Football and Smocking

The sports world is buzzing with commentary on last night's Super Bowl.

The smocking world is celebrating the joy of seeing Eli's daughter dressed in a smocked bishop, complete with red Mary Janes and hairbow!

Precious!

More Imaginary Sewing

This is a peek at my current sewing project:
a version of Rose, the latest pattern from Children's Corner.

I selected a large size gingham in hunter green, accented with red piping and buttons.

It is approximately three-fourths constructed, but a cold has zapped me of sewing energy.

I also discovered that sneezing and watery eyes do not help with sewing straight seams!

So, we will do a little imaginary sewing while waiting for the medicine to kick in and the sneezing fits to pass.

While I still love the traditional Christmas colors of red, green and white, it is also fun to play with some of the more trendy color schemes.  Turquoise and red have always been a favorite combination of mine, and they are showing up more and more in holiday decorations and fashion.

This turquoise houndstooth in a brushed cotton would be cozy and warm for the winter months.  I can definitely see it smocked, embroidered or appliqued with jolly red Santas!

To extend the wear beyond the holidays, a winter themed smocking plate is perfect!

The snow and evergreen trees in this design by Little Memories lend a bit of holiday feel, but could easily be worn well beyond the holidays.  Turquoise and pink or always a fun combination!

Another idea for turquoise and pink, and another fun winter themed smocking design from Little Memories!  Who can resist mittens and snowmen?

We cannot forget the boys, either!

I think turquoise can be a fun color for little guys, too.

Think of brother and sister outifts with these precious penquins!

The plate on the left is by Junebug Designs, and on the right, another plate by Little Memories.

By changing the floss colors from pink and lavender to deeper and more "manly" colors, you can achieve a completely different look.

I hope sudden winter storms and colds have not sidelined too many of you.

I plan to be back at my machine and visiting here more often, once I quit reaching for a tissue every few minutes. Thanks for joining me in some imaginary sewing in the meantime!

All fabric,smocking plates, floss and trim available at BessieMary.



The dress that was not,

is not, and may not be made!

I had a plan.
I had the fabric, smocking plate and trim.

I was not completely committed to a pattern, but was narrowing it down.

With a little tweaking of floss colors, I was envisioning a cute little brown and white polka dot

back-to-school dress.  It would be smocked with an apple design and trimmed with lime green rick rack or piping.

I blinked, school had started and we were headed toward October.

Thus, Plan B was born!

So many cute Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving designs from which to choose!
Replace that apple with a happy pumpkin, plump turkey or silly scarecrow.

Substitute orange for the lime green, and it was full steam ahead.

Except, I ended up cleaning out closets and a zillion other things.

Knowing my slow pace of picture smocking, I may not squeeze this one out by the time the menu calls for turkey and pumpkin pie.

I may be headed back to a twist on the original color scheme.
Brown is the color of reindeer, and at least one has a very shiny red nose!  A great color combination!

Lime green has become a very popular replacement for the traditional Christmas green.

Several holiday plates could easily be tweaked to incorporate it.

Not to mention, the brown polka dots remind me of snowflakes falling, and there are also plates with winter themes and winter animals - polar bears, penguins and more!

I am not saying this version will come any closer to completion.  At least now, you know I do think about sewing and smocking even if I am not writing about it!

Not sure whether I hope to hear I am in good company, or sad to think we are all too busy to sit and stitch.

All fabric, smocking designs and trim from BessieMary.

Soul Soothing Smocking

Yesterday morning this pulled up in front of my home.

Several hours later, I was the proud owner of approximately eight feet of new PVC piping,

and my bank account was several thousand (yes, more than one, two or three thousand) dollars lighter.

Needless to say, the rosy sweet glow left from Valentine's Day quickly dimmed.

Some form of soul soothing distraction was desperately needed!

With my wallet much lighter, I decided maybe spending money on a favorite flavor milkshake from a favorite chicken sandwich restaurant was probably not the best solution.

I turned to some soul soothing smocking, instead.

My husband's assistant is expecting a baby girl in April.

I expect she will be sweet and petite like her mother!

I selected white Skip Dent fabric for a tiny little bishop, using Ellen McCarn's Baby Bishops pattern.

The term "skip dent" refers to a type of weaving that produces a design in the fabric, such as the stripes in this piece of fabric.

This particular fabric is a polyester/cotton blend, but feels and behaves much like an all cotton fabric.  I enjoy working with it, and a new mother will enjoy its easy care.

Angel Baby is a smocking plate by Crosseyed Cricket, designed especially for tiny bishops.  The design covers approximately seven half-space rows.

I have changed the colors and am using a very pale blue, instead of pink, and a slightly different green.

Since this is a tiny little gown, and the fabric is also delicate, I am smocking with only two strands of floss.

As I discussed in this blog post, I have recently discovered that a larger needle aids in picture smocking since more strands of floss are required.  However, for geometric smocking on delicate fabrics, I still prefer to use a Crewel 8.  Lately, I have noticed Richard Hemming has retitled their Crewel needles as Embroidery needles.

