Mylar is a fun addition to Machine Embroidery. It is a foil like tissue paper that can be found at your local craft and hobby stores in the gift wrap section.  You do need to use a design that has been digitized for Mylar use. I am releasing this new design today in my store. Check it out here.

Designs for Mylar are very similar to Applique.  They need to have a placement stitch that tells you where to place the Mylar. If you like sparkle and shine when you do Machine Embroidery, you will love working with Mylar!  Here you see my design is ready to be tacked down.

An easy way to keep it from sliding around in the hoop is to use Painter's tape. Just a little bit will do the trick. Then sew the next step which should tack it in place and an open fill will cover the entire Mylar area.

There will be an outline stitch that goes around and ensures all of the product will stay put.   

Once it completes, you just gently pull the excess away. You can use tweezers and small scissors to get any small pieces.  Then sew out remaining parts of your design.  Mylar is a synthetic product so you will need to use a little extra care when laundering.  Just wash it on gentle and dry on low or hang to dry.  Keep your irons away from it also.

One of the neatest things when using Mylar is the versatility.  You can keep one color in your stash. I used silver on all three stitch outs above. The thread is reflected in the product and each look is custom.  Try variegated thread for extra special projects!  

I decided to use my variegated thread and stitched out the design on my sweatshirt.  It takes a plain garment that is inexpensive and turns it into a custom work of art.  

 Check out all of the different things you can do with this single design! I also have a You Tube video you can watch below that shows how easy it is to use Mylar. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!

I am sitting here typing my review of the Butterick Pattern 6838 wearing my version C nightgown.  So you  already know this was a successful project.  This pattern has been on my to do list for some time. Once I decided I was ready, it worked out to be a relatively easy stitch out and I have sewn one for myself and another as a gift for my mom.  There will be more versions in my future.

Pretty nightgowns are one of my favorite things but sometimes they can get expensive.  I am not talking about the T shirt gowns or even flannel ones you can buy at big box retailers.  Think about the heirloom bridal or boutique nightgowns you may see in the fine department stores.  Yards of 100% cotton fabric that is light and airy when you spin around. Beautiful cotton lace trims and silk ribbons. I have seen these type nightgowns upwards of $80 - $90 dollars and they are worth it.  Why you may ask?  Comfort.  If you have never slept in 100 % cotton, you need to give it a try.  No polyester blend, just cotton.  Think of how wonderful it feels to sleep under a quilt.  It is warm in the winter but we use ours in the summer also.  A cotton nightgown is perfect for ladies in their ever changing seasons of life. Add a sleeve and it will keep your arms warm. Add some length and your legs will stay warm.  Go sleeveless and be breezy. Give it a try and I promise you will feel so comfortable you won't want to get dressed in the morning.

My version C which has length and a short sleeve takes  4 1/8 yards of fabric, some fusible interfacing, and a couple of trims.  I used the Pellon 906F Sheer weight fusible because I wanted this to have a little stability but be very breathable.  The layout of the pattern pieces is easy because the main part of the gown is cut on the fold for the front and back. This takes up most of your fabric.  Once you have those taken care of, you will have the yoke and the sleeves.  So not a lot of pattern pieces are involved.

The yoke is where you will interface.  Pay attention to the instructions here and make sure you only interface one front yoke and one back one.  I suppose if you used a lightweight interfacing and wanted a little more structure, you could interface both sides but I would make sure you were not using a heavier weight product.  The yoke does have a fair amount of hand stitching after you have put the the front and back together because of the facing. It is not difficult, but the hand stitching is necessary and done from the inside to conceal the seams. You will also do a good amount of gathering on the front and back gown pieces.

The sleeves take a few steps as they use two pieces of fabric each and they are set in so some ease stitching is required..  Trim or lace can be sewn or if you like a plain gown, you could leave this off. I would also advise to baste where the pattern says to. Basting is always a step that people avoid because it looks like it wastes time but it will help you avoid having to unpick your project.

