Baby Grace

It's done, it's cute and I made adjustments with 1 more to go.

The gingham looks good, not as "mottled" as I thought it would. The adjustment made were:
cleaner finish on armholes- I just could not stand it so I covered the armholes with lace tape.

The pattern calls for the back to be closed with ribbon ties......I did a french seam and placket closure. I also finished the neck edge with a bias band rather than the folded over ruffle.

Finally, I think the armhole openings are too generous for a tiny girl so I plan to make a more snug fit with elastic. The classic smocking pattern is Baby Carriage by Mollie Jane Taylor and I used vintage buttons, a little over sized, for the carriage wheels. I think our little southwestern Grace will look sweet in it this spring and summer.

On Julie & Julia

I loved that movie, would love to read the book. On thinking of it I was reminded that not only do I have stacks of recipes to try, I also have patterns that have never seen daylight. While I doubt I will ever get through the entire stack I am inspired to at least try something new. So, while searching for something small and sweet for a newborn baby girl I came across the "Sussex Round Frock" bishop dress by Evelyn Ewing Glass circa 1982.

I used a 1/8" pink gingham pima cotton that is lovely, feels like silk and has a great drape. However, gingham does not lend itself well to machine pleating. Let's be real here......if I hand pleat she will grow out of it before the pleating is done so I'll have to use a smocking design with good coverage. I'm already seeing that I need to finish the sleeves nicer than the pattern calls for but I'll address that when I get there.

I'll keep you posted......

New and Upcoming

I just checked in, as I regularly do, to one of my favorite blogs...Parisienne Farmgirl. I have long admired not only Angela's style but her passion to pursue the kind of lifestyle that is simple and yet so full. Since my only visit to France in 2004 I have been a firm admirer of the french Joie d'vivre.....the joy of life. I am hoping Angela's new on-line magazine interprets all there is to love about the french lifestyle. Check it out-

http://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/2012/01/parisienne-farmgirls-big-announcement.html


Au Revoir!

Karen