Flickr Favs & Frock by Fridays™

Here are the first few Frock by Fridays™ posted on Grosgrain flickr! And I must say I LOVE the way them came out, the bright sunny yellow and the brown trimmed orange and blue (love that color combination). If you finish be sure to post on Grosgrain flickr and I will feature them on Grosgrain.

Yellow dress: C.Sumisu

Brown trimmed dress: animalactivist

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The State Fair Frock Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the State Fair Frock Grosgrain Giveaway is Laura Ingalls Gunn of "Decor to Adore".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Frock by Friday™: Friday

Finished. This is what your dress will look like by the end of today....Friday!

Step 1: Attach collar to neckline. I want to add that before you attach your collar be sure tht it is the exact length of the neckline. Mine was too long so I had to turn it inside out, open it up, fold it in the middle and sew down. If yours is too long and you have enough material I recommend just cutting a new one.

When yours fits fine, pin the bottom layer to the neckline as shown in the pic and
sew to neckline, leaving the top layer free. My yoke was a little too large so I had to make a tiny pleat in the center.

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The Rice Baby $30 Gift Card Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Rice Baby $30 Gift Card Guest Giveaway is Stefan, Sarah and Lukka of "Our House in the Middle of Our Street".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Romeo & Mae Sewing Patterns Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Romeo & Mae Sewing Patterns Guest Giveaway is Michele of "This Mama Tries".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Frock by Friday™: Thursday

I'm sorry I'm so late to post today. I had a cystoscopy this morning. Unpleasant. But I think it was the pain killer that did me in. I've been vomiting and dizzy all day. I would have probably been better without it.

At any rate, this is what you should have by the end of today! Starting to really take shape! I love when you sew the front and back pieces together. That's when you can really get excited about finishing. 

About Frock by Friday™
Link to this project

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Funky Polkadot Giraffe $25 Gift Card Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Funky Polkadot Giraffe $25 Gift Card Guest Giveaway is Jmom of "You and Me and Pumpkin Make Three".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Shabby Apple Queensland Swimsuit Giveaway CLOSED

Shabby Apple has come out with their new SWIM LINE! I told you, you'd be happy.

 My favorite is the juicy candy apple red number top left.

Go find your favorite because the winner of this giveaway will get to choose their very own swim suit to flaunt on the sand this summer.

Suits are made from a special, imported, heavy-weight nylon-spandex blend (90%nylon, 10% spandex).  Soft to the touch, this fabric has enough stretch for comfort and mobility and and enough spandex to provide tight support.

Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.

Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.
 
If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Create a Link

Sew LO Patterns Winners!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winners of the Sew LO Patterns Guest Giveaway are Shoutingforha of "Shoutingforha", Kristin of "The Whereabouts of Robert & Kristin", and Coral Gibbons of "Coral Gibbons Photography".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Spicy Designs Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Spicy Designs Guest Giveaway is Lauralei of "Fergus the Brave".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Good News!

I have good news for all of you following The Frock by Friday™ Shirtwaist Dress. I contacted Bernina about two weeks ago about the missing collar problem. Well, finally they have gotten back to me and in fact emailed me the missing piece!

Download it here. 

If you don't have enough material to cut out a new collar, that's fine. You can still use the old one. The main difference is that the new one has a neat little notch at the bottom.

Cut out two on the fold. Sew, right sides together leaving the bottom open (the bottom is the line with the #35 on it). Turn right side out. Iron Flat. Topstitch 1/4" away from outer edge (not bottom).

And stay tuned tomorrow. I have a giveaway I think you will be simply DROOLING OVER!

Frock by Friday™: Wednesday

About Frock by Friday™

Link to this project
 
Join In: Here is the pattern.
Here are the instructions.

Step 1: Make a mark on your front bodice piece indicated by the line on the pattern (see pic).

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XauXau $30 Gift Card Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the XauXau $30 Gift Card Guest Giveaway is Suzannah of "Adventures in Dressmaking".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

A Frock by Friday™: Tuesday

About Frock by Friday™

Link to this project

 

Join In: Here is the pattern.

Here are the instructions.

Step 1: Take your four sleeve pieces. Overlap two of them and sew around the curved edges.

Click on this link to Read More of This Post

Towel to Poolside Robe Tutorial

First off, HOW cute is Eloise? She is such a happy baby.

