tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30952846935505226862024-02-19T08:23:48.585-08:00Magic Baby DesignsThe mission here at Magic Baby is to celebrate the magic of babies everywhere with lovingly designed, hand crafted clothing of exception quality.Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-46320639137819870222013-03-07T07:12:00.000-08:002013-03-07T07:12:07.740-08:00The Artist Grandmother, Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genevieve June Donner, my grandma</td></tr>
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My own grandmother was very artistic. Even though I was still little when she died, I remember how she always encouraged my artistic efforts. And when she was finally able to have the time, she starting making art and craft pieces for the sheer enjoyment of it. She was the only grandparent I knew, and I absolutely adored her, even though I only saw her a few times a year.<br />
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Now that I am a grandmother three times over, I cherish the time I am able to spend with my grandchildren. I enjoy stepping away from my work to make special things for them, as well. In fact, with two granddaughters, the hardest part is not making <em>everything</em> for them! Designing for them lets me play, and make outs thast would be just too intricate and detailed for retail selling. <br />
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Spring is again around the corner, and that calls for Easter outfits all across the world. This one has a cute spring jacket over a reversible dress. Yes, I said the dress is completely reversible!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgEQENIn-M4qYYjhBxd8g_5MJSiTB_uZQwrBwAlvKihtrgtfZTnbhTkQO4PWwttE5YqCsjCIKnrXHevhVoNogr-a6bYf9gGLFai-3U7OouR3uVRakkoGHLwZNWCtCKpU7OKRos9N16nJF/s1600/maddie+easter+dress+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgEQENIn-M4qYYjhBxd8g_5MJSiTB_uZQwrBwAlvKihtrgtfZTnbhTkQO4PWwttE5YqCsjCIKnrXHevhVoNogr-a6bYf9gGLFai-3U7OouR3uVRakkoGHLwZNWCtCKpU7OKRos9N16nJF/s400/maddie+easter+dress+c.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss M showing one side of the reversible Easter Dress. <br />
She told me she didn't like this one! Don't you love<br />
the sheer honesty of children?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3INOIs3viOcsBKh3a37ew9ecKmHCNNIryNuicGNPIdlA3SnA9YdP5ZDL9PwPdO9OjRigy7TT0fF9NJbPNO5PtDPDv10p7To5nnea1QK4p3RkfylJQg5mbRlOACdOczGZvboEBK8shEQOr/s1600/garden+jacket+dress+vac+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3INOIs3viOcsBKh3a37ew9ecKmHCNNIryNuicGNPIdlA3SnA9YdP5ZDL9PwPdO9OjRigy7TT0fF9NJbPNO5PtDPDv10p7To5nnea1QK4p3RkfylJQg5mbRlOACdOczGZvboEBK8shEQOr/s320/garden+jacket+dress+vac+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a gallery display, the other side of the Easter Dress with<br />
the matching Garden Coat.</td></tr>
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Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-45016524852748355162013-02-27T08:04:00.000-08:002013-02-27T08:04:00.617-08:00The Artist Grandmother, Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aI-bbcKtnSH0HGELtlWlFtZAyiCflHirJl1McVezcyTHM7gw6XcHsHrza1vK851zuYH4s0zKrPF8A6CNPckL1H_oU6QC82R7ZPbfoTVx1AZRiQ3lUfE9jYnkR9U2tXjf3Ii3F00s5dYb/s1600/princess+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aI-bbcKtnSH0HGELtlWlFtZAyiCflHirJl1McVezcyTHM7gw6XcHsHrza1vK851zuYH4s0zKrPF8A6CNPckL1H_oU6QC82R7ZPbfoTVx1AZRiQ3lUfE9jYnkR9U2tXjf3Ii3F00s5dYb/s320/princess+dress.jpg" width="197" /></a><br />
Since becoming a grandmother, I was inspired to make baby clothes again. When my own children were babies and my husband was still in college, I had to make do with what we had. I recycled sweaters, coats and usable cottons to make all of their clothes before the concept of "upcycling" was in vogue. I started making quilts in earnest about the same time. The first Christmas we were married, I got my first sewing machine, a $99 Singer. I still have it. It's the machine I use now to stitch paper.<br />
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When I was still living at home, I learned to sew on my grandmother's converted treadle machine. Having come very close to getting kicked out of Home Ec. in Junior High for making a bikini instead of an apron, it should have already been clear to anyone who knew me that I was going to follow my own path.<br />
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When my first granddaughter was born, I was thrilled. Although I have sewn several things for my darling grandson, I admit that making fancy baby dresses for little girls is a lot more fun than a Thomas the Train pillowcase. I designed and made her this cute party dress just for fun. I now own more baby patterns than I ever had when my own children were small. Of course, I never follow the pattern instructions. I prefer to use them as a suggestion, and proceed as I do when making my artwork: do something, respond, do something else; collage and layers upon layers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Lena wearing my Frenchy Girl design</td></tr>
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Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-25544550765418256992013-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:002013-01-12T08:05:12.266-08:00Busy Is As Busy Does<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What have you been doing this week? I hope it involved some pleasurable activities, even if it involved working for money. I have been busy working for money, and with deadlines looming, I haven't had much play time lately. <br />
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The little outfit pictured here is part of my Little Frenchy line. I post new little dresses, skirts, overalls and jackets as I finish them in my <a href="http://www.magicbabydesigns.etsy.com/">Magic Baby shop on etsy</a>. I am so partial to these patchwork creations, because they are the first designs I created for my Magic Baby line, and because they are FUN to make, like creating little collages. I am looking forward to making a whole batch of new ones for the coming Spring, so stay tuned. Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog!</div>
Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-309686238481973062012-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:002012-10-13T08:21:36.019-07:00Back in the Saddle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahhh, it's good to be back!</td></tr>
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Wow, is fall coming quickly in my part of the world. I have been away for awhile, as you may have noticed. After months of intensive physical therapy on my hands, I am finally "back in the saddle", and happy to be back! <br />
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I was productive while I was healing my hands. I reorganized my sewing studio, and am still in the process of spiffing up my office area. I still have a few storage items to hang on the wall. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1zPWXxE2xd7GfhhtBrfz6EGhOmEUy1mT8EAKgviB_TghssI71O4ZEwPfl7xyXE8GOJ4g7P7Ei4pQwstFWxpTjbGzleojbTmlPff91sGYX9E5FzYsKz14BU0PsxOPEFBpUDNakVNjNUxP/s1600/wild+child+outfit+a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1zPWXxE2xd7GfhhtBrfz6EGhOmEUy1mT8EAKgviB_TghssI71O4ZEwPfl7xyXE8GOJ4g7P7Ei4pQwstFWxpTjbGzleojbTmlPff91sGYX9E5FzYsKz14BU0PsxOPEFBpUDNakVNjNUxP/s320/wild+child+outfit+a1.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Child outfit...what a cutie!</td></tr>
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I was sidetracked from my office organization by the sudden illness and subsequent death a week later of one of my brothers. It was a difficult and sad time, lightened only by the amazing love of family and friends, and the opportunity to be a part of the "team" of family members who cared for him in his last week of life. In memory of him, 20% of any Magic Baby Designs sales will be donated to <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/WeveGotYourBackBob&aff=GFMse">We've Got Your Back Bob</a>, a memorial fund set up after his passing. Thank you in advance!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_iVMSp8U6djoM9Z4mmh4ifZoNkUG71unl1c4nJOsePWhARf9dkvXojJ-JHde169kZg5v05OEoiGzU_Ee4kV9Z9TSKprLHvTCPjBAio0p58W-k8xiARc9iHcXOb64fuDo-0NKYca3oRlP/s1600/Miss+E+Frenchy+Girl+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_iVMSp8U6djoM9Z4mmh4ifZoNkUG71unl1c4nJOsePWhARf9dkvXojJ-JHde169kZg5v05OEoiGzU_Ee4kV9Z9TSKprLHvTCPjBAio0p58W-k8xiARc9iHcXOb64fuDo-0NKYca3oRlP/s400/Miss+E+Frenchy+Girl+outfit.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss E looks darling in her Frenchy Girl outfit</td></tr>
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Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-72135664312389631402011-11-27T06:42:00.001-08:002011-11-27T07:02:37.145-08:00Winter and the Holidays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NoDhUxKpmAdFsJRxq2oJPp3Zwf0zACnxbpSzM1mHSFuhKvRJ5tGXkKhBGba5yij69IIWTBWHLNMDgzXF1z9BBfoJ-wViA2UaN3wzxvbVND6WcH3CUdD8DM0graM7VW7A_gj2F3tJKFpQ/s1600/upcycled+swing+dress+b+lena.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NoDhUxKpmAdFsJRxq2oJPp3Zwf0zACnxbpSzM1mHSFuhKvRJ5tGXkKhBGba5yij69IIWTBWHLNMDgzXF1z9BBfoJ-wViA2UaN3wzxvbVND6WcH3CUdD8DM0graM7VW7A_gj2F3tJKFpQ/s320/upcycled+swing+dress+b+lena.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lena's sweatshirt swing dress, perfect<br />
for winter weather.</td></tr>
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Thanksgiving is over already, and December lurks around the corner. On the North Coast winter can't be far away. It's always a busy time of year, as cooking, baking, shopping and making, as in making by hand, come into the forefront. <br />
