Starlet Mermaid

Wow, it’s been a while!

I feel like I might need to introduce myself all over again.

Life happens and mine got a little crazy

for a while.

Settling an estate was

followed by an engagement announcement for my daughter.

Chase & Sharon, with Frances

This brought a whirlwind of wedding planning

which we’re still deeply involved in.

Right now, the bride to be

is dealing with a spider bite.

yikes!

I’m happy to say in the midst of the crazy

that I’ve released my newest

Janie Carroll Designs pattern.

The Starlet Mermaid!

The pattern began with my desire

to make a mermaid pattern

that would be both classic and fresh

and ‘ezy’ to sew in minimal time.

I started with a Glamour Gown I designed several years ago.

This one.

Forgive the terrible photo – I’ve learned a lot about photography, too!

The gown was looser-fitting and it lacked pizazz but

the basic idea was there.

I decided to tweak things here and there.

After one false start that was close but not quite right,

I made this gown.

I knew I was on the right track!

Developing the ‘fluke-fin’ shape and cinching the front neckline ‘cinched’ the pattern, too!

Well, I couldn’t just leave well enough alone!

As soon as the basic pattern was established

my head was full of fabulous ideas

that would give sewists so much more.

I really DO love giving you value for your pattern dollar!

I added an optional bodice overlay

as well as a waistline overlay

which can be used in front alone…

or, also in back!

Did you see that gorgeous train?

That idea was still forming in my head

when team test member, Jessica,

decided to add a train of her own to a test garment.

Here’s Jessica’s original gown with the train she devised.

She graciously agreed that a train should be added to the pattern so

I drafted out two lengths and

bam!

more glamour for our Mermaid gowns!

At this point, we were way beyond a simple Mermaid costume

The pattern is suitable not only for Mermaids

but also for Prom Queens, Brides, performing artists, etc.

Basically,

Starlets

of all kinds!

It’s suitable for demure, traditional styling

as in this underlined stretch-lace gown

Dress it up…

Rock it out,

as Dana did in this two-piece outfit

or make it a costume, as in the case of my updated Ms. White

There’s something here for everyone!

next post will share details on how to add the standing lace collar at the neckline.

Meanwhile, click on through to my etsy shop and pick up

your copy of the Starlet Mermaid pattern.

JCD Starlet Mermaid for 18″ dolls

Happy Sewing!