We have this tradition in our home where after a baby is done with her bath I wrap her in a towel and present her to everyone sitting on the sofa by saying "Look at this baby!" For some reason they LOVE it.

But to do this I have to be wearing a towel as well and I'm constantly struggling to keep it on while I'm holding one of them in my arms. Often it's two seconds away from falling off in front of everyone.

I went to the Salvation Army every Wednesday looking for a robe but never found just what I was looking for. Plus, buying a used robe kind of skeeved me out.

So I took an old towel and decided to turn it into a robe, one that could be used for the pool or the bath. It's really simple! Here, I'll show you!
Materials:
Towel you don't use anymore
2 yards of elastic
velcro (iron on)
Coordintating color towel for optional straps


Step 1: Find a towel that you don't use anymore

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Flickr Favs

I went to my cousin's son 1st birthday party near Washington D.C. So I was quite busy all day. So when I finally opened the Grosgrain flickr group this morning I was pleasantly surprised to see what you have been busy doing!

I want to emphasis how much I loved Running With Scissors scalloped edged collar. It's so unique! I've never seen it before. Can I copy it? It's to die for! Go see her site for the full dress which is equally as awesome.

Credits for top collage:
Scalloped edged skirt: The Sew Convert
Glasses Case: Martina Masini
Scalloped edges neckline dress: Running With Scissors
Child's ruffle top TUTORIAL: Little Treasures
Quiltled Child's Dress TUTORIAL: Brown Paper Packages
ADORABLE baby in onsie: Heather Hales Designs

And I can't believe it! More coffee dates below!

Photo credits for second collage (from left to right, top to bottom):
Pink and white flowered frock: Shellsew
Yellow Frock: neeners04
Polka dot blue and red frock: EditorKatie
Brown Frock: sadja_ajmal_99
Purple Frock: Shellsew
Black Frock: Slice79

And I was even more impressed to see some Mama's Gonna Buy You A Mockingbird Refashioned Frocks!
Photo credits for third collage:
Pink Waistbanded Frock: Janssen Designs
Blue Floral Frock: Luck and Bliss
Plum and Berries Frock: The Mrs.

You should see The Mrs. sweet slip she added. It's all about the details!

If you'd like to be featured on Grosgrain, simply join the Grosgrain flickr group! If you'd like your blog to get credited just include it in the description of your photo.

Boardwalk Britches Grosgrain Giveaway CLOSED

I thought of these little pants while in between sleep and consciousness. I've surprisingly gotten a few of my ideas this way. Not surprisingly, it tends to happen after I've been looking at clothes all day.

These are usually referred to as 'sailor pants'. They open on either side creating a sort of 'flap' in the front. The bottom of the legs are wide creating a 'trouser' look. Finally, I added a thick navy trim bias tape to the cuffs.

I used a navy seersucker material and dark navy buttons.

When put together, I think the look is so classic and nautical, hence the name.Many of you said that you would like to enter more giveaways, but have various issues with linking. Of course, I want anyone that is interested in entering a giveaway to be able to do so.

Therefore, from now on, giveaways can be entered in three ways:
1) By linking (to your blog, facebook, myspace, or any other site)
2) By leaving a comment without a link or
3) By linking and leaving a comment (this will be worth 2 entries which will better your chances of winning). Find more info under the FAQ page.

If you are leaving a link just use the 'create a link' at the bottom of this post or simply creating a post on your blog and including this link.If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.

Create a Link

Not my best performance.

I am not having the best week.

Let me start off by saying that I've decided to do the Frock by Friday next Monday. I went to the fabric store and nothing inspired me as much as the fabric I ordered and it seemed like such a waste to use it for something else. But also, I thought that if I waited another week I could get some people involved who said that they couldn't start until next Monday.

So if you were one of those people, you are in luck. I hope you can join us.

Okay, now, besides that debacle. I spent hours on this dress that turned out to be a dud. That sucks, you know. That doesn't happen too often but when it does, it just makes me want to not look at the blog all day.

Losing that steam has thrown my entire week's schedule off. I wanted to post a bunk bed tent tutorial on Friday but I just don't have it in me.

Another defeating event this week is that Brian has been working from early in the morning until late at night and I really don't have anyone else to take the photos for me. If I would have planned better I would have made a couple things for Lily or another tutorial so that I could take the photos myself.

