THE SEASON FOR SMOCKS

You will notice on the right hand side of my blog is an Amitie button. Amitie is a Melbourne based quilting/patchwork store that has the latest, and most beautiful fabrics. When you become a VIP member you receive lots of goodies including samples, news of sales, a discount card and secret mailouts. Well I managed to squeeze my name on their VIP list just before they sent out the latest round of mailouts. We all have to make something out of the seven squares of fabric and post our photos on Flickr. What motivation to set up my Flickr account and get sewing.

This round of fabrics was from Heather Bailey's Freshcut range. The colours are just so scrumptious. I have been eyeing the fabric off for a little while now but it looks even better in real life. Upon seeing the fabrics I ordered myself and extra half metre of my favorite and made a smock for my girls.

Smocks, as you are obviously aware, are in this season. Which is great for us those sewing mamas because they are so easy to whip up. I made this one to fit both my girls. A dress for Kate (4yrs) and a smock over 3/4 pants for Ella(6 yrs). I used soft sheeting elastic at the back to give Kate the fitting she needed and stretchy enough for Ella. I would like to say that this was intentional on my behalf, but no, simply a result of it being the only elastic I had available at the time. Given I was sewing this the night before Edward's party, when I should have being icing the cupcakes, I had to use just what was in my elastic pile. I know that no sewer would need to ask "why were you sewing it the night before the party" like any other humans, including my husband, would. But add to my own "must finish it NOW" personality, I also had a persistent and adorable four year old begging "please mama can I wear it on Sunday". You really could have thought it was her party.

Our family is travelling overseas at the end of the year and I have decided I must make up a few more these. They will be so handy. Smocks are great for the autumn weather; cool mornings and warm days. You can start the day with long sleeve tee and jeans underneath but when it warms up, strip down. They keep the shirts underneath clean, they will fit both girls and hopefully give more versatility to their travelling wardrobe. And lastly they just look gorgeous. Jo of course has been a fan for a while now, it has just taken me a little while to get on board. Well, on board I am! Next is a French/nautical theme I think.

And of course, every smock needs a pair of ribbons to match.