There is such a wonderful selection of fabrics with stretch these days.  In a variety of colours, patterns, weights - laces, jersey, bamboo or cotton for casual, fancies for evening, knits with texture, fine net...the list goes on.  The beauty of stretch is the comfort & fit.    

I've had numerous questions related to sewing stretch fabric with a sewing machine so thought that I would do a mini-series with some tips & techniques just for the sewing machine.  Although a serger is ideal for working with stretch fabrics, it is very limited when sewing on a very small scale.

Needle & thread are basics needed to sew all fabrics however, selecting the ones best suited for stretch fabrics will make the project go so much more smoothly. 

Yur living space is starting to evolve.  She is debating the flooring  & I agree a darker colour would really set off her new love seat.

I made a love seat for Yur today & it turned out well in the ultra suede.  I think that I will do a matching chair for her as well.  If there is any interest in how it was made, let em know & I can do a photo tutorial when I make the chair.

I see that Yur is already stuffing things in between the seat cushions...luckily they are removable!

The pocket hoops for Yur's Rococo Gown are done.  They will add width to the gown while giving that narrow silhouette from the side view.  The chemise turned out quite well & is rather fetching on Yur particularly with the lace addition. 

The hoops are tied on at the moment with a ribbon.  This type of construction will allow me to make adjustments to the upper section closest to the waist should it be necessary.  Once the gown is ready for a fitting then I can confirm the length.  They are fully functional pocket hoops including the "pocket" & made of light weight ticking.  Ticking is quite strong, easy to sew & works well to finish the edges of Rigilene boning.    

Normally underpinnings are quite plain, but decided to add a bit of lace to both the pocket hoops & the petticoat.  I did a lace inset for the petticoat & some decorative stitching.  The under garments will be pastel colours in a buttercream & soft yellows.

We have some house guests for the next few days so a relaxing weekend...back next week!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Alas, no photos today but hope to have my camera back in a day or so.

I have begun work on a Rococo gown for Yur.  As with any garment that requires layers, I am starting with the pieces that will be worn closest to the body & put on first.  Normally this would be a chemise worn under everything & a corset, however when working with a doll some changes need to be made.  A resin body simply is not  flexible like a human body - they cannot be tucked & pushed to create the shape using a corset.  Some modifications will be necessary & also to reduce bulk, the underpinnings will be predominantly to support the shape of the skirt.  I have drafted up a miniature version of pocket hoops & will cut/sew those to see what additional adjustments will be needed.  I will however create a chemise so that Yur has a light garment for the photos of the underpinnings - she seems a bit shy...

Yur is looking very elegant in her new ensemble - clean lines & very shapely.  She is wearing a closely fitted corset style bodice with a lace up back closer.  The skirt is black georgette with a beaded hemline of scroll work pattern.  

Yur tried on the skirts for the bodice fitting & Wow it looked so elegant with just the black skirt that I decided to make a black slip to go with it.  I will use the other two skirt layers for another outfit.  The cut of the bodice & skirt is a terrific combo & makes it easy to mix-match for different outfits.  I think that this will be a very versatile pattern.   

These 3 photos were the best of the lot before an incident occurred with my camera (dropped it & now needs repair - never a dull moment).  So for the time being these are all the photos.    I can't wait for her stand to arrive, it will make positioning her much easier & safer for both of us.

It was curtain making day today.  I had some sheer fabric left over from a previous project & it looked perfect for a set of sheers.  It was a long narrow piece & looked a bit plain so I added a bit of detail - a scalloped edge & started the embroidery.  With it being such a long piece (about 10 feet long), it takes quite a while to get from one end to the other.  I was getting a little stiff working on it & only managed to get 3 rows of embroidery done today but will add to it over time.

Yur is checking out some cord to use as a tie back & thinks it needs some tassels at the ends of the cord...will have to make some.

Yur is modelling her new wig.  She looks quite lovely with black hair  & the bangs are quite flattering as well.  This look will suit her new outfit.

The beadwork on her new dress is coming along, the longest layer - the black georgette, is almost done.   Need to get her bodice cut & sewn so she can model it.  I picked up a new iron & can get back to sewing, hooray! 

The past couple of days has had numerous challenges & disappointments in the studio.  

I have temporarily shelved shoe making until I get a some clay for heels - I seem to be out.  I found that the flat shoe looked much too much like a doll shoe & was not very flattering on her foot.

And my iron needs to be replaced.  It flooded the entire ironing board & floor around it today.  Pressing is such a critical part of sewing that one cannot do without it.  I was just about to start on the corset style bodice. No sewing until I get a new one so definitely a high-priority!  Shopping trip to be scheduled in first thing next week!

On the bright side, I was able to finish the multi-layer skirt for Yur just before I noticed the puddle.  This will be her first real outfit.  The skirt is made of aubergine chiffon's & black georgette.  Each tier is a cut differently & at varying lengths.  At least now I have some needle work to do in the evenings.  

I am just planning out the beadwork for each layer.  I think that I will also incorporate a sequin mix which are much lighter than beads & won't weight it down.  

A beautiful finish to fabric edges is an embroidered scalloped.   This small scallop is often requested on delicate pieces such as custom bridal veils.  Some of the really long trailing veils can take several days just to do the edge & then there is the embroidery & beading throughout the veil.  Anyone who has ever made anything with tulle knows that it is not the easiest to work with.