More Challenge Dresses

 

What a busy month I've had! I've managed to finish 3 dresses for the Adorable Heirlooms stash challenge. I'm wondering what the other participants came up with. Everything I used in these two dresses I'm sharing came out of my stash.

 

 

After stitching the dress together, I wish I had piped the bottom of the insert. But I'm thinking that my hairdresser's granddaughter will not care that I didn't add piping to that area. I looked thru some of my AS&E, but didn't find the exact smock plate I wanted, so I kind of went out on a limb. The three center diamonds are made with Swarofski crystals. Then two side diamonds are made using read sead beads.

 

 

I decided to use organza for a skirt border and the ties. I love how it makes a big poufy bow without the huge knot. I made this dress a size 8. I used the same pattern for this dress as I did for the previous dress, The Little Seamstress.

 

 

This dress had been waiting for about 5 years for me to finish it. Everything was done except the hem and the buttonholes. I can't remember what pattern from AS&E that I used. This is a size 18 months.

 

 

The person I was going to give this dress to five years ago kept pestering me about it and so you can see that I didn't finish it in time for them to have it. I had told someone I would make a dress if I had enough time. Well, we got busy at Hancock's and it never got finished. I guess that goes to show that rude behavior doesn't get you anywhere. I hope she treats people much nicer than she did me.

 

 

Lovely bullion rose on the sleeve band.

 

 

I added the trim as an afterthought. I only had enough to do the front of the dress. It was an old trim from my lace bag. I sewed it on with a stretch zigzag.

 

 

I love using soft colors and tiny prints for babies. I think it lets the baby be the star as they should be. Well, I'm already thinking of my next project. Such are the pitfalls of a creative mind. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Actually, my next project is a model garment to hang up at Hancock's. It's from the Fleece Idea book that is free to all who want one. I'm making a little girl's fleece coat. It will be pink with lime green buttons and lime rickrack trim on the collar and possibly the cuffs as well. But you know the problems of designing, sometimes we have to change things up. I will probably sew the coat up tomorrow. But then again, maybe I will get my instructions tomorrow for pattern testing. I've seen a preliminary design and it's wonderful. So here's hoping I will be able to start on it soon!

 

Happy stitching everyone!

My Friend Susan

This is not one of my creations, but would be something I would totally do. It belongs to a good friend, Susan. A few months ago she found me on Facebook and asked if I would help her with her grandbaby's blessing dress. Well, I of course, had to say yes. Through many emails, a surprise phone call and some trial and error; she finished her first smocking project. I have to say she did fantastic! She has given me permission to post photos for all to see. I'm so very proud of her and the wonderful dress she made. 

 

 

Susan used "Gloria" AS&E issue 50 

 

 

 Aren't the bullions beautiful?!

 

 

Here's the happy family with darling princess baby modeling her gown. Susan says she now hooked on smocking and is starting to work on items for future grandbabies. She has a side business on Etsy making cute clothes for American Girl dolls. She is planning on adding smocked doll dresses to her offerings to customers. Here's links to her Etsy page and her blog. I'm so happy to call her friend!

 

ETSY www.ItsSewSusan.Etsy.com
BLOG www.ItsSewSusan.Wordpress.com

Happy Smocking!

 

National Sewing Month

 

"The Little Seamstress" AS&E issue 69. Perfect dress to be stitching up during National Sewing Month, don't ya think?

 

 

The fabric I got in trade from a friend of mine. The only thing I had to purchase was buttons. And those I got on sale! Way to go me! I also decided to make extra white piping. I seem to be using lots of the stuff lately. So I ended up stitching up almost six yards of white piping.  

 

 

 You probably noticed an extra close spaced button. The reason I stitched it on is because the mom of the princess who is getting this dress is no so much of a sewist, more of a crafter. I didn't want her to be searching for an extra button if she needed one. I'm thinking that I should move it to just above the hem band. I don't want to move it anywhere princess will feel it and be uncomfortable. We'll see what the princess' mom says tomorrow when I give it to her.

So is everyone busy sewing during National Sewing Month? I'm getting lots of smocked dress fronts done. I'm going to be doing more pattern testing for Laura at Ellie Inspired. Pink will be involved, but that's all I'm going to tell you right now.

Happy smocking!

 

 

A Dress For Ahnalin

 

I think Miss Ahnalin looks divine in the dress I made for her! Makes me kind of wish my daughter was still of the age to make smocked stuff for. Alas, they grow up too quickly. I will just have to settle for making things for friends little princesses.

Speaking of friends daughters, my favorite checker at the grocery store told her daughter asked if she could wear her dress everyday. Mom said no, we do have to wash it. I told her I would make her more dresses. What better endorsement could I ask for.

 

I went to a baby shower Sunday and yes I did take smocked baby items. I didn't get the shoes quite finished, but did give a couple of dresses, a bonnet, some hair bows and a bunch of socks decorated with smocking. Can I brag and say mine was the prettiest gift? The only other person who sewed anything was great gramma-to-be. Almost makes me feel like sewing is a dieing art. I love when I hear of a customer who is going to teach her daughter or granddaughter to sew. But especially love it when we have a young sewist at Hancock's where I work, sign up to get her own mailer to use the coupons. Those girls don't come along very often.

Adorable Heirlooms on Facebook is having a Stash Challenge. If you haven't liked her page yet, go do it and get involved. Whoever makes the most items from their stash will win a gift card to use on the website. I'd say I better get sewing!

Happy smocking everyone!