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Warmer weather is upon us and it's about that time to start thinking about summer sewing!  Shorts and tank tops are summer staples, but there's always the need for the perfect summer dress, and we've got just the dress for you.

Please welcome Madison.  Ranging in sizes 2t-10, this lovely pattern is the perfect mix of vintage charm with modern flair, and looks great on ladies of all ages!  We know how much you love options, and this pattern will definitely not disappoint.    

The bodice features lovely pintucks.  Leave as is for a simple look that shows off the gorgeous bodice.  Or maybe add some trim and lace to help those pintucks stand out even more!  Both ways are oh so lovely!

Feel like it's still missing something?  The optional v-neck collar is a great way to add a little extra pizzazz to the bodice!  Use a coordinating fabric for a really bold look!

Still not enough options for you?  How about a darling cap sleeve!  Perfect if you are looking for just a little more coverage and is such a sweet look.  Another great spot to add a pop of color with a coordinating fabric!

Do button closures and zippers make you run for the hills?  Then this pattern is perfect for you!  Madison features a lovely keyhole back, perfect for all those trims and ribbons you've been holding onto.  

The Madison skirt is a semi full skirt with faux button placket.  Show off your favorite buttons here!  You can every leave the buttons off for another charming look.  And we promise, the faux placket is very easy to do!

If that wasn't enough, the skirt also features full size pockets.  You're little lady will love filling her pockets, and they are the perfect size to hide all her treasures!

We know you will instantly fall in love with the Madison as much as we have!  This dress will become a staple in your child's wardrobe and is one that will pass the test of time!  It is a quick sew with show stopping results that is sure to wow everyone who sees it!

Get yours today for only for 18% off using code MADISON at checkout!  Sale ends in 48 hours, so pick up your copy now.  We can't wait to see your creations!  

Running water, a bed to sleep in, food on the table, clothes on our backs, and shoes on our feet.  These physical items are easy to spot, and painful when there is a lack there of. We can look in our own homes and in the world around us and see who has more and who is in need. It's the other stuff {value, confidence, hope} that, more often that not, goes unnoticed. All these needed just as much as our basic physical needs. With our GIVE HOPE campaign, we hoped to give not just the physical, but also the emotional. 

It's been almost 4 months ago since we introduced you to our {GIVE HOPE} Campaign. Never did we expect this campaign to be the success as it has become!!! The timeline was initially set to 2 months, but we extended it, and we are so excited to tell you why! {keep reading} We're so pleased to tell you that we've officially accounted, organized, and now boxed all of the received donations and they are on their way to Casa Guatemala (and to an additional organization...keep reading...more on that, too!!)  

As a quick reminder of the origins, this campaign had a simple concept: Sew up a dress or two and send the finished garments to the VFT Studios.  We would in turn donate all items to Casa Guatemala, a fantastic organization that seeks to provide a loving and nurturing environment to impoverished children. "Casa Guatemala seeks to provide a safe home, love and nurturing, proper health care, and an excellent education to the children of Guatemala who are abused, abandoned, malnourished, or living in extreme poverty."  

For all that felt moved, we gave 2 months to get to work and send in donations.  When we dreamed up this idea, we realized the fabric requirements were relatively hefty, we knew the time involved would be substantial, and we knew there would be also an expense. We hoped to reach our goal, but to be honest, Ericka and I were thinking there might be a chance we'd be sewing quite a few ourselves. Boy, were we wrong!!! This campaign must have really resonated deeply with so many of you! You spent two months of sewing and pouring your love into these precious garments. The dresses just kept coming in! Even far after we reached our goal. You all sent in your beautiful donations, every single one sewn with love, prayers, and hope that each garment would bless a special child. 

typical mail day during the GIVE HOPE Campaign

You more than exceeded our dream!!!  You went above and beyond what we could have ever imagined this campaign would be!  We received more than {triple} the garments we needed to send to Casa Guatemala!  We were in awe of all the generosity!  It was more than we had ever imagined for GIVE HOPE.

