Monogrammed hem adds sweet touch to summer dress

Dear Vicki: When my sisters and I were small, my mother made us dresses with our monograms or our names embroidered on the front. I would like to make something like this for my girls, but not so obvious — like a little more subtle but cute. And it’s a chance to use my embroidery machine. Please find me something. Thanks. — Pam H.

Dear Pam: Children’s Corner always seems to come through with sweet little dresses for girls. Laura is a summer dress that can have sleeves or not. And the monogram or name goes on the band at the hem, so it’s just what you asked for. This also can be a top with shorts for a completely different look. You can mix it up with different prints.

Please look for this at your local shop, but if you can’t find it, send me a check for $16.50 and I will send the pattern to you. The pattern can also be purchased online at www. childrenscornerstore.com. It comes in sizes 3 through 6 all in one pattern, so you can use it for a long time and for girls of different sizes. I feel multiple sizes are such a great bargain.

Here is a good question and answer from Eunice:

Dear Eunice Farmer: I know that a bias garment should be allowed to “hang” overnight so that the stretch is able to grow to capacity. I recently finished making one of these long, slinky knit dresses, and to my horror, every time my friend marked the hem, the next day it would be too long again. What am I doing wrong? — Judie W.

Dear Judie: There are many types of knits on the market, and unfortunately some stretch much more than others. Your dress will probably continue to grow each time you hang it up. My best suggestion is to lay it in a drawer! Since these knits rarely wrinkle, you can shake it out and it will be ready to wear.

Thanks, Eunice, for your inspiration and guidance.

Each week I share a reader’s tip and thank him or her with a set of 100 fine English hand-sewing needles. This week the tip is from Betty Winger, of Cumming, Ga. She writes:

“I hang a small bulletin board on the door of my sewing machine cabinet right next to my machine. I hang my current sewing instructions, patterns, scraps of fabric, etc., there so that they are at my fingertips. I used to always be searching for things. Now I know where they are.”

Send tips and questions to Vicki Farmer Ellis, P.O. Box 220463, St. Louis, MO 63122, or email vickifarmerellis@swbell.net.