Smocking by Janet

Baby Shower Gift

2012-01-27T16:49:00.006-06:00

Sometime in March our family is going to be blessed with a great niece! This has been a long awaited bundle of joy.

Well, tomorrow is the first of many baby showers. I made this little dress from Jeannie Baumeister's The Old Fashion Baby Embroidered Raglan Daygown.

http://www.oldfashionedbaby.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=50

The fabric is Swiss Flannel from Martha Pullen and Company https://store.marthapullen.com/p-4943-cotton-swiss-flannel-white.aspx

I tweaked the embroidery design a little. Instead of lazy daisy I added bullion roses. It just fits the new mother's personality. The embroidery colors match the flower girl dresses I did for her wedding.

I still need to make a matching bonnet but that will have to wait till next week.

First Christmas

2011-12-07T13:22:00.010-06:00

Once again I am apologizing for not posting on my blog. I will try and make it up to you by posting a free smocking plate.

I am getting ready to ship this in the morning. I hope it fits. I hope she wears it.

The bishop is a size 12 months Cherry Williams made from red corduroy. It is smocked with 4 strands of DMC #3866 and #321.

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-01T13:25:00.003-05:00

Between school starting, softball and minor knee surgery I have become a bad blogger. Hopefully I can correct the situation as everything starts moving in the right direction (this includes my knee!)

Before all our Labor day celebrations begin this weekend I wanted to share with you an outfit I made for my granddaughter.

The pattern from Wendy Schoen. It is made entirely from my stash. The front fabric is about 14 years old.

The pattern is VERY short in the stride. I had to lengthen the back pattern by 2 inches to fit my 6 month old.

Here is a close up of the inside. I used snaps from Snap Source for the diaper area and used buttons from Hillcreek on the side and the shoulders.

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Labor Day!

School of Art Fashion

2011-07-25T12:46:00.004-05:00

Just got back from 5 days in Huntsville, Alabama. I had a wonderful time and was amazed at the organization and the logistics of the Martha Pullen Staff.

I took Wendy Schoen's Baby School. We only had 10 ladies in the class so it was almost like having a private lesson. Now to finish my projects before they become UFO's(Un-Finished Objects)

Every day at lunch they had a drawing for a free sewing machine. I am sorry to say I was not one of the lucky ones, but I did take home a boatload of free gifts.

We received 2 machine embroidery CDs, a small first aide kit, several patterns, a flip out seam ripper (thank goodness we got the first aide kit) a pocket tissue holder, a small notebook with 3 types of post it notes, several pen and pencils, a small zippered bag, a copy of 5 different magazines from Hoffman Media and a tote bag. I am sure I have left out several thing. The best of all was everyone received a framed picture of themselves with Martha Pullen.

If you have never been to one of her schools , the Martha Pullen store is set up at the Von Braun center so while you are sewing and you see a neat gadget that someone has you only have to walk a few feet over to the store and buy it. I had to make sure I still had plenty of money for the teacher's selling night, where I bought even more goodies.

What I really like was the support for all ladies attending. One lady had the light bulb burn out on her sewing machine. Not a problem. The staff notified the appropriate sewing machine dealer and they came in the class room and fixed it.

Another sweet thing about the school was the kids schools. There were so many girls there with their mothers and grandmother.

A really funny thing (besides Martha Pullen's story about buying Spanx) is the red carpet. Most of the ladies were staying at the Embassy Suite which is attached to the Von Braun center by a walkway with red carpet. So at least twice a day everyone walked through the walk way. I saw the hotel staff vacuuming up bits and pieces of dropped threads every day but I think they gave up after the 2nd day. By the end of the 5 days the carpet looked like my sewing room floor! :-)

Oh I almost forgot.....I had a guy in one of the elevators ask me if I was taking a knitting class.... I guess my hand free Wendy Schoen embroidery hoop that I was carrying gave me away (eye roll).

If you ever get a chance I highly recommend the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion

Adding Bling!

