Sunday, June 10, 2007



Saturday, June 9, 2007




Thursday, April 19, 2007

kids dresses


pattern


Monday, April 16, 2007

DISNY Knittingpatterns:




Bed Pillow


Materials:

Fabric


Decorative trim


Sewing machine


Fiberfill or pillow


formPatterned mattress pad


Fabric dye


Bucket


Rubber gloves



  • Cut a piece of mattress pad to a size slightly larger than you would like your finished pillow. Before cutting, make sure area has a centered, even pattern.

  • Dye the pad and allow to dry thoroughly.

  • Cut a piece of fabric to same size as dyed mattress pad. Place the right sides together and sew together on 3 sides.

  • Turn right side out and stuff casing with fiberfill or pillow form.

  • Sew open side shut and use trim to cover hem on all sides.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Knit Shrug



An ideal first project. Large needles and three strands held together produce almost instant results and there are only two small seams to sew. You'll need to know how to: cast on, knit (k), purl (p), increase by knitting twice into the same stitch, knit two stitches together (k2tog), bind off, and sew a seam using yarn.

SIZES To fit Small (30-32 chest), Medium (34-36 chest), Large (38-40 chest). Directions are for smallest size with larger sizes in parentheses. If there is only one figure, it applies to all sizes.


FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
sleeve width at top of arm 20 1/2 (21 1/2, 22 1/2)/52 (55, 57)cm
center back neck to cuff 29 1/2 (30 1/2, 31 1/2)/75 (77.5, 80)cm


MATERIALS



two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a dark color (A)
two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a medium color (B)
two, 3-oz./85g skeins (each approximately 197yds/177m) of worsted weight yarn in a light color (C)
Size US 15 (10 mm) needles OR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
contrast yarn or safety pins for marking end of sleeves
yarn or tapestry needle for sewing seams


GAUGE


9 stitches and 12 rows to 4"/10cm using size US 15 (10 mm) needles and 3 strands of yarn held together.TO INSURE PROPER SIZE, TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE.Note: Hold one strand each of A, B and C together throughout.


STITCHES USED Stockinette Stitch: Knit on right side (RS) rows; Purl on wrong side (WS) rows.


FIRST SLEEVE


With size US 15 (10 mm) needles and one strand each of A, B and C held together, cast on 20 (22, 22) sts. Row 1 (WS): Purl. Row 2: Knit. Row 3: Purl. Row 4: Knit twice into 1st st, knit to last st, knit twice into last st22 (24, 24) sts. Repeat these last 4 rows until a total of 13 (13, 14) increase rows have been made46 (48, 50) sts. Work even in Stockinette stitch until piece measures 20/51cm (Row 60). Tie contrast yarn markers (or pin safety pins) on first and last stitch of this row to mark top of sleeve.


BACK


Work even in Stockinette stitch until piece measures 19 (21, 23)/48 (50.5, 53)cm from markers, end with WS row. Tie additional yarn markers (or pin safety pins) on first and last stitch of this row (to mark top of second sleeve).


SECOND SLEEVE


Work 8 (8, 4) rows even, end with a WS row. Row 1 (decrease row): K2tog, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog. Row 2 (WS): Purl. Row 3: Knit. Row 4: Purl. Repeat last 4 rows until a total of 13 (13, 14) decrease rows have been made20 (22, 22) sts. Be sure to end with row 4 (60 rows should have been worked from top of sleeve). Next (RS) row: Bind off loosely.


FINISHING


Lay piece flat, pinning to measurements, and lightly steam with iron. Using 1 strand of B (medium color yarn) threaded double through tapestry or yarn needle, sew sleeve seams from cuff to markers. Remove markers. Darn in any yarn ends.


Monday, April 9, 2007

Springtime Cardigan


Flattering V-neck cardigan is the perfect springtime coverup with its graceful collar and garter edges. It's knit with three strands of double knitting worsted weight yarn on Size 15 needles. It's fast and easy!

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large, X-large)

Bust (buttoned) 33 (36, 38, 41)"

Length 19 1/4 (19 3/4, 20 1/4, 20 3/4)

"Upper arm 13 (14, 14 1/2, 15 1/4)"


Materials

Double worsted-weight acrylic yarn - 24.5 (24.5, 31.5, 35) ozs.
One pair each size 10 1/2 (7mm) and 15 (10mm) needlesOR SIZE TO OBTAIN GAUGE
Size F/5 (4mm) crochet hook
Six 3/4"(20mm) buttons
Stitch holders


See Abbreviations at the end of the Pattern


GAUGE

Gauge11 sts and 14 rows to 4" over St st using 3 strands of yarn and larger needles.

TAKE TIME TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.


NOTE: Three strands of yarn are used at one time.


BackWith smaller needles and 3 strands of yarn, cast on 46 (50, 54, 58) sts.

Row 1 (RS k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.

Row 2 K1 (selvage st), p1, *k2, p2; rep from * end last rep p1, k1 (selvage st).

Rep rows 1 and 2 for rib twice more. K next RS rows. Change to larger needles and k next WS row, inc 1 (2, 0, 0) sts-47 (52, 54, 58) sts. Work even in St st (with K1 selvage sts each side of row) until piece measures 11 1/2" from beg.

