Agustina is a simple and slightly cropped boxy top with round neckline and cuff sleeves. And sometimes simple is best. An ideal beginner sewing project, this top sews up in just a couple of hours and requires very little fabric. We chose to make this top in our gauzy open weave linen that has a unique slightly sheer look making it ideal for summer.Such a great basic pattern, it's guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Plus, it lends itself to so many simple hacks to make it your very own. You can lengthen the hem and turn it into a dress, or transform cuffs into long sleeves, or add a belt.

**IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ** Free delivery (UK only) on orders over £20. Use code FREESHIP at the checkout. Silk Tidbits - wonderful little selections of Threads for Embroidery, Mixed Media Work, Cardmaking and Scrapbooking. Hand dyed by Oliver Twists. Colour No.00 Neutral Material Silk There are at least 8 different threads in each Silk Tidbit Selection - each thread is between 60cm (24 inches) and 1 metre (39 inches) in length and is long enough to stitch with. All our products are dyed in a smoke free and pet free environment. We thoroughly rinse and scour our products of residual dye, but they cannot be guaranteed colourfast. We always try to portray our colours as accurately as possible, but please be aware that different monitors display colours in different ways.

To properly install an invisible zipper, you must have an Invisible Zipper Foot. As the zipper coils are guided through the tunnel system, the needle sews as close to the coils as possible. This easy-to-use foot ensures your zippers are finished professionally and rival that of any high quality garment. Guaranteed to fit Husqvarna Viking Sewing Machine Models: Group 7 Models: Designer SE, Designer I USB, Designer I ESS, Designer I, Quilt Designer II, Designer II, Quilt Designer, Designer Diamond, Designer Jade 35, Designer Ruby Royale, Designer Topaz 20, Designer Topaz 30, Designer Topaz 50, Designer SE, Designer SE, Limited Edition, Designer I, II, Quilt, Designer, Quilt Designer II, Opal 690Q, Opal 670, Sapphire 875Q, Sapphire 870, Sapphire 855, Sapphire 850, Sapphire 835, Sapphire 830, Sapphire 930, Sapphire 960Q, Tribute 145C Group 6 Models: Platinum 955 E, 950 E, Platinum Plus, Platinum 770, 775, Platinum 750 Quilt, 755 Quilt, Platinum 730, 735, Platinum 715, Rose 600, 605, Iris, Scandinavia 300, 200, Interlude 445, 435, Lily 555, 550, 545, 540, 535, 530, 500, Freesia 445, 435, 425, 415, Lisa, Angelica, Viva, Victoria, 500, Facette 500/400, Emerald, 203, 183 Group 5 Models: Emerald 116, 118, 122, Prelude 340, 360, 350, 370, Scandinavia 100, Daisy 335, 330, 325, 320, 315, 310, Oscar, Sophia, Emma, Lena, Romeo, Juliet, Anna, Sarah, 250, 230, 225/215, 210, 205, Jeans, Hugin, Tribute 145M Group 4 Models: Classica 105, 100, 95, 90 Group 3 Models: Optima 630, 620, 610, 190, 185, 180, 150, 120 Group 2 Models: Prisma 990 S, 990, 980, 960, 950 S, 950, 945, 940 Group 1 Models:Orchidea, 1250, #1, #1+, 1200, 1100, 1090, 1070, 1070 S, 1050 Group D Models: All 2000, 3000, 6000 series, 1010, 1030, 1040, 3010, 3310, 3610, 5610, 5710, 6570, 6690, 3240

