(I have been deliciously inspired by this blog lately.)
Inspiration is one thing….actually doing what it is you are inspired to do is quite another thing altogether. I’ve been bitten by the sewing bug, who knows how long it will last, but I have patterns coming to me in the mail, and in the meantime I found a free print-off pattern online for a reversible smock. It won’t fit Sarah until she is a year old, but the project was so simple that it was a good one for me to practice on, before I try more challenging ones.
I made it yesterday evening, in fact. It was that easy, and didn’t take much time at all after I figured out that the incorrect tension on my sewing machine was caused by a bundle of fuzzy lint caught in the bobbin compartment! You should have heard the moaning and groaning I did, trying to solve that mystery. But I did. *whew*
The smock is done with a pale blue material on one side, which has pink rose buds all over it.
The dress itself was made for me, over 30 years ago, by my own mama, who loves to sew.
The free pattern was a little wrong, however. The neck ties were supposed to be long enough to knot, just like the bottom ties. I had to sew on a thick green ribbon, so that I could tie it in place. For this reason, I want to try to make another one, and extend the pattern/fabric so that it looks right. This does not look right to me, a fabric knot and a ribbon bow on one baby back is a little too much, IMO.
For the other side of the smock I used this sweet vintage material, found in a box of fabric that I bought at a yard sale years ago.
I had little boys hovering about me, as I took the pictures this morning in the yellow morning glow of our living room.
I can’t resist including a picture of this one. He is as soft and yummy as he looks.
Good to be Home 
Very sweet and cute! Look forward to seeing Sarah in it! 😉
Shanda~My mouth fell open as I looked upon the last smock (the one with Humpty-Dumpty on it) that you sewed with so much love for precious Sarah, as my baby blanket from many years ago is made out of the very same fabric and hangs on my quilt rack!Blessings to you~Mendi
how fun! sewing does give quite a feeling of accomplishment, although getting to that feeling can sometimes be frustrating…ha Blessings~
The smock is adorable! Blessings!
That is so cute! I love the vintage material, I like those kind of finds..one time my mom gave me a bunch that she had got from her aunt..I then took some of it and made my mom something for her Birthday which also served as a special reminder of her aunt! The sewing bug has been biting me for a while, I just can’t seem to settle myself down enough to take out the time, how do you do it???
what a food job you did on that!! Beautiful!
Oh fun, good job Shanda. Thanks for including your yummy little buddy!
that is beautiful. so gorgeous for your little Sarah when she comes to stay with your beautiful family. i was wondering if perhaps you altered the first one to add some ribbon to the tie at the back as well and then you wouldn’t have to different ties. but it might also make it two heavy with ribbon on it instead of fabric. that was just an idea that i had. Its is beautifully made though and i love that its reversible. both pieces of fabric are so beautiful. it will be such a treasure seeing her in it. that picture of seth is so precious. just want to snatch him up and cuddle him in the sunlight there on your sofa 😉 have a beautiful day and thank you for introducing me to that site..i’m going to check it out now
precious 🙂
It turned out great! I think it’s the weather, I have been sewing like crazy as well..it is where I have been using all of my free time.It will be so much fun to see little Sarah wearing what you made!
Adorable smock. The fabric on the iside is soooooo cute! Well done.
Polly wogs and calico, little hands and momma’s hand’s finding the distaff. (and fixing it!!) Just wonderful. I LOVE the fabrics. Since I am sewing challenged, I am really impressed. You blessed my day.
You did a great job!!
oh, i just wanna tickle and kiss that baby belly….(I just love soft little baby bellies…)wow, that sounded kind of wierd…but I do love baby skin…always so soft…
Great Job!
How cute!! When I scrolled down I was surprised to see the Humpty-Dumpty material. That is what my blanket was made out of when I started school 33 years ago. I have it hanging on my old ladder in our living room. Thanks for sharing.
How darling! I’m so impressed at your handiwork, how long did it take you? I love the dress that your mom made.
I love that little, round toddler tummy on Seth! Are you “nesting?” Such sweet little outfits! Kinda makes me wish I had a new little grand daughter! Maybe I will some day, though. Happy sewing!
Great job, Shanda! So glad you are enjoying sewing. Love it!
I made a smock kind of like that but the bottom ties crossed in the back and came up and actually tied to the top ones. it looks like little wings on my daughters back when they’re done that way.
Well done Shan! I love that! Where did you find the pattern?
@Alle_in_Ashe – Thank you so much! Maybe that is the way this pattern is supposed to be, too. There was no picture to show me what it was supposed to look like when I was done.
How cute! I wish I could sew like that. I don’t mean to brag, but I am good with tape and glue. :o) Seth is looking quite “big boyish!” -such a cutie! I can’t get over how he resembles your other boys. Hope you’re feeling well. Today is going to be beautiful! Enjoy every minute with your sweet family!