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I am so grateful to be able to make by hand. An idea comes into my mind, and I go into my studio and bring the fleeting thought into reality. There is nothing more fulfilling! I have been busy making...<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82628255/sale-humorous-christmas-card-harold-the">holiday cards</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85926547/sale-matchbox-journal-beatles-truth">hand stitched journals</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86673168/sale-live-out-loud-handmade-stationary">stationary</a>, gift tags. I have also created several new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagicBabyDesigns?section_id=10689851">Magic Baby Designs for holiday</a> and cold weather wear. Hope you like them! Everything in my shop is on sale through midnight on Cyber Monday, so please stop by. Watch for Small Shop Saturday specials all through December. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaUOaTiwzS5n-udv_DEZT0p0-G9GeX8g4vS9Bz4N2o4pDrv-kL64j5KhNEOf9RboFpJpcWgL6GXDcE_cAMJVgSz0_XGm_rlqfpzVLYhixcHKyf0JrGDTqF0QOo6y4QEyIoT1RslY8Sm-s/s1600/xmas+jacket+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaUOaTiwzS5n-udv_DEZT0p0-G9GeX8g4vS9Bz4N2o4pDrv-kL64j5KhNEOf9RboFpJpcWgL6GXDcE_cAMJVgSz0_XGm_rlqfpzVLYhixcHKyf0JrGDTqF0QOo6y4QEyIoT1RslY8Sm-s/s320/xmas+jacket+back.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86254429/sale-swing-coat-girls-christmas-holiday">Girl's Party Jacket</a>. Yes, it's reversible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobkB8aMJbK3hFAhO2L9S3e9Q_G8gNz0W2Npa_QmWQIiKZ36jrn0UG5OC_esvpANrevFzq07sh-PIDqPMCSS_IbLv1QBC11FuvQ5MunEfPAXqy7TPyqPvLk_0m4vy3wmziRYFjC9dHkx09/s1600/overalls+front+bodice+been+good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobkB8aMJbK3hFAhO2L9S3e9Q_G8gNz0W2Npa_QmWQIiKZ36jrn0UG5OC_esvpANrevFzq07sh-PIDqPMCSS_IbLv1QBC11FuvQ5MunEfPAXqy7TPyqPvLk_0m4vy3wmziRYFjC9dHkx09/s320/overalls+front+bodice+been+good.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83406044/sale-reversible-overalls-christmas">Boy's Christmas Overalls</a>, reversible and adjustable</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q9mMdJJr6olGpm8X4P8TK5WWyXIpbya0BsvvoG0UADjplGTHKnv-_GEcPc2bqS4OK-M-Zltzl4q0TqX47S4tAzFbpk6m1EDshflTQFWlATmd3t1aUnb14MrMGlHgu3uSbY1TwhzoYtlm/s1600/christmas+collar+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q9mMdJJr6olGpm8X4P8TK5WWyXIpbya0BsvvoG0UADjplGTHKnv-_GEcPc2bqS4OK-M-Zltzl4q0TqX47S4tAzFbpk6m1EDshflTQFWlATmd3t1aUnb14MrMGlHgu3uSbY1TwhzoYtlm/s320/christmas+collar+c.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Sailor Boy Sweater with holiday collar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFswaLduFGnK9xu3_4vKhb0OFLKeScfMYbSBTJ7YpagZBmEDOtsIILKPpacJgiJoOu8_GYPNOfMvo9nBP3l8PVuKYjpSrKk4bP4lO_RtFCxW9Fn3oZNYDJIe2lH03Zfd2N1CPvvtLGl4f/s1600/hurrah+outfit+front+detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFswaLduFGnK9xu3_4vKhb0OFLKeScfMYbSBTJ7YpagZBmEDOtsIILKPpacJgiJoOu8_GYPNOfMvo9nBP3l8PVuKYjpSrKk4bP4lO_RtFCxW9Fn3oZNYDJIe2lH03Zfd2N1CPvvtLGl4f/s320/hurrah+outfit+front+detail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hurrah, It's a Party. These reversible overalls in<br />
piped velveteen (on the front side) and matching<br />
shirt were a custom order. I love custom orders!</td></tr>
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</div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-35075971440921287772011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-27T07:04:21.205-08:00Magic Baby Snuggle Jackets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I began designing baby clothes years ago, I found that the process was similar to how I approach <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.blogspot.com/">making art</a>. In this case, inspired by a new grandbaby, I pulled out flannel scraps left over from making <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagicBabyDesigns?section_id=8051163"><span style="color: blue;">Magic Baby Snuggle Blankies</span></a>. I have always been frugal in most aspects of my life; needless to say, I was not going to let those exquisite scraps go to waste, especially when baby clothing requires so little fabric. My first step was to cut off any selvedges from the scraps, then rotary cut them into strips and squares, which were stacked together in a box. Piecing the strips together, I could make matching snuggly, cuddly reversible jackets for the Snuggle Blankies. It was easy to add little tags of ribbon into the seams, keeping everything very soft, and snippets of trim to the fold-up cuffs. After turning the jacket right side out, I inserted a scrap of pre-gathered satin pink ruffle into the bottom edge. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBggGszif513vouxu1tIqcsiAv4CyGCFNQRxy1ucVtEKnR3X33v_lfXUyK1iCPHSLpb5kaRlfUtYpyB2JLnbbMQy_sgvRhxx1eZoyNlsX9CQiDXQFhR31E6qbP61BuuKGovq8pyCljdHM/s1600-h/Magic+Baby+NB+Cuddle+Jacket+front.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_uv1jq5="24" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386176329654134018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBggGszif513vouxu1tIqcsiAv4CyGCFNQRxy1ucVtEKnR3X33v_lfXUyK1iCPHSLpb5kaRlfUtYpyB2JLnbbMQy_sgvRhxx1eZoyNlsX9CQiDXQFhR31E6qbP61BuuKGovq8pyCljdHM/s320/Magic+Baby+NB+Cuddle+Jacket+front.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 242px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> </div>
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<em><span style="color: #33cc00; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Magic Baby Cuddle Jacket Prototype, front</span></span></em><br />
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The biggest challenge in this design, as is the case in many of my designs, is coming up with a unique closure that is also functional. For the jacket, I inserted a piece of medium gauge, round elastic into bias tape, gathered it and measured the length before inserting it in between the front and reverse jacket sections. Next, since I don't want to be buying tons of buttons, and because buttons can pop off, I created a "soft" button using ribbon blanket trim satin stitched over a cut-down cosmetic sponge, and stitched in place with an "X" of embroidery floss.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AS4xGzGKs_NxdluCd5ScG0DaZtNLl4VrJDDqslCTVJk-d57hbeJDw0eh5sCoNfLmNOgKrKBgxMvUfexk9NRRlWMOgsos4WrPg5qrWvd1UZbSZB25aUAdpbnvKlQTPGHaQwqhgN6BHKE/s1600-h/Magic+Baby+NB+Cuddle+Jacket+reverse+front.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_uv1jq5="25" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386177956677371362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AS4xGzGKs_NxdluCd5ScG0DaZtNLl4VrJDDqslCTVJk-d57hbeJDw0eh5sCoNfLmNOgKrKBgxMvUfexk9NRRlWMOgsos4WrPg5qrWvd1UZbSZB25aUAdpbnvKlQTPGHaQwqhgN6BHKE/s320/Magic+Baby+NB+Cuddle+Jacket+reverse+front.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 226px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
This design was fast, easy, and, in my mind, a complete success. I have the pattern worked out from NB to 4T, and plan to make <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33652153/reversible-toddler-jacket-magic-baby">jackets that also match</a> my reversible dresses. </div>
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I am still working on prototypes for my "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83896701/denim-art-jacket-rules-for-happiness">story clothes</a>", finishing up my new holiday designs (the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83406044/reversible-overalls-christmas-babies-3">boy's overalls</a> are finished, and ready to ship!), and completing three custom orders from the show last weekend. </div>
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I am an artist, so why am I spending so much time designing baby clothes? There are several answers to this question: a) I need to earn a regular income, and baby clothes sell faster than artwork b) I am a grandmother, and like making things for babies c) It's fun and challenging. Granted, I have had to put my current book project on hold, and don't have as much time in the studio to make artwork. I do, however, make time for art. Can't live without it! <br />
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<span style="color: #33cc00; font-size: 85%;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">My new granddaughter wearing her MagicBaby Cuddle Jacket.</span></strong></em></span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386180377729388210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunCdG3dG_PcWViKZeMQF08XVhYww-Kj1hOVR_M8sp0L1XBPcjQ-03aWsQ919x9Xd67igcsY2WDx5XpDxV_pJii9bTS7FlHbROP9_YR7XSNwtFWBieXiw1NJUTBxb8_Z17idS56wVZuiY/s400/Magic+Baby+NB+Cuddle+Jacket+action+front+e.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 245px;" /></div>
</div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-64250794648364707942011-10-13T05:21:00.000-07:002011-10-13T05:21:59.975-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPINHRnHDW4FidvRj_h8PskikXTTi52kvf3fJwOde73IXoWFssW1mAbIQDoMTx-0rJSf-LX0G9zBSrk2CmA8sUSlnFSdeJxUy67C2cFqffEvL7eFQ4faci1N1EwRPe7428dLNWBLAQBlw/s1600/TAA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPINHRnHDW4FidvRj_h8PskikXTTi52kvf3fJwOde73IXoWFssW1mAbIQDoMTx-0rJSf-LX0G9zBSrk2CmA8sUSlnFSdeJxUy67C2cFqffEvL7eFQ4faci1N1EwRPe7428dLNWBLAQBlw/s320/TAA.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
First of all, let me say that I am happy to be posting again. There have been some problems with blogger, and I couldn't post or leave comments. Hurrrah, Magic Baby Designs blog is back in action!<br />
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I am thrilled to be participating in my <a href="http://www.taacleveland.org/fshow.html">first boutique</a> with Magic Baby Designs this coming Sunday. I hope to see some of you there! By the way, order your <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gaylepritchard?section_id=6051860">holiday custom order outfits</a> now. I have several choices in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80556931/reversible-christmas-dress-fits-6-mo-18">etsy shop</a>, will have some new designs on Sunday, and more to come. Happy Fall!<br />
</div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-55737391309558572802011-09-15T13:10:00.000-07:002011-09-15T13:10:07.500-07:00Experiments in Construction and Composition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKtcWDmquPzwKlHL2EEE6eTp9V4DO6fxWBjMut02l80Itsi0_4rZa2D_zwjDYCWRHPKvymJIlYvWFjmDT2HKLi-f8-TOXGjEJI3V5zkGkUZJweo7N46xc41-3XFF_3e65c8Cj3AoTVSGQ/s1600/E%2527s+overalls+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKtcWDmquPzwKlHL2EEE6eTp9V4DO6fxWBjMut02l80Itsi0_4rZa2D_zwjDYCWRHPKvymJIlYvWFjmDT2HKLi-f8-TOXGjEJI3V5zkGkUZJweo7N46xc41-3XFF_3e65c8Cj3AoTVSGQ/s320/E%2527s+overalls+c.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Magic Baby Reversible Overalls<br />
An experiment that worked</td></tr>
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I am swimming in experiments. This past week, just as I am working like crazy on my fall and winter <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;">etsy</span></a> line, I dropped my camera and broke it. Sigh. Since I can't show you what I am currently working on, I decided I'd show you my very first reversible overalls prototype, created several years ago. The design is very cute, with two bodices to play with and a cute crossed back strap. In addition to loving the challenge of creating reversible designs, something which sets my Magic Baby clothing apart, I also love the challenge of figuring out ways to create design elements that will allow my clothing to fit for a very long time. This experiment worked in that regard, too, going from baby to toddler quite easily. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NbIE3HhBuiTlSp-hv-OdDFfPXQzxnyeWrIqVr1b1NC5jdiN2qUL8kVKyb1OZ4lDqxwEWu0qLFRl81KO6NfdDRAsit9O6iPjydW3y-_-uY5ucotOWILdhy-DxH8ZO6rZ-Lnx9x2LE5dsp/s1600/E%2527s+overalls+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NbIE3HhBuiTlSp-hv-OdDFfPXQzxnyeWrIqVr1b1NC5jdiN2qUL8kVKyb1OZ4lDqxwEWu0qLFRl81KO6NfdDRAsit9O6iPjydW3y-_-uY5ucotOWILdhy-DxH8ZO6rZ-Lnx9x2LE5dsp/s320/E%2527s+overalls+a.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss E was just a baby when she first wore<br />
