Happy Monday, friends!
It's good to be back after a long weekend. I hope you found some time to relax. I certainly did ~ sewing, comfort food, and lounging {i'm a big fan of lounging} in my comfy lounge pants.
A while back i talked about how i, in full adventure dorkiness mode, wanting to make something wearable. I've always had a thing for smocking dresses or blouses...well at least since kindergarten. Thus, when i found Jamie's Honey Girl Sundress pattern, i decided it was due time to reinforce this notion into my rotation.
Something that's satisfying over the long weekend is making my very first "So Cute It Hurts" toddler dress using Jamie's pattern. I'm not that skilled at it and it's always good to attempt very simple patterns in order to refrain from getting too frustrated ~ challenges are always good but i didn't want to select a pattern that is so far beyond me.
Although this little sundress is still a work in progress, the smocking is a very exciting accomplishment for me ~ i've also to credit Jamie's smocking tutorial for this one. I used fabric designed by Kokka Japan. I practiced and learned more to use the right tension on the thread and the right stitches. Really crazy fun and the satisfaction of being able to smock successfully just washed away any stress and wee bit frustration. I am looking forward to finish this cute little dress.
Making this cute little smocked sundress also makes me realize that even now, it seems unbelievable to me that by pulling together a motley collection ~ the different soft threads, the sharp needle, the pattern, the intangibles of creativity, and imagination ~ i can create something that will hold a piece of my soul. But i can and so can you.
Have a lovely merry happy week and love to you and yours!
Ooo, definitely comfy lounge pants...ahah...I agree entirely! The smock is beautiful...wow, definitely a great accomplishment in learning how to do the smocking - congrats! Can't wait to see you complete it, brava! Have a fabulous day, sweetie!
Posted by: linda | November 30, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Oh...it's sooo sweet, Jacqueline! Wow... you did a fantastic job with this little dress... and I just love the fabric! I've not dabbled in smocking in long time. Must revisit sometime...maybe soon! Happy week, my dear friend :o) ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | November 30, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Morning Jacqueline, I wish that I had a granddaughter for your darling dress. In fact, I wish I had a grandchild!!! Thanks for stopping by for a visit. I worked on several projects over the long week-end. Check them out.
Posted by: Sandy Rowe | November 30, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Wow..you so inspire me. That dress is so adorable. I love smocking as well...your images are so lovely. Happy Week to you.
Posted by: koralee | November 30, 2009 at 10:44 PM
What a pretty dress!
Posted by: Kate England | Marmalade Moon | November 30, 2009 at 11:23 PM
And I love your new banner!
Posted by: Kate England | Marmalade Moon | November 30, 2009 at 11:24 PM
hello - just wanted to thank you for stopping by. Love your blog and your shop! Happy Holidays
Posted by: lori | December 01, 2009 at 01:34 AM
This is so sweet. I love little girl dresses and the smocking is great. Great work. Can't wait to see the finished piece.
Posted by: Dana Barbieri | December 01, 2009 at 02:09 AM
Simply darling and I adore the stitching around your photos. How cute!
Posted by: Jessica | December 01, 2009 at 03:10 AM
How cute and gorgeous! I love the cloth you used! :)
Posted by: Elle | December 01, 2009 at 05:34 AM
Oooh...I'm in love with the fabric of the dress ...too cute! By the way, you won my drawing for my bear print. Yay! I just need to know which address to send it to and it's yours :D
Have a wonderful day!!
Posted by: Heather | December 01, 2009 at 05:49 AM
I love that you think you're a bit dorky! But that's not dorky; that's a passion. Don't confuse the two. I posted a picture of me imitating a turkey today, but that doesn't make me a turkey;-)
Bravo for challenging yourself in the right way so that you feel better, not worse about your abilities.
Happy to be back from Thanksgiving and hanging out on your blog. Warm wishes to you!
Posted by: twitter.com/CluelessCrafter | December 01, 2009 at 05:52 AM
Jacqueline! Smocked dresses are every girl's favorite, young and old. :) Your first attempt is excellent and also love the fabric. Have a great day!
Posted by: Eunhwa | December 01, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Hi Jacqueline, what a cute and adorable dress...well done! I love learning about your crafty adventures. Have a great week!
Posted by: wini | December 01, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Love this dress...you are so talented. Will you be selling these? Lori
Posted by: lori | December 02, 2009 at 03:54 AM
Oh my goodness Jacqueline, this is GORGEOUS! You should definitely sell them. I have always loved smocked dresses as well and if I had a little girl I'd scoop them up!
Posted by: fresh365 | December 02, 2009 at 04:35 AM
Hi Jacqueline
Hope your thanksgiving was a good one. I know you love sewing so I have a surprise for you so stop by my blog and make sure to read the "Giveaway Winner!" posting.
Posted by: Petergaye S. Kisielewicz | December 02, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Hi there, that fabric is awfully cute!! And you are sooo good with your sewing. That dress looks perfect :)
Posted by: Cookie Cutter | December 02, 2009 at 12:00 PM
You are amazing. Just like that, you try something and it looks so great! And you enjoyed it, too, which makes it perfect.
Thanks for the links, too - I'm going to look those up and that adorable fabric you've used.
Even doing something you love, you manage to encourage and inspire, also - thank you!!
Posted by: Tammy | December 02, 2009 at 12:51 PM
The little sundress looks very sweet and cute. And it is definitely the one and only piece. :)
Posted by: BK | December 02, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Such a pretty little dress, and gorgeous photos, I can always count on being inspired when I come here. The way you talk in your blog is so inviting and friendly! I love the thoughts at the end of this post, so true!
Posted by: Faith | December 02, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Such a sweet and happy little dress...it has your heart all over it Jacqueline! So so wonderful!
Have a joyful day- xo-
Posted by: donna k | December 03, 2009 at 01:20 AM
You are so talented!! Jacqueline this is just lovely {and so cute it hurts, too!}. I was admiring this post back when you posted it and just didn't have time to sit and write in a relaxed enjoyable fashion. I'm so glad to read this post again and be inspired by your sewing. Smocking?? Wow. It looks hard to do, but what a pretty result you achieved. I'm getting inspired to do some sewing, too! But I'm going to keep it simple, like you say, so that I don't get frustrated. : )
Posted by: Enrouge (karla) | December 05, 2009 at 04:55 AM
The dress is so cute!!!!Very pretty smocked sundress!!
Posted by: Car models 2009 form middle east | December 07, 2009 at 12:59 PM
You made a beautiful piece!! Keep going! You have the touch :D
Posted by: Nia | December 10, 2009 at 09:15 AM