Details on the developing a summer outfit for Em

Hello, Creatives and Readers!

We hope this blog entry is helpful for all of you. We are trying something different with our process and sharing it with you!

SKETCH - REFERENCES - INSPIRATION

 

MATERIALS 

cardstock paper, graph paper, scissors, pencil, glue, flexible ruler or sewing measuring tape, sewing needles, white color pencil or fabric pencil, velcro

embroidery floss, metallic sewing thread, sewing thread

color palette

fabric scraps

How the summer outfit came to be!

When we purchased Em, he came with a stylish pair of sandals that we wanted to match with his new handmade outfit. To achieve this, we searched online for inspiration by looking at shorts, crop tops, fabrics, graphics, and color palettes that would complement his sandals. 

To create our crop top and shorts patterns, we used the images we had collected as inspiration and a guide. We took measurements from the shoulder to the elbow, around the neck, from the neck to the belly button, around the torso at the belly button, at the upper and lower waistline, and from the waistline to the knee. Graph paper is recommended for creating clothing patterns, and it may take a few attempts to get the right pattern to match your Ken doll's measurements. Once we were satisfied with our patterns, we affixed them to cardstock paper, so we can use them again for future projects. It's important to label your patterns.

To begin, we gathered fabric scraps from previous projects and washed and dried them before commencing the next project. To trace the patterns onto the fabric for the crop top and shorts, we used a fabric pencil or white colored pencil. The first tracing of the patterns will act as the main guide for sewing all the pieces together. After tracing the patterns onto the fabrics, we created an outer outline around the pattern that was traced. This outer line was traced 1/2 inch away from the pattern, and then we cut along this second outline. We repeated this step for all patterns.

We proceeded to cut out two 1x1 inch squares for the side pockets and two 1 1/4 x 1 3/8-inch rectangular shapes for the top tabs of the side pockets. We then placed both squares and rectangles onto the pattern and used a sewing needle and thread to add them to the shorts. As the shorts were made of dark-colored fabric, we opted for a light-colored thread for the stitching and used the back stitch method when sewing the pockets and all the pieces together.

Moving on to the crop top, we traced the graphic onto the fabric using a fabric pencil and embroidered its outline using a sewing needle and embroidery floss with the back stitch method, removing one strand at a time from the floss. We also used the back stitch method when sewing the crop top together, using metallic thread to add detail around the collar, bottom edges of sleeves, and bottom edge of the top. Finally, we cut two small rectangular shapes out of the velcro and attached them to the back area of the crop top by sewing them on.

After sewing the crop top and shorts together, we trimmed any excess thread and ensured that the velcro was properly positioned and securely sewn on. To prevent the embroidery floss from coming undone, we used an Iron-On fusible interfacing on the graphic. We also carefully ironed both the crop top and shorts, placing a piece of fabric in between to avoid damaging the velcro and embroidery floss.

Although hand-sewing these pieces was challenging, we persevered and used the backstitch method throughout the project. We recommend researching before starting a hand-sewing project and creating your own patterns. To succeed in a project like this, it's important to follow step-by-step instructions and ensure that you have all the necessary materials. We hope that this project is easy to understand and provides inspiration.

FINISHED OUTFIT