these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I pieced one side of the overalls using a re-purposed wide wale corduroy blouse and some fun, striped cotton upholstery left over from making pillow case edges years ago.<br />On the reverse, I used a decorator-weight cotton sateen in light blue, and added pockets lined with the stripe, all of which blended beautifully with a fall leaf fabric in cotton.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifakGhirSES7mueZNf6HSTgrkPjc9h4n7Baqt_8mB6R4MqBJ1Q1pRhb0Thy3eDThc8G5XmeLIut5movvv3ZyeNUMtuFkIO3bnC7a7ekpjooNesmcAaIdKRDWvlUvttL1ic7C8pANxzSr6x/s1600/Overalls+prototype+reverse+a+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifakGhirSES7mueZNf6HSTgrkPjc9h4n7Baqt_8mB6R4MqBJ1Q1pRhb0Thy3eDThc8G5XmeLIut5movvv3ZyeNUMtuFkIO3bnC7a7ekpjooNesmcAaIdKRDWvlUvttL1ic7C8pANxzSr6x/s320/Overalls+prototype+reverse+a+detail.jpg" width="223" /></a> The colors were perfect for my red-headed granddaughter!<br />
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As cute as the design came out, there were some problems I discovered while testing out my ideas. First of all, there is no leg opening for ease of diaper changes in this initial design. Since making it, I have, of course, made allowances for adding either snaps or snap tape to baby sizes. <br />
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Secondly, with the back bodice design including built-in crossed straps, the shoulder tabs would have needed to be lengthened in order for me to make them adjustable. I made this adjustment, as well.<br />
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Finally, the gathering into the bodice is adorable, but perhaps not great for a boys design, which would look better with pleats or straight. This, of course, is an easy design change that I have made moving forward. <br />
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In the end, I have saved this cute design as a special one for my own grandbabies, and have created four simplified <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60141423/magic-baby-reversible-overalls-full-of">overall designs</a> for my Magic Baby line. I do love this one, though, and seeing it makes me want to sew up a new pair!<br />
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Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-15934981080914571942011-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:002011-09-08T08:09:07.305-07:00Magic Baby at Retail Show<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When: Friday, September 9, 6 - 8 p.m.<br />
Where: <a href="http://www.valleyartcenter.org/events.htm">Valley Art Center</a>, Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, OH<br />
One night only, at the opening of the wearable art exhibition, Art Strikes a Pose<br />
This is Magic Baby's first retail show. Hope to see you there!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg91rhMHet6T5wn15UTojeuGSsTqNSasR75TaSriUY5nbhT-L-sPXhZ6xtKbquCPoKgU0h7vCzU59IJW4mz0qo5VQWeg3JqH9u-nLR5JYOyMnNlVVQmXS6iE9yJEv-dGyfQUBKYhMK_ms/s1600/postcard+artwork+color.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqg91rhMHet6T5wn15UTojeuGSsTqNSasR75TaSriUY5nbhT-L-sPXhZ6xtKbquCPoKgU0h7vCzU59IJW4mz0qo5VQWeg3JqH9u-nLR5JYOyMnNlVVQmXS6iE9yJEv-dGyfQUBKYhMK_ms/s400/postcard+artwork+color.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you can't make it to the retail show, please visit <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/">Magic Baby on etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-16816598177414368292011-08-28T07:56:00.000-07:002011-08-28T07:56:58.224-07:00Inspired by Children...Again: a T-shirt tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDbhiCfTsq5R6BN-AQaJdhHBhhkn1raeFvXFNNQ4yOcYoG2WBnleYUxqH3gUplcODaNH9pYPhHu6_gQD8EfUcuEIlnpCVqh21OPRn-0m1mE422p4yB1vz5VDKH3jVuCyYI6acxXNASCOz/s1600/ben%2527s+drawing+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDbhiCfTsq5R6BN-AQaJdhHBhhkn1raeFvXFNNQ4yOcYoG2WBnleYUxqH3gUplcODaNH9pYPhHu6_gQD8EfUcuEIlnpCVqh21OPRn-0m1mE422p4yB1vz5VDKH3jVuCyYI6acxXNASCOz/s320/ben%2527s+drawing+b.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What could be more inspiring that a child's drawing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">A few weeks ago I wrote a posting about being <a href="http://magicbabydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/inspired-by-children.html">inspired by children</a>. This past week, I was so inspired again, I decided to share it with you. And the bonus? You, too, can do this with the Magic Baby in your life!</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">This past week, my oldest grandchild started first grade. Oh, the memories, and oh my, how quickly time flies!</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL7xqf99RhAGf_kCgejdVuazsgicGN4E8TK_y2wBBm4FRiNGO6UjgI0aN552whCyn_LNXkbROSppWyLIuxB0bWwMNgieZTsKxkuYpFc0-r1BKdi_vpDYc3qV7tsBuy15t7GtCM30HtAjH/s1600/ben%2527s+first+day+2011+first+grade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdL7xqf99RhAGf_kCgejdVuazsgicGN4E8TK_y2wBBm4FRiNGO6UjgI0aN552whCyn_LNXkbROSppWyLIuxB0bWwMNgieZTsKxkuYpFc0-r1BKdi_vpDYc3qV7tsBuy15t7GtCM30HtAjH/s320/ben%2527s+first+day+2011+first+grade.JPG" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite First Grader...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div closure_uid_tqpor5="149"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">My grandson loves to draw, an activity that I encourage. On a recent visit I had shown him a drawing his own father had made as a child with fabric crayons. We decided to try it on his next visit, and voted to make a drawing that he could wear on a t-shirt. If you want to try this at your house, here's what you will need:</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">A box of <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3740-AA.shtml">Fabric Crayons</a></div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">White drawing paper</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">Light to medium colored cotton knit t-shirt fabric (or actual t-shirt) a bit bigger than your paper</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">An old towel, a hot iron, and some scrap paper</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">First of all, you should know that <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1617-AA.shtml">Pentel Dye Sticks</a> can also be used, but they work differently than fabric crayons. Printing with fabric crayons is a two-step process: draw on the paper, then transfer to the fabric. The dye sticks, which look similar to fabric crayons, use a one-step process: direct application onto the fabric, followed by heat setting. </div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuW8cARBKo3q_N38gz-0S4znKPBla1osfZbIjdBlQYWIaLDcornejW5rV1s9646kkFC4V6VyNYWBhPQtP26k8997xVVfbIvF8sQhvr6Rj_FZPxmG9G_Gf-UTXJUcdqFc3pYoMAIWhRNLT2/s1600/ben%2527s+drawing+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuW8cARBKo3q_N38gz-0S4znKPBla1osfZbIjdBlQYWIaLDcornejW5rV1s9646kkFC4V6VyNYWBhPQtP26k8997xVVfbIvF8sQhvr6Rj_FZPxmG9G_Gf-UTXJUcdqFc3pYoMAIWhRNLT2/s400/ben%2527s+drawing+a.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" closure_uid_tqpor5="390" style="text-align: center;">Step one: Make your drawing!<br />
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</tbody></table>Drawing is easy, especially for children. Here is my grandson's drawing. So that his lettering would not be backwards on the final print, I showed him this trick: <br />
<div closure_uid_tqpor5="409">1) Write the letters on the back of the paper.</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="409">2) Tape your paper to grandma's sliding glass door with the letters toward the glass and the drawing facing you</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="409">3) Trace your letters on the front of the drawing, then color them with the fabric crayons. Yes, they will be backwards...for now.</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="409"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_tqpor5="452" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KzD_Jg5UGCQndJ99YN68a-8hk73poPEPqDyd7p0CYDDiVSOsmuCCw4cTvpfTMBhieH6Baslat13GdphoS9N4CJBssSopw5IkMP6DnFvJEcywMrkZMxBqBQPIyEWX6DVFbnRYC05cqFlh/s1600/ben%2527s+drawing+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KzD_Jg5UGCQndJ99YN68a-8hk73poPEPqDyd7p0CYDDiVSOsmuCCw4cTvpfTMBhieH6Baslat13GdphoS9N4CJBssSopw5IkMP6DnFvJEcywMrkZMxBqBQPIyEWX6DVFbnRYC05cqFlh/s400/ben%2527s+drawing+c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_tqpor5="452" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">Above, you see the fabric crayon drawing on the left, and the transferred drawing on the right. To transfer the drawing onto fabric, place an old towel on your ironing board (this will protect the surface from the crayons.) Place the t-shirt or piece of t-shirt fabric (we cut off the back of an old t-shirt) onto the towel, the fabric crayon drawing face down on top of that, and a piece of scrap paper on top of that.</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">With a hot iron (no steam), iron until the design has transferred. I let my grandson carefully help me, being careful to keep him away from the hot tip of the iron. His back and forth movement shifted the drawing a bit, so I gave him some fabric markers to outline the shapes for a crisp look on the t-shirt fabric.</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_tqpor5="149">Grandma is going to sew his drawing into a special t-shirt for him. You can, of course, transfer the drawing right onto a t-shirt and be finished. Save the precious drawing, however, as it can be used over and over. Just color it in with more fabric crayons to brighten the colors up, then transfer it again. Think of the possibilities : )</div></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-17796991365548931412011-08-14T09:19:00.000-07:002011-08-14T09:19:07.958-07:00The Artist Grandmother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_oesc69="150"><div closure_uid_92yfwu="292"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlwf05JPTp8a6egLhwpRZRzr9FFnNQwyEH9PV8C2gnspQ-Y_c3lP91Yv4gkQaWnYBODwVejGWdbzfRbFxgkjQ0r3gciw9jMWAmfp8e1-kHO64OBzK1pEN6KneiHeyS1vOlCg2ZCYKmvc/s1600-h/dress+a.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" closure_uid_fc2e7n="429" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330989957657222802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlwf05JPTp8a6egLhwpRZRzr9FFnNQwyEH9PV8C2gnspQ-Y_c3lP91Yv4gkQaWnYBODwVejGWdbzfRbFxgkjQ0r3gciw9jMWAmfp8e1-kHO64OBzK1pEN6KneiHeyS1vOlCg2ZCYKmvc/s320/dress+a.JPG" style="float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 291px;" /></a>Becoming a grandmother was the inspiration for creating <a href="http://www.magicbabydesigns.blogspot.com/">Magic Baby Designs</a>. When my own children were babies and my husband was still in college, I had to make do with what we had. I recycled sweaters, coats and usable cottons to make all of their clothes. I started making quilts in earnest about the same time. The first Christmas we were married, I got my first sewing machine, a $99 Singer. I still have it. It's the machine I use to stitch paper.</div></div><br />