I am 5'2" necessitating LOTS of hemming and shortening of pants, skirts, and dresses. I just can't find anything the right length. If you've ever priced the cost of professional seamstresses (and add in the time it takes to get your clothing back), it costs a fortune to have everything you buy hemmed. I learned years ago how to hem pants and skirts, but jeans always gave me grief. A couple of years ago my older sister showed me a pair of her jeans that she had hemmed professionally, and it was easy to see how it was done. The difference is that jeans typically have a worn edge. The hem is decorative, so cutting that edge off to shorten them takes away part of the character you're paying for. So I developed a tutorial for hemming jeans the way professional would. Hope you find this helpful! What you'll need: sewing machine dark thread to match the jeans iron straight pins measuring tape scissors The Process: You'll need to measure the desired length of the jeans. The easiest way I've found to do this is to have the person stand on a chair and scoot back so the heel of their shoes is even with the edge of the chair. It might be helpful to note that you definitely need to have them wear the shoes they'd typically wear with the jeans. I prefer to hem the jeans to the ground. So, using a safety pin or water-soluble marking pen, mark the desired length (in my case, where the shoe ends and the chair begins). Next, measure the amount you'll need to shorten them from the edge of the current hem to the mark you've made. In the jeans in this tutorial, they needed to be shortened 2 1/2 inches. Lay the jeans flat on a hard surface, and measure up the desired length (2 1/2 inches here) from the stitching on the current hem. Since the current hem will remain in place, that half inch or so will also remain. So, if you measure from the edge of your jeans, they'll still be a half an inch too long after hemming. Make sense? Now place a straight pin to mark. Next you'll fold the edge of your jeans up into a cuff matching the current stitching to just above the pin like this. Pin in place. To check your accuracy, divide your total amount needed to shorten (2 1/2 inches for me) by 2 (equalling 1 1/4 inches in my case). Measure from the fold to just under the current stitching making sure this amount is half of the amount you need to take it in. Next, keeping this length consistent, pin all the way around the cuff. Measure as you go to make sure you're still consistent. Repeat these steps on the second leg. When both legs are securely pinned, move the pants to your sewing machine. Carefully stitch in the ditch just along the fold of the current hem. Make sure to get as close to this fold as possible being careful not to sew on top of it or across the current stitching. Stitch all the way around backstitching where you stop and start. Repeat this step for the other leg. Remove your jeans from the machine, and turn the cuff up to the inside of the leg like this. With a steaming hot iron, press this new seam from the inside all the way around each leg. Now turn the pants inside-out revealing the new cuff on the inside of the leg. Using super sharp scissors, cut the cuff about a quarter inch from your stitching. Turn the jeans right-side-out, and iron again if necessary to reveal your finished hem. Easy, and your seam is almost invisible! As always, please feel free to comment with questions, and I'll do my best to answer.

**IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ** Free delivery (UK only) on orders over £20. Use code FREESHIP at the checkout. Tidbits - wonderful little selections of Threads for Embroidery, Mixed Media Work, Cardmaking and Scrapbooking. Hand dyed by Oliver Twists. Colour Mulberries There are at least 9 different threads (sometimes more) in each Tidbit Selection - each thread is between 60cm (24 inches) and 1 metre (39 inches) in length and is long enough to stitch with. All our products are dyed in a smoke free and pet free environment. We thoroughly rinse and scour our products of residual dye, but they cannot be guaranteed colourfast. We always try to portray our colours as accurately as possible, but please be aware that different monitors display colours in different ways.

A pretty pink and white pincushion featuring a posy of flowers, consisting of two suffolk puffs and two lace ruffles, with beads, appliqued details from reclaimed fabrics on a patchwork background. The foundation of this pin cushion is two portions of a snippet roll, stitched together, and enhanced with hand made embellishments and hand embroidery. All but the two beads and some of the threads are recycled or vintage supplies. A posy of flowers, consisting of two suffolk puffs and two lace ruffles, with beads, appliqued details from reclaimed fabrics and hand embroidery decorates the top. The edges of the pincushion are pinked - the external seem being a feature of the design. letter rates. Widtht - 8 cm approx PLEASE NOTE. I am now sending all items requiring small parcel post by second class post - this represents a saving in postage of 90p per order. If you would like your item to be sent by First Class post please message me before payment and I will increase the purchase price by 90p to cover the cost. The supplies section of my shop contains both plain and embellished snippet rolls and packs of embellishments for anyone who might enjoy stitching something similar themselves. Please note: items from lynwoodcrafts are intended for adults. This item is unsuitable for children under 3 years of age since it contains small parts which may represent a choking hazard. Pins not included. Read more

This is an embroidery file, it is digital file. Not a patch. You must have an embroidery machine to use these designs. Technical Details: Stitches: 4330 Size: 2"W x 2"H (51 x 51mm) Colors: 2 Thread Changes: 2 Formats: Instant download zip file formatted for: DST, EXP, HUS, PES, JEF, SEW, VP3, XXX.

