It Was SEW Much Fun!

We had our first sewing workshop this weekend and it was a success! Only 5 of the original 11 ladies were able to make it (which was probably a good thing- gathering the tiers took a little getting used to) but we had so much fun!!  Three members of our group were completely new to sewing but two tiers into it they were getting the hang of it...two of them even made another  Gracie skirt!

We chose the Portabellopixie Gracie skirt to teach...partly because that was the one that was requested and partly because it is such an adorable skirt for girls of all ages! (Sandi feel free to reprint this pattern in adult sizes- wink, wink).  Sandi Henderson is the designer of the Portabellopixie patterns and let me just say that she does an outstanding job!  The directions come in a colorful booklet with LOTS of illustrations.  Even a beginner can figure them out (especially with her tutorials in the back of the book).  The price of the pattern may seem a little high ($15.95 retail) BUT they include 4 DIFFERENT patterns in one...not just four variations, but four different designs!  She currently has 4 children's patterns in print - Gracie, Claire, Analise, and Ruffle Pants...2 patterns that include both child's and adult's sizes- The Berry Picker Skirt and The Saturday Skirt...a purse pattern - The Market Bag...and a pincushion pattern! 
You can buy her patterns on her website at    http://sandihenderson.com/  
A HUGE "THANK YOU" to Sandi Henderson!

We have traced the pattern and are ready to cut the fabric...This was a little nerve wracking for the beginning sew-ers.  Fortunately all went well during this first step.

Sewing the side seams together...this was the easy part!

Gathering the tiers was the hardest part...VERY time consuming.  I think everyone will agree that patience is an EXTREMELY important characteristic to have when sewing!! ;p

See how much fun gathering is!



 It was tough trying not to sew over the gathering stitches.



Melissa got so good at it she decided to make a 2nd skirt!

Here are the final results...Great job everyone~ Looks great!!



Melissa still needed to measure Kensley before she could put the elastic in the skirt.  She had a little serger mishap with her 2nd tier, but in the end it all worked out and is probably even cuter because it's a little different from her first skirt.  BTW- problem solving is a necessity when it comes to sewing!