After the creation of the new Irving the Santa appliqué, I needed to construct a sample garment on which to display the new appliqué. I selected the Lauren pattern from Bonnie Blue Designs. This pattern has been revised and replaced with the Bailey pattern in the Bonnie Blue Designs pattern line. This picture was taken at a recent photoshoot - didn't Maggie do a wonderful job! Thanks also to Chel'den's for allowing us to use their store since it was so cold outside.
I wanted to share with you the collar technique I used. I began by tracing (with a washable pen) the collar pieces onto white pique fabric. Don't cut out the fabric at this point. Interface the wrong side of both collar pieces. Place another piece of the pique fabric (lining) with the wrong sides together under the collar fabric. Sew the two layers together on the seam allowance line specified in your pattern. Cut a long enough bias strip to go around the outside edge of the collar pieces. For the width of the bias strip, I cut it six times 1/4" (my planned seam allowance) plus 1/4 inch ease for a total of 1.75 inches. Fold the bias strip in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together. Match up the raw edges of the bias with the stitched seam allowance, easing in the fullness around the curves. Sew the bias using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat for the other collar piece. Cut the collars out on the original seam allowance line that held the two layers together. Flip the bias to the back of the collar and press. Whipstitch the bias to the back edge of the collar. With this done, apply the collar pieces to the neck edge and finish the neck edge according to the pattern's instructions.
I hope you will enjoy trying this technique. We've had plenty of days lately when the perfect activity was to stay warm indoors and to sew. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
