NOTE: I apologize for all the wrinkles. It was one of those aftenoons with on and off showers. As I began walked the yard for a site to take photos, the rain came up suddenly. I clutched the outfit and ran inside. Momentarily, it cleared and I did not have time to press it again. I was in and out of the rain multiple times.
Baby Beatrice, my youngest delight, is most often called “Bea.” Of course, all things “bee” are suitable for her. Her adoption story is long and complicated with many twists and turns. It is clear that the hand of God has chosen her to be Kyle and Joanne’s baby girl.
Like so many adoptions, the first 9 months of her life were very stressful for her parents as they awaited the finalization of her adoption. But now with the joy of new parents, they are about to celebrate her first birthday. Of course, as her officially appointed Nana, I was eager to make a new outfit to mark this important milestone in her life.
The bumblebee pique and the yellow polka dot fabric were purchased shortly after her birth, along with several other “bee” prints especially for her. One of those fabrics was sewn into a little sundress when she was 4 weeks old, for a party following her arrival home.
For this bumblebee garment, the pattern used won my heart the first time I saw it.
I love the curved lines of the back.
Back of Bea’s bumblebee set. I don’t know why didn’t I notice that the top was not centered on the hanger. Must have been the thunder that distracted me.
A special button treatment was used, with a tiny yellow button stacked on a larger black one, echoing the bee color. I enjoy adding little touches like that.
One major modification to the pattern was dealing with the 5/8″ seam allowance. Accustomed to the heirloom/smocking patterns 1/4″ seam allowances, adjustments had to be made, especially to fit the black gingham picot bias. The fabric had to be cut to the seam line before being bound with the bias.
The bloomers are so cute. They require 5 pieces, the bottom, middle yoke, top, and two ruffles. Rather than using a wide hem on the ruffles and leg casing as instructed in the guide sheet, a zig zag stitch was worked over the elastic.NOTE: This technique is detailed in the Stitching Social blog Summer Yo-Yo Fock, another version of this same pattern.
The same black gingham picot bias was added to the leg ruffle that was created from the unused seam allowance. That bias also was used on the bee fabric ruffle. The edge of the yellow polka dot ruffle was rolled and whipped.
Recently, this same pattern was used for the yo-yo summer frock, my project for Brother’s blog, Stitching Sewcial.
The pattern only goes up to 24 moths or I’d make more garments like this. I can’t wait to see Bea wearing her bumble bee outfit.
Do you have a favorite pattern you have used more than once? Please tell us about it.
***Required notification: I am a paid as a Brother Ambassador/sewing expert.
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