A round-up of master bedroom design elements to help achieve a serene space, with the use of colors, textures and patterns.

Good Morning Everyone! It's great to be back! Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that all your summer days have been filled with warmth, happiness, and very sunny days! I've been pretty busy with all those events that can take up one's time during the summer time... family functions, gatherings with friends, and preoccupying restless children; however, I have made time for my favorite occupation... SEWING! So although I was away from the blog for a time I was still working away. My latest project is truly a labor of love. I recently discovered the couture clothing and DIY movement that is Alabama Chanin. If you've never heard of the company it was started by costume designer Natalie Chanin, over ten years ago, based on sustainable principles. From the materials and construction techniques to the employees, all have a fundamental purpose in creating endurance. Ms. Chanin houses her company in a defunct t-shirt factory in Alabama and contracts local quilting artisans who used to work in the t-shirt industry. To create one of her pieces it might take an employee eight weeks to complete because the entire outfit is constructed by hand!!!! Not only does she sell ready made clothing, but she also encourages crafters to make their own clothing based on her designs. Let me tell you, it's a MUCH cheaper alternative than actually buying her clothing when one of her pieces can cost over $5, 000!!!! I don't know about you but I'll take doing it myself any day... After reading Ms. Chanin's book Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe, I decided to attempt the long fitted dress. Seen in the picture below this is actually an example of how the couture line layers individual pieces to achieve an absolutely sumptuous baroque look. I am taking a less ambitious route but as you can see Alabama is a perfect marriage between sewing clothing and quilting. How could I possibly pass this opportunity up? In order to undertake such a project you must follow several steps and take your time, especially if you wish to do any applique or reverse applique. Step 1: use 100% cotton jersey fabric. Alabama Chanin uses 100% organic cotton jersey that you can purchase from their website. I used Mood Fabrics. Not only did they have a very large selection but their prices are very reasonable. Step 2: use Coats and Clarks Craft & Button hand-sewing thread. It comes in limited colors and although you can get it from Alabama you can also get it at Joanne Fabrics or Michael's for $1.99 per spool. Step 3: gather your stenciling materials. This is where things get tricky! In order to do any applique, reverse applique, or embroidery you have to transfer your design onto your fabric and the only way to really do that is to create a really big stencil. Alabama recommends making the stencil out of pennant felt (which is a stiff somewhat thick felt). I suggest you spend the money and get the felt from Alabama. It's about $17 yd and it will save you the headache of trying to find it elsewhere, which is pretty hard to do. This is the stencil I created... As you can see it is well used! It may not look like it but this stencil is very large. Almost the length of a full length dress. In order to create this I downloaded a free pattern from Alabama (they are available on the website and in the book) and had it printed full size at a printing shop. I used a spay adhesive to attach the pattern to the felt and then I began to cut away using a craft knife. All I'll say is... it takes a minute... Step 4: use fabric paint to transfer the pattern onto fabric. Alabama suggests airbrushing or a squirt bottle. I used Martha Stewart and next time I'm going to use a squirt bottle! Martha is cute but completely impractical. Pictured above is Martha's spray paint kit. It turns any one of her paints into spray paint. Great idea but when the canister runs out there's no way to replace just the canister. You have to buy the whole kit all over again! Absolutely stupid! However, I will say I like her range of colors and will continue to use them with a squirt bottle. You can find Martha Stewart paints at Michael's. here's what the stenciled fabric looks like once it's dry Let the paint set for 24 hours or more then heat set the design with a press cloth soaked in white vinegar. Make sure to use an iron for craft projects only and you may actually have to replace the lining for your ironing board. Vinegar is really coercive! Step 5: layer your fabric and begin to stitch. I'm not going to get into it here but Ms. Chanin has an entire philosophy about sewing from how to thread your needle to how to make your knots! She talks about it in her book or you can go to Creativebug. com and download her instructional video for a small fee. It is worth it! Once you've made your design decisions (applique, beading, embroidery, etc...) here's what it might start to look like. The images above are of the first panel to the four paneled fitted long dress. I'm almost done with the first and I have three more to go. Boy is it a lot of work but I can't tell you how much fun it is!!!! Till next time!