<div closure_uid_fc2e7n="453">When I was still living at home, I sewed on my grandmother's converted treadle machine. Having come very close to getting kicked out of Home Ec. in Junior High for making a bikini instead of an apron, it should have already been clear to anyone who knew me that I was going to follow my own path.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_oesc69="151">When my first granddaughter was born a few years ago, I was thrilled. Although I have sewn several things for my grandson, I admit that making fancy baby dresses for little girls is a lot more fun than a Thomas the Train pillowcase. I made her this dotted dress outfit for her first Valentine's Day. I now own more baby patterns than I ever had when my own children were small. Of course, I never follow the pattern instructions. I prefer to use them as a suggestion, and proceed as I do when making my artwork: do something, respond, do something else; collage and layers upon layers.</div><div closure_uid_oesc69="151"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_oesc69="216" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtxNVxO_BJwfUZDRibYT9fBJ0iycWylu4SwltSdTC7tDfCLPlkym2vRXa8DXpj6RG7GvLtFUHFqAfGSXdd3mQVfzmcu2cj9noxQafibPXSwcih6uyjITqXJSl0DbFLIU6JOkS1rZvDXOQ/s1600/Magic+Baby+July+09+Elena+dress+crawling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtxNVxO_BJwfUZDRibYT9fBJ0iycWylu4SwltSdTC7tDfCLPlkym2vRXa8DXpj6RG7GvLtFUHFqAfGSXdd3mQVfzmcu2cj9noxQafibPXSwcih6uyjITqXJSl0DbFLIU6JOkS1rZvDXOQ/s320/Magic+Baby+July+09+Elena+dress+crawling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeGADgeC8Igm-lz3GL70sgSN-T5h_hOejJYZFusdfXVMO4jlhwbwBwcnwS_0MLz1q08s-nGhn4hiBOfjevsELbY7doKuhaJb_0qinacmjD5BiFh8rgRFqI5vGDSYPmP1WGHPw7W6G-hzH/s1600/Magic+Baby+July+09+elena+gayle+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeGADgeC8Igm-lz3GL70sgSN-T5h_hOejJYZFusdfXVMO4jlhwbwBwcnwS_0MLz1q08s-nGhn4hiBOfjevsELbY7doKuhaJb_0qinacmjD5BiFh8rgRFqI5vGDSYPmP1WGHPw7W6G-hzH/s320/Magic+Baby+July+09+elena+gayle+full.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy first Valentine's Day, Miss E!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_oesc69="151">My own grandmother was very artistic. Even though I was still little when she died, I remember how she always encouraged my artistic efforts. And when she was able to finally have the time, she started making art and craft pieces for the sheer enjoyment of it. She was the only grandparent I knew, and I absolutely adored her, even though I only saw her a few times a year.</div><br />
<div closure_uid_fc2e7n="456" closure_uid_oesc69="217">As a grandmother of three, the youngest born two years ago already, I cherish taking some time away from work to make special things for my grandchildren. With my Magic Baby line of clothing, the hardest part is not making <em>everything</em> for them. I have told their mothers that the baby girls will be the recipients of my learning curve process; the prototypes go to them, or, as in the case of Baby E's Valentine dress, are designed for them. Some patterns are just too intricate and detailed to make for anything but a custom order.</div><div closure_uid_fc2e7n="456" closure_uid_oesc69="217"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat7Qda9d-a4VoyKcAPjwfZTd3XEndiQ6RCF3oOCJwW3UdcR__SS3ALBJFI_bYQPToUU_RTf5rZSIGmu6r6gbBW_kA5IaFd-vbQX1_FTDe0jOBIDJEndzAAF4eGH-YYBwttkSA-SccXeeh/s1600/Little+Frenchy+infant+front+Elena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjat7Qda9d-a4VoyKcAPjwfZTd3XEndiQ6RCF3oOCJwW3UdcR__SS3ALBJFI_bYQPToUU_RTf5rZSIGmu6r6gbBW_kA5IaFd-vbQX1_FTDe0jOBIDJEndzAAF4eGH-YYBwttkSA-SccXeeh/s320/Little+Frenchy+infant+front+Elena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_oesc69="444"><div closure_uid_92yfwu="231">The Little Frenchy dress, to the left and below, was my very first Magic Baby design. I made this one, the prototype, for my oldest granddaughter. She wore it for years, then passed it on to my youngest granddaughter just this year. It is designed to fit for a very long time, is completely reversible (two dresses in one,)and transitions easily from dress to cute top! These are now available in many color combinations for custom order in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72587184/little-frenchy-reversible-jumper-dress">etsy shop</a>, from newborn sizes on up to girl's size 8. I also have designed a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72440294/frenchy-girl-dress-by-magic-baby-1t">Frenchy Girl</a> style, which is has a patchwork skirt. Very cute! </div></div><div closure_uid_92yfwu="261" closure_uid_oesc69="444"><div closure_uid_92yfwu="262">With fall around the corner and a wearable art exhibition and a fashion show booth coming up, I am busy finishing up new fall designs. I would love to know what clothes YOU loved wearing as a kid. Leave me a note in the comments section!</div><div closure_uid_92yfwu="291"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE-Zsa-RPnWb_8ermNmA4ezeUyJ-8MnW2W58fPukN4eNfk7sAat5PVYYZUylWGpUVzBzxxok8FNbKZ7HT9mCysIM6XTTGD4RVdcO4kc5gWMdfrGNsjNmHzr2KtyWN0vzVTMIud0yO1KmN/s1600/Little+Frenchy+infant+back+Elena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE-Zsa-RPnWb_8ermNmA4ezeUyJ-8MnW2W58fPukN4eNfk7sAat5PVYYZUylWGpUVzBzxxok8FNbKZ7HT9mCysIM6XTTGD4RVdcO4kc5gWMdfrGNsjNmHzr2KtyWN0vzVTMIud0yO1KmN/s320/Little+Frenchy+infant+back+Elena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div closure_uid_92yfwu="267" closure_uid_oesc69="444"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KIO4rE_eT8n1kLS1hgZfPnnEHWC7oedrAksrVIrMUmc0Bv9b8dvPwti-abSA61jmYqTo7mJPUuiIWY2V-8bWLtTb5X52Ip63l-JxncHPdoGHkCcQWUGV0mf8qdyZBxk4jStpJkwkPGL7/s1600/little+frenchy+maddie+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KIO4rE_eT8n1kLS1hgZfPnnEHWC7oedrAksrVIrMUmc0Bv9b8dvPwti-abSA61jmYqTo7mJPUuiIWY2V-8bWLtTb5X52Ip63l-JxncHPdoGHkCcQWUGV0mf8qdyZBxk4jStpJkwkPGL7/s320/little+frenchy+maddie+c.JPG" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby dress to cute top, several years of wearable cuteness!</td></tr>
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</div></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-35273052873744611962011-08-06T06:43:00.000-07:002011-08-06T06:43:42.761-07:00Inspired by Children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_6waymd="152"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo625RC6VXUUBnssp8znkyMyrLbcmV_m0OqBJbR4vNPsznh8cCVjn94wXAe5Q_QVbquzMTTzSV_JdTeFsGhQXiPS72hbl5C0p-FuBd18PtlYC2nMVO03qP5xybyBWYZh3FEsHJUNe5NoP/s1600/Charlotte+Jill+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo625RC6VXUUBnssp8znkyMyrLbcmV_m0OqBJbR4vNPsznh8cCVjn94wXAe5Q_QVbquzMTTzSV_JdTeFsGhQXiPS72hbl5C0p-FuBd18PtlYC2nMVO03qP5xybyBWYZh3FEsHJUNe5NoP/s320/Charlotte+Jill+dress.jpg" t$="true" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Frenchy Girl prototype</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_6waymd="196">I met some dear friends for coffee a few days ago at the new branch of <a href="http://www.mojoscoffeeandmore.com/">Mojo's on the Lake</a>. It is always pleasant to take a break from the studio, and see what my other creative friends are up to. My one friend brought her daughter along, and she read, played and studied while we chatted. </div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196">I made my first Frenchy Girl prototype for my friend's daughter, inspired by the bag of fabric scraps my girlfriend had generously shared with me. I have made many variations of it since then. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QNdEgKazXnkXrEefBf5V9zaL22Djmd83nbBcniz1JoCnylB72Sd7AuPOKpe-zaXgn75hyphenhyphena-LKWvMELETCSD2r1_M4HF6xYXLbiLsrBkgqX5g82ttx5uUs1UfuxswCXTIm1RM20xoWdQN/s1600/frenchy+girl+charlotte+jill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QNdEgKazXnkXrEefBf5V9zaL22Djmd83nbBcniz1JoCnylB72Sd7AuPOKpe-zaXgn75hyphenhyphena-LKWvMELETCSD2r1_M4HF6xYXLbiLsrBkgqX5g82ttx5uUs1UfuxswCXTIm1RM20xoWdQN/s320/frenchy+girl+charlotte+jill.jpg" t$="true" width="133" /></a></div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0UsndnduGcsKn6FkaF6sEyW7m6w0Xyxh8WOiXnQPek11a3U4u6csnVZuUu89DtozdPfvCYUkeifIcUMsaXuUzU815J7FbbPePz3MKGnqqYJxIEcGszVw3J1tzEaE5PvaZDvlqmElNKCJ/s1600/Connie%2527s+frenchy+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0UsndnduGcsKn6FkaF6sEyW7m6w0Xyxh8WOiXnQPek11a3U4u6csnVZuUu89DtozdPfvCYUkeifIcUMsaXuUzU815J7FbbPePz3MKGnqqYJxIEcGszVw3J1tzEaE5PvaZDvlqmElNKCJ/s320/Connie%2527s+frenchy+girl.jpg" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196">As I talked with my girlfriends about some design ideas, my girlfriend's daughter sketched out a dress she would like me to make for her. It is an amazing design, and I can't wait to try it in knits and upcycled t-shirts!</div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGDSLpLChBii7KJzPE4DURyGMQoNUAu-B_5tQmWH7pRtPbuVPTzL6-JCMBE1bBJJexjMex9G3o-3A1_hUVtuN4xQwiHOD4tQLZluVEOH7Cg51Am4PEVRTqpN-fmIJnkVrSigz4iMSOZJX/s1600/charlottes+designs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPGDSLpLChBii7KJzPE4DURyGMQoNUAu-B_5tQmWH7pRtPbuVPTzL6-JCMBE1bBJJexjMex9G3o-3A1_hUVtuN4xQwiHOD4tQLZluVEOH7Cg51Am4PEVRTqpN-fmIJnkVrSigz4iMSOZJX/s400/charlottes+designs.JPG" t$="true" width="351" /></a></div><div closure_uid_6waymd="196">The Count on Three design at the bottom is a second design, a reversible A-line pullover jumper with a wide band. The numbers will be on the shaped band all around the dress. What fun!</div></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-60001149705145653542011-07-31T08:20:00.000-07:002011-07-31T08:20:25.576-07:00Around the Corner: Magic Baby Fall Fashion is coming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_31xnmu="407"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4uhiHRG-_XITRwVMBhue6_dqHQKrFOTfs4DVS6kVCqcDGaW4ppGqtCjzT3qS6rDAHjxmezKUpTXekWRwgPrdbXZniMTCZBXXC2-LoDM8fCD_G7G4Cpdm7neWJFl9dv8dgxzK_XARELoD/s1600/argyle+lena+nature+center.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4uhiHRG-_XITRwVMBhue6_dqHQKrFOTfs4DVS6kVCqcDGaW4ppGqtCjzT3qS6rDAHjxmezKUpTXekWRwgPrdbXZniMTCZBXXC2-LoDM8fCD_G7G4Cpdm7neWJFl9dv8dgxzK_XARELoD/s400/argyle+lena+nature+center.JPG" t$="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute in argyle anywhere you go</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div closure_uid_31xnmu="214">I had a fun visit from my daughter and granddaughter recently. Prior to their visit, I spent a week cleaning and organizing my work spaces, so they would have a place to sleep! I tend to spread my work around the house, so it was a good chance to rearrange while cleaning.</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214">I have, of course, been sewing a lot as I prepare new <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/">Magic Baby Designs</a> for fall. The cute argyle set my granddaughter is wearing in the picture is one outfit I have finished. I love it, because it's perfect for spring and summer, pulls on easily, and can be layered with a long sleeved top and leggings for fall and winter. It is available for custom order <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72510061/toddler-girl-dress-capri-set-pink-argyle">here</a> in my etsy shop.</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214">Magic Baby Designs has been accepted into the <a href="http://www.taacleveland.org/fshow.html">Textile Art Alliance Fall Fashion Show</a>, scheduled for Sunday, October 16th. I will have a booth there, as well, and am creating some very special designs to show there. </div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214">Even as I prepare for the fashion show, I have been invited to exhibit Magic Baby Designs' fashion in </div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214"><a href="http://www.valleyartcenter.org/events.htm">Art Strikes a Pose</a> exhibition at the Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.