The recent happenings of Bella Jean...

Good Morning Everyone! Glad to be back with you on our blog.... Its been some time since we've done a post, but that means lots to show you with what has been happening around Bella Jean.

In the last months we have been working on quite the assortment of jobs that have been creative and exciting for us.
From custom bridesmaid dresses to custom curtains, to girls dance dresses, our work has been unique, challenging and exciting. I can't wait to take on more custom jobs for you that will help make you or your home different than any other.

In the meantime we have also tackled a few DIY projects for our shop and nieces (who we also have been teaching to sew!)

Custom Bridesmaid Dresses

Patches added and coat steamed

Custom dining seat cushions

Custom Curtains for a wall of windows

Re upholstery done by sub contractor

Custom dance tutu!

Our ruffling technique being added to the tutu

Teaching our Nieces to sew!

Before- tv cabinet to be turned into a play kitchen

After- kitchen for the nieces

Wedding Gown Alterations

For the past several months we've had an array of wedding gowns come through our shop. We've done many different alterations to each gown. Each dress is very unique in style to every other one but it makes it fun to work on each dress.

Embroidery Hoop Nursery Decor

Since my new niece, Juliet was recently born we wanted to make her a set of embroidery hoops with her name on them for her nursery. Here's a step by step tutorial on how we made them. 

First, if you don't want the original wood color of the embroidery hoops you can paint them. We painted ours white.

 Before printing the letters you have to decide the layout order of the embroidery hoops because they will be different sizes. Next, print out each letter according to the size of the embroidery hoop it will be going on.

Cut out each letter.

Pick your fabrics and trace with chalk on the wrong side of the fabric around the embroidery hoop. Cut 3/4" past your marking line.

 Here I've cut almost all the fabrics.

 Cut out each letter with fabric and fusible interfacing. Fuse the interfacing onto the letter. Pin the letter in the center of your fabric circle and stitch an 1/8" in from the edge of the letter. We are creating a raw edge applique.

 Put your fabric in the embroidery hoop and trim the excess material away. You are now finished!

Here's what all our letters look like in the end.

Learning to Sew at an Early Age!

Eloise, our niece loves to come into our shop and watch us sew. She has been learning to say so many new words latetly so it's fun to hear her talk. Here's a little video of her talking away with us in the shop the other day.

Lollipop Dress

My name is Emily, I am fourteen years old, and I have been working at Bella Jean Boutique for about a year. Recently I got to take home a project and complete it from start to finish. Since we have been having some sunny days I made a lightweight, cotton dress. The combination of the tie and shirred sleeves makes it a little adjustable just in case your daughter grows over the summer. One of the sunny days last week my niece was over and I got the opportunity to take pictures of her in the dress. I am looking forward to taking on more projects like this.

Classic Vintage Sailor Dress...

Ever since we have been on our new venture to make clothing that is classic and beautiful, I have been looking for a vintage pattern to make a sailor dress. I have always loved them, and done the right way I knew this could be a hit! After endlessly searching, I found a pattern for the style I wanted. Unfortunately that pattern was not for sale anywhere! Finally I decided it was time to make up a pattern. I found three patterns that I already had that were to make up this dress...

The dress I was copying

From this pattern I used the sailor style collar.

I used the bodice of this one...since it crossed in front I was able to make modifications, This way it gave me the double breasted look I wanted! 

I took the sleeves and skirt from this pattern...

As you see, a little creativity, some adjustments and details made this dress have the look I wanted! O and did I mention...Those buttons unbutton and the whole front of the dress opens up to make it easy to get on and off your little one!

Same & Next Day Alterations...

Often times we get customers who need something altered for their work uniform the same or next day.  If you are one of those people who have a suit, pants, shirt, skirt, Military or law enforcement uniform that needs altered quickly, we are your solution! Not only are we same or next day alterations for work uniforms, but if you have to drive for 20 min or more to get to us, you can relax in our beautiful shop while we alter your clothing on the spot. 

To contact us for a same or next day alteration, please visit our website.