This reversible pillowcase tutorial will make switching up your style a breeze. So lovely, and a easy to sew up! Great beginner sewer project.

Every time I make some more of these I have a new favourite... this one makes me think of a mermaids grotto... unusually girly for me, I think!

Attributed to Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger (c1561-1635) - Anne of Denmark. Rex Harris / Flickr There is bling, and then there is ye olde embroidery. Seventeenth century needlework was to the rich what, say, Alexander McQueen was for contemporary fashion. An injection of fairytale whimsy into ev

Blushing Needle Keeps Embroidery Sewing Pattern Needle Keeps when closed: Bleeding Heart 3" x 4-3/4" Pink Penny Flowers 2-3/4" x 3-3/4" Meg Hawkey Designer New Uncut Please Message any questions or concerns Thank you for your interest

When we think of fall, our minds immediately go to the yarns that started it all: our core wools. In the second half of 2010, we launched Quince & Co with four wool yarns in four different weights and 37 colors, followed by a fifth the following fall; now in 2018 we carry a whopping 65 colors in our wool line, including 6 heathered shades. This year, we wanted to focus on what we love about each one of our core wools, and offer designs that illustrate these concepts. Also included in this ebook are essays, tutorials—little tidbits to accompany the patterns and photography—that we hope will deepen the enjoyment of working with these yarns and patterns. We hope you'll tell us what you love about our core wools as we show you what makes us want to knit with them again and again.

This sign was made for me; I just personalized it a bit more. Follow my blog with Bloglovin I carry a small note...

Introduction. By A.F. Kendrick.--A note on stitchery. By L.F. Pesel and E.W. Newberry.--List of useful books on embroidery (p. 40)

A tutorial for Premier +2 Ultra Software for the Encore capability.

**IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ** Free delivery (UK only) on orders over £20. Use code FREESHIP at the checkout. Tidbits - wonderful little selections of Threads for Embroidery, Mixed Media Work, Cardmaking and Scrapbooking. The first photograph represents several packets. The listing is for one of these - please choose your colour from the drop down menu. Colours can vary quite a bit - the colours pictured are only representative, as I choose different selections all the time. There are 10 - 20 threads (sometimes more) in each Tidbit Selection - each thread is up to 1metre (39") in length and is long enough to stitch with. Some of the threads have been dyed by us, but we choose others that compliment our threads to enhance and vary the selections, such as metallic and textured yarns. All our products are dyed in a smoke free and pet free environment. We thoroughly rinse and scour our products of residual dye, but they cannot be guaranteed colourfast. We always try to portray our colours as accurately as possible, but please be aware that different monitors display colours in different ways.

Experimenting with the couching feet and the Designer Majestic Hoop on the HV Designer Brilliance 80. Valuable tips you’ll want to hear about! Great embroidery tutorial.

