Monday, September 26, 2011

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Double Layer Ruffle Skirt - CLOSED !!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!
I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Double Layer Ruffle Skirt" (#22001) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by October 3rd!!...Description: A super cute skirt featuring a double layer ruffle and a dropped waist. It's fun to mix and match prints and colors. 3 different length options make this pattern versatile. (above knee, at knee and below knee options)
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You will receive a cutting measurement guide (no printable pattern included to save you ink and paper) and 15 pages of instructions and , including 22 steps and 23 pictures to guide you along as you make it.
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I need testers for the following sizes: Doll, Nb, 3m, 6m, 18m, 4t, 14
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Already claimed: 12m, 2t, 3t, 5t, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12
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PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Questions on Labeling

QUESTIONS ON LABELING:

Have you looked into labeling?! There are laws that mandate what you need to include on your tags

BASICS: http://www.ehow.com/list_6082830_laws-clothing-label-requirements.html

Fiber Content
Origin (Made in the USA or Made in the USA using imported materials)
Manufacturer/RN #
Care Instructions
Size
Look inside your clothing and start reading those labels to see examples of what needs to be included.
I also make sew in labels using these:

you can write on these with permanent markers … which would be perfect for the CSPIA requirements, meaning you can leave the production date blank and write it in as needed, etc.


You don’t need to use the care symbols … but in case you want to, here are 2 free fonts for you:
Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements of the Textile and Wool Acts:
http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus21-threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile-and-wool-acts ... which includes Fiber Content, Country of Origin, Manufacturers/RN, Label placement and attachment
Everything you ever wanted to know about RN numbers:
Try it … Search for “Jocole” https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/textilern/wrnquery$.startup
CSPIA , stands for the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, which is a law that was enacted in August 2008 … it applies to anything manufactured and intended for anyone 12 years of age and under.
Information required on the Tracking Labels:
Exempt materials from CSPIA:
Here is a flowchart to help you determine what testing is required for your products.
Lots of info regarding CSPIA: http://www.whatisthecpsia.com/

places to buy:





i personally use these on the inside of my garments:
printed using my kodak printer, which uses pigment inks (meaning WATER PROOF) ... then i just use a fine-tip sharpie and write the size inside .... if anyone wants my template for using these labels, please just ask. i don't mind emailing it to you

blogs about labels ...
(iron-on "tagless" labels)
(custom woven labels)

searches ...

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pattern Testers Wanted!! - Easy Cap Sleeve Tee - CLOSED !!

THIS TESTING IS NOW CLOSED!! THANKS EVERYBODY I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PICTURES!!I'm currently looking for people who are interesting in testing my "Easy Cap Sleeve Tee" (#21005) sewing pattern before making it available for purchase. IMPORTANT: I *need* the reviews back by October 1st!!
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Description: A snug-fitting hip-length tee with extended cap sleeves. FOUR different neckline options -- so you can mix and match what pieces you want. Binding around the neckline and armholes. Can be worn reversed -- with the opposite neckline in the back. Perfect for everyday wear, excellent for layering, or under cardigans and jackets. Easily paired with jeans, or dress up with skirts -- and it can be embellished in many ways.
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You will receive 3 pages of patterns and 15 pages of instructions, including 26 steps and 26 pictures to guide you along as you make it.
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I need testers for the following sizes: 12m, 18m, 2t, 3t, 4t, 5t, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14
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Already claimed:
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PLEASE read the PATTERN TESTING GUIDELINES!!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

busy busy busy ...

I'm busy orking on some new patterns ... a Easy Cap Sleeve Tee, in toddler and girl sizes (most likely 2-14) ... and a double layer ruffle skirt ... in NB-14 sizes.

You can get instructions on the bow on the shirt here ... I just cut a 2" wide strip of fabric, serged around the ends and used that as my "ribbon".

Monday, September 12, 2011

Little Girl Knee High Socks Tutorial

I adore putting my little girl in knee high socks, but I don't adore the high prices. Now you can make your daughter some cute knee highs from women's knee high socks.

1. Start with a pair of women's knee high socks.

2. Flip sock WRONG side out.

3. Use a glass and a rotary cutter to cut off the bottom of the sock right above the heel.

4. Stitch cut edges closed with a wide zigzag stitch (width:5, length 2-3), or use a serger.
5. Flip RIGHT side out and put on immediately and refuse to take them off.


Check out my other tutorial on making stretchy ruffles HERE, or making bows HERE ... perfect for adding to these socks.
Those bows above are made using 1 1/2" ribbon, and using the 4" template.

Collage below is some inspiration ... images pulled from google images.

Stretchy Ruffle Instructions

Quick and easy instructions for creating S-T-R-E-T-C-H-Y ruffles. TWO easy, fool-proof methods for sewing ruffles: using clear elastic or single baste ruffles.

This is how I add stretchy ruffles to tight fitted knit garments ... like the legs on leggings, arms on t-shirts or the tops of socks. You can use ribbon, knit or woven fabric strips or even lace. Add some buttons or bows and you can make them even more awesome.

Check out the complete step-by-step instructions with full color pictures by clicking the above picture, or HERE.

