Vintage Smocked Dress and Embroidered Bib

Remember last month, I showed you the 1939 button-on suit? Well, this little smocked dress and bonnet were part of the same "lot" I bought from a 72 year old man, who said they were his baby clothes.

This dress has light blue smocking and beautiful hand embroidery, which can barely be seen now, it is so faded.

And here's a picture of the embroidery:

I tried to adjust the picture to make it easier to see, but I couldn't do better than this. It is 2 large birds- storks?? with a large flower between them.
This bib is also hand embroidered in light blue and has maintained its color better than the dress:

Here's a close-up of the bib embroidery, a simple heart and floral motif:

The padded stitches are beautifully done. I have a few more items to share from this lot and I am starting Andy's Easter romper, too. I have only traced the pattern and chosen my materials so far. Hoping to get started soon- at least I have plenty of time!

Annie Sewing...or Not

Hello again. I was in NYC this week for my father-in-law's funeral. It was nice to see the extended family, but it was also good to get home again. A stomach virus has gone through the house, so I have not done much sewing this week.

Rosie is going to be in the play "Annie" so I started a folder of ideas for 1930s girl's clothing. I was looking forward to making her costume. Cast as an orphan, she would need: a dress, apron, and nightgown at least. I had in mind something "authentic" to the period, not a tacky dress with fake patches all over. But Rosie likes the fake patches and the director is planning to borrow all the costumes from a big theater nearby, so my plans have been thwarted. Still, I found some good ideas...

This dress looks like it might have been worn in an orphanage. The shoulder straps look very 1930s and I like the stripe with coordinating solid.

This dress reminds me of the American Girl Kit's Birthday dress, which I have always liked. The green color is pretty.

I suppose smocking is way too fancy for an orphanage, but this is a cute pattern!

Here's a 1930s catalog page. I like the classic shape with pleats.

 Did you know that there were patterns made for Annie clothes?

Well, I hope things will get back to normal here next week. I'm starting to think about what to do for Andy's Easter outfit.

Winner of the Retro Kitchen Give Away!!

I am trying the random number generator to choose the winner today. Let's see if it works:

OK, I am doing something wrong. Every time I post this, it changes the result. The first time I hit the Winner button, it choose #1, which is:

Bratling

I will try to email you for your address. Thank you to all who entered and those who became followers! Back soon with more sewing!