2011-06-24T16:02:00.014-05:00

This post is for Debra who is currently smocking her daughter's wedding dress. She just emailed me and asked for me to show her how to add pearls with smocking again.

We met several years ago in an old SAGA chapter. We have had several planning, pleating and encouragement meetings in the last couple of weeks about this masterpiece. We have met at a mexican restaurant, her house and even in a softball dugout!

Lets start with the ingredients.....

Of course you need your pleated fabric. I usually add the beads after I have completely smocked and blocked a garment. If beads are going to be near a seam line I add those after the garment is constructed

Next is your needle. The needle needs to have a narrow enough eye to go through the beads. I usually use a sharp needle or a milliner's needle. Sometime you just have to try out different needles.

For the thread I use 1 strand of matching floss. For this tutorial I am using black floss for pictorial purposes.

And the most important of all your beads. I have use pearls, crystals, seed beads and sterling silver beads in the past. The main thing is they have to be something other than plastic beads. Plastic will melt under the steam of your iron and will not hold up.

I find my beads/pearls at heirloom fabric stores and at craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Just as a precaution and to test "the truth in advertising" I test all my beads and pearls by sewing a few to a scrap of fabric then hitting them with a shot of steam and throwing the scrap of fabric in the washer and dryer.

I once discovered "Imitation Cultured Pearls". Unfortunately the word "Imitation" was in very, very small print under the price tag.

After I have threaded and knotted my needle I bring my needle through the back of a pleat. If I bring it straight up the bottom of a pleat, the single strand knot will usually pull through the fabric. I don't want my beads falling off.

Besides the black floss, I will be larger glass beads for this tutorial. I will be stitching a 4 step flowerette with beads added.

I have brought my needle up the same way I do when I smock. I bring it up through the bottom of the pleat then to the side of the pleat to my left.

I add one bead to my needle and stitch an UP Cable. I want my beads to be on top of the pleats not buried into the valleys.

I then add another bead and stitch a Down Cable

Then after adding one more bead I stitch another Up Cable.

Now the tricky part........... After I have stitched my third cable I am going to bring my needle through the sides of all of the pleats till I am to the left of my first bead. I am now back to my original starting position.

I then stitch a Down Cable through my first bead.

I add my last bead and stitch an UP Cable.

I then bring my needle to the back. Next, I start adjusting my beads by giving them slight pushes and pulls and twist. To help the beads stay bunched together I go back through the two side beads and tie off on the back.

This is what it looks like with pearls and matching thread.

And if you want more bling, you can add a glass seed bead to the center. Bring your needle and thread straight up the center then add your glass seed bead and bring the needle back down again and tie off on the back.

The picture that inspired a pattern

2011-04-26T18:14:00.013-05:00

I am so excited the new Natalie pattern is now available from Sew Beautiful! :-)

I want to share with you the story behind this pattern. This is the picture that inspired the pattern. (note: I think my brother cut my bangs.)

This all got started over some jacquard ribbon. Several years ago Kathy B and I were working on the SB Dainty Design samples and she showed me some new jacquard ribbon that Martha Pullen was carrying .

That got me started on the story of my favorite dress when I was little. We were living in Bermuda and my Texas born and raised mother did not really understand the exchange rate. She bought some really pretty jacquard ribbon for a gingham dress that she was making for me. Later on she realized the ribbon cost more then the entire dress! I loved that dress!

The Natalie pattern is a "semi princess" style dress and is available in girl sizes 2-6 and 8-14. There are three different necklines available and three different sleeve options with this pattern.

http://store.marthapullen.com/p-7524-vintage-natalie-2-6.aspx

As a bonus, a christening gown pattern based on the Natalie pattern is available in the pull out section of Sew Beautiful #135

I can't wait to see what everyone creates from this pattern!

Cutie Pie!

2011-04-11T19:26:00.011-05:00

Hope you will indulge this new grandmother by allowing me to show off some baby pictures. :-)

We just spend a week with our new granddaughter (and her parents) and I am going through baby withdraw symptoms. This is the outfit she was wearing when we arrived. :-)

I sat down with her and told her I was her Fairy Godmother and anytime she needs a fancy dress for the ball she just needs to give me a call!....... Okay, she was asleep when I told her this but her mother heard me. "Have needle and thread, Will travel".

