Thursday, January 8, 2009

GUESS WHAT I'M WORKING ON

I know it has been about nine months since I have done any smocking. During the summer it is hard for me to sit still long enough to do much of any thing. This fall I was so interested in all the creative things my blogging friends were making until I totally neglected sewing any dresses for my granddaughters. My granddaughter, Emma, will be one year old the end of this month and we will fly down for her birthday party. I asked her mom what we could get her (she has SO MANY toys from Christmas until it looks like a toy store) and she said she knew I probably didn't have time, but she wish I could smock her a dress. I used to smock her sisters dresses all the time and I feel so badly that I haven't done more for her. I did make the one she came home from the hospital in. Yesterday when I left the spa (it was absolutely WONDERFUL!!!!!!!) I went and bought fabric for three dresses. I didn't know which to do first but chose the red one just in case I don't get them all finished before we go. I knew she could wear it for Valentine's.
After I cut the dress out, I pleated it and I've started smocking. I will post a picture when it is finished. The great thing about smocking geometrics is when you use different fabrics and colors, they don't even look like the same pattern. So.........my stitcheries and spray painting and anything else will be put on hold.......MY GRANDDAUGHTER COMES FIRST!!!

18 comments:

Kimberly said...

That is so cool, Sue! (See, I'm giving you a compliment even though you had a spa day and I didn't! Isn't that nice of me?)

;) Hugs, Kimberly

Georgia Girl said...

I totally agree grandbabies come first...my do too! I don't see many who smock and this is so cool to see that stuff.
Can't wait to see the dresses when your finish! Ever thought about openning an etsy store for your smocked goodies...you know simple small things since you might not have a lot of time...You just don't see them around that much.

April said...

I've never seen one of those smocking doo dads. I've always wondered how that was done! I can't wait to see the finished product! You bet my granddaughter would be at the top of the list, too, if I had one! I can hardly wait to have one to call my own someday! :)

So glad to know that you had a wonderful time at the spa...I'm still reeling with envy! lol

Lorrie said...

Sue how wonderful that you have this skill and can make this dress for your grandaughter. I've never seen smocking done either, so I was interested to see this dress in progress. Please share a photo when it's done.

So glad you had a great spa day!

Pam B said...

Sue, you are so talented! That looks HARD! LOL

Sherree said...

Can't wait to see what the dress looks like. You are so talented!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I agree with you Sue, grandkids come first over anything...just took Sydney to school after my daughter drops her off while on the way to work, their dad has gone back to school, so there is no one to get her on the bus. On Mondays and Fridays I take her to school and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I get her on the bus and take Samantha to preschool:) i'm busy huh? but I wouldn't trade it for the world, I enjoy doing for them even though I can't do the smock dresses...you are so lucky to know how to do them she will just love it:)
Rondell

Darlene said...

That dress is going to be soooo CUTE! I didn't even know how you begin to smock....looks like some kind of neat smocking thingy. I can't wait to see the finished dress.

julie & joe said...

I have always wanted to learn to smock. My friend's mother made the most beautiful smocked rompers and dresses for her children.

Zaroga said...

I can't wait to see the finished product.

Glad you had a great time at the spa... I'm envious!

Edwina at The Picket Fence said...

You are totally right, GRANDbabies do come first. I wish that I could smock, that would be such a neat thing to do for my two little girls. Can't wait to see your finished results

YaYa's Funhouse said...

Can hardly wait to see the finished product. Yes, I agree grandbabies do come first. I don't have a granddaughter but would to one day.
Keep us posted. Check out my new grandbabies progress.

Gigi said...

I learned to smock when my younger daughter was born and smocked or appliqued almost everything she wore until she didn't like it anymore (sniff.) I still have my pleater and all my smocking plates but the Good Lord has seen fit to give my 2 precious grandsons who would NOT be wearing any smocking, thank you very much.Enjoy smocking for that little girl!

Sharon said...

I love smocking and I wish I could do some for my little granddaughter but it looks very complicated!! Make some pictures when you have them finished. I know they will be beautiful. Jane has shown me some of her smocking and it is just beautiful!! You are so smart!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What lucky little girl! My daughter used to get Polly Flinder dresses when she was little. I loved the smocking. I have never seen anyone do it before though.

Taz + Belly said...

I love smocked dresses... I can't wait to see what it looks like. You and mom really need to help me learn how to do that.

Very soon I'll have something else creative ready for you to post about... I'll let you know when I get it finished.

In the meantime, head over to my blog and join us in a tag round!

Terry said...

I love the material you're using. Smocking is so cool looking. The nurse at the school I worked at use to do it.
Can't wait to see it all done.

Terry

STITCHINPRIM said...

OH Sue:
I just saw your dresses you are smocking and I would like to know what the "smocking doo-dad" ( as April called it). i didn't know what to call it but that is a good name for it.. well what is it and where did you get it and all aabout how to use it.. Girl, you gotta do a post about your smocking tool.. Sooooo very pretty !!
This is your " big old iron skillett " blogging friend.. You gotta watch my blog so I can keep up with you..
Blessings,
Maurine ( from the farm )