Armhole shaping

Bind off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows. Next row (RS) K1, SKP, k to last 3 sts, K2tog, k1.Next row K1, p to last st, k1. Rep last 2 rows 1 (2, 2, 3) times more-37 (40, 42, 44) sts. Work even (with selvage sts) until armhole measures 7 (7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2)"
Shoulder shaping

Bind off 5 (5, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows, 5 (6, 6, 6) sts at beg of next 2 rows. Bind off rem 17 ( 18, 18, 20) sts for back neck.

Left FrontWith smaller needles and 3 strands of yarn, cast on 26 (30, 30, 34) sts. Rep rows 1 and 2 of back 3 times. Next row (RS) K20 (24, 24, 28) sts inc 2 (0, 2, 0) sts evenly, sl last 6 sts to a holder to be worked later for band-22 (24, 26, 28) sts rem. Change to larger needles and k next WS row. Then cont in St st (with k1 selvage sts each side) until piece measures 11 1/2" from beg.

Armhole shaping

Next row (RS) Bind off 3 sts, work to end. Work 1 row even. Next row (RS) K1, SKP, k to end. Work 1 row even. Rep last 2 rows 1 (2, 2, 3) times more-17 (18, 20, 21) sts. Work even until armhole measures 2 1/2(3, 3 1/2, 4)"

.Neck shaping

Next row (RS) K to last 2 sts, k2tog. Cont to dec 1 st at neck edge every row 4 (4, 5, 8) times more, every other row 2 (2, 2, 0) times-10 (11, 12, 12) sts rem. Place a yarn marker at neck edge on last dec row. Work even until armhole measures same as back. Shape shoulder as on back.

Right FrontWork to correspond to left front, reversing shaping and having 6-st band at beg of RS rows and working one yo, p2tog buttonhole in center of band when piece measures 1/2" from beg.

SleevesWith smaller needles and 3 strands of yarn, cast on 22 (22, 22, 26) sts. Work in rib and garter ridge as on back for 2" changing to larger needles on 2nd row. Then cont in St st, inc 1 st each side every 4th row 8 (9, 10, 9) times-38 (40, 42, 44) sts. Work even in St st until piece measures 17" from beg.

Cap shapingBind off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 2 sts at beg of next 4 rows, dec 1 st each side every other row 4 (5, 6, 7) times-16 sts. Bind off.

FinishingBlock pieces lightly to measurements. With smaller needles, work in rib across 6 sts of left front band, inc 1 st at inside edges for selvage st. Work in rib on 7 sts until band fits along center front edges, then along neck shaping to marker, stretching lightly to fit. Bind off. Place markers for six buttons evenly spaced, having the first one at 1/2" from lower edge, the last one at beg of neck shaping and the others evenly spaced between. Work right front band to correspond, working yo, p2tog buttonholes to correspond to markers. Sew shoulder seams. Sew bands to neck edge


.CollarWith smaller needles and 3 strands of yarn, pick up and k 50 (50, 50, 54) sts evenly around neck edges, beg and end at ends of front band. Work in k2, p2 rib for 2 1/2". Bind off in rib. Sew six bound-off sts of each band to corresponding 1 1/2" of collar sides. Sew sleeves into armholes. Sew side and sleeve seams.

Picot edgeWith crochet hook and 1 strand of yarn, work edge around sleeve cuffs as foll: Join in seam, 1 sc in joining, *ch 4 and skip 3 sts, sl st in next st, ch 4 and sl st in same st (for picot); rep from * around. Join and fasten off. Work edge along lower edge of ribbing in same way. Sew on buttons.


Abbreviations

Beg
beginning
Ch
chain
Cont
continue
Dec
decrease
Foll
Follow
Inc
increase
K
knit
K2tog
knit 2 stitches together
Mm
millimeter
P
purl
P2tog
purl 2 stitches together
Rem
remaining
Rep
repeat
RS
Right Side
Sc
single crochet
SKP
slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch(es) over
Sl st
slip stitch
St(s)
stitch(es)
St st
Stockinette stitch
WS
Wrong Side
Yo
yarn over
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot be responsible, however, for variances in individual techniques, human errors or typographical mistakes.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Thursday, March 29, 2007


