 This fall I released the updated Margo Blouse and had some fun making new versions for my closet. Ruffles made their debut on the yoke of the Margo Blouse and to add to the fun I made the New Dover Jacket in pink! Although I've made both of these patterns many times, these pieces both have something special something that makes them new.
Adding ruffles to the Margo has been on my list for quite a while. My inspiration board is full of photos with inspiration for adding ruffles without adding too much frill. After lots of experimentation I landed on adding ruffles around the entire yoke, both front and back.
Here's how I did it: For a 5/8" finished ruffle, I cut 2 strips of fabric 2 1/4" wide by the width of my fabric, pieced them together, folded and pressed the strip in half lengthwise. Ran 2 rows of basting stitches, and pulled on the bobbin threads and gathered the entire strip. Constructed the yoke and facing and basted them together around the perimeter. Basted gathered ruffle to outer edge of yokes. Continued constructing blouse.  It got a little bit bulky at the corner so I did lots of grading, trimming and pressing to get everybody to lay flat. I used a poly crepe which isn't typically responsive to the iron, but I persisted and used the iron in combination with my wood clapper (if you're unfamiliar you can check one out here) and I'm happy with the finished product.  Let's face it, I can't pass up corduroy let alone wide wale pink cord. This is dreamy soft with a bit of a distressed texture and I would imagine it's just going to get softer with wear. I made the long version of the Dover Jacket and added large vintage buttons. I've worn this with the ruffle Margo blouse and also a simple t-shirt and scarf. I think it will get lots of wear this spring on crisp days. The roomy pockets are one of my favorite features on this jacket as they hold everything I need for a quick jaunt out. I didn't topstitch this version because I wanted to live with it first, but now I think I will go back and add some about 2" in around the neck and front.  Happy Sewing my friends and may this year bring you all the good things!
Diane
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 It's time for a new year and time to start planning some new projects! Now through January 3rd all patterns are $7.50 to help you get a jump start on your 2021 wardrobe. No code needed!
Happy New Year Friends! Diane  I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it on Mood Fabric's website and it's in a color I've never worn before. Butterscotch! I can't pass up butterscotch pudding, candies or my mom's butterscotch chip cookies (she was magical in the kitchen...and everywhere else for that matter) so it's only logical for me to grab this fabric too.
I made view B of the Margo Blouse in this rayon crepe that has a texture something like a bark cloth. It's drapes like crepe which makes it perfect for the Margo and because it has some texture it was easy to work with since it didn't slide around too much.  It was perfect for Thanksgiving and fall but it will also work well in the spring with a creamy sweater or denim jacket. This will get lots of wear!
Keep sewing my friends! Diane  I didn't think it was ever going to cool down here but finally we're having a few cool days and with that comes inspiration to sew some winter pieces. And just in time, the Georgia Top now has a "Cowl Neck Expansion Pack" available as a free download in the shop. This gray sweater is one of two cowls I've made so far and I was able to make it in under an hour! The fabric is a ribbed sweater knit from Mood Fabrics that has great stretch and recovery, so if you're new to sweater knits this is a great first choice. As prep before I sew, I cut everything out and changed my serger thread (my least favorite part of sewing) and did some test stitching on my machine. I used a combo of my sewing machine and serger (which is typical for me) but this top can be made completely on the serger. Since this is a knit, I used a ball point needle. And on a side note, I mark my sewing machine needles with nail polish colors that coordinate with the case so I don't get them mixed up. There is no way I'll ever be able to read the imprint on the needles.  This is a quick project because the construction is broken down to minimize trips to the iron and gives longer stints at the machine. All the bands and cowl are stitched and pressed to start and after that, there's really only the front and back to work with.  We've all had shoulder seams on knit tops grow on us, so to keep that from happening, I added "Seams Great" in the stitching of the shoulder seam. You can also use a lightweight fusible knit interfacing. The classic choice for this is clear elastic (but I typically don't have it) but it irritates my skin.  Here's my quick and pretty sweater ready for cozy winter days. The Georgia Top along with the Coffeehouse Pants PDF patterns are included in the "Work From Home Pattern Bundle" available now in the store for just $15! Happy Sewing Friends! Diane   The Georgia Top now has a Cowl Neck Expansion Pack available FREE! If you've already purchased the Georgia Top, you can download the expansion free here. If you haven't purchased the Georgia Top, the listings now include the expansion pack and the full pattern package is available here.