Can we also mention how many happy tears were shed in this studio? Along with your dresses, many of you sent in incredibly touching notes and letters. Some of you were looking for an outlet to use your sewing talents to help others, and this was just the answer you were looking for. Some of you were looking for a special, meaningful project to share in with your little one. Some of you had special fabric that you had saved for quite a while, and felt touched to use it on this project. The reasons for your involvement were all so touching. When we received handwritten letters from your children, noting their involvement and their hope for happiness for an unknown recipient, we cried. Like, the big, ugly cry that you don't want others to witness. I feel the tears welling as I type this part and I'm willing them back because there is so much more to write!  

Our initial goal was to send 1 Hope dress OR 1 Lola/Evie outfit to each girl living at Casa Guatemala. We had such an outpouring of love that we were able to send each girl a Hope dress AND a Lola/Evie outfit.  Casa Guatemala will ALSO have quite a few extra that they can give an additional Hope dress to each girl OR save for future needs or distribute to the children in the surrounding villages that they also serve.  Even with this huge shipment, we still had dresses needing homes!  We were getting dozens and dozens of dresses EVERY day during the last few weeks of the campaign. Your generosity has allowed us to *also* send dresses to Dress a Girl Around the World!  This amazing organization provides dresses to girls all over the world, including impoverished areas in the United States.

Are you ready for the exciting addition to the Hope dresses and Evie/Lola outfits? You've been given a little hint above... Even with this enormous collective effort, there was something nagging at us. We knew this campaign could be even better. It's no secret around here that Livie and Luca shoes are our preferred pick for nearly every occasion. Our daughters love them because they are the comfiest shoes around. We love them because they are the cutest. Livie & Luca, a brand that prides itself on spreading joy, making a difference, and building community, was the perfect company to ask to join.  

"Passing along joy is how we practice our mission of sustainability, because we care about the long-term well being of our community." Livie and Luca is a company who looks to bettering those in the communities around it, bettering the families that work there, and bettering the entire world.  It's not about selling shoes, but about spreading joy and positively affecting others.

So, we thought we'd reach out. When we initially emailed, we didn't expect a reply, especially not as quickly as we got one. We emailed way back in December, right before the holidays. Not only did Livie and Luca reply within 15 minutes, but they were so lovely and gracious. We might have shed a few tears of joy in reading their response. There may have also been shouts of joy, and a few jumps up and down.

Livie & Luca shoes stepped up to the huge task of providing a pair of shoes for each and every little girl living at Casa Guatemala!  WOW!!!!!  Now, not only would all these children receive two new outfits, they would also get a brand new pair of shoes! Is your heart leaping for joy, like ours? 

Livie & Luca helped us to make this dream a reality! Once we got a final count and shoe size for each girl, they have helped to make this campaign really extraordinary by donating shoes for each girl living at the orphanage!!!  We can't imagine the amount of joy they are helping to spread around the world and we feel honored to be partnered with them on this!

 And while it is about the outfits and shoes, that's not all it's about.  It's about much, much more.  It's about what the donations represent.  These dresses and shoes represent hope of a better day.  Hope for these children to live a life that they dream about.  Hope that every child who receives an outfit and pair of shoes is blessed and feels how special and important they are.

 We cannot thank LIVIE AND LUCA and YOU, all of our incredibly generous fans, enough for your generosity!  We were blown away with the amount of donations we received!  Every item was unique and special, sewn with an enormous amount of love!  

The time and energy put into each and every garment is unimaginable!  We received so many dresses/outfits we thought they would never stop coming in! Somewhere in the neighborhood of 700. Just think how many donated hours that is! Incredible!! We could feel the outpouring of love from every one of you as we packed up these gorgeous garments to send them off. We thought about the smiling, beaming face of the little one as she was handed these lovingly crafted handmade dresses. 

We were shocked by the amazing details, the way you all went above and beyond.  It may seem trivial.  It's just a little pocket, or a bit of trim and lace, but most of these children have never had clothes like this before.  It's these little details will make every child feel special and know that there is hope for a better day!

We honestly don't know how to express our gratitude to you.  A simple {Thank You} just does not seem sufficient, but we want you to know how thankful we are!  We could not have done this without you and we are so incredibly grateful for you kindness and support!  We always say we have the most amazing customers and fans, and this just showed us exactly how amazing you all are! With that, we'll conclude this update, leaving you with another, very humble thank you. Ok, maybe just a few more: thank you, thank you, thank you. 

