Autumn Grace Sew Along Dress

I participated in the Sew Along over at Ellie Inspired Patterns Group. Laura is very generous with her patterns, teaching, and give-aways. If you aren't a member of her group, you should be! I have been smocking for ages, but Laura has tutored probably 30 or 40 first timers through this project.

While I love picture smocking, I find that I enjoy doing geometrics much more. This design is very simple, but the added ribbon makes it look a bit fancy. It was very quick to do, too!

I had smocked in red/pink to match this pretty fabric. When I started construction, I realized that I only had 1 1/4 yds- not enough! I went to buy more, but it was sold out. I could either make a top or figure something out to make a dress as I originally intended.
I added a panel of white batiste to the floral fabric, then covered it with a "faux" apron. I used Swiss embroidered trims and will add a red ribbon to the apron insertion when I have a chance. I think it turned out very cute.

Here's a view of the back. It is a basic peasant dress shape and should be quite comfortable to wear. I made size 3.

Tomorrow I have to finish a little quilted wallhanging for my Quilt Guild Challenge. Then it's back to the "Wee" Project I started. Lots of fun projects going on here- what about you??

Sew Alongs & Smocking!

 I've done 2 of Ellie Inspired's Sew Alongs recently. This "Best Friend's Dress" is made of very soft, floral corduroy. It is a size 3 with a ribbon casing at the waist. It is a super-quick sew with the dolman sleeves. I got some purple leggings to go under this.

 This smocking is for the current sew-along for the "Autumn Grace" pattern. It is a peasant dress with a smocked insert. I love the Oriental-looking flowers and the pink and red combo. The smocking was very quick and I like the addition of the ribbon. I'm hoping to construct this dress tomorrow.

 These adorable smocked inserts are CHEATERS! I bought them from Beaux and Belles online. I love, love the top one with the chickens (which you may remember we have as pets!). I am hoping to put it in some Jeffery overalls for Andy for Thanksgiving.

 I couldn't resist these ballerina inserts. Oh, Rosie would have loved these when she was little! I hope to turn one into a yoke dress for Ella sometime.

These florals are very pretty, too! I love adding these to my stash for when I want a smocked outfit without all the work! Back soon with more to show!

Princess Celestia Purse for Hannah

My talented teen Katie is a very sweet and thoughtful person! She wanted to send something to her best friend's little sister for her birthday. She remembered how much she and Rosie loved their jean purses when they were little.

We used an old pair of Andy's jeans from the consignment pile. They are pretty little, which makes the purse a nice size for a 6 year old girl. Katie knew that Hannah loves My Little Pony, but not just any pony would do. Her favorite is "Princess Celestia" probably the most complicated one to embroider! We found the design on Etsy and it stitched out quite well, even on the thick denim (2 layers because of the pocket).

What good is a purse without a few things to keep a girl going? Katie had picked up a special lollipop, some pencils, and a bracelet on a vacation recently. We added a $2 bill for fun. We wondered if people would think it's counterfeit if you try to spend it? I have one left in my car to try on an unsuspecting cashier sometime!
This package will ship out tomorrow. I think a special little sister in Florida is really going to love this!