Bonnet Update: I WON!

I was so excited to hear that I won the bonnet contest at Adorable Heirlooms! It was a lot of fun to participate and I'm sure I'll also have fun spending the winnings!

 

Check back soon for a big 100 Follower Give Away!!

Put on your Easter Bonnet...

...with a frill upon it.

 

This bonnet is what I've been working on during February. It is for a contest at Adorable Heirlooms. The bonnet had to have an original smocking design, hand embroidery, and an Easter theme.

I started with a 1940s Simplicity pattern #2336. I wanted a scalloped brim and horseshoe crown. This pattern is size 6 months. I made a pleated panel for the center section. 

  The smocking has baby-wave diamonds, 3 large scallops, and 2 rows of waves at the back. I drew it on smocking graph paper to get the spacing right. It's 170 pleats. I added a woven satin ribbon between the middle rows of diamonds.

The embroidery has spider-web roses, bullion rosebuds, and lazy-daisy leaves. The roses are in 2 shades of pink, both darker than the background smocking.

The brim has a spider-web rose and leaves on each scallop. I piped the scallops on the brim and both sides of the smocked panel. 

The bonnet is completely lined. I hand-stitched a gathered ruffle of French lace around the face. The ties are self-fabric.

Design Details:

Fabric: 100% cotton Swiss pique, pale pink

Smocking: original design in DMC floss

Pattern: Simplicity 2336, circa 1945

Size: 6 months

I will hear the results of the contest tomorrow and will let you know. I haven't seen any of the other entries yet, but I am looking forward to it!

Also, linking to Sew for Victory (1940s Project) at Lucky Lucille.  

 

 

 

 

Wonderful Boy's Romper in Unusual Size!

I took the kids to the beach for a few days this week. Of course, it was too cold to swim (except at the YMCA!) but Katie and Rosie are great thrift shopping companions! We went to several thrift shops at churches: we find the best bargains are found there. Also, some kids' consignment shops and a couple of antique stores. It was at an antique store that I found this treasure and to my delight, at a thrift store price: $10! 

I didn't have a chance to iron it, but you can see it has adorable embroidery and smocking. The colors are very traditional: white with blue trim. The unusual thing is the size. It's a large size 3, the largest one-piece boy's romper I've seen. I know why, too. Andy was potty trained a week after he turned 2 and one-pieces make it hard for him to "go" by himself. They are my favorite outfits, but I have to think about 2-piece sets from now on. I can imagine that Mommy's in the past were more eager to potty-train at a young age, considering their laundry situation and larger families. 

Anyway, I was very excited to find this and a little dress with hand cutwork and eyelets to run ribbon through (which I will share soon).
I have been working on a special smocked bonnet for a contest at Adorable Heirlooms. I finished it today and it is gorgeous! I can't share pictures until Tuesday when the contest is over, but I look forward to showing you. Also, look for a great 100-Follower Give Away at the end of the week.