I hope you all had a great weekend regardless of any “yucky” weather that may have come your way. Our weekend weather, here in northern Illinois, was grey both days, but only half wet. (The Sunday morning sunshine disappeared quickly.)
When I look out my sewing studio window on this brand new day and work week, I see endless blue sky, which I am very grateful for.
Last week I started a new ensemble for Gracie. While looking through my laces I found this tatting lace. Even though it’s gorgeous, and I wanted to use it, I wasn’t sure how to apply it. This fabric, though, is too PERFECT for it; the little circles on the lace mimic the faint honeycomb design on the background of the fabric. Even the color is perfect. I took some time to think about it, made a little sample, and found if I applied it by hand it would work out. Sometimes the sewing machine needs to be put aside.
I applied the lace to the underside of the skirt. I found that the lace “fit” in the space right under the hemline’s seam allowance. I used a very fine (#11 straw) needle and matching thread. I found that putting a tiny vertical stitch through the base of each circle kept the lace in place the best. I made sure to end with a full circle, so I could stitch the first and last ones together. It didn’t take long at all, but I definitely needed my reading glasses for this task.
Here’s a closeup of the underside after hand sewing. My thumb looks gigantic! This is very tiny lace.
By sewing the lace to the underside, it looks as if it’s peeking out from the hemline when seen from the right side. I am very happy with the result. Isn’t it the perfect fit for this print?
My brown-eyed Little Darling beauty, Alice, (painted by Nelly Valentino) wants to wish you the loveliest of weeks. I took this photo of her last week while she was loving on her poodle. I soon put Alice to work, however. She is now wearing a brand new ensemble that she is modeling for me. I will share those photos with you in a day or two.
I want to wish you a lovely week as well, my friends. Thank you so much for stopping by today. ❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
Hey Cindy, the sun is here for the first time in days also. Yay!! The lace hem is gorgeous . I really love the print too on the dress. I want to wish you and Alice a wonderful week too, Her poodle is SO cute❤❤ , big huggs ,Terri xoxo.
I’m happy the sun came out for you too. It really makes a difference, doesn’t it? I’ve become obsessed with this type of vintage Japanese porcelain animals. I think I found this poodle for $5 at a shop, too cute to pass up. Thank you for your comment and your compliment on my current ensemble. I hope you have another sunny day, Terri! ❤
Tatting is such wonderful trim. My grandmother used to do it. I still have her tatting shuttle. I always pick up tatted work when I can find it as it is so special. I don’t know how you can sew such small stitches and use that thin needle. I would be wearing two pair of glasses for sure.
Oh the print is so perfect for the coming warm weather.
Fog here this morning, but now clear and sunny.
They are digging up the street to replace some pipes. Not going to enjoy any quiet for some weeks. 😦
Hi, Joy. I think tatting used to be quite popular. I have an extremely old box of some tatting thread from my grandmother. I think she tried to sell the box at a garage sale years and years ago. I’m glad it didn’t sell. 🙂 I think she must have made tatted lace, but I don’t have anything she made.
Would you believe that not that long ago I didn’t even need reading glasses to make tiny stitches? Now, I am grateful that with help I can still do this work.
Sorry about the noise around your house. You may have to go out to get some peace and quiet, all that constant noise isn’t good for the nerves. Despite the chaos at home, I hope you have a good day, Joy.