Here Comes the Bride

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I found this adorable retro-looking fabric recently and knew I had to make something for my daughter, Jackie, who is getting married in September.

Isn't it cute? I decided to make pajama pants because my girls (and my husband, and my future son-in-law) are all big fans of the ones I've made them in the past. I couldn't think of what to do for the top and finally came up with an idea that I loved. Using a black tank top, I machine embroidered "Bride" in pink, and added
a ruffle in the bride fabric to the bottom.

Jackie loved them and I love how cute she looks in them.

And wouldn't you know it, the fabric has been discontinued! I bought all they had from the Hancock Fabric store near me. I was going to list these on Etsy but I don't know when I'll get to it.


(If you'd like me to make these for you, they're $50. Just send me an email.)

Tutorial: Make your own quilted fabric

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I sell quite a few wristlets and cosmetic bags, frequently from pre-quilted fabrics. These fabrics are great, but they're very limited in color and design. When I had an order for a color I couldn't find, I decided to make my own. I thought it would also be a good opportunity to write a tutorial so I grabbed a camera before I got started.

I was in a bit of a hurry but couldn't find my quilting bar (don't worry if you don't know what that is) so I did the next best thing: using a ruler and chalk, I drew parallel diagonal lines across a piece of cotton fabric, 1 inch apart. As you can see, I went in one direction, then the other to create this diamond pattern.

I layered the green cotton fabric on top of a piece of batting. Under the batting, I added a piece of interfacing. You could use another piece of fabric instead of the interfacing if you wanted.

I sprayed each of the layers lightly with a spray-on adhesive to hold them all together.You could pin them if you wanted but I like the spray and I like not having to pull out pins when I'm sewing.

Using a thread color as close to the green cotton as I could find, I stitched across all of the lines I drew.I made my stitch length a bit longer than usual, setting it at 3 (which means each stitch is 3 mm long-- a little bonus lesson for you!) You'll notice I'm just using a standard multi purpose foot on my machine. I wanted to keep this tutorial as something anyone could do without any extra tools. If you have a walking foot, however, this would be a good application for it.

Voila! My own quilted fabric. Here's what the back looks like after you stitch all the lines.

And here you can see the front and the wristlet I made from the fabric.

I just read in "Lucky" Magazine that quilting is a hot new trend, too. They show several pieces that I just love and now I especially love knowing that I can turn just about any fabric into a quilted fabric. Give it a try yourself. You won't believe how easy it is.

St. Patrick's Day Tutu

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Before it goes on Etsy, I am posting this adorable tutu here. (Edit: it never made it to Etsy! It's gone already.)

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, it's made of extra soft nylon tulle with a gorgeous thick Kelly green satin bow.

It measures 20" around the waist and about 11" long.

Its extra fullness and fluffiness allow it to stretch while remaining full so it can been worn by sizes 2T all the way up to 5.

I need some better photos before I list it, but you get the idea. I made several bows and headbands for St. Patty's Day, too.

If you'd like a tutu or bow and don't have time to make one, email me at maureen [at] maureenmakesit.com and I'll be glad to make one for you. The tutu is only $22, the bows are just $4, and the headband is $7.

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