</div><div closure_uid_31xnmu="214"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NVTvEr5LzmKQKdutZJqEi777U4ChWZQbQQrAmuEIrxaBZB-_9i397lR4q2U-x6-kg1pdcxuY4An_JvGNkAQQs7Xv69M-Qj2KUxA-CCQJsM9vOo3XLOD5UOiKMjKYs4x73u3WKrWBMwmP/s1600/argyle+pants+lena+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NVTvEr5LzmKQKdutZJqEi777U4ChWZQbQQrAmuEIrxaBZB-_9i397lR4q2U-x6-kg1pdcxuY4An_JvGNkAQQs7Xv69M-Qj2KUxA-CCQJsM9vOo3XLOD5UOiKMjKYs4x73u3WKrWBMwmP/s400/argyle+pants+lena+a.JPG" t$="true" width="351" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Argyle capris look cute on their own, too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div closure_uid_31xnmu="420">Finally, I am working out the details in one of the earliest designs I came up with: Magic Baby Story Clothes. Stay tuned, and thanks for stopping by!</div></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-753509897389958042011-07-02T14:43:00.000-07:002011-07-02T14:43:10.023-07:00Baby Apron and a Quick Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In a <a href="http://magicbabydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabric-from-past.html">recent post</a>, I told you the story of my baby apron, and of finding the exact, matching vintage fabric on ebay. I finally finished creating a copy of the apron, so thought I would show you the original one with the new one here.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2nAgWTnQXelKnj-191n4EWak3DWYDDUxsKsBPQHGuW5WIDei7dwk6RMCGtNWBCAMWCQasGj6RhOAPpqO2y9xn834dj14QwYIH1cZiFuYusN6EIBhBWiNgt0SpEOAiqVUJY_kzZwrUCt9/s1600/aprons+old+and+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2nAgWTnQXelKnj-191n4EWak3DWYDDUxsKsBPQHGuW5WIDei7dwk6RMCGtNWBCAMWCQasGj6RhOAPpqO2y9xn834dj14QwYIH1cZiFuYusN6EIBhBWiNgt0SpEOAiqVUJY_kzZwrUCt9/s400/aprons+old+and+new.jpg" width="323px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original apron is at the bottom, stains and all. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>I mailed off my original apron to my eldest granddaughter today, and kept the new, duplicate one for my next granddaughter. They won't fit either child for long, so I wanted to be sure that each one will have some memories created while wearing their little aprons. My little Maddie already wears hers for pouring water, so I hope Lena G will have some similar fun times in her little apron.<br />
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<u>Quick Tutorial for Making a Todder Apron</u><br />
So, how did I copy the apron? Since it was simply made from two fabrics joined at the sides and shoulders, I just folded the front in half, pinned to my folded fabric, and cut out the shape twice. If you don't have something to copy, a basic swing dress or top pattern will work. Just skip the sleeves. I cut each piece, front and back, on the fold, then cut the back piece along the fold line for the opening, adding 1/2" seam allowance to all edges. After hemming the back edges, I stitched the front to the back at the side and shoulder seams, then topstitched to finish the seams. Yes, I admit, I am obsessive about topstitching and clean finishes! <br />
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Next, I hemmed the bottom edge and pressed it well before stitching it in place. Using some vintage double fold bias tape, I covered the raw edges of each arm opening. <u>A little tip on using bias tape for armhole edges</u>: Instead of trying to cut it to length, try this: Open the bias tape so that the slightly smaller side is at the top right. Fold under the raw edge of bias tape 1/4" and iron well. Place this pressed edge at the underarm seam right side of bias tape to wrong side of apron, lining up the bias tape edge with the raw edge of the apron armhole. Begin stitching where you ironed the edge under, and work your way around the tiny armhole. Don't stretch the bias tape too much, or it will ripple. Rather, sew a length, then work the edges to match, lifting up the presser foot if necessary. As you come back around to the underarm seam, continue sewing 1/4" past where you started, so that you have a good overlap. Don't sew too far, though, or you will end up with too much bulk to turn over. Turn the bias tape to the right side of the apron, pressing at your ironing station as you go. Pin your overlapped edge in place to prevent slipping. From the front side of the apron armhole, topstitch the bias tape in place. You can hand stitch the opening at the underarm seam, if desired. Repeat for other armhole.<br />
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For the neck edge and tie closure, I will be using a single length of double fold bias tape. Begin the same as for the armhole, but when you line up the bias tape to the wrong side to begin sewing, make sure you allow an extra 12 inches overhang before you begin sewing. You will do this on the other end, as well, to create the apron neck tie strings. Stitch the neck edge in place, turn to the front of the apron, and press. Press under the other tie end before you finish the final stitching. Pin each turned under tie end in place to hold them until they are stitched down.<br />
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To complete the neck ties and neck edge, begin stitching at one tie end. Hint: to sew this cleanly, use tear-away or tissue paper underneath the tip of the bias tape. This will give you something to hold onto while you secure your stitches, and begin your line of stitching. You can finish your stitching on the other end in the same way. Continue top-stitching the 12" bias tape tie, then the neck edges and the other 12" tie. Knot off, and you are finished. Hurrah!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlq5tqBTSeT8WC4h2i2cC5JPS5MZegPiI3lMabB8UzCW6Ktm49FWPY4jzHupK0PIdL6fiLzYORHYOZN_-LEqBJXnHAjvoW9xLZWhQlc5DcUPL-xyxVBK7lwBbbV8IJeyHK6QT-FMUC_q/s1600/aprons+old+and+new+neck+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBlq5tqBTSeT8WC4h2i2cC5JPS5MZegPiI3lMabB8UzCW6Ktm49FWPY4jzHupK0PIdL6fiLzYORHYOZN_-LEqBJXnHAjvoW9xLZWhQlc5DcUPL-xyxVBK7lwBbbV8IJeyHK6QT-FMUC_q/s400/aprons+old+and+new+neck+detail.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This apron opens in the back, and ties at the neck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-34013002260065706492011-06-26T09:33:00.000-07:002011-06-26T09:33:57.430-07:00Dhoti Pants, Shweshwe, and French Stripes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">In my <a href="http://magicbabydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/playing-with-new-fabrics-for-magic-baby.html">last post</a>, I showed you the dress I finished out of my new stash of South African shweshwe fabric. I wanted to make an outfit, so I finished a pair of dhoti-style pants in a matching knit, completing my vision for a WorldWear design to add to my Magic Baby Designs repertoire. Here are some pictures, including another pair of dhoti pants I made from my own granddaughter.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHUTg34F7GLqR4Ac2lb3fANdNdYWwdD6iJ4YWr8TIfN9enMVGHoNWZ0A_Ec2X77veMlXpDooabH-KoVSw3wUuqpLrOaOiFZRrO3QkIwY1Q3IPkd8cmXhhpQG0CswlX6Y5ul4V0OHkvJRE/s1600/shweshwe+dress+dhoti+pants+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHUTg34F7GLqR4Ac2lb3fANdNdYWwdD6iJ4YWr8TIfN9enMVGHoNWZ0A_Ec2X77veMlXpDooabH-KoVSw3wUuqpLrOaOiFZRrO3QkIwY1Q3IPkd8cmXhhpQG0CswlX6Y5ul4V0OHkvJRE/s320/shweshwe+dress+dhoti+pants+set.jpg" width="217px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the dress with matching knit pants. The dhoti pants are adorable, but look so much cuter on a body!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47WCc-DnzP91dT_yHAyoJjey36peJqr9bYqtIUKK0tkC3mZFf8aB0JbPwX3C7uiEzw-8jL6hIBx3lK56SQOkJOe897lkAoQigBiB04m4rlFskXiUmigII_AjnD0Fzg57K4Lo5UublCT-q/s1600/dhoti+pant+striped+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47WCc-DnzP91dT_yHAyoJjey36peJqr9bYqtIUKK0tkC3mZFf8aB0JbPwX3C7uiEzw-8jL6hIBx3lK56SQOkJOe897lkAoQigBiB04m4rlFskXiUmigII_AjnD0Fzg57K4Lo5UublCT-q/s320/dhoti+pant+striped+front.jpg" width="198px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a pair of dhoti pants for my granddaughter. I love how they fit! You can't see here, <br />
but I appliqued some flowers to the side cuffs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Earlier in the week, I discovered a real fabric find online. I am always on the lookout for blue and yellow striped fabric for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72587184/little-frenchy-reversible-jumper-dress">Little Frenchy</a> designs. I use other colors for the reversible dresses, overalls and jackets, but I truly love the traditional colors of French Provence. When I saw one of my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThisLilStashOfMine">favorite sellers</a> on etsy who had yards and yards of these fabrics, I snatched them up. You can be sure you will see these fabrics cropping up in my <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/">Magic Baby Designs</a> very soon. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorIrVnAhxgmkW6iM21-HwmPwOzoYXiro6q75PvTLPMjYRBTI1E_rcWNcUvMemIiiP16pzsqbIPdKO3smIpJnC-anxNZTUGF9bFRYI7f_iAhQhNBwWlK4P0thptJ9feql4zjsEOxiXEhQV/s1600/little+frenchy+fabric+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorIrVnAhxgmkW6iM21-HwmPwOzoYXiro6q75PvTLPMjYRBTI1E_rcWNcUvMemIiiP16pzsqbIPdKO3smIpJnC-anxNZTUGF9bFRYI7f_iAhQhNBwWlK4P0thptJ9feql4zjsEOxiXEhQV/s320/little+frenchy+fabric+a.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLK8l-JtphCqJuzsz2ytJ7uGzhQvk88bYL4LICeJt25oxSF59rBRnLjNL51FWuH_JLM4m199WtU5qwiuXu7XroixQHy1MyF32sy0j7ueZ3ZjMenzucHV-eaS3Bwdc8dveKvKZUYSXTNrC/s1600/little+frenchy+fabric+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLK8l-JtphCqJuzsz2ytJ7uGzhQvk88bYL4LICeJt25oxSF59rBRnLjNL51FWuH_JLM4m199WtU5qwiuXu7XroixQHy1MyF32sy0j7ueZ3ZjMenzucHV-eaS3Bwdc8dveKvKZUYSXTNrC/s320/little+frenchy+fabric+b.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQvhyUQQoswxDngsVJJVXX5fmBqn1ktlaFJXe5pd9Yq8AS0sz6ZSq8lu65anRosytBBX4KmTiHm_Jfu9mlrUVJ9iHV-waabS2Ppi2OaB9hNpuj26yVvLibq9_Y9-01J93glIQetvP59o6/s1600/little+frenchy+fabric+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQvhyUQQoswxDngsVJJVXX5fmBqn1ktlaFJXe5pd9Yq8AS0sz6ZSq8lu65anRosytBBX4KmTiHm_Jfu9mlrUVJ9iHV-waabS2Ppi2OaB9hNpuj26yVvLibq9_Y9-01J93glIQetvP59o6/s320/little+frenchy+fabric+c.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-22162798346740554492011-06-22T15:36:00.000-07:002011-06-22T15:36:14.109-07:00Playing with New Fabrics for Magic Baby WorldWear Designs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y_oYnl2HanvVnrZBj16yQdQHlU9EFFH-WiEnXNmi67TN4k62j1cmHlR-HhGREdw6mZxZPS4SzWnpgr1jhPWaYuPwvO3RW6iAIBDIVjBlNb0bG8K-RTVCf_cnNGvrenFBJ9mgG26OconZ/s1600/athens+gills+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0y_oYnl2HanvVnrZBj16yQdQHlU9EFFH-WiEnXNmi67TN4k62j1cmHlR-HhGREdw6mZxZPS4SzWnpgr1jhPWaYuPwvO3RW6iAIBDIVjBlNb0bG8K-RTVCf_cnNGvrenFBJ9mgG26OconZ/s320/athens+gills+quilt.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new baby quilt made from shweshwe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I went to the Quilt National opening a few weeks ago in Athens, Ohio, my friend and hostess Gill introduced me to a new fabric: <a href="http://www.shweshwe.net/article/18/The_History_of_">shweshwe</a>. In all my years of sewing, I had never even of heard of it before. Gill is South African, and shweshwe is a specialty fabric from South Africa. She was replicating a quilt she had made for her son many moons ago, recreating it for her new granddaughter. I helped her baste and tie the quilt, so she could finish the binding and send it along. What a great fabric for a baby quilt.</div><br />
