Hi there, this is Marilyn Parker from Lindylou Kidsworld.
Did you get to check out Bunnycup’s newest Easter designs? Easter Train Applique is the cutest! I just had to try it, but what to make? Without going to the expense of buying MORE fabric (which is nearly my favourite thing to do! – after actually sewing things of course), I went through my stash and found this cute duck fabric in three colourways- and thought- yep, a pretty skirt with patchwork strips and a bit of a twirl. And, then to complete the outfit, an applique panel for the front of a singlet (could also work well on at-shirt with short or long sleeves).
Here is sunny Queensland, Australia, the weather around Eater time is still short sleeve weather, so I have used light weight quilt quality cotton fabric. Heavier cottons, viyellas, tiny pin cords would look lovely too. The skirt is perfect for layering with tights or leggings too for cooler days. My grand daughters are my biggest fans and have all mastered the art of layering and wear nanna Maz’s dresses all year round! It makes for some strange outfits, but everyone seems happy. I like to think they are setting the trend for young people’s fashion!
I have made up a chart of approx. measurements for making the skirt from sizes 2-8. Any smaller and the middle panel won’t work too well. If you wanted to make it for a baby, I would take out the middle row of fabric and just have the waistband and the row of appliqued train carriages gathered onto the band.
With all of my “how to” blogs, I work on the presumption that you can do basic sewing and know basic construction. At any time, if you need more info or you get stuck, please just ask.
So, get your fabric in front of you, and we begin. Please read all the instructions and view the chart and photos, before starting any cutting or sewing. Remember, “measure twice, cut once”.
PLEASE NOTE: The inch measurements on the chart are the finished measurements that you need to construct your garment. For the Contrast piece – which will be the piece that you do the applique on, you need to cut this wide enough to fit into your hoop with an inch each side top and bottom to give the fabric the best stability in the hoop while stitching. So for the size 6, which I used, I cut the piece 54.5 inches long x approx. 8 inches. After you have finished the applique work, you then press the fabric and cut to the size as per the chart. So, after the applique work the piece is cut back to the 54.5 x 6 as per the chart. Ok?
On the chart too I have noted the distance between each design for you. So follow the chart for accuracy. I always rule a line through the centre of the width of the fabric horizontally and mark a tiny “x” for the centre of each design for easy hoop placement.
I have allowed ¼ inch seams all round so make sure you serge or overlock all seams to give a bit more support. This outfit is made to be played in.
For the waistband pieces, sew the two pieces together lengthways and serge and press the seams. Then serge around the edge that is going to be the top. Turn this edge back 1 inch and stitch in place, leaving a 1 inch gap to insert the elastic through.
For the strippy skirt section, I used 3 different colourways of the same pattern fabric. I serge or overlock the strips all together first lengthways, then press. Gather this section across the top using two rows of straight long stitches close to the edge and pin this to the bottom edge of the waistband section – evenly please! I use lots of pins for this exercise- you have to have the twirl factor even (my 6 year old grand daughter told me so!).
So, we are down to the contrast band – with the wonderful appliqued Easter designs on it. With the 54.5 inch strip (remember I am using the measurements for the size 6 that I made for these instructions) you can either sew the seam up so you have one round tube to place your embroidery markings on, or keep it flat – being mindful that you will have the ¼ inch seam allowance each end of the fabric. Presuming you know how to do the applique work, we will move to the next step.
PLEASE NOTE: If anyone would like a run through of how to do the applique in the hoop, please let us know, and we can run a step by step on this process as a separate “how to”.
I have added lining to this layer of the skirt. I don’t like the back of the embroidery work showing, and the stabiliser can cause irritation to sensitive skin. And the lining adds some nice bulk to the finished edge of the garment too. I add the lining to the appliqued strip first, then press the two sides wrong sides together – stitch tem together along the top – so they don’t move apart and pucker- then sew this section to the rest of the skirt, and serge and press.
Using a safety pin, run the piece of elastic cut to length as per the chart, through the opening on the waistband, hand stitch the two ends of elastic together, and stitch the opening in the seam closed, and voila- skirt is all done!
For the applique on the top. I cut a piece of fabric 1 inch larger than the hoop measurements. Once the applique is done- press the work and cut back to 4 inches square. I then cut two squares of fabrics from the left over pieces of the skirt 3 ½ inches. Then cut these diagonally once. Attach the triangle pieces to each side of the centre appliqued square, and press. I then iron a piece of Vliseofix (paper backed double sided webbing) to the finished square. Once the work has cooled down, peel the backing off and after placing the square on the singlet at an angle you find pleasing, iron it onto the singlet front. Then take it to your machine and do two rounds of decorative blanket stitch around it to secure the patch to the top.
So, that is it! Your masterpiece is done! You could also make a large sash to match one of the colours in the fabrics, and do a gorgeous big bow at the front or back of the outfit. You could also line the bottom layer of the skirt with a bit of tulle for a fuller look. A cute matching knotted head band would look pretty cool too. Give the outfit your personal touch, and most importantly – SHOW US your completed creation!
Thanks for following us, and go and sew and create……and of course use Bunnycup designs xx
