Classic Vintage Sailor Dress...

Ever since we have been on our new venture to make clothing that is classic and beautiful, I have been looking for a vintage pattern to make a sailor dress. I have always loved them, and done the right way I knew this could be a hit! After endlessly searching, I found a pattern for the style I wanted. Unfortunately that pattern was not for sale anywhere! Finally I decided it was time to make up a pattern. I found three patterns that I already had that were to make up this dress...

The dress I was copying

From this pattern I used the sailor style collar.

I used the bodice of this one...since it crossed in front I was able to make modifications, This way it gave me the double breasted look I wanted! 

I took the sleeves and skirt from this pattern...

As you see, a little creativity, some adjustments and details made this dress have the look I wanted! O and did I mention...Those buttons unbutton and the whole front of the dress opens up to make it easy to get on and off your little one!

Same & Next Day Alterations...

Often times we get customers who need something altered for their work uniform the same or next day.  If you are one of those people who have a suit, pants, shirt, skirt, Military or law enforcement uniform that needs altered quickly, we are your solution! Not only are we same or next day alterations for work uniforms, but if you have to drive for 20 min or more to get to us, you can relax in our beautiful shop while we alter your clothing on the spot. 

To contact us for a same or next day alteration, please visit our website.

 

Tuesday Tips...Turning a fabric tube right side out

Have you ever sewn a strap or tie right sides together with one end closed and then had a hard time turning it right side out? Here is an easy way to do it. All you need for this is a large crochet hook or knitting needle! 

First, flip over the opened end of the tie/ strap and then place the tool that you are using, (in this case I am using a crochet hook) in between the flipped fabric and the non-flipped fabric. 

While gently pushing up on the tool, pull down on the flipped fabric. 

When you are finished, if you are using a tool with a pointed end you can lightly poke the corners to make them nice and square. 

If neither side of the strap/ tie is sewn shut than you can simply attach a safety pin to one side and flip it inside the strap. 

Then push the safety pin towards the opposite end of the strap. (This is similar to putting elastic through a waistband.) 

When you get to the end take out the safety pin and you are done. Voila!

Spring Easter Dresses...

Spring is around the corner, and it’s bringing many new things. For Easter, we have a cheerful and sweet selection of dresses for little girls. If you find a pattern or other dress that you would like to copy, we can make it for you to a perfect fit and with your personal touches. Here are a few Easter dresses that we have made.

We love old fashioned Shirley Temple style dresses...these Easter dresses are classic, and will make every girl love to twirl round and round!

A Fall Dress, Cozy hats, new furniture!

Lately at Bella Jean we have been working on some fun fall items. We are making a custom dress for a customer. The unique thing about this dress is, it looks like a skirt and blouse, but it is really a dress! Corduroy is a great fabric for these fall days. It's soft and has great texture with the lines.

Knitting is also a nice hobby for these dark chilly evenings. The other night we made a hat for a friend. We used organic cotton yarn, which is super soft and has a wavy texture. It also is more eye catching to use different colors on one hat, so we used cream and pink, as well as a variegated yarn to spice it up. To top it off we added a large flower for the side. I think Maddie likes her hat!

We also acquired a new piece of furniture...It is another great little work station!

A recycled shirt...into a pillow

Do you have any shirts that you've had for a while, but you don't want to throw them away? Or a shirt you might be grown out of that has some sort of design or unique embellishment? Well don't throw it away, because today we are going to show you how to turn rags to riches. 


First off, measure your shirt across the shoulder area. With a straight edge draw a square using the dimension you just measured. Then cut the square out one layer at a time. This way you make sure that you are using the best part of the shirt. 

 Once you have both your squares cut, sew them with right sides together, leaving an opening on the bottom of the pillow to put a form in. 
Fill the pillow, and hand sew the opening.

As you see on our pillow, a button up shirt is perfect to use the buttons in the front, they make great added detail!

A Stylish Upgrade...

A few weeks ago, we were trying to figure out a good way to display our ribbons and lace, but also make them easily accessible. After looking at many pictures online of ideas, we finally decided on the design. Off we went with our brother to Home Depot.

We got 2 wall mounts, a piece of smooth plywood for the top, some dowels, and a nice trim for the edge of the shelf to finish it off.

It's so easy even you can do it! Just paint everything, measure and put it up! I love how it turned out, and all the colors of ribbon draw you to it.

Painting

On a side note...Here is something we just finished for a customer, it is for a first birthday. I think it's a cute idea for any little boys first birthday!

The front of the onesie...

The back of the onesie...

Alphabet Bean Bags...

Recently one of our customers requested some alphabet bean bags for her toddler. What a great idea! I pulled out 26 different scrap fabrics from our bins and began cutting squares. I then had our embroiderer put the letters on with the applique embroidery method. We used felt for the middle of the letters. Each one looked so nice, and unique in its own way.

They are now going to be for sale, so if you have children that you would like to start learning the alphabet let us know and we can make you a custom set!

Portland Adventures...

On Friday morning at 7am Victoria, my mom and I started our trip down to Portland, OR. Yes, we were going to Fabric Depot again (and some other fabric stores). 
Our first stop was EE Schenk. This is a wholesaler's warehouse full of all sorts of fabrics, notions, and patterns for sewing and quilting. 

EE Schenck

 After about an hour we met up with Cherie and some other friends and all ventured off together to the Fabric Depot. For the next couple of hours we gathered all sorts of fabrics and trims. We went with quite a long list for specific jobs but also got extra fabric for some children's clothing. We found everything we needed which was quite a relief! Next we headed to the Taylor's for a scrumptious lunch in the sun!

Fabric Depot

Lots of Elastic Lace

 After some of the ladies took off back home, we decided to take a walk along the boardwalk with our sister Naomi and Faith. On a sunny day this is definitely a "must do" in Portland. It was so beautiful! We stopped at a little ice-cream shop and got a double-scoop ice-cream cone. If you want a full portion of ice-cream this is the place to go. Their scoops were huge! I couldn't even finish it. Later we went out to dinner with Sarah then to another friend's house for games...

By the River in Portland

Delicious Ice Cream!

mmm...

 We rested up on Saturday and went fabric shopping again. This time we went to the Mill End first...if you are looking for a wide variety of silks, brocades, wools, jean and homespun fabrics, this is the place to go! Then we went to Fabric Depot again...(we just can't get enough of it!)

The Mill End

The Mill End

 Later we went to a cupcake shop and out to coffee with Elena. It was so nice to be able to fabric shop with a wide variety, and to spend time with our friends in Portland...

Ver, Elena, Vic

The Ride Home