Woven Pinwheel Scarf Pinwheel Winter Scarf This scarf uses a pickup stick to create the pinwheel pattern. This is an 8-row pickup stick repeat pattern. After each 8-row repeat, you change the color of the yarn. Each side of this scarf has a plain weave edge, which sets off the pinwheel pattern. While this pattern is not a first time project, it is not that difficult once you have mastered the basics of rigid heddle weaving. Skill level: Intermediate Yarn used: Cascade 220® (red) Tosh vintage (gray) by Cascade Yarns by madelinetosh Worsted / 10 ply Worsted / 10 ply 100% Wool 100% Merino 220 yards / 100 grams 200 yards Loom used: Schacht Cricket loom Heddle size: 8 Warping Length: 100" Weaving Length: 72 ends Warping pattern: 8 ends of gray 8 ends of red 8 ends of gray 8 ends of red 8 ends of gray 8 ends of red 8 ends of gray 8 ends of red 8 ends of gray Lift pattern for Weft (alternate gray/red every 8 rows): [Pickup stick pattern is in front of the heddle] Pick 1: Heddle in Neutral. Under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 4. Repeat till last stripe: over 4, under 4. | Last stripe: over 4, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1. Pick 2: Heddle in Neutral. Over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 3. Repeat for each stripe until the last one: over 3, under 1, over 1, under 3. Last stripe: over 3, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1. Pick 3: Heddle in Neutral. Under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 2. Repeat for each strip until the last one: over 2, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 2. Last stripe: over 2, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1. Pick 4: Heddle in down position plain weave. Pick 5: Heddle in up position plain weave. Pick 6: Heddle in Neutral. Over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 2. Repeat for each stripe until the last one: under 2, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 2. Last stripe: under 2, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1. Pick 7: Heddle in Neutral. Under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 3. Repeat for each stripe until the last one: under 3, over 1, under 1, over 3. Last stripe: under 3, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 1. Pick 8: Heddle in Neutral. Over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1, over 4. Repeat for each stripe until the last one: under 4, over 4. Last stripe: under 4, over 1, under 1, over 1, under 1. Be sure to give this a good soak in hot tap water with a bid of wool wash (I use Eucalan). This will tighten up your weaving and give your pinwheels definition. After a soak, roll in a towel and then hang to dry. Fringe can be twisted or left plain. Although the 8-shaft version of the pinwheel pattern is well-known, I first found the directions for the conversion technique to a rigid heddle loom from a woman with the username jeen on the Ravelry website. Woven Pinwheel Scarf