Here are some pictures of her modeling outfits. She is about 9 pounds so you can get an idea on the fit. The size 0-3month onsies were perfect.

I love the "mend" feature on my Adobe Elements software. Every outfit is magically clean.... at least they are in the photos. We all did a lot of laundry but it gave me an excuse to put her in another outfit. :-)

Here is the Cup Cake onsie with the diaper cover from MP Round Yoke Baby book. Diaper cover was a little big but all I needed to do was tighten the elastic.

This is a smocked version of the MP square yoke Baby daygown.

And last but not least a size 3 month Cherry Williams Baby bishop.

On the way home I got to stop at "The Stitching Post" in Little Rock, Arkansas. I had a great time buying fabric for my new muse. Okay, I always have a great time buying fabric but the combination of a great store and a new granddaughter made it extra special. :-)

Monkey Business

2011-03-30T12:59:00.006-05:00

I am busy working on stuff for Miss Amelia but want to wait and show off her wearing them. In the mean time I want to show you some Baby Onesies that I have embellished.

This little monkey suit is embroidered with a bullion monkey from Kari Mecca. The neckline and the cuffs of this onesie are a ribbed knit. I used the ribs as pleats and stitched a one step trellis with one strand of floss.

Here is a close up. I am so happy with my little monkey. The first time I stitched him was during a SAGA convention several years ago. It took me most of the day and he only looked like a monkey if you squinted.

I have practiced a lot so that my bullions are not as scary looking any more.

Here is another one. The cupcake is my design. The neck and cuffs are stitched with a Herringbone stitch with one strand of pink floss.

Here is a close up of how I stitched the neckline. I am stitching a 2 step trellis on a pink onesie. You can also use this technique on the cuff of baby socks.

I paired the onesies with pull on diaper covers from Martha Pullen's Precious Baby Day Gown Round Yoke Collection. I love this pattern. I added the ruffle for something different.

The End! :-)

Life is Good

2011-02-17T08:12:00.004-06:00

I want to thank everyone for their kind words. Our new grand daughter is doing great! Her parents are doing great also.

Here is a picture of the dress she was wearing in the photo.

It is a Cherry Williams bishop in a size 3 month. The neck size was okay but the rest was way too big. The fabric is Martha Pullen's Victorian Batiste.

I wanted to show you the buttons/beads I used as an embellishment for the dress. I had bought them years before at Michael's. They are really tiny.

My thought were when I first saw them was to use them on Wee care gowns instead of embroidering bullion roses. They can be added to almost any smocking plate.

They worked perfect on my new born Valentine baby dress.

They come in a package and I transferred them to the container show here. It is a almost like a Tic Tac mint container.

I will close with a photo that just brings tears to my eyes and peace to my heart. It is a great feeling when you know that you have raised your sons right. :'-)

Hope you have a great day!

Best Valentine Ever!

2011-02-13T21:12:00.007-06:00

I'm a Grandmother!

I am ecstatic to introduce you to Amelia Grace!

She arrived 4 weeks early on Saturday, February 12.

She weights 5 pounds 15 oz. and is 19 7/8" long. Mom and Baby are doing great.

Happy New Year!

2011-02-03T09:06:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year!

Year of the Rabbit

This dress was one of the first dresses that I picture smocked on. The fabric was Imperial Broadcloth. Pattern for the dress is Cherry William Yoke dress. I think the size was 12months. Smocking plate is by Ellen McCarn. Ears were provided by my SIL. :-)

Another " Baby Charlotte"

2011-01-31T20:02:00.004-06:00

Here is another bishop smocked with the Baby Charlotte smocking design. This one is for my granddaughter.

My camera and my computer monitor do not do the color of this dress justice.

The fabric is a tiny old fashion cotton print in a dusty purple color. It is smocked with DMC # 3042.

