Rabbit Report #5

Mopsy Rabbit

Thank you all for the congratulations on the result of the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show! I am truly grateful for you kind words and interest in my little projects!

Mopsy is my littlest rabbit and she gets a pink dress. She has a less embellishment than her older sister, but if I can convince the director, she will be the spotted rabbit, and thus not need anything else to make her cute. You can see that Mopsy got three rows of ribbon and eyelet trim, a white tie and white eyelet at the hem. I decided against the eyelet band in the front, just to make this dress a little different from the others. Cottontail's dress will be the same, no band, but white eyelet ties.

While these dresses are not complicated, there are some things to note about the pattern itself and my construction methods that make putting the dresses together much easier.

First, the sleeves are fitted into the armscye via pleats rather than gathers or ease. This is how the pattern was drafted and it is quick and easy.

Second, I decided to install the sleeves in the flat, rather than setting them into the armscye and then stitch the side seam and underarm seam as one long seam. You can see the sleeves have been added to the bodice, but the side seams have not yet been stitched in the photo below.

Third, all of these dresses are serged together with a four thread serge. This is quick and sturdy and I don't have to think about finishing the seam allowances.

The eyelet trim at the hems is the pre-gathered type, which is just zigzagged in place along the hem stitching. Again, quick and easy.

While these costumes are sturdy and well made, they are still costumes! I have not gone to the trouble of fully lining them, doing french seams, binding armholes, etc. Costume not couture! has been the rule for these outfits.

Next, and the last of the girls, Cottontail! Her dress will be an aqua color and I should have it finished sometime next week. After that I hope to get all the fur pieces done and then last, but not least, Peter's clothes.

Parting Shot: Rabbit Fur! I found a great deal on this fur for the rabbits. Actually it isn't even true fake fur, but a furry felt. I'm hoping this will actually be better so I won't feel like hacking a hairball before all the pieces are finished. I got this stuff for $1.50 per yard at Martin's last week, and they've got plenty more if I need it.