And what a great fabric for Magic Baby Designs' WorldWear line. Shweshwe is very high quality cotton still produced in the traditional manner, just as it was in the 1800s when it was created in England and shipped to South Africa. Initially worn only by local tribes, Gill says the name shweshwe came from the sound the fabric made when you were wearing it. The fabric was coated with a glaze designed to protect it from moisture during the long journey from England to South Africa, producing a particular feel to the fabric. No wonder the native women named it! The beautiful cotton becomes softer and softer as it is worn and washed. What a great discovery, and how lucky I am that Gill gave me a stash of her fabrics to play with. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1tEanVPW9BZln11K-VmPsX8CgLwpmlg4rDIzULd7qEJ1W8KngbCH9elXT1mgG6A7l7mrmH4MywpPO9o6rxL4YfwasoPhzwMmNMm7gfy8mTCEM7xrIK3eD0CcGdslq5lsWITaBlt-yW7W/s1600/shweshwe+front+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1tEanVPW9BZln11K-VmPsX8CgLwpmlg4rDIzULd7qEJ1W8KngbCH9elXT1mgG6A7l7mrmH4MywpPO9o6rxL4YfwasoPhzwMmNMm7gfy8mTCEM7xrIK3eD0CcGdslq5lsWITaBlt-yW7W/s320/shweshwe+front+in+progress.jpg" width="276px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WorldWear shweshwe dress in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a thank you, I have sewn a new Magic Baby WorldWear dress for the new little granddaughter using my mix and match approach to designing and my beautiful new stash of shweshwe. Here are a few pictures of the dress in progress along with the finished piece. I absolutely love it, and hope Gill's new little Magic Baby will love it, too.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqAWxv4KiHBH1StAa1zor6W3UElzTGII8FA9ClCqxvB_ZpS98rL2hex9x784ek96FWHJ5xyBelaWimyDFqQN2brtm2YDZIU9zc2dc6ddeh9nLn_q__7xR7e69XtX_B8-KI-hpk_85aXTr/s1600/IMG_6164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqAWxv4KiHBH1StAa1zor6W3UElzTGII8FA9ClCqxvB_ZpS98rL2hex9x784ek96FWHJ5xyBelaWimyDFqQN2brtm2YDZIU9zc2dc6ddeh9nLn_q__7xR7e69XtX_B8-KI-hpk_85aXTr/s320/IMG_6164.jpg" width="317px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WorldWear shweshwe dress front. The bodice is pieced<br />
to take advantage of the wonderful design. I used some<br />
vintage indigo Japanese fabrics for the bodice band at the waist<br />
and for the hem ruffle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTQgk9biHCL6MMHM2TbqsmqYRkWISYmaB49jIAeuEJoMExGjSkXFgFwjprluBvwgjvu86VMzI5_Tx2WxN-YnK1RviIQjRXRkjO5TVbRNC3ftHmkc1hcJUKe_u0-I0RCPf_i2NF4tmlR_5/s1600/shweshwe+inside+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTQgk9biHCL6MMHM2TbqsmqYRkWISYmaB49jIAeuEJoMExGjSkXFgFwjprluBvwgjvu86VMzI5_Tx2WxN-YnK1RviIQjRXRkjO5TVbRNC3ftHmkc1hcJUKe_u0-I0RCPf_i2NF4tmlR_5/s320/shweshwe+inside+detail.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">This is a detail of the inside. I pieced the front and covered<br />
the seams with binding on the inside. Here you can also<br />
see the logo of one of the companies that produces<br />
this terrific fabric, Three Cats.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQd5_aLatsKpAlAuNk48ZV789bE82SHP2Fsw69DgMrBhc8ca6_IuWB-tgnSR-DFk62P6lnP8kNJJT0qfiXy50b9T6OMM1gkztv5aviaOw7_tSG-EGf652hSsSIxtILrnNGO8oMM4dekcY/s1600/IMG_6166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQd5_aLatsKpAlAuNk48ZV789bE82SHP2Fsw69DgMrBhc8ca6_IuWB-tgnSR-DFk62P6lnP8kNJJT0qfiXy50b9T6OMM1gkztv5aviaOw7_tSG-EGf652hSsSIxtILrnNGO8oMM4dekcY/s320/IMG_6166.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WorldWear shweshwe dress, back</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQbjyO1aVj-Ye0ohw9PXDV1jIpeegKjfqcKgfFHquYctX6GGV3r3WomeJUcKbY-A34S1odfMi23IM4DoA5TkB9tiVeQPRl2iuM6jsIQ2V81XydCpEsxwjfzRiE8-nsuGjc07xwYc_WFE0/s1600/IMG_6169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQbjyO1aVj-Ye0ohw9PXDV1jIpeegKjfqcKgfFHquYctX6GGV3r3WomeJUcKbY-A34S1odfMi23IM4DoA5TkB9tiVeQPRl2iuM6jsIQ2V81XydCpEsxwjfzRiE8-nsuGjc07xwYc_WFE0/s320/IMG_6169.jpg" width="248px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a detail of the sleeve. Instead of a <br />
butterfly sleeve, I pleated it into a cuff band.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-85914791791493598512011-06-12T08:43:00.000-07:002011-06-12T08:43:49.278-07:00Fabric From the Past<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e_6s3bWhNSU_seI89MClMzpi1YKCri7Finn9njNG1i13NyfLD0ZA0zvNe6bEHRx9jEiRPjA-vSvEJAkmNB-s7r8KMJ53dR7cfIc7pyZ2sQC1dRobEBgu6kcI6E8PO_xBwXZ3dhA_AemG/s1600/Maddie+apron+6-11+pouring+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e_6s3bWhNSU_seI89MClMzpi1YKCri7Finn9njNG1i13NyfLD0ZA0zvNe6bEHRx9jEiRPjA-vSvEJAkmNB-s7r8KMJ53dR7cfIc7pyZ2sQC1dRobEBgu6kcI6E8PO_xBwXZ3dhA_AemG/s320/Maddie+apron+6-11+pouring+b.jpg" t8="true" width="234px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my granddaughters wearing my apron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of my granddaughters spent the night last night. Grandbaby sleepovers are always a fun time, and we try to find special, fun things to do with each one. This morning, after breakfast, I pulled the kitchen set into my own kitchen and filled the little sink with water so she could play and practice pouring while having fun. At the last minute, I realized she needed an apron, so I ran upstairs to pull out my own childhood apron. I knew it would fit her perfectly, and it did.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure who made the apron, though it was surely my own grandmother, or maybe one of my aunts who sewed. My mom had a sewing machine, which I learned to sew on, but she didn't really like to sew, and mainly did repairs and hems, so I'm pretty sure she didn't make this little apron. It is also likely that I was not the only one to have worn it, as I had two sisters. In any case, seeing my granddaughter wearing it today transported me back in time. I could see myself in my mind's eye, wearing the same apron at the same age. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKPvsm6Hi43tJEpzLtJnDtjGsGObg7I7PTtkffn0itboPl0eqYjMIiUj4Czj23GDz_FS4BouzQHzhb6PadXWYyF7lYWcfALmo8vOA9u792bfxXHAi9IT7ceymfjmmhCPtGbcn0W5VeZrz/s1600/Maddie+apron+6-11+pouring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKPvsm6Hi43tJEpzLtJnDtjGsGObg7I7PTtkffn0itboPl0eqYjMIiUj4Czj23GDz_FS4BouzQHzhb6PadXWYyF7lYWcfALmo8vOA9u792bfxXHAi9IT7ceymfjmmhCPtGbcn0W5VeZrz/s400/Maddie+apron+6-11+pouring.jpg" t8="true" width="283px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouring water is so much fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It was serendipitous that I dug the apron out this morning. A year or so ago when I had found it in my closet after the birth of my first granddaughter, I made a pattern from it so that I could sew a new one for her. Amazingly, after careful and long searching on e-bay, I actually found and purchased a piece of the exact same fabric my little apron had been made from! I don't have much of it, but I have enough to sew a matching one. After a quick trip to the grocery store this afternoon, that is exactly how I am going to spend the rest of my Sunday: sewing a new little apron to match this one, and hoping that my granddaughters will have happy memories from the times they wear them now. I can imagine both of them, many years from now, finding their own little apron in a closet, and remembering their time with me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ8CMFMKGIefMA6r4Y0R3b9lTbD5v2Zm2_gbEhT6s4HGTheEPwzvkyEzerr1l26pdqPFpAR471d_2-xLJpevttD5A0TIBR9-l6zOUDcNckYhCdYWrBtPA30asysVYMcU-AIxluqRz3QIL/s1600/maddie+apron+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ8CMFMKGIefMA6r4Y0R3b9lTbD5v2Zm2_gbEhT6s4HGTheEPwzvkyEzerr1l26pdqPFpAR471d_2-xLJpevttD5A0TIBR9-l6zOUDcNckYhCdYWrBtPA30asysVYMcU-AIxluqRz3QIL/s400/maddie+apron+fabric.jpg" t8="true" width="400px" /></a></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-857114981413422332011-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:002011-06-01T20:12:05.993-07:00Super Soft Dot Minkee BabiesAfter being away over the weekend, I jumped right back into work yesterday, anxious to finish up some orders. I thought you might like to see the finished Magic Baby Plushie dot bear and lion before I ship them off.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcMLTJvHt8p4pqP1dmtLR7O_gFdUqkKdOmj-JesHt7_OSZ23jVv9LuwzqxMnctwKVmEAdyQIpiiay7uaaQaMxG3hDvzJbddGrHEkc6eSUD6cNSm_WJlz7GozHlgC1LgwkPXkRaBVoL-GX/s1600/lion+bear+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcMLTJvHt8p4pqP1dmtLR7O_gFdUqkKdOmj-JesHt7_OSZ23jVv9LuwzqxMnctwKVmEAdyQIpiiay7uaaQaMxG3hDvzJbddGrHEkc6eSUD6cNSm_WJlz7GozHlgC1LgwkPXkRaBVoL-GX/s320/lion+bear+a.jpg" t8="true" width="239px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear and Lion waiting to meet their owners</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have also designed a kitty, and all three in both a small and larger size. You can have a peek at them in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66043600/dot-plushie-stuffed-animal-toy-for-order">my etsy shop</a>.</div><br />
These are so soft and huggable, that many grown-ups have told me, "I want one!" I designed these before Christmas last year, and made the prototypes for my grandbabies for Christmas. Wow, were they a hit! Hope you like them, too : )))<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeY6Pw0KUYAOuppRxTes_FJMxgmIMtUOlSv3YY8g2s3GphPO1NZjYo9smr4clHB4Lyg2-mLzmhqXoE7zegkYDuQrOxUwIXJ8blBX4afakyLMNV-s4KMJSkZrleVP6DY1HR4dst533Gopa/s1600/lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeY6Pw0KUYAOuppRxTes_FJMxgmIMtUOlSv3YY8g2s3GphPO1NZjYo9smr4clHB4Lyg2-mLzmhqXoE7zegkYDuQrOxUwIXJ8blBX4afakyLMNV-s4KMJSkZrleVP6DY1HR4dst533Gopa/s320/lion.jpg" t8="true" width="268px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion has a soft leather mane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-29343069034779635772011-05-26T16:53:00.000-07:002011-05-26T16:53:23.529-07:00Frenchy Girl, Finished and Shipped to Italy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9dx6umxHnQHDAjspL_x6DEKZhulIOeP1BfpBJ7arXF4tSfCCnUEHrjfA4hpJaBlHjXFhJJ9D2DbQGPstmas1bwQ6tKzEbcUw_B-Y8fRAdBMpvAIISFMgiCAYjuwmPdwL6dEEOJ80WBAh/s1600/Frenchy+girl+4+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9dx6umxHnQHDAjspL_x6DEKZhulIOeP1BfpBJ7arXF4tSfCCnUEHrjfA4hpJaBlHjXFhJJ9D2DbQGPstmas1bwQ6tKzEbcUw_B-Y8fRAdBMpvAIISFMgiCAYjuwmPdwL6dEEOJ80WBAh/s320/Frenchy+girl+4+front.jpg" t8="true" width="222px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl, size 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Just a quick post today to show you the finished Frenchy Girl dress that I shipped off to Italy this week. I am heading to <a href="http://www.dairybarn.org/quilt/">Quilt National</a> this weekend, but wanted to update you before I leave.<br />
<br />
