Border Eyelet Bishop with Pink Underlay

My Smocking  Guild ran a program to teach people  how to make a smocked bishop dress. Since I have made many, I tried to do something new. I used border eyelet (a poly/cotton blend) with one seam in the back AND I pleated it with an underlayer of pink batiste. I stitched the 2 together before pleating and treated them as one. It worked perfectly!

This is Children's Corner "Bishops" pattern, size 18 months. I really like the puffed sleeves on this pattern. I think they are just right. I can't remember what smocking plate I used on this- I have to try to figure that out. I do know I am supposed to add a little 1/8" ribbon woven through the smocking to match the pink ribbon along them hem.

I have more of this fabric left. I would like to make a matching bonnet and/or panties.

Superbowl Sewing & Snacking

Andy had a Superbowl Party at school to celebrate the fact that our "Home Team" made it AGAIN. I found "Patriots" fleece at Joann's and thought it would be perfect for a pattern I'd wanted to try.

The pattern is "Fernando's" by Create Kids Couture. I love the shawl collar, which looks nice and is so cozy. In fact, I'd like one in my size. Andy was so excited about this- nevermind all the outfits I've made over the years that were hours and hours of work. He just loved this top!! It looks cute and is so warm, too! The pattern was quick and easy- I definitely recommend it.

We are "fair weather" sports fans- we only get excited for Super Bowls and World Series, but we're always up for a good nosh. I found this cool Food Stadium at a discount store and it made a fun place for party food!

The "UGLY??" Christmas Suit!

Every year, I have special pictures done for Christmas. Originally, I was going to do a glittery-retro-turquoise/pink/purple theme. I had a hard time finding anything that fit that bill. Some years, I have made special shirts- the "M-E-R-R-Y" theme and the "Greetings from Around the World (and Star Trek)" theme. 

Then inspiration struck. I found this "Ugly Christmas Suit" on Amazon!!

Perfect for Hubby and the 3 sons!! They didn't want to do it, but I was determined. I ordered them in November (and it's a good thing because they are a lot more $$ now). They arrived and are actually really nice quality- if you don't mind the slick polyester fabric. I don't mean slick as in smooth, I mean "slick" baby, with attitude.

Then, a new dilemma- what will the 2 daughters and I wear?  A seach for the "tacky Christmas dress" ensued. I ordered some shiny vintage Christmas scene dresses on Amazon, but they weren't right. (aka truly ugly). I was now calling my theme "1950s Kitsch"- it sounds so much better than "ugly Christmas." I felt I must remain true to the elegance of the men's suit and tie. Younger daughter wanted to go full-on knit Santa dresses or elf suits, but it just wasn't right. 

Internet searches and sleepless nights

Good thing I started hunting at the beginning of  November, because Prime Shipping wasn't going to save me this time!

Enter "Rose Gal" The totally elegant, "kitschy" skirts were perfect! And cheap!!

  

What to do for my little boy Andy who is 7? Still plenty of time to make a suit!! I bought "Logan's Suit Jacket" on Create Kids Couture and 5 1/2 yards of Santa and Rudolph fabric at Joann's.

I literally finished it the morning of the pictures. What else is new? I work well under deadlines!

It turned out we had a blast doing these pictures. The entire studio (in the mall) loved them! People were asking where we got them, what a great idea, awesome!!

We were all laughing so hard doing this and the silliest one of all was my Hubby! He is usually a quiet, straight-laced kind of guy, but he was cracking up, joking around, and had us laughing too! My kids dubbed it the "Magic Christmas Suit" and isn't that what Christmas is really all about? The Magic!!

These outfits may have been tacky, kitschy, whatever but we made some really "Magical" Memories!! And I have photos to prove it!! (Maybe I'll share the family ones soon!)m