Our guild, Greater New Orleans Smocking, hosted Suzie Gay this weekend and the classes were held at my sewing studio. Although I did not participate in the class, I decided to work on the embroidery for my neice's first communion dress. I finished it and now I'm anxious to get started on the ribbon roses for the waistline and the halo for the veil. It's been a long time since I hand rolled ribbon flowers, but I'm pretty sure it's like riding a bike....hopefully. I also completed the embroidery for the baby gown and matching coat, which is planned for La Broderie Bayou. Photos to come.

Evan and Andrea, my boy and his girl, came into town this weekend. Andrea's mother, Kat and Aunt Lil also decided to spend the weekend at a hotel downtown to celebrate Kat's birthday. Saturday evening, we all went out to dinner where we feasted on charbroiled oysters, lobster and blackened redfish. Yum!

Even though we had company, I still managed to get a goodly amount of embroidery on the project for La Broderie Bayou completed. My goal is to try and finish the embroidery portion by next weekend. Time wise, I'm staying on target.

My new puppy, Sweetpea, who is a Chihuahua-pug blend, received her 4-month shots and has gained 2 whole pounds since her checkup last month. She weighs 8-lbs. now and looks more like a Chihuahua every day. We're really hoping she doesn't grow much more, but I'm afraid she's still growing. Here is a photo of her at 3 months. Have you ever seen anything cuter???

Next Wednesday is Wednesdays with Wendy and I'm hoping you'll join me. This is the best venue for receiving one-on-one assistance from me without paying for a private lesson. Just call the office to let us know what you'll be working on.

Now that we've gotten the "blog" link up on the site, I would like to officially welcome you to my new blog. I'm planning to be a bit more diligent about posting and eventually, I would like to do a few tutorials and sew alongs with you.

I've been busy at work in my studio trying to get Wednesdays with Wendy off and running. So far, I have only had one student drop by to join me. Cynthia is working on Easter dresses for her two granddaughters. She is using my Terry pattern, which is currently out of print, but still a show-stopper. She is making it in white linen with blue linen Madeira hem on the scalloped collar and hem. They are turning out lovely. Cynthia used a variation of Les Petites Enfants and Heavenly Bliss embroideries and made an entirely new design for the little dresses. So far, she has completed the embroidery and cut out all the fabric pieces. She has almost completed one collar and has prepared the hembands for both dresses. Her homework assignment is to complete the basting and hem application on both dresses so she can stitch the pinstitch next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I've been working on my project sample for La Broderie Bayou. I've completed the embroidery on the baby gown entirely and just beginning to work the matching coat. Originally planned to be constructed of organdy, I decided to make the coat from the same fabric as the gown because the colors just didn't work together. It is turning out lovely.

Also in progress is my great neice, Sophie's first communion dress. I have already made two muslin shells of the bodice and cut out the pattern pieces. I am using my Hannah pattern but eliminating the scalloped hemband. I added slightly gathered boy sleeves which eliminated the need for a jacket. It gets pretty hot in late April, so I wanted to keep it as cool as possible. The bodice is made of linen and the skirt has a dotted Swiss overlay. The sleeves are also made of dotted Swiss. I've ordered a few ribbon kits from the Ribbonry in Ohio to be used as a decoration below the waistband and also along the headband veil. I spoke to Camella today and we had a great time catching up after about ten years of not seeing each other. I am truly looking forward to working on this dress. I'll post photos as soon as I can.

There are only 8 spaces left in our last La Broderie Bayou retreat on Avery Island. I urge you to contact us immediately if you are interested in joining uus for this spectacular event. And if you have something you would like help with, please join me on Wednesday in my New Orleans studio. Have a great weekend!

Spring is Here!

As I was leaving home yesterday, I noticed the azaleas were in full bloom, which isn't surpising at this time of the year. But what is surprising is that the blossoms are still attached to the bushes. Usually, after the blooming a huge rainstrorm comes through and rips the blossoms from their hips before we can fully admire their beauty.

Snowy Egret on Avery Island

We drove to Lafayette to visit our son, who is away at college and hasn't been able to come home for several weeks. On our way home, we decided to visit Avery Island, the place where Tabasco is made. I noticed the snowy egrets were in abundance on Bird Island, roosting. Spring is definitely here.

Kari & Wendy Together at Last

4 Days of Stitching Bliss in New Orleans

We are excited to welcome you to  the Wendy Schoen Sewing Studio in historic uptown New Orleans. After years of teaching at the same venues, these famous "besties" are finally sharing a school all their own. Leave your cares behind and join us for 4 fantastic days of sewing bliss. Our newly renovated state-of-the-art location is outfitted with ergonomic chairs and brand new, generously sized work tables. The spacious classroom was specifically designed with your comfort in mind. Large fluorescent lighting and climate controlled atmosphere help to make this space the ideal sewing facility. Private off-street parking is available. Register for the entire school and save. Thursday thru Sunday, February 23-26, 2012.

Sassafras is a reversible square yoke dress with tiered skirt made up in colorful coordinating cotton prints (your choice of pinks or blues).Each tier is divided by a wavy seam and features some type of embellishment including rick rack, entredeux, buttons and beads. The yoke and skirt also feature super special embellishments of grosgrain or satin ribbon flowers with spaghetti bias or satin loop leaves made from Kari's Whimsy Stitch. A keyhole opening trimmed raspberry gingham bias and tied with a bow adds an extra fun detail.The hem is finished off with asymmetrical flounce ruffle trimmed with a floating rick rack edge, creating an exciting twirl factor! Girls' sizes 2-8. Thursday, February 23, 2012. Taught by Kari Mecca. Individual class registration.

Sunshine on My Shoulders - Slip into a little sunshine with this beautifully blooming pinafore. Whimsical lady bugs trim a floating lattice border of delightful rickrack flowers while picked blooms are arranged on the yokes. Learn to combine a variety of trims with not only fun, but flair! As seen in Kari's "Sewing with Whimsy" book. Sizes include 18 & 24 months. Friday, February 24, 2012. Taught by Kari Mecca.  Individual class registration.

Baby Butterflies is an adorable baby dress made of pique and hand embroidered butterfly motifs. Other details include folded tucks, angel sleeves and Madeira Applique hem application. Precious little baby dresses are Wendy's specialty, and this is one you are sure to love. During this machine and hand lesson, you will learn Wendy's construction techniques such as tiny French seams, point de Paris stitch and flawless tatting application. Then, learning shadow work embroidery, you will create the sweet embroidered embellishments along the mock placket and hemline. Sizes 1-6. Saturday and Sunday, February 25-26, 2012. Taught by Wendy Schoen. Individual class registration.

For even more details on this not-to-be-missed school, view/print the complete brochure.

Welcome to Sew Wendy

Welcome to Sew Wendy. You may also want to visit Wendy's Sewing Studio pictured above.