Last night I did a presentation to a group of farmers along with web designer Mary Hager. Mary has designed my www.kristinnicholas.com website and www.leydenglenlamb.com websites. My section was called Beginning Social Media Marketing for Farmers. I was asked by the fine folks at CISA - Our local Buy Local Food Support Organization. It was fun to share the things I do but I was so exhausted listening to all the balls I juggle in the air. I touched on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Websites, Pinterest, and blogging. Geez - no wonder I am always busy. I must admit, I don't do the best job at Twittering or Pinteresting but at least I knew what to share. I did discover, upon preparing my presentation, that I started this here old blog on March 16, 2006 - almost 8 years ago. I remember how trepidatious I was about writing anything. I had discovered blogs a few months earlier (with Jane Brocket's Yarnstorm and Alicia Paulson's Posy Gets Cosy) and wasn't sure that I had anything to say. Eight years later - wow - I guess I had something to say. I never really look back on the content of my blog much. After writing it for almost 8 years, the one thing that is constant is the changing seasons of the year here on our farm. This blog has become a document of our farm life and of my creative life. It is pretty amazing to see how much things have changed and how much they have also stayed the same. When I began "Getting Stitched on the Farm", I never thought I would be carrying it on now in 2014. I don't really have the attention span to carry on things for such a long time. Blogging does fit my personality though because I flit from one project to another. Posts are easy and quick to do (not all of them) but it is rewarding to get it out there immediately. There is talk of how the internet is changing and how blogs are going away. I still enjoy blogging and sharing with all of you and hope you keep reading. I know many people have moved on to the Pinterest platform. I am always slow to adapt to the newest technology not usually joining in until I know it is a success and will stay around. I guess I had better improve my "pinteresting" so I don't lose out. My message to the farmers was "JUST TRY SOMETHING". I stressed that they needn't do it all and many of the social media platforms out there are not right for everyone. I'm hoping some of them try to "get out there" so their businesses grow and prosper. Not everyone has the interests or the talent and desire to have an internet presence and that is fine. I do know that my life and career has changed since I started blogging. Doors have been opened to me that I never would have dreamed of. I have met people across the world and next door because of this blog. It is an amazing platform to have available. It is easy to post and share and I have grown as a writer and a photographer. If I didn't sit down and post so regularly, these improvements in my skills would not have happened. I want to thank you all who follow me - since the beginning or those of you who have just found me recently. It means a lot to me to have readers check in and comment (yes, I do check those visitor stats). I'll have to do some kind of big anniversary giveaway! So onto the subject at hand. Here is a project I have been meaning to share with you all. Sometimes I receive photos of projects people make from my knitting patterns. I love to see the alternatives that knitters dream up. A few weeks ago, Elizabeth sent me this note and photos. I was particularly impressed with her work. Hi Kristin - I wanted to tell you how pleased I was with your “Field of Diamonds” Pillow pattern. The directions were clear and I never added color to a piece using your over stitching method. It has opened up a whole new avenue for adding color to a piece after knitting. I’ve been knitting since I was 7 years old (I’m 64 now!) and you can teach an old dog new tricks! I thought you might like to see my finished product. I made a table runner for my kitchen that we just painted. I have a blue and white Asian theme and wanted to do a runner with the shades of blue that are in a piece of Chinese porcelain. I lived in Asia for 9 years and have quite a collection of blue and white pieces in the kitchen. I wanted a pattern that I could use multiple shades of blue and would work with the Asian theme. Your pattern fit the bill nicely. Blue and White Chinese Bead fringe Isn't this an amazing piece of work? The details, the colors, the beaded fringe. Gorgeous. Elizabeth calls duplicate stitch - one of my favorite techniques "over-stitching". You can find a tutorial for it here. Here is my original "Field of Diamonds Pillow." You can see how different Elizabeth's version is. Beautiful job Elizabeth and thanks for sharing your work with me and my readers. You can purchase the Field of Diamonds Pillow Pattern from my website here or from Ravelry here. Check out Rikki Snyder's blog post over here. She shares some sneak peeks from the Where Women Create article. Rikki is such a great photographer and a lovely person to spend time with. You can purchase copies of the magazine here. Have a great weekend everyone.

Does it fit? How can I get a pattern that is proportioned for me? Maybe a knitting pattern generator will be the answer! I've run across several sites that offer free pattern generators for all kinds of knitting projects. Here are a few: http://www.thedietdiary.com/knittingfiend/index.html This is quite a comprehensive site, offering pattern generators for sweaters, vests, headbands, ponchos, socks, purses, hats, mittens, and more. http://www.microrevolt.org/knitPro/ knitPro is a web application that translates digital images into knit, crochet, needlepoint and cross-stitch patterns. Just upload jpeg, gif or png images of whatever you wish — portraits, landscapes, logos… and it will generate the image pattern on a grid sizable for any project. http://kpg.sourceforge.net/ kpg - Knitting Pattern Generator takes in an image and creates a knitting pattern. Generates an html document with clear instructions on how to knit a piece that will look like the picture it is based on. http://www.knittingnewscast.com/knc/Patterns/Generators/WristWarmers.aspx This site offers a wrist warmer pattern generator. http://www.panix.com/~ilaine/socks.html This one has a sock pattern generator. http://knitting.bikibird.com/patternDrafting.html This site has pattern generators for pullover and cardigan sweaters and ponchos. http://www.software4knitting.com/psockwizard/sockwizdem.htm At this site they offer software for sale that helps you make socks and sweaters. There is a free sock demo available to try. http://www.tata-tatao.to/e-index.html Here you can print out your own knitting graph paper.

Are you ready to make the easiest quilt ever? If so, read on to see how I made this easy quilt with no measuring or pattern required!

What is the difference between a satin stitch vs fill stitch in machine eembroidery digitizing programs and how to decide when to use each one.