This Week we have been showcasing our Summer Collection, and we have one last pattern to share with you.  If you are one who loves to stay on trend, then this pattern is for you.

Mila is a lovely versatile summer pattern that is perfect for every budding fashionista.  Ranging in sizes 2T-10, Mila looks great on girls of all ages.

This pattern is a great project to use up all those large scraps you've been holding onto.  The strip-work skirt is the perfect way to show off your fabric pairing skills.

The full skirt is perfect for twirling and really shows off all your lovely fabric choices.

If a romper is what you are after, then this pattern has got you covered.  Featuring genuine bubble shorts, this romper will take you back to your childhood with it's vivntage look and feel.

Mila's bodice is so unique, featuring a back strap that resembles a butterfly.  Use ruffled fabric or lace, use that special trim you've been hoarding.  The back strap is the perfect place to show off something special!

The shoulder straps extend out from the back strap and onto the front of the bodice, securing with buttons.

The back of Mila features 3 rows of elastic, as well as a few rows of shirring to ensure the fit is spot on. 

Mila is the perfect pattern to boost your sewing confidence!  Packed full of tips and tricks, Mila boasts step by step instructions and color photos that walk you through every step!

Pick up your copy of Mila today while the entire shop is on sale during our Spring Sale!  Get the entire Summer Collection that includes all three new patterns!  Sale ends tonight, so make sure to get it while you can!

Patterns that never go out of style are hard to find.  It's always a great day when you find something that will stand the test of time and you know will see your child through, from early childhood through to the tween years.

Paige will do just that.  Ranging in sizes 2T-10, this dress is one that you will find yourself sewing over and over again.

Paige features a lovely square neckline, with enough room for monogramming, embroidery, or appliques!  Perfect to showcase that gorgeous fabric you've been holding onto!  Let you imagination run wild!

For even more fun, add the side ruffle or flounce.  You have a darling look either way, and it really makes the bodice stand out!

The Paige dress is another dress that is great for those ladies who love a good twirly skirt.  The 1/2 circle skirt gives the perfect fullness!

The back of the bodice is finished off with a zipper.  But don't let that scare you away!  The instructions are so easy to follow and by the end of it, you will be sewing zippers like a pro!

Paige is one off those dresses that is perfect for every season, every occasion, and every stage of life!  This is one pattern that will never fail you!

Pick up your copy of Paige now during our Spring Sale for 35% off!  And while you're there, check out our 2016 Summer Collection, where you can get our entire Summer Collection for one low price!

Summer is right around the corner.  I have been dreaming of picnics, beach trips, and long sunny days, even though I see nothing of the sort when I look out my window.  A girl can dream!  But those hot summer days will need the perfect dress, and we've got just the one for you!

Please welcome Grace to the VFT family.  This dress screams summer!  The perfect twirly sundress that sews up in under 2 hours, this dress is perfect for everyone!

Ranging in sizes 2-10, Grace is a great dress for all the ladies in your life.  And it has enough unique details to win everyone's heart!

The bodice features 2 adorable features.  Choose the scalloped bodice you have such a sweet look.  

If you're looking for something a little cooler, try the zig-zags!  This is the perfect place to add some cute trims!  Either option gives a great look that is perfect for all ages.

The ties at the shoulders make for ease and comfort.  Let your creativity shine here!  Use ric-rac, ribbon, rope, leather.  The possibilities are endless!  

Grace can be sewn in 2 lengths.  The vintage length hits above the knee and is the epitome of a twirly skirt!  If your model likes to twirl, then this is the length for her!

The maxi length dress is oh so sophisticated, and the perfect for those long summer days!  Grace is the perfect dress for a casual day out shopping, or a fancy event!  Dress her up or down, Grace will never let you down!

Get Grace now, during our Spring Sale!  Or pick up our 2016 Summer Collection and get all the new releases bundled together!  The entire shop is 35% through April 13th, so pick up all those patterns you've been eyeing!  

