Summer Project: A Dress A Day

With retirement looking me dead on, I made a big investment in a new sewing machine, a Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. Being anxious to try out the bells and whistles of the machine, I quickly dug in and started sewing up a new wardrobe for my granddaughter's American Girl doll.

Here are some quick notes about the machine. 1). It has an automatic threader. I haven't tried it yet, but I know I will use this function in the future.
2).  Threading the drop-in bobbin is a breeze.
3).  I'm lovin' the thread-cutter button!
4).  The buttonholer is easy to master.
5).  There are hundreds of embroidery functions.
6).  The machine has several variations of serge stitches.
The machine was a bit expensive, and I was discouraged in having to wait for delivery through my local Jo Ann Fabrics Store (almost 6 weeks!) Nonetheless, it seems to be a good machine with solid performance.

Encouraged by the ease of mastery of this Quantum Stylist, I Facebook-pledged to sew a dress a day for the month of July.

This "Birthday Party Dress" is from a pattern on Etsy by Kotton Candy Doll Fashions; cost was $4.99 and worth it, because the dress immediately downloaded.

My only suggestion is that sewing enthusiasts might consider lining the dress "as you go," especially if the fabric tends to ravel.

The pattern calls for velcro, but I made three button holes along the back bodice.  It was a beautiful little dress! I especially love the fabric - it's dressy and crisp enough to hold up to the ruffles task. Plus, the color reminds me of summer and pink lemonade!

Click me!

Find Kotton Candy's Etsy store here.