Good Morning Everyone! It's great to be back! Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and that all your summer days have been filled with warmth, happiness, and very sunny days! I've been pretty busy with all those events that can take up one's time during the summer time... family functions, gatherings with friends, and preoccupying restless children; however, I have made time for my favorite occupation... SEWING! So although I was away from the blog for a time I was still working away. My latest project is truly a labor of love. I recently discovered the couture clothing and DIY movement that is Alabama Chanin. If you've never heard of the company it was started by costume designer Natalie Chanin, over ten years ago, based on sustainable principles. From the materials and construction techniques to the employees, all have a fundamental purpose in creating endurance. Ms. Chanin houses her company in a defunct t-shirt factory in Alabama and contracts local quilting artisans who used to work in the t-shirt industry. To create one of her pieces it might take an employee eight weeks to complete because the entire outfit is constructed by hand!!!! Not only does she sell ready made clothing, but she also encourages crafters to make their own clothing based on her designs. Let me tell you, it's a MUCH cheaper alternative than actually buying her clothing when one of her pieces can cost over $5, 000!!!! I don't know about you but I'll take doing it myself any day... After reading Ms. Chanin's book Alabama Studio Sewing + Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe, I decided to attempt the long fitted dress. Seen in the picture below this is actually an example of how the couture line layers individual pieces to achieve an absolutely sumptuous baroque look. I am taking a less ambitious route but as you can see Alabama is a perfect marriage between sewing clothing and quilting. How could I possibly pass this opportunity up? In order to undertake such a project you must follow several steps and take your time, especially if you wish to do any applique or reverse applique. Step 1: use 100% cotton jersey fabric. Alabama Chanin uses 100% organic cotton jersey that you can purchase from their website. I used Mood Fabrics. Not only did they have a very large selection but their prices are very reasonable. Step 2: use Coats and Clarks Craft & Button hand-sewing thread. It comes in limited colors and although you can get it from Alabama you can also get it at Joanne Fabrics or Michael's for $1.99 per spool. Step 3: gather your stenciling materials. This is where things get tricky! In order to do any applique, reverse applique, or embroidery you have to transfer your design onto your fabric and the only way to really do that is to create a really big stencil. Alabama recommends making the stencil out of pennant felt (which is a stiff somewhat thick felt). I suggest you spend the money and get the felt from Alabama. It's about $17 yd and it will save you the headache of trying to find it elsewhere, which is pretty hard to do. This is the stencil I created... As you can see it is well used! It may not look like it but this stencil is very large. Almost the length of a full length dress. In order to create this I downloaded a free pattern from Alabama (they are available on the website and in the book) and had it printed full size at a printing shop. I used a spay adhesive to attach the pattern to the felt and then I began to cut away using a craft knife. All I'll say is... it takes a minute... Step 4: use fabric paint to transfer the pattern onto fabric. Alabama suggests airbrushing or a squirt bottle. I used Martha Stewart and next time I'm going to use a squirt bottle! Martha is cute but completely impractical. Pictured above is Martha's spray paint kit. It turns any one of her paints into spray paint. Great idea but when the canister runs out there's no way to replace just the canister. You have to buy the whole kit all over again! Absolutely stupid! However, I will say I like her range of colors and will continue to use them with a squirt bottle. You can find Martha Stewart paints at Michael's. here's what the stenciled fabric looks like once it's dry Let the paint set for 24 hours or more then heat set the design with a press cloth soaked in white vinegar. Make sure to use an iron for craft projects only and you may actually have to replace the lining for your ironing board. Vinegar is really coercive! Step 5: layer your fabric and begin to stitch. I'm not going to get into it here but Ms. Chanin has an entire philosophy about sewing from how to thread your needle to how to make your knots! She talks about it in her book or you can go to Creativebug. com and download her instructional video for a small fee. It is worth it! Once you've made your design decisions (applique, beading, embroidery, etc...) here's what it might start to look like. The images above are of the first panel to the four paneled fitted long dress. I'm almost done with the first and I have three more to go. Boy is it a lot of work but I can't tell you how much fun it is!!!! Till next time!

Browse our free embroidery projects to find your next creative work! Grab a free book on embroidery basics, free patterns and more.