I added 3 pearl beads at the points of the smocking design.

I always love looking at a smocking design when it is blocked in a circle! The cable row just under the bias band was smocked after the bishop was completed.

Baby Charlotte smocking design

2011-01-08T20:38:00.012-06:00

Let me start off with Happy New Year!

I have been busy bonding with a new computer. I came down stairs about a month ago and found out that my youngest son had replaced my old worn out PC with an imac with a 27" screen and a drawing pad. Thanks Chase!

So I have been working on learning to graph my smocking plates on Adobe Illustrator instead of Smock Soft ......I know life is tough! :-P

So here is the smocking graph for "Baby Charlotte" that I had been promising. It should be clickable.

This smocking design is for a baby bishop. If you want to use the design on a larger bishop I recommend pleating 8 rows adding a Baby Wave (1 step trellis ) or a cable row above the design.

Baby Charlotte

2010-12-06T14:08:00.010-06:00

I have my nose to the grind stone right now, but I wanted to share something I just finished.

This is a Baby Bishop for my daughter's teacher. The baby is due during Christmas break.

The fabric is a brush micro-check from my stash. The pattern is Cherry Williams Baby Bishop size 3 months.

I will try to have the smocking plate posted in a couple of days. I am having "bonding issues" with a new computer. :-)

Just Ducky!

2010-10-31T16:50:00.009-05:00

Last week, the parents-to-be in my family had another ultrasound. The doctor wanted to check something. Their concerns turned out to be nothing.

But at the end of the ultrasound the doctor said "Nothing to worry about your DAUGHTER looks great!". It A Girl!

So since they knew, they decided to let everyone else know. I am doing backflips I am so excited! I would have loved a grandson also but a granddaughter is beyond words. :-)

Well, this is what I was working on the day I got the news. It started out as a Michaela bubble by PrimRose Lane. I had the boy sleeves cut out but I hadn't gotten that far yet.

The Boy's sleeves got filed away and I cut out puffed sleeves instead. Since I know that this baby has a good possibility of being tall, I decided to go with a dress instead of a bubble. I need to finish up the white pique bloomers to finish the outfit.

The Smocking Plate is Ellen McCarn's "Duckin' Duckies". The fabric is white pique and yellow pique ducks from my stash.

Also with this photo I wanted to show you a pattern change I always make on this pattern. I hate to have to fold over pleated fabric. I especially do not like to fold over pleated fabric at a neck line. The neckline never looks perfect and it is just too thick (IMHO)

So instead, I add a small 1" yoke (+ seam allowances) at the top of the smocked panel. I used the lining pattern piece as my template for the yoke and add piping along my holding row.

PS- When I let my family know it was a girl, my SIL texted "Doomed to a life of beautiful Handmade dresses by her Grandmother!!!!!!". Her two nieces were my first models when I was learning to smock.

Ramblings

2010-10-06T22:47:00.012-05:00

My niece Angie had more surgery yesterday to repair her shoulder that was shattered in a car accident on Father's day. She is doing better but still has a long road ahead.

Here is the link to the previous post.http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2010/06/prayers-needed.html

The man that hit them was deported.

Our area Girl Scouts are having a Mother /Daughter Mad Hatter Tea Party in March. I am trying to convince my daughter to let me make something for her to wear.

I feel my inner Red Queen coming out! :-)

My cell phone contract is up next week and right on schedule my phone is going toes up.

I like my phone. I don't want to have to learn how to use a new phone.

Is there such a thing as a technology saturation point?

The UPS man delivered a package today. The weird thing was I was not at my house. I was waiting at the end of a country road for the school bus when he stopped and gave me the package.

Speaking of UPS....I saw the UPS truck making a delivery at the local Post Office. It was backed up to the loading dock. I wish I had taken a picture!
Since my family is made up of a lot of ministers, military and lawyers (with a few artist and engineers thrown in) The Supreme Court hearing today of Snyder verse Phelps made some interesting discussions tonight.

I saw first hand the pain that the Westboro Church causes at a local funeral a few years back.

