So Cute It Hurts

there's a first time for everything

Woot! Somebody got a new blouse and skirt this weekend! This bakery french maid uniform project is for a dear crafty friend and it has been in my head since this little one arrived home. So...over the holidays, i found time to turn my fabric into a blouse and skirt using simple patterns i created last December 2011. And let me be honest, i had so much trouble. The patterns were not the problem. Nope. The problem was me. It was my first time designing and making tinny wearables.

There was a learning curve and some uncertainty at times. This book and this tutorial were both very helpful when it came time to do the sleeves and collar. There is definitely a bit of wonkiness here and there, but i actually really love those parts. The best part though is seeing the whole look slowly come together.

The next thing to work on will be the apron. I'm thinking ruffles and gathers. :) We will see....

Today is the seventh day of Chinese New Year and it's also Renri (人日, literally Human Day). According to Chinese customs, renri was the day human beings were created.
Once again, Happy Dragon Year. I'm so lucky to be here.
Love to you.

Bias towards the pretty ~ a tutorial!

Bias tape is a multitasking trim that's utilitarian yet fashionable. It binds raw edges quickly and travels around curves with ease, never pucker. Each time i visit my local quilting-supply shop, i am inspire by the bright prints from almost any woven fabric to want to make my very own bias tape.

Bias tape can be made easily by using bias-tape maker that comes in a variety of sizes, creating strips of fabric 1/4 inch to 2 inches in width. The maker creates single-fold bias tapes that work on almost any project requiring trims. While in the stores, you can buy double-fold bias type, which is folded lengthwise a second time, making it quick work for large projects.

Since i don't own such a cute maker, i came out with my own way of making my own double-fold bias tape. As this is my first tutorial {and i really want to share it with you}, i am bound to make mistakes and if i did, i hope you find the heart to forgive me.  

Tools/materials:

 

• 1 yard fabric
• pattern you want to bind
• rotary cutter
• fabric cutting mat
• sewing machine {optional hand stitching is also fine}
• needle, pins and thread

Directions:

1. Start with folding one corner of the fabric into 45-degree angle.

2. Then fold it again into another 45-degree angle. Creating a triangle. To create longer lengths of bias tape for larger projects, you can join strips end to end.

I'm using this triangle as a guideline to make sure that my strips are at 45-degree angle. This way i don't have to use a dressmakers' chalk or air erasable pen to make these strips side by side.

3. Cut out strips of 1 inch in width.

4. Yipee...your handmade bias tape is ready!

5. Get the pattern that you would like to bind the raw edges.

 
6. To bind raw edges or embellish seams. Align the bias tape over the edge of the project. Pin to secure.

 
7. Stitch 1/8 inch in from tape's edge, making sure needle passes through underside of the tape. You may either use your lovely sewing machine or hand stitches.

 
8. Once done, fold end over the edge of the project's fabric. Press open and smooth out with an iron. Snip corners. Close bias tape, and stitch in place. And there you have it, you very own bias towards the pretty!

 
Simple and fast ~ such a great combination! I hope you enjoy my little simple tutorial. Happy creating and  have a lovely merry happy week. Lots of love from me to you!