Tuesday 27 March 2007

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.

8 comments:

Jo said...

Very cute. And of course, beautiful matching ribbons. Miss Kate looks gorgeous! And yes, it is compulsory to make these things the night before. Our husbands need to meet!

62cherry said...

just beautiful!

Unknown said...

Oh how lovely! Gorgeous fabrics and a wonderful smock. I am a smock fan too. Problem is we have far too many as I just love making them so much!

Anonymous said...

"why were you sewing it the night before the party" This is soooo funny! And familiar! yes I am a must-finish-now fanatic as well. Which does mean 3am.
What a fresh combination of colours! Will you make dungarees for Edward too?

Cathy said...

how do I get on to the VIP list at Amitie?

Katie said...

Lovely smocks, I've become a big fan of Heather Bailey as well, gorgeous fabrics.

melissapens said...

Wow! How cute! Found you through Rhembein. Sorry to ask, but did you create your own pattern or is this one published somewhere, for someone like me :) ??

Tamara said...

Hi Melissa, I used a pattern that I bought from the op shop the other day as a base but I changed it all quite a bit. Sorry.