Gatorbunnysews Is Now The Blue Dot Blog!

Click here for the new blog!

That's right!  I've been blogging at Gatorbunnysews for years and now it'll be The Blue Dot Blog!  The content won't change....just the name.  I'll still be writing about my adventures in sewing, inspiration, tutorials, projects and my general love of sewing.  It's a bit tricky moving a blog but here goes...thanks for following and I hope you'll stay with me!

Khaki Skirt - New Look 6035

You know how sometimes you just have one of "those days"?  Well this has been one of "those projects".  You know the ones where it’s supposed to be simple and for one reason or another, or in this case several reasons, it turned to be not as quick and simple as I was expecting. There was nothing wrong with the pattern it was just....one of “those projects”.

I've enjoyed working with fabric prints lately but it's time for me to add some summer basics to my wardrobe. I purchased this stretch cotton slightly brushed medium weight twill a couple of months ago in hopes of sewing up some pants but instead I stitched up an aline skirt using New Look 6035. 

For starters, I prewashed the fabric and it came out with stains.  I’m not sure if it was my machine or it was damaged when I bought it but, ugh. I counted it as a loss but after a few days I washed it again and got most of the stains out.  It wasn't enough for pants but there was enough to eek out a skirt.

The skirt is pretty plain and although I'm looking to add basics to my wardrobe, I wanted to avoid the "Armed Forces" look (there's nothing wrong with a uniform look except when it's not supposed to be a uniform). I looked to my "Sassy Skirts" Pinterest board for inspiration and decided to add pockets and belt loops with top stitching, back darts for shape and 6 inches to the length.

The skirt should’ve gone together easily and quickly and the instructions were good but it took quite a bit longer than the 2-3 hours it should have.  I put the invisble zipper in 3 times because I kept stitching too close to the coil (really?), I forgot to put the belt loops in the seam when attaching the waistband and found another stain on the fabric as I was working.  Thankfully, I was able to get it out.

Well folks, I persevered and came out with a skirt I’m happy with.  For sure someone needs to print a “#sticktoitiveness” t-shirt for me.  I’m having a little difficulty figuring out how to style it because the topstitched pockets make it a bit too casual for the tops I wear to work.  I think it looks best with a simple t-shirt and sandals or tennies.  Any ideas on styling?

A print sundress is under my sewing machine now.  I’ll share soon!

Diane

Pattern Testers - I Couldn't Do It Without Them

There's a lot that goes into the development of a pattern; design, pattern making, testing, writing, testing some more, refining and the list goes on.  But the best part of the development of a pattern is when it goes out to the testers and I get to what people make.

I'm amazed at how gifted, skilled and generous my pattern testers are!  They made some really fun Ally skirts, gave awesome feedback and were all around supportive during the entire process. Their suggestions have been invaluable.  I couldn't have done it without them!

Here are some of the makes from these lovely testers:

Michelle from ThatBlackChic added pockets and flaps for a young and funky Ally.  So much fun!

Melissa from Mahlicadesigns made a dark denim skirt with snaps.  A great wardrobe builder, right?

Karen made a wool version (so classic!) with pockets and then a higher waisted denim version for her lovely daughter.

Lindsay of Inside The Hem made a corduroy skirt.  When Lindsay sent her photos I had to giggle because I had just finished a brown cord version myself!

Caroline made a fun black Ally that can be worn all year with a light t-shirt in the summer and a chunky sweater and boots in the winter.  I love it!

I'm the luckiest designer ever!  Thank you pattern testers....you're the best!

Blue Dot New Release - The Ally Skirt

The newest addition to the Blue Dot Patterns Collection is the Ally Skirt PDF Pattern!  It's now available on the BDP website!

To celebrate the new release, it's on sale for 30% off....just $7.00.

Ally has length and pocket options and best of all, it sews up really quick!

Head on over to the website and check it out!

I'm Happy To Announce....The Ally Skirt

I'm happy to announce the newest pattern in the Blue Dot Collection, The Ally Skirt PDF Pattern!

The Ally Skirt is a 6 gore skirt with 2 length options, button front, topstitching and flap or pocket

option (because we love our pockets!)  Instructions include directions for a custom fit. View A is above the knee a with flap and has a finished length of 17 1/2".  View B is knee length with an inset patch pocket and finishes at 22 1/2”. This pattern is designed for the beginning/intermediate sewer.

She doesn't take much fabric and is a really quick sew.  Ally is a great way to add to your wardrobe.  I hope it becomes one of your TNT patterns.

Upcraft Club is doing an exclusive release today so head on over and take a look!

The pattern will be available on the Blue Dot Website on June 3rd.

I hope you like it!

New Pattern Is On The Way...June 1st

I’ve got some happy news....

It might look like there hasn’t been much sewing going on here but really, it’s been a happy sewing marathon as I've been getting ready to add a pattern to the Blue Dot Collection.  I’m excited to announce I’ll be releasing a new pattern and her name is Ally!  

Upcraft Club will do an exclusive release June 1st and the pattern will hit the Blue Dot Website beginning June 3rd.  

More details about Ally coming soon...

Come Take a Class With Me...Georgia Top

On June 11th I'll be teaching a Georgia Top class at Fabricland in Orange, CA.  I would love to see you there and have a chance to sew with you.  

If you’re new to sewing with knits or want to brush up on your knit skills, this class is for you.  In this class you will make the dolman sleeve Georgia Top PDF pattern and learn how to:

• Choose the right knit fabric for a project.
• Use and put together a PDF pattern.
• Sew knits without a serger.
• Choose the right needle and notions for knits.
• Use a twin needle.

And best of all, you’ll have a new top to add to your wardrobe and a pattern you can use over and over!

Saturday June 11 from 12:30 - 4:30

Class Fee: $45

Class fee includes PDF pattern.  Bring basic sewing notions and machine (optional - we have machines available for use free of charge during class.)

Class supplies:  Fabric for top (see pattern for yardage), thread to match.

Please email me if you're interested or call Fabricland to sign up: (714)974-1214.

I look forward to seeing you!