Hollywood Bling-Bling

All girls love some bling (myself included) and DD got a good dose of it yesterday. These two pieces came together very quickly and that's good cause I want to get going on a jacket I'm planning. More on that later.

First up: BWOF 06-2008-134

Hollywood Glamour Blouse

This was made by sewing the dupioni and sequins as one. I washed the silk first so it's soft and enclosed all seams. It's best worn layered due to the structure.

Here's the link to the sequined fabric (the dupioni color sold out I think)

Second up: BWOF 05-2008-137

Disco Shorts

These were requested by DD upon seeing the fabric and I think she showed great innovation here. It's a knit metallic, very soft with great drape. It doesn't stretch much though, which is a bit misleading on Fabric.com's website. I had originally bought it for a skating outfit but don't think it would work unless you only use it for details like a skirt or part of the bodice.

Link to disco stretch fabric

Photo shoots are so fun when I'm behind the camera :)) I need to sew for her more cause she just loves modeling for me! I'll share some more shots before heading over to post the reviews. I'm entering the contest on PatternReview which I actually hadn't planned on doing. But then I read the reason for having this contest: To encourage those of us who sew for children to post reviews. I so agree with that, and I'm guilty of not doing it too often. Btw, thank you Trena for managing the contest. I used your slapdash philosophy on the blouse as you will see on the crooked lines inside :))

Love these buttons from F & S Fabrics

Coat on the Fringes

Youngest DD's current fave color is baby blue...

I had no idea how hard it would be to find a plaid boucle in baby blue. But I persevered. Tucked in the upstairs room at International Wools & Silk I found a stunning piece- at $69/yard! What's a mom to do? Well, this mom brought along dad, and ... problem solved. :))

I've been working on the muslin for a few days, and last night's fitting was acceptable. It's SO hard to adjust on this little cutiepie because, aside from the fact that she's six, she is soooo full of life. Her name actually means Life, so at least I got that one right!

I wanted the shape of this Juicy Couture coat...

... and I found this pattern: BWOF 5-2008-133. It's the only princess line pattern I've seen for little girls. I'm using the shell for the empire top, and the two-piece sleeve- great sleeve btw! The notched collar will be draped on the form.

And here's a sneak peak... I started with the fringe :)) It's a double layer of bias cut fabric with a very narrow silver sequined trim in the center.

I'm dying the silk charmeuse lining baby blue and will quilt it on, and use a silver chain at the hem. I have not selected the buttons yet.

Our 6 Year-Old And Her 1st Garment

First off; our daughter is a poser. Just thought to get that out of the way :-)

Secondly, just take a look at that super adorable pin cushion on the table. That my friends, is a gift from Melissa to DD and it is just precious. Thank you again Melissa, DD loves it and she loved chatting and playing games with you on the ride to the airport.

In case you're wondering; DD's sewing machine is a Janome Magnolia 7330. It's working beautifully so far, and I'll review it when it has a little more milage.

She wanted to make something for her friend's birthday, so I suggested a skirt this time (3/4 circle). She's already made a pillow and a purse, so I thought it was time to 'kick it up a notch'! Nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when you can put it on and wear it is there :-) She picked the fabric and trim at Joann's. Her friend is the same size as her, so it was easy to calculate the dimensions. I marked the cutting lines before she got home, and then let her try to cut using my shears (with my hands over hers of course). She did very well, but halfway through she asked me to finish it (the shears are too big and heavy- do any of you know if they make some specifically for children? ) Then I sat her down by the serger; I did the foot control and together we fed the fabric. She was absolutely fascinated by what came out at the other end:-)

I pinned the seams together for her and we sat side by side- she pushed the foot control- we both guided the fabric. She learned to back tack and to cut the thread. After I pinned the trim in place, she sewed it on. The waist band and elastic was a bit too tricky, so I did that part.

She was super excited to try it on and even more excited to wrap it up and give it to her friend. This was a wonderful experience for both of us- and took less than an hour from start to finish. 

"Sabrina" Dress, Part 2

DD is home :-) and it's so nice to see her again. Above is a temporary placement of lace, it will be all filled out below the upper border. DD approved. But as always, plans may change. I have to see it on the black top to know for sure.

I'm almost done with the skirt. I underlined with organza, and also added organza facing to the hem. Below is a photo of the notched SA before the facing is turned and hand stitched to the underlining. Another good reason to use underlining: No stitches on the self fabric :-)

Here's the inside. I used a Hong Kong underlining seam finish for the side seams.

And below is the lace on the hem. I cut out each piece, secured the bead thread (a hassle!) and stitched them on by hand. I still have quite a few more to attach, and will do so while I watch TV tonight :-)  Think it will add some sparkle on the dance floor due to the sequins. 

Vicky asked where DD will be wearing this dress: She has a prom coming up in the end of May, her boarding school does this every year. The theme this year is 'classic' or something like that. This is her third dress and I made the other two as well. The first one was a silk and nuno felt dress, and last year was the Bollywood dress, you can see the review Here. I'm so happy she still wants me to make them, it warms my heart.