For almost three weeks now I have wrestled with designs and plans for Christmas outfits for all three grandchildren. I desperately wanted them coordinated, as it seems that my opportunities for brother-sister-cousin holiday clothes are diminishing. Sweet and cooperative as 5 1/2 year old Robert is, I think the era of easy compliance with “sweet” clothes  is drawing near an end.
But time flies and the outfits need to be finished for Christmas pictures as well as for The Nutcracker Ballet, which Robert and Laurel will be attending mid-December. So I have finally settled on basic black velveteen as the unifying factor.
While awaiting the arrival of my mail order shipment of velveteen from The Sewing Studio in Maitland (Florida), I have started a pinafore bib for Laurel. This will be worn over her black yoke dress.
Inspired by Margaret Boyles’ Pinafore Bibs book, the heirloom sewn confection should make up relatively quickly. For Valentines Day and other occasions, a new bib can be popped over the same black dress.
Aside from her very clear illustrations, Margaret includes  patterns for sizes 1-6, and tips for a perfect fit. As per her directions, I will use the dress yoke pattern to draft a bib that will fit perfectly, rather than use the pattern from her book. Still, those patterns are invaluable for their scalloped Madeira  applique’ borders and embroidery designs.
The bib fabric is a heavier weight of champagne Swiss batiste. Swiss beading, insertion and antique Swiss organdy edging will be combined with an embroidery of the Sugar Plum Fairy, from A Bit of Stitch’s Nutcracker Suite Motifs.  My sample stitch out has led me to tweak the colors and design slightly.
The scroll work beneath the ballerina is really lovely. The design pack comes with this as well as a frame design, suitable for insertion of a monogram. I chose to stitch the scroll under the Sugar Plum Fairy with 80 wt. Maderia Cotona thread. With a monotone design, this fine thread stitches out very nicely.
Back to the machine and the pinafore bib……..Updates soon. And have you started Christmas outfits? I’d love to hear about them.
2 responses to “Ingredients~Christmas Dress ’10”