If you're anything like me, you live for the rush of a good sale!  The feeling you get when you score an amazing deal on something you had to have.  Well guess what??  You are in luck!  From now until April 13th, visit the Violette Field Threads Shop and receive 35% off of {EVERYTHING}!  That includes bundles, pattern sets, and even new releases!  You don't even need a code!  How will you ever pick what to buy?

Maybe you've been eyeing one of the 3 new releases.  If you haven't seen them, these patterns are just what the doctor ordered to get you ready for warmer weather! 

Paige is a lovely dress with a timeless look.  It features a square neckline, ruffle or flounce details, and a bodice that is begging for embellishments!  A 1/2 circle skirt gives the perfect amount of twirl.  This dress is one that will become a staple in your little lady's wardrobe!

If you're look for the perfect summer sundress, then Grace fits the bill!  With features like a scalloped or zig-zagged bodice and skirt that can be sewn in vintage or maxi lengths, this pattern is far from ordinary!  It combines everything you love about classic sundresses with fun and unique details!  

And if variety is what you are looking for, then Mila is the pattern for you!  This pattern is both a dress and a romper!  The stripwork skirt is perfect for all those large scraps you've been hanging onto, while the bubble shorts option is the perfect nod to the vintage rompers from your childhood!  The back strap is so unique, and the elastic back and shirring will give you the perfect fit every time!

Maybe you need all 3!  I mean, who am I to make you choose!  You can pick up the Summer Bundle featuring all three patterns in the shop!  And while we adore these new patterns, let's not forget some of our other favorite patterns!  

Emily is about as dreamy of a dress as you can get!  The classic elements of this dress will have you swooning.  With so many skirt options, no two dresses will ever be the same!

Marjorie is the pattern for you if vintage charm is what you desire!  The fold down collar, the wrap style bodice and the rows of buttons in the back make this the perfect dress for a young lady.  The pleated skirt and waist sash with a bow is the icing on the cake!

If you need a pattern that screams Spring and Summer, then Lainey is the one for you.  The round yoke and flutter sleeves are oh so lovely, and the back features a darling keyhole with a bow.  Sew this in either a top or a dress, both have full gathered circle skirts perfect for twirling!

And if you've been itching to find a new staple pattern, Maisie will have you coming back time and time again!  The scooped back features a zipper closure, and both the short and 3/4 sleeves have sweet bow ties.  Make this with either a slim or full skirt, there are so many options you will never get bored!

Our Spring Sale runs through Wednesday, April 13th, so take advantage while you can!  A sale like this only comes around once in a while!   And visit our FB Group for tons of sewing inspiration and share with us your favorite VFT sews! 

We made it!  Today is the final day for our Haven sew-a-long!  Yay!!  So glad you all stuck with me and sewed this awesome pattern!  Let's get sewing so we can see those lovely finished Havens!

Yesterday, we finished attaching the lining waistband to the main waistband.  Flip the lining waistband up, making sure the bodice and straps stay down, and iron the top edge towards the wrong side, 1/2in.  While you are at your iron, iron the SA down towards the bottom.

Now take your entire garment and turn it inside out.  We are now going to fold the waistband lining over the exposed seam of your shorts, pantaloons, or skirt.  This ensures there is no exposed seam at the waist!

Here's my little tip for making sure while you sew your waistband doesn't move around. I like to use stitch witchery or a handy dandy glue stick.  Yes, you heard that right.  I use a glue stick!  Just put some glue along that folded edge of the lining waistband, and then take over to your iron and iron it down to cover the seam.  Super easy and I don't have to worry about pins getting in the way!

It's time to sew the waistband down, so turn the garment right side out.  Sew around the waistband, right above the seam, but make sure to leave an opening on each side between the side seam and your lace strap.  This ensures you can insert your elastic into the casing.  Don't forget to continue sewing along the back, leaving the openings on each side.

Once sewn, insert your elastic into the back casing.  Measure 1 1/2in from the side seam on each side and mark.  This is where the elastic will be sewn to the waistband.  Your elastic will not stretch along the entire back.  This is so the bodice lays smooth.  Sew the elastic at both markings.  Once the elastic is sewn, sew the back openings closed.

You now have a completely enclosed waist seam!  Pat your self on the back!  That tends to be the hardest part for me, and you just did it!  This is what is should look like on the inside!  

