Heirloom Sewing Projects
2011 Projects
After much anticipation, Allie received an American Girl "Like Me" doll on her 5th birthday. Thus began the sewing marathon of matching outfits.
Click the images to view larger.
2009 Projects
Allie was chosen to act as Flower Girl for Luke and Shelley's wedding.
This was a formal affair held at the Ringling Mansion on the grounds of New College in Sarasota, Florida.
Allie's ivory silk creation was made from a pattern and instructions found in the book, "Silk Ribbon Treasures: Smocking and Embroidery" and took 3 months to complete.
The 2.5" lace attached at the collar and sleves is handmade French lace. The dress was smocked with silk floss and trimmed with silk ribbons. A green silk dupioni with a black warp thread was selected as the back sash.
The dress has been professionally preserved and packed for storage by The Wedding Gown Preservation Co. in Endicott, NY.
Easter 2009
The 2009 Easter Dress was made from the "Kari Me Away" collection found in the book by the same name. All cotton lawn fabric was ordered directly from the book's author along with pattern and detailed instructions on making the rick rack flowers and trim. Click the pictures for a larger view.
Allie's doll, Sarah, received a smaller version of the same dress. They made a sweet pair and have been seen together in their matching dresses on several occasions.
Easter, 2008
This dress is a Bishop from The Classic Heirloom Collection by Ellen McCarn. The pattern is generously sized and makes a sweet dress for girls of all ages.
The smocked ducks at the top were taken from an issue of Sew Beautiful Magazine. The article included instructions for the hem and sleeve inset details.
The dress was made from 100% cotton imperial broadcloth with pima cottom gingham for the scallop details.The green scallops at the sleeves and hem were embellished with blanket stitching and bullion flowers in every peak.