May Meeting

May Program: Bonnet Stands

Beginning with a base that appeals to you and looks pretty with your smocked or heirloom bonnet, you can create a one of kind ‘objet d’art’ to display your handiwork.

Generally the base of a bonnet stand is made from painted wood components. Craft paint can be used, however when the members tested spray paint, it was discovered this was the nicest finish. 

We also experimented with some of the lovely metal candle stands that can be purchased at your local hobby shop. If you enjoy antiquing, keep an eye out for the unusual candlestick. This is a very charming option if you want to avoid the mess of painting. 

An added bonus of making your own bonnet stand is that you can adjusted the height somewhat by either tying the molded head shape at different levels along the candle stick or by building up the height by placing a cork or molded clay in the candle cylinder space and inserting a skewer stick. Both worked nicely.

Several different fabrics for the molded head shape were tested. Silk twill, polished cotton and flannel were three examples investigated. In the end I believe the consensuses among those who viewed the finished product preferred the flannel primarily because it was a bit heavier. 

In order to shape the cheeks and chin we found that a softer filling gave a smoother look to the molded head shape making it possible to contour the face better. Our preferred filler was Silky Soft Extra Plush fiber by Fairfield.

Thanks so much to our member Cathy T. for this wonderful presentation!

Show and Share

Another of the completed coats from our Cindy Foose class. This one was sewn by Leda, using a lovely lilac cotton Velveteen. The lining was made from pink and white polka dot fabric. The fancy collar was finished with a narrow lace and hand embroidered with bullion roses, buds and a variety of flowers and leaves. The center back of the collar was also embroidered and a feather stitch was done over the shoulder portion of the collar.
The buttonholes were machined bound using the pink lining as the welt to show contrast. The buttons were covered with the velveteen fabric. Leda added a couple of inches to the length of this size 4T 'Toddler Coat and Bonnet' from Karen Faylor Company. 









The fabric used by Barbara for her coat is a lined pique from her stash. She has a sweet lined pique for the pink piping that she bought to coordinate with the floral coat fabric. A white Cuddleskin was used for the lining. She made a size 1.

Ann decided on a pink Swiss Jacquard Piques from Bear Threads for her size 2 coat. A silky cotton lined this darling coat. She followed the pattern to a 'T' except it was lengthened by 3 inches. 

This coat and dress coordinating outfit was sewn by Brenda. She choose a baby wale corduroy for the coat that was then accented with a velvet collar. The bound button hole as well as the back belt featured the velvet fabric. Her dress was made using the 'Collars etc.' Toddler's Apron pattern in a size 2. She purchased the fabric from our own local shop 'Buttons 'n' Bows'. www.buttonsnbows.net

And the last completed coat for a chance to win a gift certificate is this cute pink pinwale corduroy sewn by Marisol. The size 6 coat was lined with Cuddleskin and the bound buttonholes and piping were done in a pink gingham fabric. 

Do you see the smiles on their faces? Its due to the fact they have all completed another item from their UFO list!

These members have been very productive!

 Trena who is also a member of the local quilt guild shared 3 of her latest projects.

This size 10 Lillian from Children's Corner was embellished with grosgrain ribbon and white lace on a very trendy swirly print.

The below quilt was sewn for the "Kiss a Frog" challenge from her local guild. Can you find the frog? She shares this is her own design.

She must have had some extra time on her hands, so she made this cute apron from a Christmas print fabric.

What a darling summertime romper Roberta made from the Children's Corner pattern 'Paulie' in a size 4. The white pique top features a watermelon appliqué design from Sew Many Designs. Both the top and bottom pique fabrics were obtained from Fabric Finders. http://www.fabricfindersinc.com

This cute 'Kristen' pattern sundress is from Bonnie Blue Designs in a size 5. She used Fabric Finders pique fabric again as they simply have some wonderful prints. The sunglasses just add the right touch of 'coolness' for any little girl who may want to go incognito this summer. The appliqué is from Cherry Tree Designs.

Mermaids, mermaids and more mermaids, is there anything that says summer fun more than that? Marisol shared 3 of her recent creations with us. This Children's Corner 'Mamie' pattern was done with a whimsical fabric.

This pattern company Ivy and Izzy was new to Marisol. She purchased the fabric from Hancock's Fabric Store on sale. Just darling! She did share that the direction were a bit difficult to follow and would suggest that it would be best to have some sewing experience before attempting this pattern line.

The above outfit is from Martha Pullen Square Yoke book and is a baby day gown made of cotton fabric by Marisol. The instruction for this garment is simple. Marisol added little rose buds on the buttons.

Shirley took up the 'Lillian' challenge and created a fabulous summertime dress. This size 12 garment showcases 4 coordinating fabrics beautifully. The strips of fabric that appear to be a bias are actually cut on the grain. All fabrics were purchase some time ago at her local Joann's Fabric store.

Another member, Susan joined the 'Lillian' challenge on FB and made this dress using a fabric called Lily shower Curtain. It matches her older cousins dress.

Susan also made matching outfits for a sister and brother. She used UL of L cotton for both. 

The dress 'Lydia' is by Bonnie Blue Designs. 





























And for the brother, this little shorts and top outfit. The top was made from the Johnny pattern from Children's Corner and for the shorts she used an Oliver+S pattern, Sketchbook.