Angel Sleeve Turtorial

 Pattern #135

Smocked bishop dresses are so forgiving in size, that it was not a big surprise that they still fit this year.  Bright yellow gingham, sleeves trimmed with pink rick rack, and smocked with Ellen McCarn's "Tulip Garden" made a lovely summer dress.

Angel sleeves are an easy variation to a bishop dress.  Click here for the free down loadable instructions.

Michie'

Smocking Makes The News!

If you have watched any news at all over the last few weeks you might have noticed that a certain famous baby has been spotted wearing lovely smocked outfits.  Although smocking is a very old technique' it became very popular some 30 years ago when the baby's daddy appeared in public in smocked outfits.  Those pictures way back then, and the fact that I had 3 little boys had a lot to do with my learning to smock. 

Because "classic" never goes out of style, these designs have been in my collection for quite some time along with a sailboat smocking design.  The bubble is pattern #115 and the dress is pattern #131.  Click here for the free down loadable smocking design.

Michie'

 

Easter

Easter 1962

Family and friends have been invited, the menu is being planned, and the house will be prepared.  And the count... 14 adults and 2 toddlers in our small house.  But isn't that what it is about?  I hope that you too will be able to celebrate our risen Lord with those you love.

Michie'

White and Ecru Christening Gown

Christening gowns should be beautiful and made with the best fabric and laces, but not detract from the true masterpiece, the baby.  It is the baby that is being dedicated and at the same time that is who friends and family have come to see. 

  

For a truly special gown, check to see if anyone in the family has a wedding dress that will never be worn again.  If the fabric is not suitable, some of the lace might be just what the gown needs.  And last but not least, pass the gown around with love and give it a family history.

  

Michie'

The Weekend

We have been celebrating Spring, glorious weather, and most of all God's creation by working in the garden this past week.  Typically in the south, garden refers to hoeing corn and picking beans, but doesn't "garden" sound better than "yard"?  With that being said, the garden is taking shape and I am hoping for rain.  Not so much that we need it, but I need the rest.  :)

Michie'

Sew Beautiful "Favorite Heirloom Sewing"

What a thrill to have been picked for the latest Sew Beautiful publication "Favorite Heirloom Sewing."  The photos of my garments appeared in the magazine several years ago soon after I started the business.  I was so excited to receive the call that they wanted a selection of garments to choose from.  What an honor it has been over the years to work with the magazine and staff and how sad to hear this week that the magazine is being discontinued this Summer.  It was a corporate decision and I don't believe a reflexion on the interest in sewing. 

I will continue to create and inspire with classic children's  designs in an effort to keep the craft of sewing for our little ones alive and well.

Michie'

 Pattern #111



 Pattern #108, pattern #104, and pattern #119.

 Pattern #106, pattern #124, and pattern #111.

Pattern #114, pattern #113, and pattern #107.



A Discovery

While working with an old pattern the other day, something caught my eye.  The original owner of the pattern had carefully planned out her sewing days.  Was she a new seamstress?  Was she so very busy that she only had a few miuntes to sew each day?  Whatever the reason, I would like to think that her sewing was successful and that she enjoyed those precious minutes.

Michie'