Now it's time to revisit the straps.  Fold the serged edge 1/2in towards the wrong side of the strap and sew.  This is now casing for the neckline ties

If you are not creating a sash, then guess what???  You are done!!  WOO HOO!!  If you are making a sash, lets keep sewing!

Take two of your sash pieces and line up 2 of the short ends and sew together.  Do this with the remaining two sash pieces.  I like to take over to my iron and iron the seams flat.

Now place your sash pieces rights sides together.  Pin along the 2 long sides and 1 short side, leaving the other short side open for turning right side out.  Sew along your pinned edges, trim off 1/2 of the SA and clip the corners.  I serged me edges since my pinking shears desperately need to be sharpened.  Use whatever trimming method you like best!

Turn your sash right side out and iron.  Turn the raw open short end of the sash in 1/2in and iron.  Take over to your machine and top stitch along all four sides.

If you'd like to create belt loops, take your pieces and fold the top and bottom short ends 1/4in in and iron.  Then fold the long edges to meet at the middle and iron.  Fold the loops in half and iron flat.  Place each loop over each side sew and sew along the top and bottom edges, securing to the waistband.

And there you have it!  You have completed the Haven!  Stand back and enjoy your gorgeous creation!  Now it's time to show it off!  Upload a photo into our Day 7 album for your chance to win an awesome prize!!  All participants who have sewn along with us and have a completed Haven photo in the Day 7 album will be entered to win a VFT 5 pattern prize pack PLUS a $50 Hawthorne Threads Gift Card!  You definitely want a chance to win, so get those photos uploaded!  1 photo per garment please.  You have until 5pm EST on 4/1/16 to get your photo into the album!!

If you still need to catch up, you can find our previous days here:  Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 6.  We are so glad you joined in our VFT Haven Sew-a-Long!  Thanks for hanging out with us and having fun!  

Today is day 6 and we are in the home stretch!  Only a little bit left and we will have some {Amazing} Haven's to show off!  Who's ready to get started?

Yesterday we started construction on the bottom portion of our Haven.  You should now have a bodice, and either shorts, pantaloons, or a skirt.  Today we will be working on the waistband, straps, and attaching our tops and bottoms together.  Let's get started!

Regardless of the version you are making, take one front and one back waistband and place them rights sides together, lining up the short raw edges.  Sew the short sides together and iron seams open.  This will be your main waistband.  Set this aside.

Now take your shorts, pantaloons, or skirt portion and sew two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge.  If you are sewing the dress version, mark the center front and back before gathering.  Pull your threads to gather your piece.

Take the waistband you sewed together and find the center front and back.  I match up the side seams and iron.  Place it on top of your gathered bottom piece, lining up the center front and back markings with the center front and back of your bottom piece.  Adjust the gathers and pin.

Sew along the pinned top and trim off 1/2 of the SA.  Flip waistband up and iron SA toward waistband.  Set aside.

Now its time to start on the straps.  Take a strap piece and iron both long edges in 1/2in, wrong sides touching.  Iron the strap in half.  Repeat for the other strap.

If you are using the full coverage bodice, take a look at your instructions on pg. 34.  I will be explaining further in a little bit, so stay tuned!

Open up your strap and cut two pieces of trim/lace/etc that is the same length as the strap.  Take one piece of lace and place it right side touching the wrong side of the strap.  Line the raw edge of you lace up with the raw folded edge of the strap.  Baste the lace in place.

Fold the strap in half, sandwiching the lace inside the strap and sew along the edge.  Trim off any overhang and serge the top short edge of the strap.  Repeat these steps for the second strap.

We are now going to attach our bodice to the waistband.  Take your bodice and place it right sides touching on top of the front waistband.  Take note that the bodice has an angle.  This is very important in order to keep the front from gaping, so make sure to pin well.  

Turn the garment over and grab your straps.  Measure over 1 1/2in from the center back marking of your bottom piece and place your strap, with lace facing the outside.  Do this on the other side as well.  Sew a basting stitch around the entire waistband, securing the straps and bodice.  Use a 1/4in SA.

