Blog – Creations By Michie'

Have you visited our updated website?  We are so excited to have a new and modern look, not to mention easier navigating and shopping for our customers.  And most importantly, when you order one of our PDF/Printable patterns, they are easier to download!  Take a little time to browse and get inspired for your next sewing project. - Michie'

The holidays are fast approaching, so if there is any smocking to be done, it's time to get busy!  Here are some of our favorite holiday designs for you to choose from.  - Michie'

Have you been considering purchasing a PDF/Printable pattern, but not sure how it works?  Here is a quick tutorial on how to use and assemble our PDF/Printable Patterns.

Our patterns are designed to be printed from the home printer (using either 8 1/2″ x 11″ or A4 paper) and then be taped together to construct the large pattern sheet. We recommend tracing the size you will be making to preserve the original. This will also make the pattern easier to work with and will remove any bulk after taping the pages together.

Upon purchase of a Creations by Michie’ Printable Pattern you will receive a link and special code to download the PDF’s of the pattern. We recommend saving them to a file folder on your computer. You will receive a PDF with the front, back and instructions in one file and the large pattern sheets in a separate file (Figure 1). Most large pattern sheets will be separated into several pages to make the pieces more manageable when taping together.

To print your large pattern sheet you will open the file in Adobe Reader and choose the Print option. You will then see all the pages that will be printed. On the first page there is a 1” test square to ensure proper scaling and fit.

When you select the Print option, make sure Page Scaling is set to None and that Auto-Rotate and Center is selected (Figure 2). If you want to only Print the first page to check the Test Square, select Current Page to do so.

After you have tested to make sure your 1” test square is in fact 1” then you can begin assembling your Printable Pattern (Figure 3). You will notice all the pattern pieces will have a semi circle and letter on any sides that will meet up with another page. You will trim one page to the gray line and match the letters to make a complete circle (Figure 4 & 5).

Continue this for all pages until your pattern is assembled. Trace off the desired size and construct the garment (Figure 6). The instructions can be printed or viewed on your computer or tablet.

Happy Sewing!

Michie’, Anna & Tiffany

 

What’s new in Classic Sewing Magazine?  A whole lot of cute!  Our pattern #138 features a center smocked Christmas tree.  The smocking design and instructions for the pattern can be found in the magazine.

 

You can also find a super cute little embroidered gnome on pattern #102.

And Joy Welsh of www.appliqueforkids.com used patterns #107 and #131 to show off her beautiful applique’s!

As always, we are thrilled to be part of this wonderful publication. ∼ Michie’

 

I love snowmen because they are suitable well past the holidays.  “Jolly Snowmen” by Mollie Jane Taylor has been one of my favorite smocking designs for years and is super cute on our Jon-Jon pattern #137 made from black Featherwale corduroy.  And here is a little smocking tip. […]

Have you been wanting to learn to smock, but need a place to start?  Our Smocking Kit has everything you need.  Each kit includes our “Beginning Smocking Book”, a ready to smock pleated insert, four skeins of DMC floss and two hand sewing needles.  All you need to get going! ∼ Michie’

I’ve had several questions lately about the availability and price of pleaters.  So we did some research and here is what we found out.  During the past few years, when I was not paying attention because I had a good working pleater, they have become harder to find […]

Once again it is time for us to see your lovely garments made by your favorite Creations by Michie’ pattern!  Would you inspire us?

Some of our favorite photos of pattern #106 to get you inspired! ∼ Michie’

 

Dear, Creations by Michie’

Pattern #111 was perfect for a special garment to be worn to an outdoor wedding in August. The occasion provided me with a “dress rehearsal” for sewing a Christening bubble later this fall.

The fabric is cotton satin batiste in baby blue, trimmed with Swiss beading, both from Farmhouse Fabrics. The little bluebird machine embroidery design is from Martha Pullen’s Kent State Museum Collection, disk 1, stitched in DMC Broder cotton machine embroidery thread in variegated baby blue. I think the color is perfect with this sweet little one’s blue eyes!  Photos by Penny Layne Photography in Omaha, NE. 

Nancy Hoeman

Beautiful job Nancy! ∼ Michie’