Congratulations, Couturieres!

You voted and you selected.... (drumroll, please).....

.........Option #2, Simplicity Pattern # 2497!

We will make View A, the one in yellow on the pattern envelope, with the cute little sleeves.

Here is what you need to do next:

1.  Take your measurements using this guide.

2.  Using what you learned based on taking your measurements (fill in the chart and follow the instructions on the above guide), select your pattern size. Read the tips-- they can be particularly helpful in determining which size to buy if you fall between sizes. DO NOT JUST ORDER A PATTERN IN THE SIZE YOU USE WHEN YOU BUY CLOTHES AT A STORE.  The sizing for sewing patterns is vastly different than that used for ready-to-wear clothes, so you must follow the guide.

3. You need to buy the pattern.  You can do it online here (it will cost you an additional $4.44 in shipping and you may have to pay duty on the package), or you can go to a fabric store and see if they have the pattern in stock in your size. Call ahead, to be sure you don't make a trip only to find out they don't have it in stock!

4. Once you have the pattern, you need to buy the necessary fabric and notions. The amount of fabric, which notions (things like zippers, etc.) and the types of fabric you may use are listed on the rear of the pattern envelope.

If you order online and absolutely can't wait to get your hands on some fabric and notions, click on the "Envelope Back" link on the pattern page online and print out the back of the envelope. You MUST take this information with you when you go to the fabric store; show it to a sales associate, explain that you are a novice seamstress and ask the associate to help you to choose the notions, and the right amount of fabric.

Also check with the sales associate to be sure you have chosen appropriate fabric.  Of the types of fabric listed on the pattern envelope, please ONLY choose one of the FIRST FIVE fabrics listed; these will make your sewing experience more pleasurable and more successful. Once you have made the dress once, you can branch out into more challenging, expensive fabric for your second version.

It is a good idea to buy a bit more fabric than the recommended amount; if you make a mistake, you may be able to start with a fresh pattern piece. If you don't make any mistakes, you will have leftovers and can make more hair accessories!

Use the sales associates at the store as resources to help you; you can also get assistance from family members who are good at sewing, if you have any.

5. You need to have all your materials and your sewing kit, ready to go on January 11th or January 18th. In the comments below, please choose a date for your start day; if some of you would prefer to make View C, we can do a group working on View A one week, and a View C group the next.  You will attend two club meetings per month in order to keep the group size manageable and to allow each of you access to a sewing machine.

If you think I've forgotten anything, post it in the comments below and I will answer/clear it up.

I am so excited! I am off to order my Size 14 of Simplicity Pattern 2497 right now!

It's Decision Time, Couturieres!

We need to choose a project, Couturieres!  Most people want to make a dress, so I have chosen some not-too-difficult, appropriate-for-beginning-seamstresses patterns.  We need to choose ONE. (Remember, once you have made one, you will be ready to go out and make another one, so if your first choice does not get selected this time, you can always make it later on!)

Option #1:

Option #2:

Option #3:

Option #4:

Option #5:

Option #6:

Before we meet on Monday, November 30th after school, we need to narrow our choices down to THREE. Please indicate your top THREE choices by posting a comment (click on "comments" below this post).  In your comment, please identify your choices by naming them "Option #___."

On Monday, we will have a short meeting, during which we will choose our dress pattern.

The photos I have posted here are from the U.S. website, but the Canadian site also offers them. They cost $13.85 each,  plus $4.50 shipping. Fabricland may also have them in stock to purchase directly.

Project #1: Beautiful Barrette

Welcome to our blog, Couturieres! 

I am so excited to get started SEWING and MAKING things!

Our first project will be the Beautiful Barrette, suggested by Rebecca.  

Here are the instructions, in case you want to try it for yourself at home.

Beautiful Barrette

You can stitch up a perky hair bow barrette in less than an hour. 

Why not make several to match your favourite fashions?

Supplies You Will Need:

Small scrap of fabric (at least 12 x 12 inches)

Scissors

Straight pins

Thread

Sewing machine

Steam iron

Ironing board

Sewing needle

Metal barrette


1.  Cut two fabric rectangles, approximately 6 x 4 inches each. Cut out a single smaller rectangle (4 x 2 inches).


2. Pin the two larger rectangles together with right (decorative) sides facing each other. Machine stitch all four sides, leaving a two inch opening in the center of one long side for turning. Carefully snip corners. Turn right side out and press with a steam iron. Match the heat settings to fabric content.


3.  Fold smaller rectangle lengthwise in half with the wrong (undecorated) side out. Machine stitch the long side's raw edges together to form a fabric tube. Turn right side out and press well.


4.  Fold fabric tube in half and stitch raw edges together to create the center loop for your bow. Turn right side out (with raw edges inside) and press.


5.  Tuck the bow into the center loop. Pull edges until they are even.


6.  Hand stitch the bow onto a metal barrette or a slim hairband. 


7.  Pull hair up into barrette and clip it closed or put on your fancy new hairband! 

Ta-da!  

You have made your very first Custom Couture project! 

Bravo, you!