I have posted the front and back, finished. In addition, I am showing the buttonhole elastic feature I mentioned in the tutorial of my <a href="http://magicbabydesigns.blogspot.com/2011/05/magic-baby-frenchy-girl-dress-and.html">last blog post</a>. Finally, I have a close up of the adjustable bodice tab and straps. Enjoy, and have a great holiday weekend.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsltblmz_Oz1pc0KLbpEaMZcNeW3DqmC5ISkk-QI3MO0JdDGK5rLynaO73L9zA0kC0GAV3ZbO7LTy3IjObDeKYFVwEJC9oOsD_Rmip-LPY8Wr5E2H3wGUOo9SPisEb7OV1lTK5kddNX6sA/s1600/Frenchy+girl+4+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsltblmz_Oz1pc0KLbpEaMZcNeW3DqmC5ISkk-QI3MO0JdDGK5rLynaO73L9zA0kC0GAV3ZbO7LTy3IjObDeKYFVwEJC9oOsD_Rmip-LPY8Wr5E2H3wGUOo9SPisEb7OV1lTK5kddNX6sA/s320/Frenchy+girl+4+back.jpg" t8="true" width="222px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl back, size 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtfeF1pYQtPTBo7T2fDWj53gNuw1C3j_jATQ-GLcQ6mA1kBK5Mu3zOIPbzzu5HcLtPkeZ9WcTk8B7ECmAylCovS2T6hdeAu9sVjQoQvuNHacIl1T5YDfRuRfqWy079lY3Toeg8tlDlyTD/s1600/Frenchy+girl+4+adjustable+strap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtfeF1pYQtPTBo7T2fDWj53gNuw1C3j_jATQ-GLcQ6mA1kBK5Mu3zOIPbzzu5HcLtPkeZ9WcTk8B7ECmAylCovS2T6hdeAu9sVjQoQvuNHacIl1T5YDfRuRfqWy079lY3Toeg8tlDlyTD/s320/Frenchy+girl+4+adjustable+strap.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl dress, deatil of adjustable straps and tabs</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6ib0iwz4aGknk7SU_-oz7Yo3m-M_4l8CgFzJOTDAOaJoeZaa5GJ5VGDjRDkbypsQpenkKAvTt91IpZAuIy6ho-gtHYjfI1aUg9ZfxSWHTQc6T1uW3RCwKxq8qemkqk4kLyEXBWqqk_OH/s1600/Frenchy+girl+4+adjustable+elastic+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6ib0iwz4aGknk7SU_-oz7Yo3m-M_4l8CgFzJOTDAOaJoeZaa5GJ5VGDjRDkbypsQpenkKAvTt91IpZAuIy6ho-gtHYjfI1aUg9ZfxSWHTQc6T1uW3RCwKxq8qemkqk4kLyEXBWqqk_OH/s320/Frenchy+girl+4+adjustable+elastic+b.jpg" t8="true" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl dress, detail showing the hidden and adjustable elastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-11535250885522715152011-05-22T12:00:00.000-07:002011-05-22T12:00:13.142-07:00Magic Baby Frenchy Girl Dress and Hidden Elastic Tutorial<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOZlMJspCGR-qPNwYosJGZ2J13H8GJaUxs2ZChHzOeVLrwJt8F6RCFzM36GmAC8du4qzNK7TwSfl3Ny6MWsu6-GA6c3JaVk7xDMjlCOHf-oXLXh4oPvgFsqexjGv0-IAC1L25Aj2Vrif2/s1600/Frenchy+Girl+Charlotte.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOZlMJspCGR-qPNwYosJGZ2J13H8GJaUxs2ZChHzOeVLrwJt8F6RCFzM36GmAC8du4qzNK7TwSfl3Ny6MWsu6-GA6c3JaVk7xDMjlCOHf-oXLXh4oPvgFsqexjGv0-IAC1L25Aj2Vrif2/s400/Frenchy+Girl+Charlotte.JPG" width="166px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl Charlotte</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Today I am finishing up a custom order Frenchy Girl dress from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gaylepritchard?section_id=6051860">Magic Baby designs</a>. It will be sent to Italy, my first custom order from that country, and I want it to be perfect! You can order your very own <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72440294/frenchy-girl-dress-by-magic-baby-1t">Frenchy Girl dress</a> through my shop. Just tell me the colors and size you desire, and I will do the rest, creating a beautiful, one of a kind design for your Magic Baby : )</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When I design anything for babies, toddlers and children, quality is important to me, so everything is stitched with care. I also strive to make sure that the items I make and sell will fit for as long as possible, so I add creative, adjustable closures, roll up cuffs and sleeves, and try to make the final product adjustable in any way it can be. If you like to sew yourself, you might enjoy learning how to add an adjustable element to any dress design with a bodice. If you try out this method, I hope to hear from you.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hidden Elastic Tutorial</span><br />
When sewing a dress with a separate front and back bodice, you can easily add a length of hidden, adjustable elastic to your creation. Normally, I make my dress designs reversible, but in this example, the dress has front and back bodices along with front and back bodice linings. The front of my Frenchy Girl dress is pleated, so I am only adding adjustable elastic to the back of the dress. <br />
<br />
<strong>Step one</strong>, then, is to add several inches of width to the back skirt of the dress (not the bodice!) when you cut it out. I create my patchwork skirt back, making sure the seams match up with the front patchwork seams. To cut out, I fold my skirt fabric in half, and lay my pattern shape along the fold. Instead of placing the pattern edge directly on the fold, move it away anywhere from one to four inches, depending on how much added fullness you desire. Remember, your fabric is folded, so however much width you add on the fold, it will be doubled when you cut the skirt out.<br />
<br />
<strong>Step two</strong>: Gather the back skirt fabric to match to fit the back bodice by running two sets of gathering stitches along the skirt within the seam allowance. Pull the threads, spread out the gathers, and pin it to your back bodice right sides together. Stitch in place. Now, go directly to your ironing board, and press the seam up toward the bodice. Do not skip this step if you want a professional-looking finished product : ) Normally, I would trim and topstitch the seam after ironing, but I am only going to trim the seam, and topstitch it in place later. Keep reading.<br />
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<strong>Step three</strong>: Cut a piece of bias binding the length of the seam you just created. I am using 1/4" elastic for my dress, but you can use any width you want. Just make sure the bias binding is comfortably wider than the elastic you choose, so that when you stitch it in place, the elastic will glide through. Before pinning in place, iron the raw short edges of the binding under, so that they completely clear the seam allowance on both sides of the back. Stitch each short end of the binding in place, and trim them a bit if they seem too long. This step will prevent the elastic getting stuck when you thread it through the binding casing. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirspDwT0zvZjIvlBPAqVBTE4NSUCKRQdp23iu-LkP7qBc7t3NebYsHVepYkvmDPOBo6f8CUobr-9UqxDJpbNPKIFLYWXiJw6eTZz4X2MEdcq7ooKU15Xvqm1GH0i0nYu2rdg630KgrBclF/s1600/bias+binding+edge+stitched+under.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirspDwT0zvZjIvlBPAqVBTE4NSUCKRQdp23iu-LkP7qBc7t3NebYsHVepYkvmDPOBo6f8CUobr-9UqxDJpbNPKIFLYWXiJw6eTZz4X2MEdcq7ooKU15Xvqm1GH0i0nYu2rdg630KgrBclF/s400/bias+binding+edge+stitched+under.JPG" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the short end of the bias binding casing is stitched under, but not to the dress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Step four</strong>: Pin the bias binding in place, with the bottom edge lined up with your pressed seam on the inside (wrong side) of the dress. With wrong sides up as shown in the picture above, stitch the bottom of the casing in place just above the seam and close to the binding edge. This will apply the bias binding casing and top stitch the back seam in one step. Now stitch the top of the casing seam, but do not stitch across the short ends. Leave these open to receive your elastic later.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNAbx-3PJszK-SATjDo7yddonm-I6h-mqxRDoeiK9rNnZZ-qYwP0qJYOTHXLs_PhxJd-wcu7FnDb5erHYlJTTJMsKY3umjUr8-VF4ltXcnTDNUg-1Z4zF9U2dq_Yp4eMVvKpilDmbQgDT/s1600/IMG_5931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNAbx-3PJszK-SATjDo7yddonm-I6h-mqxRDoeiK9rNnZZ-qYwP0qJYOTHXLs_PhxJd-wcu7FnDb5erHYlJTTJMsKY3umjUr8-VF4ltXcnTDNUg-1Z4zF9U2dq_Yp4eMVvKpilDmbQgDT/s320/IMG_5931.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bias casing is sewn in place away from the side seam allowances. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Step five</strong>: Because I wanted a decorative sash on the outside of the dress (both front and back), I am adding that next, on the outside of the dress. This is also a good time to add trim, if desired. I cut my sash piece the same depth as the one on the front, shaping it by cutting it to match the shape of my bodice piece. It is wider than the little elastic casing I just added on the inside, and comes slightly below the bodice and skirt seam so that it doesn't interfere with the elastic. In the picture above you can see the stitching lines from the wrong side. Here is what it looks like from the right side:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OLmGFNkLfu4DHkv4W7K0W6tN00vCMmZVvvgybM2XmW4KehkntpWXEG1NwgIpnqEgpjwfIvLwMUM_YJ2g1M3KYHMfcJ4X-6HXo-L9i2FUqY8YWk8uLdsvhAzk6svlM2pD0nhVN5P1AiR/s1600/IMG_5933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2OLmGFNkLfu4DHkv4W7K0W6tN00vCMmZVvvgybM2XmW4KehkntpWXEG1NwgIpnqEgpjwfIvLwMUM_YJ2g1M3KYHMfcJ4X-6HXo-L9i2FUqY8YWk8uLdsvhAzk6svlM2pD0nhVN5P1AiR/s320/IMG_5933.jpg" width="312px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My decorative sash with lace trim is stitched to the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You may be wondering why I don't just add the elastic into the decorative sash. Well, I certainly could, and have in other situations. The Magic Baby Sassy Girl dress, shown in the back in the picture below, is reversible, so I added the elastic into the back casing as shown. However, in this case, I wanted to make my elastic piece adjustable, which means using buttonhole elastic, which means I don't want it to show on the outside of the dress anywhere. That design feature calls for a different solution, the one I am showing you today.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEsTB1r1L02ei3KxJnNu55dm6g0lxGgSZ8zp7t30WqVHthxpjlvEzn7yOGLqANsPCN_GXWAKNKTmdSoPXkbcooTgMy3roaha5yJ8Sa7UkbCLEIgM1YwoL5KrubJyj7yeFIlvh9OZWdr35/s1600/Sassy+Girl+4T+reverse+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEsTB1r1L02ei3KxJnNu55dm6g0lxGgSZ8zp7t30WqVHthxpjlvEzn7yOGLqANsPCN_GXWAKNKTmdSoPXkbcooTgMy3roaha5yJ8Sa7UkbCLEIgM1YwoL5KrubJyj7yeFIlvh9OZWdr35/s400/Sassy+Girl+4T+reverse+back.jpg" width="361px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For this reversible dress, the elastic was inserted into the sash<br />
along the seam of the skirt and bodice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Step six</strong>: Now the dress is ready to be stitched together at the side seams. Those are pressed, trimmed and top stitched. Now, take your front and back bodice lining pieces, and iron the seam allowance hem into place. Pin them together where they will join at the side seams. Prior to stitching the bodice lining together, though, mark an opening the width of your elastic. The first mark for the bottom of the opening will be at the ironed edge of the seam allowance. Measure up from there the width of your elastic, add a "smidge" and mark. When you sew the bodice lining side seams together, sew from each end of the seam up to your marks, backstitch and stop, leaving an opening in the side seam. Press the seams open at your ironing station. Sew the bodice lining in place, topstitch or understitch as needed, turn to the inside, and press again. <br />
<br />
