first step is to cut 2 circles for each hat.

The girl's hat is about an 18-20" circle and the doll's is about 12-13".

Tutorial-Continuous Lap

I wanted to share the process I use for creating a continuous lap in a girl's dress.  I use this method because it is sturdy for everyday wear.  This continuous lap will be in a dress with a gathered skirt attached to a yoke.

Once all of your pattern pieces are cut out, cut a piece of fabric approximately 3 x 10 inches.

Fold this piece in half lengthwise and press.