On a bright note, I thought of a very cute idea for a Lily giveaway this morning as I was in between sleep and consciousness that I'm going to try today if I have time, then post about tomorrow.

And on an even brighter note, I picked some peonies from my garden yesterday and put them in a vase on my dining table which inspired me to clean my house. Everything feels so much better with a clean house and no laundry piled on my decorative armchairs. Oh and BTW, I think roses have nothing on peonies. THEY ARE GORGEOUS!

Oh and on an even brighter, brighter note, Molly peed on the potty all by herself today without anyone persuading her. That is the best pick-me-up of all.

Frock by Friday™: Monday

About Frock by Friday™

 Link to this project
 

Please refer to this post if you are just starting the Frock by Friday™.

Tuesday will be posted tomorrow!

Later today....a cool summer tutorial surprise!

And check out My Tumtum Tree for my take on the Lost finale:)

Summer Lovin: Neige

I am utterly in love with the new Neige Summer collection! Their new lookbook is divine! And guess what? They are having a sale on girls spring merchandise 2-12 years, and baby 3-24 months.
But ALSO, use “grosgrain” for an additional 15% off sale items and regular priced items from Thursday through Sunday!

Shoe Redo: Red Ruffle Flat

These flats are just so 'flattering' for this rainy but green spring weather. I can't stop oogling them.

Materials:
Fabric (enough to cover your shoes)
Mod Podge
Scissors
10"x10" piece of red fabric
Brush for glue
Razor blade or exacto knife
Hot glue

Click on this link to Read More of This Post

Frock by Friday: Pause

Get it? Paws?

Ladies,
I apologize. I am waiting to get my fabric in until then I can't go any further. If I get it later today I will post the next few steps. If I don't get it by today I will use another material and post the next few steps tomorrow.

Please, think of this as a day of rest.....for you....not me:) Or it can give some of you time to catch up.

I'll be doing another Grosgrain related post today regardless.

Please don't hate me.

{Photo courtesy of twiddletales}

Frock by Friday: Monday

About Frock by Friday

Link to this project

1. Print out the multisized pattern. The collar is missing but use this collar pattern instead. AT 100%, NO PAGE SCALING!

Just post any questions in the comments section and I will try to answer them in the comments section. And remember for the next few steps BE SURE........to please overlook my ugly kitchen vinyl flooring:)

Find a wide flat space to spread out. It must be a space of at least 4.5'x4'.

2. Arrange the papers in numerical order. 1-4 (top row) 5-8 (second row) and so on....

Match the fine vertical lines together so that the papers overlap on each long side.






There's no fine lines on the tops and bottoms so just overlap the bottom and tops of each paper by 5/8th.
I also had to extend piece 31 by 6.5 inches because the piece that is missing the collar is also missing the bottom of piece 31. I added the extra inches by taping two pieces of paper at the bottom and measuring 7" down and made a mark. I then overlapped the papers by .5" in top and drew in the rest of the pattern.

3. Tape together. I used packing tape. It's nice and wide. I found it was easiest to tape the horizontal rows first then tape the rows together.

I know working with a printable PDF file seems super inconvenient but I actually PREFER them to storebought patterns. If you ever want to use the PDF pattern again just print out the piece you need. Storebought tissue patterns are always getting ripped or wrinkled or lost. Plus if you ever want to sort through your patterns, it's easier to do it on the computer rather than digging through a pile of envelopes, pulling out all the tissue sheets, finding your piece, then folding the tissue paper in just the right way to fit it back in the envelope.

4. Once you have everything taped then cut out all the pieces. I usually leave a lot of white area around my patterns when I cut them from the paper and then cut around the lines after I pin it to my fabric.


5. My material didn't arrive yet so bear with me while I use muslin. If you need to zoom in on a picture just click on it and it will take you to a larger version.

For this pattern you must take your 2 yards of material and open it up. Turn it so that the edge that was cut at the store is on the left side and not the bottom. Then fold the two sides in to the middle so that you have folds on either side of your fabric.

6. Place your patterns on the fabric like so (see picture to left). Make sure than the straight edges of the patterns are on the folds of your fabric. Then cut out adding seam allowances.