Here is a link to the transcript of the Supreme Court hearing today.http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/09-751.pdf

I am shipping two dresses to SB in the morning then I need to clean my sewing room before I get nominated for an episode of "Hoarding -Buried alive". My next project was in the package that UPS delivered. I am excited!

Baby Pictures

2010-09-28T09:57:00.003-05:00

I have been sitting on my hands for the past couple of months trying not to share some exciting news............I am going to be a grandmother!

Here are the baby's first pictures

The parents do not want to know if it is a boy or a girl until the baby is born. I tried to explain that I have baby clothes to make but that did not sway them. I guess I need to work on my guilt trip a little more. I am slipping.

So I will let you join in the guessing game. This picture the baby is stretched out across the top part of the picture. Any experts out there? Any educated guesses? Any gut feeling? :-)

Even More Smocking Challenge Results

2010-08-28T19:04:00.004-05:00

Katherine Dillender sent me these photos of two outfits she made for her daughter using the Smocking Challenge Bishop plate.

I love the colors she used!

Here is a purple version. I love how soft and sweet it looks.

I can just imagine how huggable her daughter looks in this bishop.

Katherine, Thank You so much for sharing your photos. You really made my day!!!

More smocking challenge photos

2010-08-15T10:26:00.006-05:00

Well, after seeing Debra's photos it gave me a push to finish a baby bishop I had been working on for a baby gift.

The pattern is Cherry Williams baby bishops in a size 3 month. The fabric is Martha Pullen Victorian Batiste . The lace is from "Luc the lace guy". I picked up 5 yards of the Angel lace at the last Smocking Convention.

The smocking plate is rows 3-7 of my Smocking Challenge bishop.

Smocking Challenge pictures

2010-08-12T15:43:00.005-05:00

I was so excited to receive an email from Debra Parker with pictures of her bishop dress that was smocked with my Smocking Challenge Bishop!

Debra gave me her permission to share the photos

Her Smocking is perfect!

Here is a close up. Look at her bias neck band! Wow!

Debra, Thank you so much for the pictures. You really made my day!

Here is a link to the free smocking plates if you missed them. http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2010/05/smocking-challlenge.html

Updates

2010-07-10T13:03:00.005-05:00

Just wanted to share some updates of my life......

Alex is doing much better. A cast on each arm has not slowed him down much. ......Oh to have the energy of a 6 year old again. (sigh)

Angie is having a much harder time because her injuries are more severe. It is estimated that she will have a year of therapy to help her recover. Her spirits are very good.

Thank you again for all your continuing prayers and positive thoughts.

Tonight is our last softball game. Our team is in the finals of the local softball tournament. I thought I was going to be able to sit on the sidelines and cheer my daughter and my husband on during this summer ball season.

Nope, I have been the "Dug Out Mom". A military background has helped. Some of my responsibilities have been.....

Keeper and administrator of the first aide kit and ice packs.

Stylist for the catchers. I can switch out catcher's gear and adjust all the straps at a speed of a Nascar Pit boss.

Monitor of all ponytails/braids and shoe laces. I keep a pocket full of ponytail holders and extra shoe laces.

Keeper of the sunscreen/ bug spray / wasp spray/and Benadryl cream.

Monitor of the ice water and marker of cups/bottles/and equipment.

Gate Keeper of the Dug Out, keeping players in and everyone else out (one puppy can result in total loss of focus). Potty monitor goes along with this responsibility. Determining how fast can a player get to the bathroom and back before she is up to bat is important.
Watcher of the weather and lightning forecast.

Keeper of the lineup card.

Dryer of tears.

and biggest cheerleader!

Next week I will have a week off before we start into basketball camp then the start of School softball. Just the thought of being able to sit and smock/sew is exciting!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-03T23:19:00.001-05:00

Wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Casts

2010-06-28T10:24:00.005-05:00

Angie and her son are finally home from their separate hospital stays.

Alex's main complaint about being in the children's hospital in St Louis............Too many Cardinal baseball fans! :-) Alex and his family are die hard Cubs fans but we still love them. Go Cards!

