An Applique Tutorial from My*Sweet*Sunshine

Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into making a hand applique?  Leslie from My*Sweet*Sunshine gives a quick tutorial on how she makes hers.  

I've always have questions on how I applique. I don't have an embroidery machine, I use my trusty Kenmore sewing machine when I applique.  Back when I was just starting out, I had a few designer friends that took the time to explain the process.  There are different ways to do it, varying stitch lengths, different supplies, etc. but the basic process is still the same.  Here's how I was taught, and even though this tutorial is a few years old, I still applique the same way.

Choose your picture/design. Print it out or trace it. 





Trace each piece of the picture onto a fusible web (I use HeatnBond Lite) Pay attention to how you want to layer your pieces. Trace pieces that will be the base pieces a little bigger so the layers overlap. 

Choose your fabrics for your applique, roughly cut out each piece and iron it onto the wrong side of your fabric.

Cut out your applique pieces. Use a washable pen or pencil and trace the face, or any detail work you'll need markings for. You can either use a light box or a window to do this. Start layering your pieces, like a puzzle.

Poor Princess is looking a little cross-eyed!!

Don't forget to put a stabilizer onto the back of your fabric. I backed almost the entire piece of background fabric for this applique. It makes it easier to maneuver in the machine, and it will keep the fabric from puckering.  If the stabilizer starts to come off while you are stitching (it will) just iron it on again.

Start appliqueing!! I use a zig zag stitch. For the outside lines, I usually have my machine width set at 3.3 and it's Length set at .4. For inside detail lines and Facial features stitch length and width will vary - Her mouth I had my Width at 2.5 and Length at .4

For straight lines, you can let the machine feed the fabric through, but for curves, gently guide your fabric. If you have to stop and make a tight turn, put your needle down and pivot the fabric a little at a time. I try to get the outside edge of my stitching as close to the edge of the applique fabric as possible. (I took the foot off for the picture)

Almost Done! Back - you can see the stabilizer, I already tore off the excess that was outside the applique.

I finished Cindy by stitching her eyelashess by hand (literally ;) )

Most designers that hand applique will tell you the face characters are the hardest to applique.  Their facial features are hard to get just right.  I think Cinderella is one of the harder Princess to applique!! I can never get her eyes just right!!

Ruffling with Dental Floss

Good Morning MSB fans.  Hope it is starting to feel like spring/summer wherever you are.  I sure am enjoying the extra sunshine.

Today we are going to introduce you to one of our designers and let her walk you though a quick little tutorial on ruffling.  This can be great for someone who has a little bit of confidence with a sewing machine and wants to extend the life of your little girls jeans.

The designer I am talking about is Jessica from Magical Memories by Jessica.  She is best known for her outstanding hand applique shirts. She is a stay at home mom to one wonderful son, Dallas and a pretty great husband too. She loves to create and be crafty and sewing is just a wonderful way to let out all her creative energy. She owns her own online shop, but also enjoys sewing for Wish Kids who have been granted a wish to visit Disney.  She does this as part of the Dis Big Give, a group started on the DISboards and is maintained by several wonderful Disboutiquers.

 I am going to link you to her blog for this tutorial (Cause it's just easier that way, lol)  So, here is Ruffling With Dental Floss

Basic Upcycle Tutorial with the Olivia by Farbenmix

Welcome to our first ever Tutorial Tuesday!!!

Good morning my name is Tricia Whelan from Treasure Lee Boutique and I am here to bring you our first Tutorial Tuesday.

Upcycling has been taking the internet by storm in the past little while, so today we are going to join the wave. :)  You need to have a dress pattern in order to do this, but most dress patterns don't come with instructions on how to section it off to upcycle a shirt that is too small.  So, for this tutorial, I have used the Olivia by Farbenmix.  This is the dress I ended up with.

 This is the portion of the original shirt I wanted. I think it was about a 12mos, and I want a size 4 dress.

Line down the middle to help me keep centered.

 So, I sat it on the pattern and checked to see all that I had to fill in. I have a line down the middle of the panel, so that I can keep it centered. Whatever I do on one side I have to do on the other.

 Here it is with pieces large enough to extend over the pattern. Not going for precision, I will just piece together for now and then cut to size later.

 I serge and then top stitch all my seams as I go. I didn't take a pic everytime, but it makes things look much more professional.

So, since I want to use 2 more fabrics for the bottom, I measured the center line from the panel to the bottom of the skirt. Divided that in half to find the length that I needed. Measured from the center line to the outer edge x 2 for the width. Then pinned and stitched making sure the centers lined up so that there would be enough fabric on each side.  Don't forget to serge and topstitch after every seam.
 

 Above the center panel I measured how much I would need to reach the shoulder seam. Cut an appropriate piece then sewed, serged and topstitched to center panel.

 
Now fold your large pieced fabric down the center line, taking care to make sure that your seams line up on the horizontal. Place your pattern piece on top and cut.

 
Now fold your large pieced fabric down the center line, taking care to make sure that your seams line up on the horizontal. Place your pattern piece on top and cut.

 
Here is the front, back and sleeves all ready to be sewn together.

Follow the pattern for final assembly and there you have it.  

Coming Soon!!

 

Coming Soon to the Main Street Boutiques blog!! 

 

 

We've had so much positive feedback from our fans about our blog, that we've decide to keep the fun going!  Watch for some fun new features coming to the blog!  We'll have My Space Mondays, Tutorial Tuesdays, Another Side of MSB, and more of our featured designers to come!