Now grab your other two waistband pieces.  Assemble these just like you did the main waistband, placing right sides touching and sewing the short ends.  Iron seams open.  Place the waistband, right sides together, on top of the main waistband.  Your bodice and straps with be sandwiched in between the waistbands.

Match up the side seams of the waistband and pin.  Sew around the top.  Trim off 1/2 of the SA.  Guess what?!?!  You are done for today!  YAY!!  If you are doing the full coverage bodice, your break is over!  It's time to get sewing!

Take the strap you ironed earlier and open it up.  This seems to be the part where most people are having issues. Place one raw edge of the bodice inside the strap, lining up the edge with the middle of the strap.  The bodice is angled to prevent gaping.  Just take that raw edge and make sure it's lined up with the middle of the strap.  Your strap may look angled now, but I assure you it will be straight and lovely once it's sewn and on your lovely model!  Baste the strap in place.

Cut two pieces of lace the same size as the strap.  Place one piece of lace on top of the strap and bodice, lining up the edge of the lace with the raw folded edge of the strap.  Baste in place, fold the strap to encase the lace, and sew the strap closed.  Serge the top edge.  Repeat these steps for the other strap.

Place your bodice on top of your waistband, just like we did for the regular bodice.  The only difference is your straps are already sewn on!  Pin onto the waistband and sew.

Just like we did above in a previous step, sew the other two waistband pieces together, lining up the shorts ends.  Iron the SA open.  Place the waistband, right sides touching, on top of the main waistband.  Sew and trim off 1/2 of the SA.  Now you are done!

Tomorrow is our final day of the Sew-a-Long.  If you need to catch up, you can find all the previous days here:  Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.  Don't forget to upload your photos from today into the Day 6 Album!  Check back tomorrow when we will be completing our lovely Havens!  See you tomorrow!

We are about halfway done, can you believe it???  We've had a laid back kind of sew-a-long this time around, perfect for me, and many of you, I'm sure!  I know I was rushing around trying to find time to finish up last minute Easter outfits!

Today we are working on the bottom portion of our Havens.  Set those bodices aside because we aren't even going to touch them today!Grab your bottom pieces.  This would be the shorts, pantaloons, or skirt pieces.  I am making the shorts romper version.  If you are doing the shorts or pantaloons, its time to get started!  We will get to the skirt version in a few minutes.

For both the shorts and pantaloons versions, take both pieces and place them together, right sides touching.  Match up the waist and crotch seams and sew down both sides.

Finish the seam with your method of choice.  I'm using my serger for a nice finished edge.

Now, open up your shorts/pantaloons so the seams you just sewed are down the front and back of the shorts.  Pin along the crotch seam and sew.  Finish your seam.

We are now going to create the elastic casing for the shorts.  If you are doing the pantaloons, take a little break!  We will pick back up in a minute!  Take your shorts, wrong side out, and fold up the bottom 1/2in and iron.  Now fold up 1in and iron.  Do this for both leg holes.

Take over to your machine and sew, leaving about 1in open so you can insert your elastic.  Do this for both legs.

Now it's time to insert your elastic.  Insert the elastic into the casing you just created.  Make sure to sew the elastic together once its totally inserted around the leg hole.  Repeat for the other leg.

Once your elastic is inserted, you will need to close up the hole you left.  Sew the legs closed.

You now have finished the shorts portion of your Haven!  YAY!!!

If you are making the pantaloons, break's over!  It's time to hem, so iron up 1/4in hem and then another 1/4in.  Sew the hem.  

You are now going to create the casing.  Take your piece of ribbon and fold in half to create a crease.  Using the chart on pg. 4, measure up the leg from the bottom hem.  This is where the bottom of your casing will be.  Pin your ribbon on the marking and line up the halfway point you marked on your ribbon with the crotch seam.  Sew along the top and bottom of your casing, leaving 1/4in gap on either side of the outer leg.

Insert the elastic and sew ends together.  Do this for the other leg.  Tie the long ends of the ribbons and you are done!  WOO HOO!

For those making the dress version, thanks for being so patient!  You've got it the easiest today.  Take both skirt pieces and line up the raw edges.  Sew along both sides and finished your seams.  To hem your skirt, fold up the bottom edge 1/4in then another 1/4in and sew.  