I am thankful all my plumbing fixtures are now back in operation, and a little stitching soothed my soul!

I certainly hope you do not have plumbing issues, but I do hope you find time today for a little stitching!

Skip Dent fabric, pattern, smocking plate, floss, and needles available at BessieMary.

Needles Pulling Thread

I love children in picture smocked clothing, especially during various holidays.

Maybe if you squint really hard, or use vast amounts of imagination, this might closely resemble an odd shaped Valentine.

Or, I could try to convince you that I am just an eager beaver and already at work for next Christmas.

In the spirit of keeping it real, I confess this post was started months ago, but was interrupted by a sudden trip to Minnesota.

Fortunately, tartan plaids and Santa are timeless.  This can be completed at a later date!

I must admit that I do not exactly love the process of picture smocking.  Give me geometric smocking, and I am good to go!  Picture smocking is, for me, more challenging and time consuming.  I think part of it has to do with counting and keeping my place on the smocking plate.  Geometric smocking seems easier to do on the run, in the car, in front of the television, or while trying to convince your husband that you really are able to stitch and listen to him at the same time.

When I first learned to picture smock, I was told to use a Long Darner 7 needle.  Much of the available literature on smocking also recommends the use of  this needle.

Many years ago, a friend watched me struggle with picture smocking.  She suggested the use of the larger Long Darner 5 needle.

Now, the Long Darner 7 already seemed like a sword in my hands.

Use something even larger, longer and more sword like?

As the obedient child of a school teacher, I followed rules.

I kept plodding along with the Long Darner 7.

Then, wonky eyes became a part of my life.

Determined to convince myself that I could still sew, smock and embroider, I decided to step outside my regular needle box and try something different.

Guess what?

That friend was correct!

I found it much easier to picture smock with a Long Darner 5.

It still is not perfect, and I still am very, very slow.

I have started suggesting this size needle to other friends and customers, with pleasant results.

I have also begun to see the Long Darner 5 needle referenced in more of our literature.

The goal of perfect picture smocking is to have the strands of floss, usually four in picture smocking, lie side by side.  This creates a "ribbon" of floss, and the cable stitches are "stacked" to create the desired figures.

The larger needle prepares a larger tunnel in the fabric through which the floss travels.  This results in a smoother ribbon of floss.  The longer length also allows you to use it as a level, and maintain straight stitches.  Straight stitches are mandatory for perfect picture smocking.

A Long Darner Needle 7 measures approximately 2.25" in length.

A Long Darner Needle 5 measures approximately 2.50" in length.

If nothing else, your husband will not argue with you when you are holding one of these in your hands!

Give it a try and let us know your results!

Happy Picture Smocking!

Needles available at BessieMary.

There in Spirit and Kits!

Many of my sewing friends are gathering in Norfolk, Virginia for the opening day of this year's Smocking Arts Guild of America Convention.

My wonky eyes may keep me from attending in person, but a little of me is there in spirit by way of Wee Care Bonnet kits!

I first shared in this post that I was making kits for these tiny little bonnets.

I completed the pleating, as well as rolling and whipping the narrow lace edging.

A casing was stitched, with ribbon inserted, to gather the back of each tiny bonnet.

During Convention, attendees will be able to simply add a few rows of smocking along the brim, and a beautiful wee bonnet will be completed!

In order for the bonnet to be smocked, each little kit also included a skein of white embroidery floss, ribbon to attach as streamers so the bonnets may be tied under the chin, needles and a sweet surprise!

Normally, I cut heart or flower shapes from craft felt as needle holders.  I recently spied these cute little felt pumpkin cutouts in a craft store and decided they were perfect as needle holders!

Here is one Wee Care Bonnet Kit ready to go!

It joined a stack of others which a dear friend transported to Convention for me.  Fabric, a shabby chic sewing basket, patterns, smocking plates and miscellaneous sewing notions had already been donated and shipped from my store to join other wonderful donations for the fabulous Wee Care raffle basket.  It, along with other baskets overflowing with stitching delights of every type, will be raffled during Banquet on the final night of Convention.    

I wish all my friends safe travels, wonderful moments of learning, fun visiting with old friends, the joy of making new friends, and a winning ticket for your favorite raffle basket!

To my dear readers and friends, I want to say thank you for the continued outpouring of encouragement and support regarding my vision.  The last few days have been exceptionally difficult.  I am afraid the double vision is worsening, instead of improving.  I am adjusting and preparing for possible life altering changes in the near future --  kicking and screaming all the way!  I will not give up seeking solutions.  I simply must accept my life is now different.  I will never be able to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for accompanying me on this journey.

 

Bonnets for Tiny Angels

There has not been much stitching, smocking or blogging lately, as I have rested my eyes per doctor's orders.  However, I have tried to take a few minutes each day and prepare Wee Care bonnet kits for the upcoming national convention of the Smocking Arts Guild of America (SAGA).

