Stitching in the Ditch {Tips and Tricks}

 

I was making this skirt a few days ago and as I did something I thought "I wonder if other people do this too?" You might think it's overkill, but I do still think it's a good idea.

So I'm sure you already know to use non-roll elastic for waistbands. Right? Don't you hate when a waistband gets all wonky inside the casing? Non-roll and this step I'm explaining here both make that impossible. Another reason to love handmade. :)

 

So what I usually do is "stitch in the ditch" along the side seams. If they are pants, you don't need to do it to all four seam, the two side seams should be plenty good.

 

Start a few stitches down from the top and then backstitch to the top and then back down to the bottom of the casing, making sure to backstitch again. Pull the threads to the inside and tie them off. Easy peasy!

When you hold the seam like this, you can see that the stitches are very close to the seam. If you can get them right on top, even better. But it can be a little tough to be exact since you have to also pull the elastic/fabric flat while you are stitching. It's only noticeable below because I am folding it backwards, which you don't do when it's being worn. Right?

When the piece lays flat it's virtually invisible.

Now you've just secured the elastic, which I think prolongs the life of the garment.

Win win!

TaDollie Options

You can customize your TaDollie purchase with the following...

1. Choose a skin color: peach, lt brown or brown

2. Choose a hairstyle from #1-#7

3. Choose a hair color: yellow, lt brown, brown, black or red

4. First name (or one word) to be hand embroidered along the front hem of skirt (or edge of boy doll)

So long girls!

Two little sisters are going to have a fun mail day this week.   
 

I can just see them opening the box with mom.

I hope they love all the little details that went into
making their dolls perfect.

 

Enjoy ladies!

Summer Dreaming...Just Shipped

I had so much fun finishing up this little number that I had started last spring.

 

 

I love that we decided to add this butterfly pocket.
I used {this} for my embroidery pattern.
And {this} for the pocket pattern.

 

 

And I particularly love how I lined up the fabric perfectly in the back.
This was also my first time making my own thread button loop.
{Here} is a good video on that.

 

Next up will be to show you some sweet Dollies I'm making for a special order
and some rainbow skirts that will be ready to ship.
I'm thinking of two sets one in size 4 and one in size 6.

Guess what?

 

The shop is open!

 

 

You will find some Raggedy Ann pieces and of course TaDollies.

 

Find me {here}.