Picture Smocking On A Bishop

 It is always nice when the dress you envisioned turned out like you...envisioned!  A green gingham bishop style dress, trimmed with pink rickrack and pictured smocked bunnies.  Picture smocking works well on this style dress as long as you limit the number of pictures, which in this case would be the bunnies.  Three is a nice number without being overwhelming.

Things to note:  The bunnies were centered on the front and close enough together that I didn't have to picture smock on the shoulder seam.  Instead of a row of cable stitches right below the neckband, the cable row was moved up and is covered by the neckband.  Not only did this give the dress an uncluttered look, it was much easier not having to line the neckband up perfectly to a smocked row.  A five step Trellis stitch was used for the pink and white smocking at the bottom and a cable stitch was used for the back smocking on the wrong side of the fabric.

Michie'

Featured Patterns #107 and #109

The  banded bubble,  is  a one-piece bubble with a two-piece  look.    Choose from two classic collar styles or a simple neckband.  Mock suspenders attach at the shoulders and at the front waistband. Collars may be trimmed with piping or embroidery.

The infant shirt and diaper cover includes a traditional shirt with a Peter Pan collar which may be trimmed with piping, lace, faggoting or a simple neckband.  A soft pleat in the center back provides fullness for comfort.  The diaper cover has elastic in the back and at the leg openings and buttons in front.  A selection of embroidery designs are included.

Michie'

Spring Sewing For My Granddaughter

Spring will be here before we know it, so it is time to get busy smocking and sewing for my four-year-old granddaughter.  The bishop style dresses are still very sweet on her and the green gingham will give the dress a fresh look.  Ellen McCarn's  "Precious Bunnies" is one of my long time favorite smocking designs and with a few adjustments will work well.  To adapt the smocking design to the bishop style dress, I will only smock three bunnies on the center front of the dress and change the bottom row of smocking to a suitable trellis stitch.  Not only will this allow for the smocked pleats to spread out as needed, but I also like the idea of smocking three bunnies instead of a bunch!  I'll be sharing more photos of the dress this week as it progresses.  

* A special note to Grandma's and Nana's-  When sewing for the grandchildren, I refer to what would obviously be an Easter outfit as a "Spring" outfit.  This gives Mommy the freedom to pick out something herself without worrying about offending me.  It is my goal to respect Mommy by letting her choose HER child's wardrobe.

Michie'

Featured Patterns #101 and #102

We will be featuring a few patterns each week to show off our new look and share some sewing inspiration.  Our new website is still in the works, so although the patterns on the website show the old version everything sent out is now the new look!

A daygown is a lovely addition to baby's wardrobe.  The pattern offers the choice of either a plain yoke suitable for embroidery or a smocked version. Three different sleeves to choose from and a drawstring version adds variety for the sewer to choose from.
 *The smocking design shown is Ellen McCarn's "Mo-stroloy".

The pleated bubble features a center box pleat and is suitable for baby boy or girl.  Choose from two classic collar styles or a simple neckband.  Embroidery designs for the round collar of front pleat are included in the pattern.


Michie' 

Classic Style

Classic: \'kla-sik\ adjective
Serving as a standard of excellence: of recognized value.  Traditional, Enduring.
reference: Webster's Dictionary

We describe our designs as "classic" and are inspired by vintage styles from the 1940's through the 1970's.  Our patterns are intended not only to provide garments for today, but also for generations to come.  A collared shirt and shorts with suspenders is a good example of classic style.  My mother-in-law made a set for my husband in the late 1950's when he was a toddler; I then made  the same for our boys in the early 1980's, and now our grandson is wearing them.  

We have updated the fronts of the patterns to reflect this timeless look and to provide more inspiration for your sewing projects.  Almost ready to add to our collection is pattern #144 which includes a collared shirt and pants or shorts. This new pattern is expected to be ready by Spring!

*Patterns that are being discontinued have not been updated.

Michie'