Ruffles and Tulips

I have revisited the Wikstenmade Tulip Skirt ..... this one using a cotton print from Spotlight ... with happy red buttons ....
This is an excellent little skirt pattern, highly suitable for those learning to sew. And here is one in a denim from Tessuti's. I lengthened the skirt about 9cm since I am no longer particularly youthful (according to my birth certificate) .... it's a lovely lovely fabric, and I like this skirt - but I don't love it - best for the young ones .....
The little black blouse is a FREE pattern - JJ Blouse from Burdastyle. This is a super cute little blouse - I enjoyed making this. Fabric from the now closed - Pooh's Place at Belmont NSW - but recently resurrected into BLOCK N ROLL - Yay! we again have a local fabric store!!!! The fabric is a lovely spotted voile - I have more of this stashed away in cream.
OK, now I need some help ... for the denim skirt,
I topstitched the hem and placket using Gutermann's topstitching thread - it is quite thick. I used a topstitching needle - size 90, and I loosened off the upper tension. My little sample piece was good, but the results on the skirt were not good. The stitches on the wrong side had bubbly bits of the top thread throughout ... I'm hoping someone can help me ... should I fiddle with bobbin tension? More decrease on upper tension? Anyone? Anyone?

Wiksten-made Tulip Skirt

Inspiration! This time from Nikkishell. I was so glad that I had this magazine, time to make a tulip skirt for Sweet Pea.
There are a few pattern corrections to be aware of - go to Wiksten-made.
I had some lovely Cotton Sateen given to me by the lovely Miss Alice - she made a very cute Retro 50s dress from this ..... and there was enough for the tulip ....
It's a very easy pattern to sew - great for beginners - the front tie belt aids to pull it in if the waist isn't exactly snug. Sweet Pea is 12 - I cut a Small - the waist is being pulled in by the ties.
I am tempted to make one for myself, except I have legs like a front row forward - but I'll give it a go, and make it a little longer - though I expect I'll lose the Tulip effect .... we'll see....
Now, would you like to win a $80 voucher for some lighting of your choice from Buyster? Then get thee to my previous post and leave a comment ...... go on ...... now!

Speaking of Tulips, Nikki is making a kiddies Tulip Dress Pattern - and she's having a giveaway - go there and enter ..... after you've entered mine of course .....

Help for Haiti - The Selfish Seamstress has a very funny range of Sewing Products for sale - read her post about how she is helping the people of Haiti. While you're there check out her sewing - she's very talented and super stylish!

And one more ..... there's alot of generosity around - Grosgrain has an interesting piece of jewellery to giveaway - got to be in it win it!