Finishing Up Lily by Frocks & Frolics

This is the final day of the Sew-a-Long featuring the Lily Dress and Tunic pattern by Frock & Frolics. Join the Frocks & Frolics Sewing Circle on facebook to stay up to date on up coming events and new pattern releases.

If you made this pattern to have an opening you'll want to add your button loop before stitching your back outer shell to your lining. 

I made my Lily as plain as can be, but adding lace to the hem or some button or floral embelishments at the top of the pleats can be so fun! I knew my fabric already had a lot going on and I didn't want to make it too busy but thinking of the summer when I'll make this pattern using a plain linen adding a little something as simple as a lace hem will make it go from plain to wow!

Thanks to Marina of Froks & Frolics for having me! JubeJube loves her new tunic (her smile doesn't lie) and it was a pleasure to sew up!
You can get your copy in their Etsy shop along with so many other fun patterns. Not to worry if you're new to sewing, you can use the step-by-step videos that Marina has set up here.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 3

Welcome to Day 3! Don't forget to post your progress in the Frocks & Frolics Sewing Circle on facebook.

Today we're going to overcast the raw edges of the lower bodice lining (front and back) and also the center back of the lining and the main or outer shell of the garment. You can do this by using a zigzag stitch on your regular machine or your serger. We're also working on creating those pretty box pleats on the front of the garment. 

I like to have my pleats perfectly pressed all the way down to the hem and I'm going to tell you how to acheive that without spending so much time with a ruler or gauge at the ironing board.

1. Stith your pleats as indicated in the tutorial.
2. Change your stitch length to the longest and baste the rest of the pleat all the way down to the unfinished hem. (you may be able to see that long basting stitch in the above image).
3. Press using steam to make sure those pleats stay in place.
4. Just before your ready to stitch your hem, remove those basting stitches. They should come out very easily just by pulling on the bobbin thread, just make sure you haven't cut the tails of your threads.

Once your pleats are done, you can go ahead and stitch those shoulder seams on the main and lining.

Make your way back here tomorrow to see more of this project.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 2

We're starting day 2 of the Lily sew-a-long, be sure to join us in the sewing group on facebook for more fun and sharing! You've selected the size and options you'll be using to make your Lily, and you're just about ready to cut into that fabric...

This is a little check list I like to go through before I start cutting my fabric:

• Make sure my pieces are all on the straight grain of the fabric.
• If I'm using a directional fabric, make sure everything is right side up...it would be a shame if my characters were all on their heads and upside down.
• Make sure that all my pattern pieces fit on to the fabric and that I didn't forget any pattern pieces.
• As much as possible I have my prints line up, like stripes or big flowers (take a look at this post here on how I get my prints to line up)

Once all your pieces are cut out you need to transfer the markings from the paper pieces to the wrong side of the fabric:

• Center front of bodice at the neckline
• Box pleat markings
• Center front of lining ar the neckline
• Markings at center back if you're making the version with button closure at the back.

All these markings will help you make beautiful box pleats and  sew your pieces together so they match up as perfectly as they can.

Now a days a lot of us use fabric pens (most a water soluble), some will use tailors chalk. I still go old school and mark my patterns using needle and thread especially when there's a lot of details like pleats and darts. 

Come back tomorrow when we start to sew! I have a few more tips and tricks to share too! If you haven't started its not to late to join in on the fun, grab your pattern at a discount in the Etsy shop using the code "LILYROCKS" for 25% at checkout.

Until next time, xx.

Lily by Frocks & Frolics Sew-a-Long Day 1

I'm so excited to be hosting this sew-a-long for Marina of Frocks & Frolics! For this event you can follow along on my blog or join the facebook group, this will also allow you to stay up to date with new releases and sales. 

Its not too late to sew along with us, grab your pattern here, on Etsy and be sure to use the code "LILYROCKS" at checkout for 25% off.

Today we're getting together everything we need for the project:

• Pattern
• Fabric
• Notions (button, thread)

Before starting to sew I like to make sure I have everything I need since I often sew in the evening when the stores are closed. 

There are several options in this pattern like the neckline and length. I chose to make the tunic with the button closure at the back and the closed box pleats.

Come back tomorrow, I'll be sharing some fun facts about how I was taught to sew.

Until next time, xx.