Normally I'm always talking about AS&E, but this post I'm going to go with something out of Sew Beautiful magazine. This dress was super easy to smock and just as easy to sew together. Fabric is available at Hancock Fabrics.

I didn't have Michie Mooney's pattern to sew with, so I found a corresponding one from Simplicity in my stash of patterns. (And we all have tons.) I used #6261. I was going to add a border along the bottom, but after putting the fabric up to my dress; I made a quick decision not to. And you will notice I did button loops instead of button holes. The only think I'm not thrilled with is the first row of smocking. I should have just put it on the back instead. Phooey! All in all, it turned out a fun sun dress for a 3 yr. old.

And yes I've started on another smocked sundress. What I really need to purchase is the fabric for the Hoffman Challenge. I will be doing that in the next week I think. Until next time, happy smocking everyone!

Wallpaper dress

I love these kinds of striped cottons. They always remind me of vintage striped wallpaper. But sometimes, I never know what to do with them. For the dress pattern, I used McCalls 6542, size 5. I think I bought this fabric at Craft Warehouse last fall. I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do with the print. But I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Smock plate is a version of "Enchanted" out of The Best Of AS&E. This whole dress was so quick and easy, I want to make more.

This shows that I tea-dyed my lace. The bottom was before and much too white for my vintage design of the fabric. The tea-stain on the lace is just right.

Now I need to see if the piece I want to do for a jacket to go with this dress will tea-stain. It's an embroidered white cotton. Not sure if the embroidery will take the tea. Have to see what happens. Well, on to the next project. So little time!

Happy smocking!

What a Doll

Isn't Miss E the cutest kid?! And she makes this outfit even more stunning. Her mom says she's gotten many compliments on the outfit. So of course I had to share with everyone. The lavender dress in the background hanging on the back of a chair is one I made for her also. But I can see that Miss E is a girly girl and loves the ruffles. Can't say that I blame her at all. I love ruffles as well.

This is the main fabric for the Hoffman Challenge. I love prints like this. It's just my kind of thing. Now I just need to go get some.

Here's one of the projects I'm working on for the fair.

I'm off to do some sewing.

Happy stitching everyone!

Baby Jacket

Simplicity 2629 size small

I completed a baby jacket to go with my shower gift. It's flannel for next fall. I've used this pattern from Simplicity before and it always turns out cute. Since I chose not to do any embroidery it needed some big buttons. It's a sweet and simple jacket.

I've also finished up a pair of smocked socks and will have a pair of smocked shoes to go with the socks. But those are for one of the ladies at work. She's going to be a great-gramma. I think when you're going to be a first time anything, that deserves something special. And she found a pattern for smocked shoes at an antique shop. It is a  current pattern, but I didn't have it yet. I've got a different one from Diane Jensen. So as a thank you for getting me this pattern, I'm making some shoes for her great-granddaughter-to-be. Of course, there will be a bonnet and dress to go with it. Can't just give shoes and a pair of socks.

I'm starting to get projects set up to finish for the fair. It's the third week in August. I had a lady ask me Saturday if I have all my items finished. I laughed and said no, just getting started. I have a couple items planned and I will need to see what's coming out in AS&E final issues before I make my final decisions.

Here's to some fun months ahead of smocking and sewing!

Embroidered Bonnet

Isn't this the cutest bonnet?! Well, I certainly think it is. I think a woman should toot her own horn. Anyway, I used "Christening Bonnet Collection" from Old Fashioned Baby.

The embroidery is out of Jeannie Baumeister's book "Heirloom Embroidery". Doesn't she have the best patterns?! Love everything she comes up with.

Sometimes I've made things and it didn't turn out how I envisioned it. But, I suppose that makes us more down-to-earth. One of the girls I work with said to me once: "everything you make turns out great". Well, she hasn't seen some of my distasters. I've thrown away enough projects that were just bad. And I don't mind saying so. Practice makes perfect in the long run. There are things that come easier to some and with much determination and practice to others. So here's to anyone who is struggling to learn a talent. Keep up the hard work!

Happy stitching everyone!

Running Out of Time

Sorry no pics this post of any smocked or embroidered goodies. I've been working on some dresses/skirts for myself. It's been a long, long time since I actually enjoyed sewing anything for myself. And since I am, I decided to go for it and make a couple items for myself. So often I'm only sewing princess clothes.

The thing I need to work on is to finish up items for my friend, Carol. The baby shower is on June 3. It's going to be a basket full of pink lovelies for baby. I have some rosebud cotton knit I think I will make into a couple receiving blankets, need to do a couple more dresses, some bonnets. Yep, definitely running out of time! Of course, I do this to myself. And since I found out that since the baby's mommy has changed her life for the better (like not hanging out with bad influences); she doesn't have very many friends, I want to give her a whole truck load of goodies. But a few cute items will mean more in the long run. So I'm off to the sew races today!

Happy sewing everyone!