Check out my other tutorial on making little girl knee high socks HERE.

Bow Templates

I've created a download full of templates for making bows in TWELVE different sizes and 3 different types of bows. Check out the complete templates HERE.

BOW INSTRUCTIONS

Bow - Single Loop with Tails Down

This is by far my favorite, and easiest way, to add some interest to clothing that I make for my daughters. I add them to necklines, sleeves, the sides of pants, skirts, belts, socks (shown above) ... you name it. Cute and Easy ... what could be better?

1. First decide what size bow you would like (this is the final width of the bow) and cut the length of ribbon. My template guides can be found HERE. (The bow in the following instructions is made with 5/8" ribbon and using the 3" wide template).

2. Second FOLD the ribbon in half and press the fold to create a crease -- this is the center.

3. Align the center crease in the middle of the template guide.

4. Fold one tail of the ribbon over the template, aligning the top of the tail with the bottom edge of the opposite tail.

5. Fold the opposite tail ribbon over the template, aligning the top of the tail with the bottom edge of the opposite tail.

6. Using a needle and thread STITCH a running stitch through the center, making sure to go through ALL layers of the ribbon.

7. Slide ribbon off the template and pull on the the thread to gather the stitches.

8. Pull on the thread and wrap around the center of the ribbons tightly, and tie with a knot to secure.

9. Trim ribbon tails (if desired) and heat seal with a lighter so the ribbon won't fray.

10. Finished bow ... isn't it pretty? Now it's ready to glue to a hair clip, or add it to clothing.

11. My preferred method to add bows to clothing is to stitch them directly to the garment using a zigzag stitch [my settings: width: 3-4, length:1.5-2] and to go forward and then backward to secure it. (Shown below added to the neckline on the Shoreline Knit Tank)

Bow - Double Loop with Tails Out

This is by far my favorite, and easiest way, to add some interest to clothing that I make for my daughters. I add them to necklines, sleeves, the sides of pants, skirts, belts, socks ... you name it. Cute and Easy ... what could be better?

1. First decide what size bow you would like (this is the final width of the bow) and cut the length of ribbon. My template guides can be found HERE. (The bow in the following instructions is made with 7/8" ribbon and using the 3" wide template).

2. Second FOLD the ribbon in half and press the fold to create a crease -- this is the center.

3. Align the center crease in the middle of the template guide.

4. Fold one tail of the ribbon over the template, aligning the bottom of the tail with the top edge of the opposite tail.

5. Fold the opposite tail ribbon over the template, aligning the top of the tail with the bottom edge of the opposite tail.

6. Flip template over. Fold one tail of the ribbon over the template, aligning the bottom of the tail with the top edge of the center ribbon.

7. Fold the remaining tail of the ribbon over the template, aligning the top of the tail with the bottom edge of the center ribbon.

8. Using a needle and thread STITCH a running stitch through the center, making sure to go through ALL layers of the ribbon.

9. Slide ribbon off the template and pull on the the thread to gather the stitches.

10. Pull on the thread and wrap around the center of the ribbons tightly, and tie with a knot to secure.

11. Trim ribbon tails (if desired) and heat seal with a lighter so the ribbon won't fray.

12. Finished bow ... isn't it pretty? Now it's ready to glue to a hair clip, or add it to clothing.

13. My preferred method to add bows to clothing is to stitch them directly to the garment using a zigzag stitch [my settings: width: 3-4, length:1.5-2] and to go forward and then backward to secure it. (Shown below added to the neckline on the Shoreline Knit Tank)

Bow - Pinwheel with No Tails

This is by far my favorite, and easiest way, to add some interest to clothing that I make for my daughters. I add them to necklines, sleeves, the sides of pants, skirts, belts, socks (shown above) ... you name it. Cute and Easy ... what could be better?

1. First decide what size bow you would like (this is the final width of the bow) and cut the length of ribbon. My template guides can be found HERE. (The bow in the following instructions is made with 1 1/2" ribbon and using the 4 1/2" wide template).

2. Second FOLD the ribbon in half and press the fold to create a crease -- this is the center.

3. Align the center crease in the middle of the template guide.

4. Fold the tails of the ribbon over the template, aligning the top of the tail with the bottom edge of the opposite tail.

5. Flip the template over and fold the ribbon tails over the template, aligning the top and bottom of the tails with the center ribbon.

6. Flip the template over again and fold the ribbon tails over the template towards the center of the ribbon.

7. Using a needle and thread STITCH a running stitch through the center, making sure to go through ALL layers of the ribbon.

8. Slide ribbon off the template and pull on the the thread to gather the stitches.

9. Pull on the thread and wrap around the center of the ribbons tightly, and tie with a knot to secure.

10. Trim ribbon tails and heat seal with a lighter so the ribbon won't fray.

11. Finished bow ... isn't it pretty? Now it's ready to glue to a hair clip, or add it to clothing.

12. My preferred method to add bows to clothing is to stitch them directly to the garment using a zigzag stitch [my settings: width: 3-4, length:1.5-2] and to go forward and then backward to secure it. (Shown below added to a hair clip, on the Knee High Socks Tutorial)