Alex has a short cast on his left arm and a high cast (up to his shoulder) on his right arm. The right arm is also braced with a sling and a Velcro band that secures his upper arm to his body.

So needless to say getting a shirt on him is impossible right now. After visiting with them yesterday I did some alterations to a couple of shirts for him. I pray that these directions and ideas never are needed for your family.

I picked up some shirts from his closet and I went out and bought some too. The first shirt I altered was this Star Wars sleeveless shirt. I went up a size in the shirts to help deal with the bulk of the cast.

I took out the right side seam and sewed a 12 inch zipper in the seam. I also added side zippers to two other sleeveless shirts. I did not bother with adding a hook and eye at the top of the zipper like I would have done if this was an evening dress.

This shirt is a cotton button down from his closet. Again I took out the right side under arm and side seam. But this time I added 10 inches of snap tape to the seam.

All the alterations are reversible. When Alex gets back to normal, all I have to do is remove the snap tape and zippers and sew up the side seams.

Continued prayers for this family are greatly appreciated as they heal physically and emotionally.

Prayers needed

2010-06-21T14:33:00.004-05:00

I was going to post a sweet old photo of my father and myself yesterday for Father's Day but we had an emergency in my family.

My niece Angie and her family were in a head on collision yesterday after church. They were in their brand new van heading for Springfield IL. A man with a revoked driver's licence crossed the yellow line and hit them head on.

Here is the article http://www.thesouthern.com/

Their 6 year old son was air lifted to St Louis. He has been operated on for a broken arm and a broken wrist and separated shoulder. His head injury was not as bad as they first thought.

Their 6 month old son was in an infant car seat and was not harmed.

Angie's husband , Matt had moved to the back seat to give the baby a bottle. He just has cuts and bruises.

Angie (who was driving) is in surgery as I write this for a broken shoulder and a broken arm and a fractured knee.

The miracles in this accident was someone had already called the police about the other driver because he was driving erratically. So the police were on the scene of the accident almost immediately.

The other driver was treated and released pending toxicology reports.

Angie and her father are Methodist preachers.

All prayers are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Updated to add a picture. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

The person that hit them is now in jail for driving with a revoked license. Which probably means he did not have insurance.

One of my next sewing projects will be altering clothes to accommodate casts~janet

Coaches Lost..........

2010-06-08T09:22:00.007-05:00

And the team won!

Our softball team colors are Hot Pink and Lime green (chosen by our sponsor, the local Subway restaurant and not the coaches).

For the last year the girls have been bugging the two coaches/dads about why they were not wearing the team colors.

So a bet was made.........If the girls won then the coaches would wear pink pants.

So here they are in their pink "loud mouth" shorts from http://www.loudmouthgolf.com/top.html (The one in the red hat is mine.)

So now if the girls win then the coaches wear the pink shorts. If they lose then they don't. So far they have won 4 out of 5 games.

I want to finish this post by making a public service announcement. Every Youth softball and baseball program should make it mandatory to wear a face shield on their batting helmets!

It has been required in our county for years. We played a team in another county last night where it wasn't required to wear face shields. Pitchers from both teams accidentally hit their batters.

When our player got hit in the head, the ball bounced off her face shield and she walked to first base. When their player got hit in the head, she went to the emergency room and lost two teeth. Nuff Said.

Continuous Bias

2010-05-26T19:42:00.013-05:00

I am working on several projects right now that require a large amount of piping. Instead of piecing several bias strips together I prefer to make a continuous bias strip.

First, I start with a piece of fabric. I am using white pique. I have pulled a thread to find the horizontal straight of grains. I do not want to tear my fabric for this because it will distort the fabric edges a little.

Then I cut the fabric on a 45 degree angle. The longer my bias edge is, the fewer seams I am going to have. This is great for sewing because I don't want to have a seam line in the middle of a collar edge or the front of a bodice.

For this tutorial my bias fabric is 15 1/2 inches wide and 17 1/2 inches long.

