Some months ago I found the above puppy-dog romper at our favorite thrift store for just a few dollars. The cotton was supple and soft, the romper sturdy and well-made such that I couldn’t leave the store without it. But I didn’t really like the puppy-dog. Mainly because it’s collar was a little too bling for my taste. Granted, baby may have taken to the metallic embroidery, but I wasn’t thrilled. So I decided to revamp this romper. Enter scissors, scrap fabric and thread.
I’m experimenting with applique, particularly a style where rough edges and knots are exposed on the surface rather than hidden on the back of the work. At a friend’s home I recently saw a hand-made quilt embellished with rough-edged circles: my initial inspiration. I’m finding that with this technique the possibilities are endless (!). Machine sewing goes much faster and the overall effect is more unique and rag-doll-like with every wash. Hurray for new ideas!
The patch I made by layering, pinning and sewing bits of scrap fabric fit perfectly over the romper’s original puppy-dog. And of course, I had to tie in the look by including a miniature coordinating patch on the back right shoulder. I’m so very pleased with the outcome and I hope baby is, too.
So really the edges will hold up, even to spit up and multiple washings and all that? I’m intrigued. I see this look around, but always assumed someone knew more than I did and wasn’t just, you know, leaving the edges rough. I am astounded that it sounds like that is just it.
I like the stars on the B!
janie i love your work!!! this is absolutely adorable. i think you should definitely try a quilt like this 🙂