Readers, I know that you, at any rate, will understand this: I have less time for sewing and crafting than ever, so of course I am absolutely brimming with ideas and inspiration. My latest obsession? Smocking. I want to learn how! So I bought this pattern for a simple bishop dress off of Etsy. Isn't it pretty?
Looking through "vintage" (crap, am I vintage now?) children's patterns from the 1970s and early 1980s ... it is such a "happy place" for me. Remembering the dresses my mother and grandmother sewed for me when I was a little girl, and the styles I coveted at the time. (Holly Hobby! Gunne Sax! Laura Ashley! I was really into ruffles and frills as a girl.) Warm, happy feelings. It's all I can do not to buy heaps of patterns!
So I've been spending my lunch hours at work reading smocking tutorials on the internet, surfing Etsy for vintage smocked dress patterns, and day-dreaming visions of pretty peasant dresses for Miss Maggie.
Do you use crafts as an escape from the pressures of "real life"? I know I do.
I totally wore a little outfit like that as a kid! adorable! hope you figure it out!
ReplyDeleteYes, me too! I think that's why I love it so much!
DeleteThis is such a darling outfit - I can see Miss Maggie in this
ReplyDeleteCraft as an escape? Most definitely!
I know, it's making me want to make flared pants for Maggie! Too fun!
DeleteYou are a wonderful vintage :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Nice.
DeleteMy Mum totally smocked, in fact I think she even dressed my brother in a couple of smocked and frilled things as a 70s toddler! I'm sure it's just a matter of time before Oliver + S features some smocking in a pattern. I think you're probably ahead of a trend here :)
ReplyDeleteOr I'll start the trend. ;-)
DeleteI am an avid smocker and am so excited that you're getting into it! If you're planning on getting into it in earnest, treat yourself to a smocking pleater! I am looking forward to seeing what you'll make.
ReplyDeleteReally? Awesome!! I can't quite justify the smocking pleater just yet, but maybe if I become an "avid smocker" like yourself! :-)
Delete(the pattern includes bloomers!!) also why haven't you treated your readers to the creepy smocked fish????
ReplyDeleteI need to get a better photo of it!! (Also, I was secretly worried about horrifying my readership.)
DeleteCreepy smocked fish?! You must share! I also look forward to seeing what else you create on your smocking adventure. I definitely craft as an escape.
DeleteI totally am with you on this one. smocking is on my 'would love to do it'list and yes...daydreaming of craft projects is a nice escape from dirty diapers, sippy cups and laundry mountains.
ReplyDeleteAnd also difficult and pressing legal questions. :-)
DeleteOh, my grandmother used to make me so many lovely little smocked dresses when I was little. I love the look! It is so "vintage" haha it is funny to think of it that way.... ;) Oh a smocked peasant dress does sound lovely!
ReplyDeleteSmocking was still really popular and common when we were children. What happened? I'm surprised it hasn't been revitalized by more "modern" sewers ... Well, maybe it's about time!
Deletelove smocked dresses, and your enthusiasm! just go for it, its always fun :) yay for learning new things!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of this as a math equation: My enthusiasm for a project is inversely proportional to the practicality of the project and the time I have to create it.
DeleteObviously you'll see this eventually, but as soon as I saw it I thought of you!! :) http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/03/the-new-smocking-an-obsession.html
ReplyDelete