Yur has some new accessories.  A girl can never have too many stockings...

Now that I have my space in a workable arrangement, I decided to start building Yur's wardrobe with the essentials.  I've made a selection of stockings for her.   A basic set of white lycra ones for wearing underneath gowns to protect her resin legs & feet from shoes.  Then three sets of sheer stockings for outfits that will show off her lovely legs.  The sheer sets are made of nude mesh, black mesh with ruffled chiffon at the top & shimmering white with a scalloped trim.  I have dozens of stretch fabrics in a variety of colours of solids/patterns/sheer & opaque...something for every outfit is very likely.

I thought I would share the pattern for the stockings with you.  Happy sewing!  It can be found on the Tutorials page or select the photo below to go directly to the download...

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday filled with laughter, joy & treasured memories!

Yur has been busy helping to make chiffon flowers for her next outfit.  She wanted to do a demo of how they were made...just click on the photo to check it out.

Now that the flowers are finished they are ready to be sewn on.  Just one more accessory to go then Yur will be set to model.

The pattern is in it's final stages of proofing.  I am in the process of sewing on all these lovely flowers & putting on the final touches of the outfit.   The photo shoot will be next & then it will be ready for release.    

My eyelet order has arrived!   I decided to put together a "How To" photo series for setting mini eyelet ...  It has been added to my Tutorials page for easy reference or access it directly by clicking on the image below:.

If you are in need of an eyelet setting tool for 1/16" (2-3mm) eyelet, check out www.mimiwoo.com - setting tool is inexpensive & Free international shipping is offered!

A quick look at the progress so far with Yur's new outfit.  It is coming along nicely.  Still have a ways to go with beading on the bodice & finishing details but it looks lovely on her so far.  

I wonder how she would look as a red head?  ...perhaps a new wig... 

...Eagerly awaiting the flower blossoms.  We had a couple of days of glorious spring weather & thoughts wander to fashion embodying Spring!   I feel a desire to create something for Yur that will always remind me of the wonders of Spring...so will incorporate blossoms & beads into her next outfit...

I came across these blossoms & just couldn't resist.  All the stems have been & the flower petals separated.  Still have to take out the centers of the buds .  Removing all the plastic components is tedious & my fingers are a bit raw so will work on this a bit at a time.

These blossoms are such a beautiful colour, light & airy.  

The next pattern to be released is the first using new software - Adobe Creative Suite.  I have been learning all the different components, so consequently it has taken a bit longer.  Now that I have the basics under my belt & some layouts setup, future patterns should go faster.  

With the patterns created using the new software, there is a change to the registration marks used to assemble the pattern pieces.  It is all still very easy to do but the symbols are different.  I am working on putting up a page  as reference on how to assemble the pattern sections.  As well will be putting together a page about PDF's in general.

A new page has been added to the Tutorials page for this topic under Tips/Techniques.  Sewing Stretch Fabric with a Sewing Machine - included is the last instalment in this mini series.  Click on the photo below to access the page directly:

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. 

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!