<strong>Step seven</strong>: The detail picture below shows the bodice lining stitched, turned, pressed, and topstitched in place. The lining itself is still loose, however, along the bottom edge front and back. Pin the bodice lining in place along your pressed lines, so that it will cover the raw seam edge. Make sure to match the side seams. Before stitching the lining edge in place, however, slip your elastic in place. At a minimum, cut your elastic half the width of your desired chest size. I cut mine a bit long, knowing that I am going to add a length of buttonhole elastic onto either end of the elastic piece, and I prefer to have it longer to begin with, so I can adjust the amount of gathering by eye.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHxYA3ED_vTMqBUH_-603SL0xOEMdvSj75tef0xCd79RttkX8-AtaCT7gY1x6X50Q9AME-JWY6C_j_AMQTyq3jHFswZPAeM1tlFltSf51aq_7kZg5wtuMNWEHcBecPmthXmYGgBpvcf8T/s1600/IMG_5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHxYA3ED_vTMqBUH_-603SL0xOEMdvSj75tef0xCd79RttkX8-AtaCT7gY1x6X50Q9AME-JWY6C_j_AMQTyq3jHFswZPAeM1tlFltSf51aq_7kZg5wtuMNWEHcBecPmthXmYGgBpvcf8T/s400/IMG_5938.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thread your elastic through the opening in the lining side seam</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>Step eight</strong>: Pin a safety pin to one end of your elastic, which has been cut to your desired size. Insert it through the opening in one of the bodice lining side seams, then slip it into your bias binding casing. Thread elastic through the casing to the other side, and pull it through, making sure to hold the other end of the elastic in place, so it won't be pulled all the way through! From the casing, thread the safety pin through the other bodice lining side seam opening, and pin in place. Adjust the gathers as desired. <br />
<br />
<strong>Step nine</strong>: My next step, which I need to do today, is to add a short piece of buttonhole elastic to each end of my regular elastic. With the addition of buttonhole elastic, my design dream is realized: it allows the dress to be adjustable in width, adding months, maybe years, of wearability. Since I haven't completed this dress yet, I will show you an example from another dress. You get the idea!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlNuwqChnJe53s19Skr3pByuvYOijv-c2mNoswScBJZDOusDE-9LL8b5v8XPS1AjyVTrHfFZF6Uah_lxAbuDv9IlfCwTEltGjruWR-78DE6QbZRcuEOob2XAE3tDQAz8C_uS3l74fC0Bz/s1600/Trims+buttonhole+elastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlNuwqChnJe53s19Skr3pByuvYOijv-c2mNoswScBJZDOusDE-9LL8b5v8XPS1AjyVTrHfFZF6Uah_lxAbuDv9IlfCwTEltGjruWR-78DE6QbZRcuEOob2XAE3tDQAz8C_uS3l74fC0Bz/s1600/Trims+buttonhole+elastic.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is buttonhole elastic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Once you are happy with your elastic on the back bodice, stitch it in place, or sew two tiny buttons on the side seams, and button it in place. Sew your bodice lining down to cover the skirt seams, and you are finished!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRzcxI6VzvYFoCvHVpDZhRYY0cIpoyC66oLwinlXw5HkkOmaMt95I7Dhb8IwNxb7vsvixCMwKqEC-Kgh4N52gzJ-yxS5ygZLigSw2SksuCUTiVZIwYHq9SBwQeCMCqOozF9dqVU3AjYP1/s1600/plaid+dress+buttonhole+elastic+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRzcxI6VzvYFoCvHVpDZhRYY0cIpoyC66oLwinlXw5HkkOmaMt95I7Dhb8IwNxb7vsvixCMwKqEC-Kgh4N52gzJ-yxS5ygZLigSw2SksuCUTiVZIwYHq9SBwQeCMCqOozF9dqVU3AjYP1/s400/plaid+dress+buttonhole+elastic+detail.jpg" width="400px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttonhole elastic buttons to the side seams, and get be made tighter or looser, depending on the size required. What a great invention!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial, and please, let me know how it works for you. <br />
<br />
Finally, a few pictures of my Frenchy Girl custom order, not yet hemmed or finished. I'll post pix when it's done, and before I ship it to Italy. The final pictures show you another one I made last year for a different client. Thanks for stopping by. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvipNnXsDi8NSmTIG-Si5b9-wcW8URHvN6EGWH4QCKCrJ_iGHQ3DAOevNjLLpFV7daOaREqA4efX-LXg2WCD_U-iHt5iA9B809IhQIppTdgXksJAV7i8e4zssKlQxeEWZO7MkjIKRnYRjI/s1600/IMG_5936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvipNnXsDi8NSmTIG-Si5b9-wcW8URHvN6EGWH4QCKCrJ_iGHQ3DAOevNjLLpFV7daOaREqA4efX-LXg2WCD_U-iHt5iA9B809IhQIppTdgXksJAV7i8e4zssKlQxeEWZO7MkjIKRnYRjI/s320/IMG_5936.jpg" width="227px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfinished Frenchy Girl in pink, front</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9hcOvUcAO_MXwn-Qe1g88fiX0u9CMspbCy6bSjR4TWNCsAKMyF64mCS5LKfJ3_OSfW9zXcIQoI2Mity5a6NBDZKn6T30oeG2kWCTE-cv8bLPte2P3VPozImUjm7mnLIv55sLMgEpksDj/s1600/IMG_5937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9hcOvUcAO_MXwn-Qe1g88fiX0u9CMspbCy6bSjR4TWNCsAKMyF64mCS5LKfJ3_OSfW9zXcIQoI2Mity5a6NBDZKn6T30oeG2kWCTE-cv8bLPte2P3VPozImUjm7mnLIv55sLMgEpksDj/s320/IMG_5937.jpg" width="234px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Unfinished Frenchy Girl in pink, back<br />
with elastic inserted</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCX7-Lt0x_Z9KYv-CTAaLrH5-FkdHyARAPL-TEKAK3gdo8neLi3jkv_EGvTW3oQZ_m3sI7wFehq1wb4d5j8EWhr0q8MuvFr034aA5W14DQBQ4_ou8imqUdOM_maTC4wUVecfz5MQGCWW_/s1600/Frenchy+Girl+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCX7-Lt0x_Z9KYv-CTAaLrH5-FkdHyARAPL-TEKAK3gdo8neLi3jkv_EGvTW3oQZ_m3sI7wFehq1wb4d5j8EWhr0q8MuvFr034aA5W14DQBQ4_ou8imqUdOM_maTC4wUVecfz5MQGCWW_/s400/Frenchy+Girl+Front.jpg" width="267px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchy Girl custom order, size 8T, finished last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-56405135968889336302011-05-17T18:36:00.000-07:002011-05-17T18:36:47.124-07:00Spring is for Sewing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lDFsrZT8dhyxtZv3_eVIWPfyijV66WJLtnBCmS3AFeXJe41zLqsSCOMyzaecOXaJeQANaSJzDAZdyvj3MChTYcjLrlH9Fz_uG1IZTZUE4ibmzxmBGz26b3tEQf95vpoMrhctVrr5xulx/s1600/robot+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lDFsrZT8dhyxtZv3_eVIWPfyijV66WJLtnBCmS3AFeXJe41zLqsSCOMyzaecOXaJeQANaSJzDAZdyvj3MChTYcjLrlH9Fz_uG1IZTZUE4ibmzxmBGz26b3tEQf95vpoMrhctVrr5xulx/s320/robot+b.jpg" width="240px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robot Double Flannel Blankie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I love this time of year, don't you? With the days slowly growing longer, I feel more energetic. More energy means more fun, creative time in my world. I have been busy so far this week, trying to keep up with the piles on my sewing table. I sew during the day, but at night I like to hang out with my husband, so that is often when I size out my patterns, or cut out new pieces to be sewn. This week, I have tried to move things along, sewing a bit on this one, a bit on that one. I was really pleased with the little robot flannel reversible jacket I am finishing up. It matches the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68073124/magic-baby-receiving-blanket-robots" title="Robot Snuggle Flannel Baby Blanket">Robot Snuggle flannel blankie </a>already finished. I'll show you pix soon. By the way, my snuggle blankies are adorable, and I have several listed in my <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a>. They make great shower gifts, as well. They are designed to be perfect for both infants and toddlers, with two sides, rounded corners, embroidered edges, and a tag for dragging : )<br />
<br />
Last night I received my first custom order from Italy. The client ordered my always popular <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72440294/frenchy-girl-dress-by-magic-baby-1t">Little Frenchy dress</a> in pink and lime green. This one is single-sided, but I also love making the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72587184/little-frenchy-reversible-jumper-dress">reversible ones</a>. I am partial to the design first, because I think it is so cute and, secondly, because it is the first design I made for my Magic Baby Designs. Love it! Single sided or reversible, Little Frenchy dresses are available from newborn babies to girl's size 8. Here are a few examples. Hope you love them as much as I do : )<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K1ksGAokwwrGUF4dsGK6tdOL9EWKCRQthw2bC3-64v_0eqU5qErvGjKD3RmBDbHxDVDXVoqhltUiO2jTtazW581A3XM7usDGLuHPyeDOWP8FM7OSZSP1kmAcvqmSPbxUoveN70MSNyZP/s1600/Little+Frenchy+front+5T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0K1ksGAokwwrGUF4dsGK6tdOL9EWKCRQthw2bC3-64v_0eqU5qErvGjKD3RmBDbHxDVDXVoqhltUiO2jTtazW581A3XM7usDGLuHPyeDOWP8FM7OSZSP1kmAcvqmSPbxUoveN70MSNyZP/s320/Little+Frenchy+front+5T.jpg" width="298px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is in traditional French Provence colors. It's completely reversible and height adjustable.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6M9QdPwxO0NXLE8X9CrqeTiOmpZ_BKoffyx5JDOPJ5gRRFh2lqYTcjgHR948kEIqtvJSqjiWMOo_61CSLEEXc9JH2_Xd5qkbYVXajrtJ5BovS4Fmw07io4lTc1BEdFETpid2j21g3ns/s1600/little+frenchies+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6M9QdPwxO0NXLE8X9CrqeTiOmpZ_BKoffyx5JDOPJ5gRRFh2lqYTcjgHR948kEIqtvJSqjiWMOo_61CSLEEXc9JH2_Xd5qkbYVXajrtJ5BovS4Fmw07io4lTc1BEdFETpid2j21g3ns/s400/little+frenchies+b.jpg" width="188px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at these sweeties, two Little Frenchies! Oh yes, the design is available as a reversible overall, too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKgArXMY3f5gkV6eVRnvD3LvJ0CFRRgE1-pQhNa6vUufvxLAbT2L6K5kF1ge4ctR5sYiuGl2Fr3YIBx8fkLgsmwTs6YSheEweX_-gUJLqGSnoSwOW54YRkxgyQ2FC0n8yTRGaqYYirepR/s1600/Magic+Baby+Elena+G+Little+Frenchie+prototype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKgArXMY3f5gkV6eVRnvD3LvJ0CFRRgE1-pQhNa6vUufvxLAbT2L6K5kF1ge4ctR5sYiuGl2Fr3YIBx8fkLgsmwTs6YSheEweX_-gUJLqGSnoSwOW54YRkxgyQ2FC0n8yTRGaqYYirepR/s320/Magic+Baby+Elena+G+Little+Frenchie+prototype.jpg" width="213px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Little Frenchy baby dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3095284693550522686.post-77992365434610605362011-05-15T08:55:00.000-07:002011-05-15T08:55:38.304-07:00Today is the Day<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F7Cp-vdJsRyyY_p68R8MzG3PYRNh-jK6DGh7zTEk9CnE0uf7DqguqsFhpiG469FYEq8abmYORiUNQ1-cyt3tRwQK37ADxAXRQo61nnGJgwCUn6Xy50jhLTQEUW5OqmFTxJ4h6jvjtdft/s1600/WorldWearElena+to+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F7Cp-vdJsRyyY_p68R8MzG3PYRNh-jK6DGh7zTEk9CnE0uf7DqguqsFhpiG469FYEq8abmYORiUNQ1-cyt3tRwQK37ADxAXRQo61nnGJgwCUn6Xy50jhLTQEUW5OqmFTxJ4h6jvjtdft/s400/WorldWearElena+to+post.jpg" width="243px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my WorldWear Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, indeed…today is the day. Thanks to my daughter’s help, I now have a blog for Magic Baby Designs, and a website in the works. Woohoo! Although I utilize <a href="http://www.gaylepritchard.etsy.com/">my etsy shop</a> to sell my wares, I have been wanting a place to show you everything I am making, and to interact with my clients. I am very excited.<br />
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In the studio, I have been very busy creating fun, new designs, such as my new WorldWear line, seen here. Inspired by world travels and ethnic fabrics, these designs, available for both Magic Baby boys and girls, celebrate children as citizens of the world.Gayle Pritchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09991345065357492869noreply@blogger.com2