On the wrong side of the fabric I have marked bias lines that are 1 1/4" apart. Notice on the left side that I have a little bit extra. Not a problem. This will be trimmed off later.

Now for the tricky and the most important part. I am going to match up my bias lines, but I am going to offset the first row. If I don't do this and match up my lines perfectly, I will end up with pretty little circles instead of a continuous bias strip.

Here is a close up of how I pinned the lines together. My straight pin is going through the middle of both lines, 1/4 inch from the edge.

After everything is matched up, I stitch a 1/4 inch seam. The seam is pressed opened, then it is trimmed down to about an 1/8th inch. My sleeve board works great when I am pressing open little seams.

With a good pair of shears I start cutting on the lines. I start on one end and just follow the lines that I drew.

To make the piping I place a cord in the middle of the bias strip. In this tutorial I have used gimp cord. I am using my #3 foot on my Bernina. This foot is actually a button hole foot but it works great for piping. My needle position has been moved over to the left and my stitch length has been set to longer stitch.

And I end up with 138 inches of piping! That is almost 4 yards.

Don't need piping? Here is my tutorial for making double fold bias tape
http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/05/bias-tape-maker.html

Smocking Challenge

2010-05-15T21:01:00.008-05:00

It is almost my first Blogiversary! As a gift to y'all I am posting a smocking challenge.

Here is a smocking plate and the bishop version. The designs should be clickable so you can enlarge and print them. Please let me know if they are not.

The plates are in black and white so that you can use your imagination. There are also areas to embellish if you want to.

There really is not a prize for doing this challenge but I would love to see every one's interpretations. I will post my own version of these smocking plates in a couple weeks.

Please feel free to use these smocking plates for your smocking guild/group.

Narrow Hem

2010-05-04T11:53:00.009-05:00

Once again I am apologizing for not posting anything here. It is First Communion and Wedding season here. So between that and Sew Beautiful assignment I am super busy.

I have been doing several narrow hems in the past weekend. I do not use a narrow hemmer foot. We just don't get along very well.:-(

I tried to explain how I do a narrow hem to Angie over the phone, who was working on my "Little Heart of Mine" dress from SB.

A picture is worth a thousand words so here it goes......

I first stitch a basting stitch about 1/4" from the raw edge. I am using a contrasting thread for photographic reasons....Honest. :-)

I then fold the fabric on the stitching line and press.

Next, I thread my sewing machine with water soluble thread. I love this stuff but if you lick the end of your thread like I do before you thread your needle, it doesn't work.

With the water soluble thread I am stitching very close to the fold line (about 1/16").

The next step is very important! Remove the water soluble thread from your machine and put it away. You don't want to accidentally use it to make a bathing suit or something.

With applique scissors, trim the excess fabric as close as you can to the stitching line without cutting through the stitching line.

Rethread your machine with matching thread. (Remember I am using a contrasting thread.) If you have an edge foot for your sewing machine go ahead and put it on.
I then turn the edge of the hem up and stitch on top of the water soluble thread stitching line.

When I press the finished hem with a steam iron, the water soluble thread will disappear. Or I can spritz it with a little bit of water and press.
And I am done!

Old pictures

2010-04-27T20:12:00.005-05:00

I had been talking to Michie of "Creations by Michie" about her collar that is in the newest issue of Sew Beautiful that is inspired from a vintage garment.

I sent her a 1936 baby picture of my mother wearing a very similar collar.

We sent several email back and forth discussing the dress, the collar and the front placket.

I gave permission to Miche to post the picture on her blog so we could share it with everyone.

Here is the link.
http://creationsbymichie.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-love-old-photos.html

PS. Every baby in my family is born with an extremely full head of hair. :-)

20 Innings!

2010-04-18T19:14:00.005-05:00

We spent the day (and the night!) watching the Cardinals play 20 innings yesterday.

For my daughter's birthday she wanted to go to a Cardinal game. We arrived about 1pm when the gates opened.

