Monday, February 4, 2013

Gemma Hope's little dress pattern

I scoured the internet for the pattern that was used to make the little gown that was gifted to Gemma in at the Hospital. Since I was unable to find the exact pattern I recreated the pattern myself.


Download and print pattern pieces. Make sure to print it as Actual Size and not Fit to Page or the pattern will be to small. The center panel will measure 11-1/2" long if it is printed in the proper size.
1) Wash and dry fabric of your choice. Using light cotton or flannel fabric in neutral colors. Lay out pattern pieces, pin and cut fabric. You can use a second color for the center panel if you like. 
2) Use a 1/4" seam allowance throughout. Take both back pieces and fold over once and iron along the long straight edge and sew.
3) Sew ribbon or lace to the front right and left panels. Sew the ribbon just a little to the inside of the 1/4" seam allowance. You don't want the stitching to show on the front side after attaching the center panel. I used my blind hem stitch presser foot to get even distance along the edge. (Ribbon is not use for a little boys gown. You could also leave the ribbon off and embellish the front with a bow or cute buttons.) 
4) Pin and sew the center panel to the right and left front. Right sides together.
5) Trim all seems. I don't use a zigzag to finish the seem. You want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. Creating a soft dress the lays smooth and will not dominate the appearance of a small and fragile baby.
6) Sew lace to the cuff of the sleeve. Making sure to not stretch the lace. It can cause the fabric to pucker.
7) Right sides together sew sleeves to front panels.
8) Right sides together sew sleeves to back panels.
 
9) Pin and sew side seams and sleeves together and trim seam allowance.
10) Trim up the bottom hem if needed and attach lace.
11) Cut a piece of small ribbing about 1" x 7". Fold in half and pin to right side of neck line. 
12) Sew about an 1/8" seam along neck line. Sewing a deeper seam may cause the sleeves to pucker under the seam. Trim and clean up the seam a little bit. Iron it for a nice flat front. Then you can attach lace to the neck line if you like. I attached lace to the neck line of my little gowns to hide an uneven seam. Make sure it is small soft lace if you do. Back is left open.
13) Run a lint roller over the front a back of the dress. To remove and dog or cat hair if needed. (maybe  that's just me)

You should have a very cute little gown that will be treasured forever.

Give it a hug and a kiss. It is now ready to donate.














Gemma Hope's Crossed Heart Angel Pocket

                                      

Crossed Heart Angel Pocket

Yarn: 
Light Sport Weight # 3 soft yarn in a neutral color like white, cream or yellow. These color can be used for either a baby girl or boy and are flattering to a little babies skin tone in photographs. I used Bernat Softee Baby. 

Crochet Hook H/8, I use a crochet hook one size larger that the yarn called for. It gave the blanket a nice soft drape that was not too stiff.

Makes size: 6st = approx 1"

14" x 14" sq = 86 stitches = For the tiniest angels 12 - 15 weeks
16" x 16" sq = 98 stitches = Micro 16 - 19 weeks, 1lb
18" x 18" sq = 110 stitches = X Small 20 - 23 weeks, 1-3 lb
20" x 20" sq = 122 stitches = Small 20 - 23 weeks, 1 - 3 lbs
22" x 22" sq = 134 stitches = Medium 24-27 weeks, 3-5 lb

Loosely Chain in multiples of 3 + 2

Row 1:
Skip 6ch, 1dc in next ch, ch1, 1dc in 4th ch from beginning (crossing over the 1st dc),
 *sk 2ch, 1dc, ch1, 1dc, in 1st of the skipped ch*) 
1dc in last ch, ch4, turn

Row 2: 
Skip 2dc, 1dc in next dc, ch1, 1dc in second skipped dc, 
*sk 1dc, 1dc in next dc, ch1, 1dc in skipped dc*, 
1dc in 3rd ch of turning ch, ch4, turn

Repeat from Row 2 until blanket measure square. Bind off

Begin Shell Edging-

Attach yarn in contrasting color at corner. 

Sc in same st as attached yarn, *skip 2st, 3dc in next st, skip 2st, sc in next st* to end of row. Work corners with 3dc in corner. 

Weave a long ribbon along edge of blanket. Leaving long tails to wrap and tie around blanket.


I created this pattern using a crochet stitch called Cross Stitch. As I was creating this blanket I noticed how each little crossed stitch looked like a heart. It gave me great pleasure to create such a sweet little blanket for other babies and their parents.