Enjoy some new warm sweaters this year! Diane  I'm happy to announce for December the new "Work From Home" Pattern Bundle. The bundle includes both the Georgia Top (including the brand new "Cowl Expansion Pack") and the freshly updated Coffeehouse Pants. These easy to sew patterns are great if you're looking for a quick pick me up to your work at home wardrobe. Also, if you're a beginner and you're ready for your first mini wardrobe, this set is for you. The 6 files included are: Georgia Top fully illustrated sewing instructions with tiled print at home pattern. Georgia Top Copy Shop Files (2 page A0/US compatible printing) Georgia Top Cowl Neck Expansion Pack. Coffeehouse Pants fully illustrated sewing instructions, tiled/layered print at home pattern Coffeehouse Pants Copy Shop File ( 1 page US printing 36"x 48") Coffeehouse Pants Copy Shop Files (2 page A0 printing)
Enjoy the bundle and be sure and show us what you make! #coffeehousepants #georgiatop #bluedotpatterns.
Happy Sewing!  Thanksgiving in the U.S. is here and to celebrate, all PDF patterns are 20% off with code THANKSGIVING20.
And may your Thanksgiving be a time of celebration, love and of course some sewing time! I'm thankful for your support of my business all these years! Thank you, Diane As a designer, the big moment in the pattern production process is testing. All the time and thought that goes into a pattern is finally brought out into the light and gets to be used by those that I've been creating for. I'll admit I get nervous but it's also exciting to see something that's been "my baby" brought to life. The Margo Blouse Pattern Update testers brought their A-game! They brought sewing expertise (which helps me fine tune the pattern), creativity and a generous spirit. I'm humbled by the time and attention these makers gave to me. Thank you to all of you! I have for you just a sample of the photos and projects the testers completed. Here they are (left to right): Angie of PocketfulofRainbows: She made View B in white eyelet showing how nice the pattern would be in lace. Margo of CreatingInTheGap: This color is amazing and the burnout fabric adds even more interest. It's a solid blouse with a twist! Danielle of sewciallibery: Danielle did something with her Margo I never even thought of! She used one fabric for the yoke and sleeve and another for the body. Brilliant and it would work as a scrap buster! Deepthi of MadeByDee: She made her Margo in a flowy rayon which is the first fabric I think of for the Margo blouse. At her suggestion I lengthened the short sleeve version 1 1/2" in the new update. Thank you for the suggestion Deepthi. Genya of WishIfYouCan: Genya made her blouse really special by taking the windowpane plaid and cutting it on the bias for the yoke which is a creative touch that makes it special. Jacqui of MadSewingScientist: She used a crepe de chine in her version and ran the directional print crosswise on the yoke. I love that print. Jenni of JenniSewsSomething: Jenni makes lots of projects that have a vintage feel to them and she brought that esthetic to her Margo here. Beautiful Jenni!
Kirsten of ReadRunSew: What can I say? Kirsten chose a fun dog print and made a whimsical Margo. This fun blouse goes right along with her fun personality. Vicki: Look at what Vicki did with this stripe! I didn't include it here, but she made another Margo during the test in a stripe. I love the 70's vibe! Thank you all for your help! I couldn't do it without you! The Updated Margo Blouse is in the store and if you join our new Facebook group, the BDP Sewing Collective, you get a coupon code for 30% off all patterns in the month of November. Enjoy!  Margo from Creating in the Gap One of our best-selling patterns just got a refresh! The Margo Blouse PDF pattern now comes with a few new features: Extended Sizing: Sizes 4-22 Layered Printing - print all sizes or just one! Improved Fit More Illustrations Over the next few days I'll be sharing photos from my lovely testers and ideas for your own Margo Blouse.
Get a coupon code for 30% off all patterns through November 30th if you join The BDP Sewing Collective Facebook Group. Use it on all patterns including the New Margo! Also, have you already purchased the Margo Blouse PDF pattern? We will send you the updated pattern FREE! Just email us with the name and email you purchased the pattern under and we will get your copy out to you. I hope you enjoy! Happy sewing! Diane  On my latest project, the Margo Blouse, I added some details to the yoke. The simple and fun to do details make this top special. The yoke on this blouse lends itself to embellishment, decorative stitching, embroidery, lace or contrasting fabric. To this blouse, I added reverse bobbin work to the front and back yoke and hand stitching to the placket.  Reverse bobbin work is done entirely on the machine. DMC embroidery floss is hand wrapped on the bobbin (all strands) and regular stitching thread is loaded in the top of the machine. I lengthened my stitch and stitched from the wrong side of the fabric. I have a detailed tutorial here for more details. Here's how to add it to the yoke:
I wanted to add a touch of gold to the yoke so I after I added the mini ricrac, I hand stitched DMC floss around the narrow parts of the ricrac. I've seen lots of pics of embellished ricrac and have been looking for a chance to try it myself. I love the little detail.
I have a Pinterest board with more ideas for the Margo yoke. I'd love to see your makes! Happy sewing, Diane |
About MeHi! I'm Diane, a wife, mom, sewing teacher and pattern designer from sunny Southern California. I share my sewing adventures here on the Blue Dot Blog formerly Gatorbunnysews. For more info click here. 
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