I Bought a Bodkin!
Thanks to Amy Karol's Bend-The-Rules Sewing (posted here), I discovered the bodkin and I like it! In her discussion of tools, she talks about a bodkin which allows you to pull elastic through casings- basically tweezers that clamp together. I had always used a safety pin (my mother's idea), but used a bodkin today and it made life much easier. So I sent my mother one as well. I had never heard of nor seen one, but I added them to our site today.
And I finished a project today (hurray)! I made a top and pants for my daughter out of Chocolate Lollipop fabric. I copied a top she had from the Gap that I liked and that fit. The pants are the standard elastic waist pattern (thus the bodkin) that I've used before. I am going to put these patterns on the web. I have no idea how to size them for anyone else (she's wearing 18-24 months), but they will give you a starting point. And check out the flower buttons!
(7/25/07: The top and pants pattern and instructions are finally on the web. Hurrah!)
Too cute! I was jut reading about the bodkin too, next time I place an order at your site I'll snag one! The safety pin is a good trick, I've been using a big embroidery needle with an eye big enough to run the elastic through and tie a knot around.
I ordered a bunch of fabric from you that I'm so excited about. Just got an email saying it shipped. Yay! Can't wait to make some cutesy stuff for my bebe.
ps Does your daughter dig that baby doll? I've been wondering if Delma would get anything out of having one.
Posted by:Heide | July 07, 2007 at 09:48 AM
That Chocolate Lollipop fabric made the cutest little outfit for your daughter. So many people are afraid to mix fabric patterns, but the result is fabulous! Love all the fabric in your store.
Posted by:Marilyn | July 07, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Heide,
She digs the baby doll. It's a Corolle Babipouce that my sister bought for her birthday. She's fascinated with her face and hands. And of course, I couldn't resist buying it a baby stroller. I'm sure this is just the beginning- we've still got American Girl dolls to go!
Posted by:j. caroline | July 08, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Her outfit is really cute. Thanks for the idea for the bodkin. I was working on a shirt yesterday with five casings for elastic and it was a rather frustrating process. I think I need that bodkin if I ever make that shirt again.
Posted by:Stephanie | July 09, 2007 at 02:17 PM
I just caved in and placed another order, lots of short ends ond close-out stuff... And forgot to include the bodkin! Argh. Next time!
Posted by:Heide | July 12, 2007 at 09:19 AM
I LOVE Amy Karol's new book! It's really delightful when you open it up! It's been the topic of many of my posts lately.
Posted by:Sarah Moyar | July 13, 2007 at 10:04 AM
The outfit is darling!
xo,Anna Maria
Posted by:Anna Maria | July 23, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Love your site; am so glad to have found this. Just purchased some fabric too.
My grandmother used a bodkin, but I've never found one. Where can they be purchased? I, too, am tired of struggling with the safety pin.
Thanks,
Peggy
Posted by:Peggy Renie | July 27, 2007 at 10:29 PM
I'm so glad you asked. There is a great little crafty website that carries them- jcaroline creative. Here's the link to the bodkin: http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1900-000706-000&Category_Code=21a&Product_Count=1
Posted by:j. caroline | July 28, 2007 at 04:34 PM