Porcelina Butterflies

The days are quickly passing by. Weeks are churning slowly and I'm realising that my To Do List will not get done by a long shot since it takes a week to start and finish a project (at the least).

However, this has not dissuaded me into doing some projects while time permits.

Or when hubby hasn't trashed the hobby room with computer items and boxes, including unloading things all over my sewing table, grrrr, GRRRRR.

I digress, the skirt is from the Japanese book (pic in right side bar). First I cut the pattern in size 120cms and then decided that it was too long when I tried it on Little Miss.

So I cut the waist band part to meet the 100cms measurements. She is about this height.

I omitted the elastic casing as the waist part already was waist level.

This proved to be a hazardous idea as I didn't have enough fabric to make a casing as the ribbon gets in the way. I ended up adding a piece of extra material to make up for the shortfall.

I remembered that Heather Bailey created gorgeous outfits ages ago and I decided to applique some butterflies on a t-shirt so she could have a matching top.

I learned quite a few lessons from this project.

Firstly, read instructions carefully! Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 has two (2) liners. You peel off the first to apply it to your cut out fabric (shape), THEN you must peel the second liner off so that when you iron it onto your project it actually sticks.

Secondly, if you are going to applique on a knit fabric you should add some sort of stabiliser. In my case I used light interfacing. This makes the knit more stable so it doesn't pucker or bunch up while you are applique'ing. The left butterfly is without the interfacing and the right one does have it. It gives a much smoother result.

Thirdly, use a ballpoint needle for stretch fabrics. I did also use my Hyflex gloves (that I only found at Coles).

Lastly, Just take your time and enjoy it.

Pictures of Little Miss in it to come as she will be wearing it today.

Time for a nanna nap.