Fabulous Jumpsuit

I really like the jumpsuit/romper trend, but I haven't found a ready-to-wear style that I liked for my body style.  When I saw this jumpsuit in the May 2018 Burda magazine, I knew I had found the perfect jumpsuit for me.  I love its drapey style.  I love the linen that makes it casual and summery, but dressy at the same time.  The trim around the legs and the tie at the waist are beautiful details.  I like the corset style top - it's sexy, but loose enough in fit not to look trashy.

I looked around for a few weeks trying to find the shade of blue-green linen that the Burda model wears, but was unsuccessful.  I found this deep purple shade of linen/rayon blend at Joann's and decided it was a gorgeous choice.  I found the trim at Joann's too.  I think Joann's has really stepped-up fashion sewing choices in the last year or two.

Burda rates this a 3 dot level and I would say that's pretty accurate.  It's a pattern that requires some intermediate to advanced sewing skills.

I made a muslin test first size 38.  I made no alterations to the pants portion, but took the top in about 1/4 inch on each side seam and the 1/4 inch on each side of the centerback seam.  I probably could have gone with the 36, but I would have had to let the waist out.  I'm never sure if taking in or letting out is easier.  Regardless, I'm really pleased with the fit.

Paying attention to symmetry is key with this pattern.  Because of all the seams in the bodice, one small error in sewing your seams will make the whole thing looks sloppy.

I used a beautiful lightweight interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply -ProSheer Elegance Couture.  It kept the linen light and drapey, but gives the top a gorgeous smooth finish and support.  There is boning in the side seams which is necessary to hold it up properly.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out and will have lots of fun wearing it.

Make something beautiful.

Jen

A Pretty Pony

When Vogue Patterns releases a new craft pattern, I generally buy it.  They don't have many, and they don't do it often, but when they do - it's good.  This particular pattern is by Linda Carr.  She has been in the doll making, stuffie making business for a very long time.  If you have done any research looking for resources, books, or patterns you have probably run into her work.   I bought V9194 as soon as I saw it.

I knew I was going to make a pony for my niece (she will be five this month).  I talked to my brother about her favorite my little pony - it happened to be Princess Celestia - so I could get some inspiration for color combinations.  Once I had my vision, I went to gathering supplies.  Below is a list of supplies and sources:

• White minky fabric - Joann's
• Multi-colored yarn - 1 skein - Joann's
• Safety eyes - Glass Eyes Online (if you love making stuffies, you will love this site!)
• Leather - "Aqua Divine Top Grain Cowide" and "thin purple blue green sponge painting rainbow cowhide" from PeggySueAlso on Etsy (this is a candy store!!)
• D Rings (stirrups) - Joanns
• square dowel rods - Joanns
• the key rings and swivel hooks I actually had on hand - I bought these on ebay or etsy (from China in a crazy large quantity for very little money)  for one of my son's school projects
• metal buttons, embroidery floss, fabric markers, felt, and stuffing I had in my supplies
  
  

  
  

This is a great pattern, however, if you have never made a stuffed animal or doll, you will not get enough information to help you come out with a great result.  I recommend getting one or both of these books for invaluable tips and methods for successfully completing this project:  Jill Hamor's Storybook Toys and/or Abby Glassenberg's Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction.

My tips

• I recommend having hemostats for stuffing.

• Use a smaller stitch length because the seams will take a lot of strain from stuffing. 

• Get a hump-jumper and tear away interfacing for sewing the small and narrow bulky parts of the saddle, bridle and reins.

• Leather is easier than you think. 

• If you think you've stuffed enough, stuff some more.

 As far as the pattern, it goes together well and the instructions are clear for the parts involving construction of the pony.  I recommend reading the instructions for the saddle and bridle through a couple of times before beginning work.  Also, I would like to have seen a list of all the lengths and sizes of leather strips needed, rather than having it interspersed through the steps.  I recommend adding an inch to the strips that are supposed to be 4 1/2/ inches and I also recommend adding 1/2 to 1 inch to straps that go around the pony's nose.

For her eye liner, I used a green fabric marker and then glued her eyelids over the safety eye with Alene's fabric glue.  Also - the metal buttons are not sewn on - 6 layers of leather was too iffy.  I put a small hole in the layers of leather for the button shank so it would lay flush and then glued it with Alene's jewel-it glue.  It has held very firmly, but I plan on testing again.  If it comes, off, I will try epoxy.

I used a poly fiber fill stuffing because I find it gives a smoother look than wool.  I prefer wool in other circumstances, but not this one.  Even with the poly stuffing, her legs still look lumpy and chubby.  I worked on them for quite a while, but gave up after looking at the photo on the pattern envelope and seeing the model horse has chubby legs too.

She's pretty large - she measures 18 inches high at the top of her head and 15 inches at her back.  Perfect for the American Girls dolls or other 18 inch dolls.

Making stuffies and dolls is truly delightful.  Although I love to make clothes and home decor, there is always something magical about making a creature.  It's a bit like being a Geppetto or Pygmalion.  I always end up naming them.  This one I named Cristobelle.

She's shipping out this week to my niece for her fifth birthday.  I can't wait to see if she likes her.

 Make something beautiful!
-Jen