Have you ever wanted to know what goes into the making of a Children's Boutique Outfit or Set?  Besides coming up with the idea and sewing it together, there are many steps involved. 

Most of my designs begin in my head, usually in the middle of the night, just before I fall off to sleep.  So if I don't have my sketch pad laying by my bedside, I have to get up and find pen and paper to draw it out so I won't forget it by morning.  From the drawing, I come up with a set of patterns.  These are drafted onto paper in the specific size I need for my model.  This can take hours to complete if the patterns are drafted from scratch or a little less if I have a similar pattern and size that I can alter.

Usually I have in mind the fabrics and embellishments I want to make the outfit from, but this is the next step.  If my original plan includes something I already have in my stash, there's no need for a trip to the fabric store for thread, fabric and notions.  I know the approximate amount of fabric I will need based on my design and pattern.  I usually need something, though, so a trip to the fabric store is usually in the picture, if for nothing more than a bit of additional inspiration!

Next comes fabric preparation.  This depends on the fabric I am using and since I primarily work with good quality 100% cotton, this usually means serging or finishing the raw edges on my machine and washing it to preshrink and remove the sizing.  After drying in the dryer, I iron and lay it out to pin and cut.  When all the pieces are cut, then comes the sewing!

I can usually figure out in my head the way a garment should go together, but sometimes if the design is especially intricate, it is best to make a muslin or test garment before cutting the actual garment from the real fabric.  This comes before the cutting of the garment fabric in case any pattern or design adjustments need to be made.

When the outfit is sewn, and the finishing work (buttons, buttonholes or loops, hem, etc.) is completed, and the garment is pressed, then I put it on my stand and look at it.  This is the point where I usually add a few embellishments.  Sometimes this is done earlier in the construction process, depending on where the embellishment is.  If it needs to be sewn into a seam, I will add trim at that time.  It all depends.  This is where an ordinary outfit can become an extraordinary One of a kind set!

I love to crochet and try to incorporate it into many of my designs.  I love to add hand crocheted edges by taking a size 14 steel crochet hook, crochet thread and crocheting right to the edge of the sleeves, neckline or hem of a blouse or pocket a sweet lacey ruffle or scallop.  Sometimes I add beads and embroidery.  Sometimes a pin made from the garment fabric.  And many times a crochet hat will complete the set.

So as you can see, many hours go into the making of a Boutique Outfit.  Other designers have different ways of doing it, but we all end up with the same thing....a fabulous One of a Kind or One of a Few Boutique Outfit for you or your Sweet Child!

See Boutique Designs here!