That't it!  So easy and quick today!  Don't forget to upload today's photos into the Day 3 album!  If you need to play catch up, find our previous posts here:  Day 1, Day 2. The next 2 days were going to be rest days, but since we are a tad behind and didn't sew over the weeend, we will jump to day 6 tomorrow!  Check back tomorrow where we will be working on creating the back waistband and the straps!  

It's Day 2 of our Haven Sew-a-Long!  Today we are getting our pattern ready and starting on our bodices!  Are you excited?  

If you haven't already, print out your pattern pieces.  Pg. 8 of your pattern gives you the details of what pages you need to print for what version you are making.  Those VFT ladies are always looking out for you, aren't they!!  

Once you've printed you need to assemble your pieces.  I flip flop between methods on this.  Sometimes I use a glue stick, other times tape.  Today I had some tape handy, so the decision was easy!   Assemble those pieces and get them cut out and ready to go.  We've got sewing to do!

It's time to cut fabric, so revisit pg. 8 of your pattern and take a look at the fabric layout for an idea of how to cut out our pieces.  And don't forget there are a few pieces that don't have paper pieces, so look at the charts for those and cut accordingly!

Fabric is cut and you are ready to get started!  But don't head over to your machine just yet.  I'd like to talk a minute about bias tape.  This has been the talk of our FB group for a while now, especially with the Sew-a-Long going on.  If you have a favorite way to make bias tape, then please keep using that way!  There has been some discussion on if you have to use the triangle method.  The pattern gives you directions using your fabric folded into a triangle so you can be certain your bias tape is cut on the bias!  

There are {tons} of methods out there, please use what you feel comfortable with.  If you don't have a favorite way, then by all means follow the instructions using the triangle method.  Once your strips are cut, take them over to your iron and fold in half and iron wrong sides together.  Open it up and you will have a crease down the center.

Fold each raw edge to the center, meeting at the crease you just made, and iron.  Fold in half again and iron.  You now have a strip of finished bias tape.  Still looking for more help, here are a few of the tutorials I have found extremely helpful when making bias tape.  Bias Tape 1 Bias Tape 2 Bias Tape 3.

Ok, Bias tape is done and it's time to get sewing.  Grab your bodice pieces.  If you are doing a full bodice piece without an inset, hang on for a few steps and meet us once we start attaching the bias tape!  If you are using the bodice inset, place you inset piece on top of your bodice pieces, right sides together.  Sew and finish the SA edge.  Iron the SA down towards the bottom of the bodice and topstitch.

If you are like me and using a scalloped lace edge, then finish the top edge of your main bodice piece and iron down 1/2in, creating a finished edge at the top of your bodice.  Place your lace inset on top of your bodice piece, pin, and sew.  

It's now time to start sewing the bias tape.  Take one of your armhole bias tape pieces and place it on the wrong side of the bodice.  You want the right side of the bias tape touching the wrong side of the bodice.  Do this for both armholes and sew both sides with a 1/4in SA.  If you are using the full coverage bodice, your bias tape will continue all the way along the edge.

Now that both sides are sewn we need to encase the seam.  Take your bodice and place it right side up.  You are going to fold your bias tape over to the front of the bias, enclosing the raw edge of the seam.  

Sew close to the folded edge on both armholes and trim off any excess.  

Now we need to enclose the top of the bodice.  Take your Neckline bias and fold it in half, marking the center.  Do the same with your front bodice.  Line up your markings so the center of the bias tape is inline with the center of the bodice.  Sew with a 1/4in SA and then trim of 1/2.

Place bodice right side up and flip the bias tape over the front, encasing the seam along the neckline.  Before you sew this closed, take each raw end of the tape and open it up.  Fold in 1/2in, then fold back in have.  This will enclose the raw edge for a finished look.  Do this on each end.

Take over to your machine and sew close to the folded edge from one end of the bias tape to the other.  You have now created you Haven bodice!  Not too bad, huh?!

If you need to catch up, you can find Day 1 here.  And don't forget to add your Day 2 photo to the FB Album!  Tomorrow we start construction on the bottom portion of our Haven!  See you then!