Take the yoke piece (the smallest of the three pieces) and cut it again on another fold (under the piece to the left) so that you have 2 pieces.

7. Cut out belt tie: 2"x57" adding seam allowances

8. Cut out 2 belt loops: .8"x4.7" adding seam allowances

9. Cut out the button band from the fabric.
It is 2.2" x37.5 - 41.3" depending on your size.

10. Cut out the belt tie: 2"x57"

11. Take the collar and sleeve material and fold it in half lenthwise then fold it in half again widthwise so that you have four layers of fabric.

12. Arrange them on the fabric like so (see picture to left). Be sure that the collar's straight edge lies on the fold. And cut out adding seam allowances. Discard extra collar piece.

DONE for today!

The Cuppycake Boutique Bubble Dress Winner!!

I've decided to post new winners to the front page of Grosgrain and/or on the sidebar so that more people can see whether or not they've won.

Please email grosgrainwinners@gmail.com.


The lucky winner of the Cuppycake Boutique Bubble Dress Guest Giveaway is Emily Taylor of "Life of Grem".

Please contact me to claim your prize!

Flickr Favs

You must see Marianne Elixir's matching Frock by Friday™ for her baby girl (bottom photo, top left) So adorable.

Everything looks so punchy and summer appropriate! Bravo! I must learn how to make those cute little coin purses. Lily would just freak out if I made her a few!

Again, you all deserve a pat on the back for your hardwork and creativity! I always look forward to these Saturday posts:)
Photo Credits Top Photo left to right:
adeyliang
Fat Connection
Ophelia K.
An Art Nest

Photo Credits Bottom Photo left to right:
Marianne Elixir
Guysgirlknits
Frock by Friday™ Dress: Remysmom08
Oldika
Brown Paper Packages

Frock by Friday™ Missing Piece

A few of you have alerted me to the fact that there is a piece missing. Ashley was kind enough to make the missing piece for us!

Download the missing piece here.

Now, the first day will be putting the pattern together and cutting it out so you don't really have to worry about it until Monday.

And remember that when we cut out our fabric we will have to add the seam allowance ourselves....again:( I hate that too.

Mama's Gonna Buy You A Mockingbird Refashion Frock Tutorial

I found this blouse at a new thrift shop in town. I can't help myself. I go weak at the knees for embroidery. The blouse was a little too short and I didn't know what to wear it with. But it was only $1 so I thought I might try to use it for a bit of refashioning.

Brian was in Philadelphia attending his sister's Graduation so I had my mother take the photos. I guess it's suiting.

It's a fairly easy tutorial. But if you too have a blouse that you just can't part with but just can't wear try turning it into a lovely summer frock!

Step 1: Find an old blouse that you love.
















Step 2: Make darts in the front of your blouse. Do this by pinning two long triangles that taper to a point at the bust line on the wrong side of your blouse.

Then sew and remove pins as you are sewing in place.












Step 3: Cut your blouse at the waistline.















Step 4: Cut back of blouse up the middle to make room for a zipper.
















Step 5: Make a circle skirt. You DON'T need a pattern to make a circle skirt.

a. measure the waist of your blouse. Take that number and divide it by 4.

b. Take two folded squares of fabric about 27"x27" and lay them on top of one another so that you have four layers of fabric. If your fabric isn't 27" wide that's fine. But you will have to shorten your length in step 5d. Keep your fold at the bottom.

c. On the bottom left corner of your square make a shape like in the picture to the left, be sure it is the length of your waist divided by 4.

d. Then measure 21" from each point on the line and connect the dots so that you have 1/4" of a donut shape.

e. cut out.

Step 6: Sew the two pieces of fabric with wrong sides together at the side seams.

Step 7: Make an 8" cut down the middle back.

Step 8: Then sew your skirt to your bodice with right sides together.

Step 9: (optional) I added a trim to the bottom of my dress.

Step 10: Sew in invisible zipper. See this post for a tutorial on how to sew in an invisible zipper.

Step 11: To make the waist belt, take 3 strips of a contrasting color 2.5" x 36" and sew them together at the short ends.

Step 12: Fold the strip lengthwise and sew along the length, right sides together.

Step 13: Turn belt right side out by attaching a pin to one side and pushing it through the inside until it comes out the other end.

Step 14: Tie around waist and VOILA you have a cute new refashioned frock!

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