These kits will provide everything necessary for members to complete a tiny smocked baby bonnet with a lace edged ruffle.  They need only to smock a simple design across the crown and attach ribbon streamers.

Due to my eye surgeries, I am unable to attend this year's event in Norfolk, Virginia.  Making and donating these kits has helped me feel a little more involved and a little less sad about missing all the fun.

Wee Care is the primary service project of SAGA nationally and through its local chapters.  Our members sew and smock tiny gowns, bonnets and other items for the smallest angels.  These items are then donated to various hospital neonatal intensive care units.

Many times the families have no garments that fit their premature or ill babies.  The gowns, bonnets, and blankets help their child look like a baby by covering frightening tubes and other medical equipment, while still meeting the functional requirements of hospital care.

Many of our gowns and bonnets will, sadly, serve as burial garments.  Others may be kept as a reminder that a special little life ended too soon.  Still others may joyfully be used on those days when babies are healthy, healed and headed home! 

If you wish to read more about SAGA's Wee Care program, please click here

Bunny Bishop

A bunny bishop for a special little miss!

Fabric is Honeydew Smoothie Microcheck by Nashville Cotton, available here.

Swiss edging by Capitol Imports trims the sleeves and hem.

http://www.somewhatsimple.blogspot.com/

Bonnet with Frills Upon It!

  

  I love baby bonnets -- not only at Easter, but throughout the year!

They are one of my favorite baby gifts to make and give.  Even if the new arrival does not wear it  - which I can't image why not - it makes a precious nursery decoration or accessory for her teddy bear or doll!

One of my favorite parts of making a bonnet, is attaching the streamers.  It is one place that my creativity can run free.  It is a perfect place to try new techniques of ribbon or lace manipulation.

  Mother-of-pearl buttons, tiny seed pearls or hand embroidery add a special touch.

The bonnet above is made of white satin batiste, trimmed with French lace and smocked in pink.

The streamers, and the ribbon in the back casing, are pink silk satin ribbon.  This ribbon is my favorite for sweet bonnet streamers.  It is so very soft and holds a bow well, unlike some synthetic ribbons which are very slippery and come untied easily.

This is a fairly simple attachment of double loops, using one end of the streamer itself.  I secured it to the bonnet with a floral shaped mother-of-pearl button.  In the center of the button a small seed pearl is stitched to add just one more touch of sweetness!

Between now and Easter, I will share some of my other favorite bonnets and streamer attachments!

*In response to several inquiries, the smocking design used for this bonnet is included in the Old Fashioned Baby pattern, Smocked Baby Bonnet.  I apologize for omitting this information earlier!*

Attaching Swiss Edging

I am currently working on a little bishop and have chosen to put Swiss edging on the sleeves.  Many people use a machine roll and whip technique to accomplish this.  I prefer a different method.  I originally found this method on some little vintage garments. 

First, I starch and press my trim and sleeve edge.  My iron and can of spray starch are often my best friends!  Next, I place the trim and sleeve right sides together.  I have determined exactly where I wish for my trim to be placed, in order to obtain the correct width of finished sleeve ruffle.  You can tell this is a bishop sleeve, already pleated with several half-space rows and then flattened.  This is why you need to use long threads when pleating those sleeves! 

I use my Edge Joining foot, and stitch right next to the decorative part of the Swiss edging.  I decreased the straight stitch to about 2.0, on my machine.

Next, I will turn it over to the wrong side and trim both seam allowances.  I trim the fashion fabric to about 1/8".  I trim the batiste of the Swiss edging so that it is about 1/8" more than the fashion fabric.

Now it is back to our friend the Iron!  I first press my stitching flat -- which I forgot to take a photograph!  This helps to sink those stitches into your fabrics and make everything smooth.

 I will use the tip of the iron and the edge of the sole plate to gentle press the fashion fabric away from the Swiss edging, making sure that everything is neat and flat.

This is what it now looks like on the wrong side of the sleeve.

If you look closely, you can see that the batiste of the Swiss edging is wider than the seam allowance of the sleeve edge.  In other words, it is almost twice as wide.  I will now tuck that portion of the batiste underneath, forming a smooth and finished edge.  Since the Swiss edging is made from a fine 100% cotton, it is very easy to simply finger press this into place.

With needle and thread, I slipstitch it in place, just like I would a hem.

This is what it looks like on the right side when finished.

I have seen this method used on various garments, and other places besides sleeve edges.  It could also be used to attach entredeux, which is then finished with a lace edging.

Yes, this method probably takes a little bit longer than using a machine roll and whip.  However, I find that it is a little less bulky with some fabrics.  I believe it also gives a more finished and softer appearance.  I am using fine fabric and trims, and hoping to make garments that will last a long time.  A few extra minutes definitely seem worthy!  There is also something very soothing about taking needle and thread and hand finishing all the little details that make our garments so special.

Here are a couple of other sweet little bishop sleeves . . . 

finished with Swiss edging and this same technique.

Now, I have to get hopping on completing the smocking and construction of this little bishop.  It needs to be ready before Mr. Easter Bunny arrives with the eggs!