Machine Embroidery: Japanese designs
2009 @ 7:14 am
The Cucito magazine I posted recently featured a super cute machine embroidery design. I am assuming that it’s a freebie, but I have no idea how to go and collect it. 
It has put me on a hunt for other designs from Japan, but I haven’t had any luck yet. I have, however, discovered The Long Thread, both the blog and the etsy shop. She’s got seriously cute machine embroidery designs. Believe it or not, it’s taken me three whole years to find anything like this. She features applique in some of the more current trends (woodland creatures, nesting dolls, etc.) I’m looking forward to using them!
Japanese Sewing: New Acquisition!
2009 @ 7:02 am
Cucito Child Boutique Patterns Magazine for Fall 2009.
I am a sucker for Japanese kids patterns. And this mag has things sized for both Maia AND Cassie. Sweet!
This is absolutely the closest I’ve even come to wanting matching mom and daughter outfits. Can you blame me? I won’t do it, but I admit to thinking about it!
Japanese Apron Front Dress
2009 @ 8:03 am
A few months ago I purchased a new Japanese sewing book for girls. When I bought it, I knew I would make the cover design first… it’s just too cute! In case you are looking to buy this book, I am told the translation is “Western-style Clothing for Girls” (ISBN978-4-529-04437-0). Ironic, Eastern book/Western clothing. At any rate, everything in this book is cute… and too big for Maia! The book starts at size 90 and I think she’s more an 80 (judging by her Hannah Anderson hand-me-downs).
The dress was extremely easy to execute. It’s my third time with a Japanese pattern and it’s definitely getting easier! I did not need to translate a single thing–the diagrams are very clear. I made my own bias tape from Kona cotton for the binding (using the magical Clover tool) and a gauzy linen from Israel for the body of the dress. This was a little tricky! The stitch length needed to be JUST SO in order to go through the machine. I zigzagged the edges and am hoping it holds. Fraying is too light of a word. Next time I use this fabric I plan to try my new “sew and serge” foot.
Maia has mixed reactions to this dress, but put on a good, albeit fake, face for her photo shoot. Sorry for the not-so-great lighting. We take what we can get when kids are involved. I think the dress will look great when it fits, but admit that the hanger appeal is “meh”. What really makes it for me is the fabric–thanks Jess!
She was SUPER excited when she saw the picture in the book. I presented the fabric and her reaction was, “um, how about a pink dress?” Ugh. I promised her a pink dress next. Luckily, I have just the right fabric. Now to find a pattern, that I already own, that works with it…
