Snow White Visits the Library

Here's my little princess at today's Princess Party at our local library. Sorry for the blur; forgot the flash.

This Snow White costume was a Christmas present. She requested it and I knew it was a "must do". She'd worn her store-bought one to shreds.

I made the costume from Simplicity 9384. This pattern is not for a beginner. The bodice had self-made piping. The sleeves were sewn with three layers of fabric and multiple steps.

But it was cheaper to make than most princess costumes. The fabrics are all broadcloth purchased at 50% off. There are no special trims. The only notions were thread, hooks & eyes, interfacing, zipper, and elastic. I had all of those on hand except the zipper.

I made this costume a bit big, in hopes it will fit her the Summer of 2009. I'm dreaming of another trip to Disney...

But for now, we satisfy ourselves with a Princess Party at the library. Enjoy the pictures!

Riveting story time...

Crown with jewels, glitter and feathers...

And a princess parade!

Cloth Baby Shoes Completed!

Here they are! Two cozy little baby shoes, size 0-6 months.

I used navy corduroy with blue fleece for the right pair. The left pair are blue plaid wool with the same fleece.

I deviated from the pattern in just a couple ways. First, I used the main fabric for the sole instead of the recommended suede fleece. Since these fabrics are already heavy, I did not use a double layer of the main fabric for the sole. I just interfaced it. These shoes will never be walked in. That should be sufficient.

The second change I made is on the heel. I left the main fabric showing with the fleece as trim. The pattern shows doing the opposite.

The instructions on this tutorial are excellent. My only advice would be to follow them!

The first pair I made, I decided I knew better. The pattern says to fold down the top heel, sandwiching the elastic inside. I feared catching the elastic as I stitched. Surely I could just thread the elastic through after everything was sewn together.

Wrong!

I think it took me over an hour to thread the elastic through. The multiple layers of fabric and interfacing made threading virtually impossible. Lesson learned!

If you use heavy fabrics (as I did) make sure to use a heavy weight machine needle. I can't emphasize that enough. You truly need a denim or similar weight needle and go slow. Or you'll be breaking needles!

If you want to give these shoes a try, check out the Cloth Shoes Flickr group. There are lots of cute ideas. I've made my shoes very plain because of time constraints. But the toes of these cloth shoes just cry out for embellishment!

Sewing Baby Shoes Today

I'm making cloth baby shoes today for a baby shower on Saturday. My good friend Crissy is having her third boy.

Joanna's pattern (at Stardustshoes) are famous! They're highlighted at Sew Mama Sew!, Michael Miller Fabrics, and pictured in Mary Engelbreit Home Companion. Not to mention all the no-name bloggers like me that rave about them.

And...be still my frugal heart...her pattern-slash-tutorial is free! What a gal.

The first time I made these little guys, I was a bit embarrassed to bring such a small and easily made gift. But the response was wonderful. Maybe because the shoes look like Robeez.

It never ceases to amaze me that one morning + fabric scraps = adulation.

So once again, I pull out this great pattern. All the pieces are cut, interfaced, and marked for two pair of baby boy cloth shoes.

Stay tuned...pictures and comments upon completion.