Bumblebee Tutorial Remix #2!

If you missed Tutorial Remix #1 - click here!
(sewing sleeves in "flat")

Today I am featuring the wonderful Magda at House of Estrela!

Magda was also a great tester for the Bumblebee Dress!  In her tutorial you can see how she added side pockets into the seams!  Perfect!

In the original tutorial I created just a simple skirt panel.  In this tutorial, Magda gives you the instructions to sew a lined pocket into the side seam of the skirt!  Go check it out!!!

I have another tutorial to feature later this week on how to add a tie closure instead of a buttonhole!  How are you customizing your Bumblebee Dress?!

 

Bumblebee Tutorial Remix #1

I was soooo blessed with wonderful testers on the Bumblebee Dress pattern and wanted to share a few extra special tutorials that these talented seamstresses created!

Hedy, at Midnight Sewing Mama created a picture tutorial to give you an alternate sewing construction for the sleeves!  In the original tutorial I used the "set-in sleeve" technique.  In this tutorial, Hedy gives you the instructions to sew a "flat sleeve."  When working with little bitty pattern pieces like the 3 month, sewing a flat sleeve is much easier!  Go check it out!!!

And congratulations to Rebecca Hellsten for winning the free copy of the pattern!  There's still a chance for you!  Go enter at Pattern Revolution for your chance to win a copy!

Tomorrow I will feature another tutorial to enhance your Bumblebee Dress!!!

 

matching chevron side seams - tutorial

Ok, have you ever been annoyed at how difficult it is to get the chevron print to match at the seam?

Hopefully these tips will help sewing with chevron a little less daunting!!!  To illustrate, I'm using the skirt section from my Bumblebee Dress that I made for my niece!  Check out the free tutorial here!

First, fold over your raw edge to the wrong side and press 1/2"

 

Turn the fabric to the right side and lay the sides next to each other with the right side facing up. (The skirt section with the folded raw edge is on the right, the left fabric has the exposed raw edge.)

Overlap the fabric by placing the right panel on top of the left panel.  (The folded edge is on top of the fabric with the exposed raw edge.)

Very carefully flip the right panel over to the left so right sides are together.  Pin in place.

Make sure that 1/2" fold is open and stitch a straight line where the crease is from the fold.

You may need to trim the top and bottom edges (which is why when you're working with prints always make sure you have enough to match the design!!!  

Finish your garment according to your pattern instructions and be proud of your print matching skills!!!

 Check out these other chevron Bumblebee Dresses!!!!

There is a link up for Bumblebee creations at Pattern Revolution!  Click here to visit!!!  I also have a collage of pattern tester photos on my blog post announcing the pattern!

Don't forget, you can win a copy of the pattern at Pattern Revolution (giveaway ends Thursday, August 22nd) OR enter on my post to see if you have won a copy on Monday (August 19th!)

 

Bumblebee Dress Pattern Available!

It's here!!!!!  Thanks to my wonderful testers I can now announce that you can purchase and download the
Bumblebee Dress sewing pattern!

Click Here!

This is my first pattern for purchase....... it all started back in October 2012 when I sewed the first
"Bumblebee Dress" and it got it's name!
Click Here to read about it!


Now, I can offer it in sizes 3m-6 with several different variations!!! 
(It's funny to go back to my old posts and see how my photography has improved!!!)

 

View A has the adorable ruffle bodice with 3/4 length ruffle sleeves!

 

View B has the sweet neck ruffle that adds a special detail to the back and a fun skirt ruffle for exceptional twirling!

You can switch out sleeve options, bodice options, and skirt options!  

 

I want to see what you come up with!  Suzanne at Pattern Revolution and winterwonderingswanderingswhatnot.blogspot.com has started a "Link Party" where you can link up a picture of the version you have sewn!  I would love to see all the wonderful creations!

Before I show you some of the awesome tester photos I also wanted to let you know that I will work on larger sizes.  I'm not as comfortable with the measurements for older girls but I know that there are many of you out there that would be willing to test and help me make it work!  If you purchase the version today I will send you an updated sizing to include 6x-12.  It will take a while to make sure I have all the measurements and testing done but I will be sure to announce it on the blog when it's ready!  (And when I'm ready for testers!!!)

*****UPDATE SEPTEMBER 6******
Sizes 7-12 are complete!  The instant download will have sizes 3m-6 on pages 1-30 and sizes 7-12 on pages 31-41

 

Now, here's some eye candy for you!  All my testers were so helpful and creative - these fabric choices had me swooning!

1. Baby Sweetness 2. Laree 3. Heidi Boatman 4. Maura Jean & Co. 5. Nicole 6. Abby Roses Closet 7. Jenny 8. Pris Sewn 9. House of Estrela 10. Becky Amshoff 11. Climbing the Willow 12. Suzanne Winter 13. Shaunna Brown 14. Damsels and Dragons 15. Ashley Talbot 16. Jessica Fulton 17. Ashley Talbot 18. Tracy King 19. Fun Expressions Boutique 20. Makings for Myah 21. Chelsea at GYCT 22. Ava's Closet 23. Bean and Buddy Creations 24. Little O

Please forgive me if I missed any of your pictures!  Feel free to add to the Flickr Album with links back to your store/site/blog!  I know I love to get inspiration by seeing other completed projects!

Don't forget when you download your Bumblebee pattern to also grab the Sweet & Simple Bloomers
for your baby to wear under her new dress!

I would love to give away the pattern to 1 lucky winner! (And you can go enter at the Pattern Revolution for another chance too!)  Easy entry - just like my Facebook page!!!  The winner will be announced Monday morning, August 19th!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for this opportunity to get my foot in the door as a pattern designer!!!  I hope you enjoy this dress as much as I do!