I would advise also to make sure you transfer all of your markings and use the arrows on the pattern to make sure you line everything up.  The gathering when connecting the yoke to the front and back gown pieces is specific and more prominent in the center of the gown rather than all the way across.  When you line up the raw edges and use those markings you will see what I am talking about. I will say the only thing I was not sure about was the neckline.  It is a little more generous than what I imagined when looking at the pattern cover photos. So if you have ​very narrow shoulders, you may want to go down a size so the gown doesn't fall off your shoulders. I would measure yourself and the pattern pieces before you decide. Look at the back yoke when you do this to make sure you have enough fabric to ensure you will be comfortable while sleeping and not feel like the gown is too tight across the shoulders.  Also, pre-wash your fabric because cotton will shrink. Even if it is pre-washed you may see a little more shrinkage after it is sewn.  It will also get softer and more lovely as you wash it each time.  

So here is my nightgown all finished.  I was pleasantly surprised with this pattern because as soon as I slipped my gown over my head, I knew it would be a favorite.  I have become accustomed to being disappointed with my garment sewing projects over the years.  I am sure you have also because you never know what you are going to get. After spending the money on the fabric, notions, pattern and then going through the process, it is disheartening when the fit doesn't work out.  I think you may like trying a nightgown project because it is forgiving and even if not perfect, no one will see it except you. As far as skill level, I would say that because of the facings and set in sleeves, I would not say an absolute beginner would want to tackle this. A beginner with a few sewing projects under their belt who is comfortable with gathering and pattern layout can tackle it though. I was able to sew my second gown without using the instructions until I got to the sleeves.  I had to refer to them and then I pushed through the rest of the project without needing any instruction help.

Maybe you have been inspired to try your own nightgown project? I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!

I have released several new Springtime designs in my store including a new FREE Embroidery Design!  This is my Buzzing Bee Design and it is really sweet.  There are only 3,065 stitches in it so you can get a quick project out in no time! Just some information about my Free Embroidery designs.  Some websites have their free designs available as a clickable download right on their blog page.  I list all of my free designs in my store because it ensures you get a safe file.  You just add them to your cart, put in a little information and then a link is emailed to you. I don't sell your email information and I won't bother you with advertisements. I may drop you a line and ask if you liked the design you picked out. That helps me ensure everything got downloaded and it is working. If you are like me, you love getting something for free, but you wonder what's the catch?  On my website, I am hoping you will try my free designs and then maybe you'll come back and buy other designs in the future. If not, that's OK. Just grab the free ones.  Maybe you will tell a friend about me and they will visit my site. I love machine embroidery and sewing, how it has helped me grow and get through hard times of my life and I want you to get inspired. 

So with my latest free design here are some ideas.  Maybe you have a blank pillow that needs something added to it?  Here is an example of what it might look like.

How about stitching it on a tea towel?  Add a simple phrase like  "Welcome Spring" or "Busy Bee" and hang it on your oven door.  

You may already be working on your Easter dresses?  Wouldn't it be so cute on a little sweet sundress like this one?   This is an exciting time of year to me because each day is a little longer and I know that soon I will be working in my yard and watching all of the little bees doing their hard work to help my flowers bloom. Come back and visit my site because I am adding new embroidery designs and creative content all the time. I love to hear from you also. Add a comment here or send me a comment on my contact page and let me know what you are working on. ​I hope this has been inspiring, that you share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!

Welcome to a New Year and New Decade.  My son said to me this morning that he had 2020 vision.  It took me a while to get the joke.  Gotta love those quick young minds!  I am excited to be moving into this new year. I have a lot of great creative ideas starting with several new designs released today and other oldies on sale.  The Love Hearts pictured above looks like simple text until you notice the small hearts in each letter. Stitch this out in one color or use variegated thread to see those hearts really stand out!

My Script Love Heart Design stitches beautifully and I know you will really enjoy watching it as it comes to life on your project.

My Mug Love embroidery design is simple and homey.  I can picture this decorating so many kitchen projects.

Heart Sing is another simple design in one color.  Sew this one for that special someone that just makes your heart really sing!

Heart line is perfect by itself or add your own text. If you want to sew out something that will take a few minutes for a quick gift, this one is just the ticket!

I also have several Heart Quilt blocks available in different sizes.  These use the flip and fold method. If you are not very precise with your piecing skills, an embroidery machine can really ensure you will have a beautiful block once complete. Full color instructions come in the download.                               Check out the  4x4, 5x5, 6x6, 8x8 or the entire set. 

My Fringe Heart can help you show your patriotic love.  See it in a 4x4 and 5x7 size. Instructions included in the download.

Love is in the air!  Check out my SALESALESALE page for all of these designs and get them now because Valentine's Day will be here before you know it!  I hope you are looking forward to your New Year, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!