Tips for Sewing with Velvet



Velvet has a rich texture and a luxurious softness, two very important characteristics to this year’s fall fashion themes. Because it is a pile fabric, velvet requires special handling. Here are some tips for working with v
PATTERN SECTION
Selecting a pattern with simple, classic lines. Velvet requires special care when pressing so fewer seams and darts reduce this problem.
THREAD AND NEEDLES
For general stitching use Coats Dual Duty Plus® All purpose thread Use a Universal point size 11 machine needle.
INTERFACING
The best choice for most velvet fabrics is a sew-in woven or nonwoven interfacing.
PURCHASING FABRIC
Purchase the amount given on the pattern envelope for “with nap”. However, be sure to check the width of the velvet. If it doesn’t fit into the standards on the pattern envelope, layout major pattern pieces to determine actual yardage needed before purchasing fabric.
BEFORE CUTTING
Prepare fabric by preshrinking using the method that will be used to clean the garment. Straighten grain if necessary.Make any alterations to pattern pieces before cutting. Needle holes cannot always be removed when seams are ripped out. Reduce bulk by using an extended facing rather than a separate facing where possible and substituting lining fabric for facings, collar stands and under collars.
LAYOUT
Before laying out the pattern determine the direction of the nap on the finished garment. When the nap runs up, the fabric feels rough and the color is richer and darker. When the nap runs down, the fabric feels smooth and the color is lighter and shinier. In addition, the pile lasts longer since there is less abrasion on the pile. When laying out the pattern pieces, follow the “with nap” cutting layout. If one is not included place all pieces with the nap running the same direction. To assure more accurate cutting, trim the margins of the pattern pieces.
CUTTING & MARKING
Velvet should be cut on a single layer of fabric to avoid the slippage that may occur when cutting through two layers. Reverse the pattern tissue when cutting the second piece . When possible cut with the direction of the nap. Remove pins immediately to prevent leaving an imprint.To mark velvet, use tailor’s tacks, marking pens, chalk or pins.
PRESSING-
Protect the nap when pressing by following these guildelines:- Use a steam iron.- Use a needle board. If one is not available, lay a piece of self fabric, right sides together. Plush towels are also suitable.- Do not touch the iron to the right side of the fabric.- Press in the direction of the nap.- Use the point of the iron to press seams open; never let the full weight of the iron rest on the fabric.- Place a strip of brown paper between the dart, seam allowance or hem edge and the garment to avoid leaving an impression on the right side.
MACHINE STITCHING-
Use a stitch length of 10-12 stitches per inch (2-2.5mm).- Reduce the pressure slightly on the presser foot to avoid shifting of the fabric layers or damage the pile.- Use a loosely balanced thread tension.- Make a test seam. If the fabric puckers, use a straight stitch foot and throat plate. If the fabric shifts, use an even feed or roller presser foot.- Stitch with the nap, even if it means stitching against the grain. The top layer of fabric when stitching velvet tends to shift, causing the bottom layer to pucker. To prevent this:- Insert pins along the seam line catching a small amount of fabric each time. Place pins close together and parallel to the edge with the heads toward you. When stitching, hold the bottom layer of the fabric taut, removing pins as you come to them.- Hand-baste with short stitches taking a back stitch every few stitches along the seamline. When machine stitching hold the bottom layer taut
.ZIPPERS
Use a Coats Invisible Zipper (f.84) following the package instructions for installation or a Polyester All Purpose Zipper and had sew the final step with a “prick” stitch (a short backstitch).
HEMS
Finish the raw edge with zigzagging, serging, or applying seam tape or lace or a Hong Kong finish. Use an inside hemming stitch
such as the blind stitch or catch stitch. Produce a soft fold in the hem by steaming from the wrong side and patting the fold with a soft brush.
SPECIAL CARE
Revive the pile by hanging in a steamy bathroom.If the pile becomes crushed, brush it lightly with a soft brush or a piece of self fabric.Never discard velvet scraps! Bits and pieces can be used in many different ways. Trim a garment with a velvet collar. Make a decorator pillow or crazy quilt Christmas ornaments. The richness of velvet adds an elegant touch to any project.elvet.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Baby T-Shirt Dress


Materials:
One-piece baby T-shirt1/4 yd. of materialElastic cording 1 yd. of trimCute decorations, such as buttons or ribbonsThreadSewing machineAir-soluble markerStraight pins
Measure about 2 or 3 inches down from the underarm seam of the T-shirt and then mark a stitching line all around the shirt with an air-soluble marker or pins
This is where you will attach the skirt to the shirt.
To prepare the skirt, measure the circumference of the T-shirt and cut the fabric to be at least twice that wide, and about 8 inches long for a newborn.
Sew a 1-inch hem along the bottom of the skirt. Simply fold under a quarter-inch of the fabric to the wrong side of the pattern, turn the folded edge under another inch, pin, and sew down with a sewing machine .
For a decorative touch, pin and sew some trim over the visible part of the hem's stitching line with a single straight stitch. Be careful not to sew over the pins, or you'll break the machine's needle.
Cut a piece of elastic cording the same length as the T-shirt circumference.
Anchor the cording to the fabric in the top corner of the skirt, about one-half inch from the top and side, running the needle through the elastic.
Sew over the length of the elastic cording with a zigzag stitch, stretching the cording and gathering the fabric as you sew along the top of the skirt The elastic will guarantee that the waistband will stretch when you put it on the baby.
Anchor the end of the cording to the other end of the fabric 1/2 inch from the edge.
Bring the two unhemmed sides of the skirt together, wrong side of the pattern facing out, and stitch a 5/8-inch side seam, catching the cording in the seams
Align the cord with the stitching line on the T-shirt, pin the fabric to the T-shirt with right sides facing each other, and sew together, zigzagging over the elastic.Make sure when you attach the skirt to the T-shirt that the bottom of the skirt is facing the same direction as the top of the shirt.
Turn right sides out and embellish with ribbons, buttons, or other decorative accessories.

Sunday, March 25, 2007