Smocked Sundress Sew-a-long

Laura did a smock-a-long at her Ellie Inspired Patterns Group this week. I love sew-a-longs because, like taking a class, they make you finish a project in a limited amount of time. The camaraderie of working with a group of ladies is also encouraging. So, when Laura showed the pretty, free pattern we would be making, I had to sign up!

The pattern is a smocked bodice sundress with ruffled straps. It buttons in back. The original has a smocked insert, but since I was using all one fabric, I decided to "release" the smocking from the bodice to the front skirt. One of my favorite things about hand smocking is its natural elasticity, so I like to take advantage of it when I can!

The smocking design is very simple, but elegant. The center section, unsmocked, will become a puffing strip once it relaxes from the pleating. I back-smocked the diamonds to give the waist more stability.

Here's the back, pre-buttons. I used a wonderful 100% cotton batiste from Martha Pullen Co. It was only $3/yd at one of their crazy sales, so I bought A LOT! The sleeves are trimmed with cotton Swiss embroidery, which I gave a brief tea bath so it would match the ecru smocking.

I have always loved scalloped hems, so I thought I'd do one here. It is hard to see, but there are 12 6" scallops around the bottom. I stitched them by hand with a small running stitch using 1 strand of ecru DMC floss to match the smocking.

And here is a closer view of the hem. It's still hard to see the stitching. Maybe later I will add a little embroidery or something to make it stand out.

I love the way it turned out and the whole thing was completed in less than a week- yahoo!!