Neither team scored anything till the 19th inning. It was interesting hearing the entire crowd groan each time the ball was caught. :-)

Around the 17th inning (9PM) my daughter and her best friend bought "Build A Bears". I really appreciated that the store was still open. Everything else in the stadium (except one Hot Dog stand) closed down after the 8th inning (5:15 PM).

The game ended after 10pm. Cardinals 1- Mets-2. :-(

It was a very long day but, we all had a great time!

Sew Beautiful Freebies

2010-04-12T20:11:00.005-05:00

A while ago I posted some pictures of my great nephew's christening gown. Here is the link to refresh your memory.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2010/01/baby-joshs-christening.html

The hand embroidery design was from Sew Beautiful's subscription gifts that was offered several years ago.

Sew Beautiful has just revamped their web site and is now offering several freebies that you can download including the embroidery design I used on Josh's christening gown.

http://www.marthapullen.com/sb/freebies/downloads.html

Easter Dress

2010-04-05T15:49:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. We all went to church in the morning then spent the rest of the day moving my youngest son into his new house.

Here are the photos of my daughter's Easter Dress.

The pattern is Sew Beautiful's Mary & Morgan. Here is the link.

http://store.marthapullen.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=4072&category_id=7d900c9d56b4063363257bdacccc6cd8 &

I added a smocked insert band between the bodice and the skirt. I also added side seam pockets because of the cell phone that is permanently attached to her hand.

The fabric is from my stash. I desperately need to thin out my stash a littler bit ( well actually more then a little bit) before I get nominated for an episode of "Hording, Buried Alive". LOL :-)

Sorry the dress in this photo is wrinkled because I took this photo after church when I realized I hadn't gotten a picture of just the dress.

The jacket is my shrug pattern from Sew Beautiful #114.

Joining Piping

2010-03-29T09:37:00.005-05:00

I am working on some Easter Clothes right now. I wanted to share with you how I join two pieces of piping together.

Before you start thinking "Boy , she is using strange combinations for an Easter dress". All the materials I am using for this tutorial are scraps that I have put together for photographic reasons.

The first step on joining piping is to decide where I want the join to be at.

I do not or at least try not to join piping at the seam line for two reason.

It would add more bulk to the seam line.
It would just be one more thing that you need to line up perfect. Why add stress to your life?

I usually pick a spot beyond the seam line...about 3/4 inches. It is not an exact science. I just want the join to be where it is not very noticeable. If this was an arm hole that I was adding piping to, I would make the join towards the back of the dress.

I have marked my join line with a blue wash away marker. You do not need to mark the point as dark as I have done for this tutorial.

When I cut my piping I want to have about an extra 1/2 inch or so on each end (1 inch total +) so I have working room.

I stitch the piping down, stopping about 1/2 inch from my target point for the join. I am using two different colors of piping for photographic reasons .......Honest! :-)

I trimmed down my piping on the right to about 1/2". I then unpicked the stitching threads on the blue piping so that the piping is exposed.

The piping cord on the blue piping is trimmed down to about 1/8-1/4 " beyond my target point for the join.

The raw edges of the blue piping are turned under and pressed. I want the fold line to match up with my target join line. You could also add a touch of water soluble glue to keep the folded edge turned under.

The pink piping is placed on the inside of the blue piping. It is trimmed down so that the piping cord of the pink piping kisses the piping cord of the blue piping. I do not want any gaps or for the cords to overlap.

Pin the two pipings together with the pink piping sandwiched in between the blue piping..

Stitch the joined piping together.

And I'm done. It is slightly off my target point but once I wash out the blue marker who is going to tell? I certainly am not. :-)

State Of My State

2010-03-25T18:58:00.004-05:00

First our dentist, now our family doctor.

With a Chick Chick Here.......

2010-03-20T11:35:00.003-05:00

Today is a farm day, which means we need to clean up and get things ready for the summer.

So before every wants to know why I am still in the house I wanted to show you the newest addition to the farm.......Baby chicks.

These little creatures are in my mud room in the house right now. So it is a little noisy but they are fun to watch. The "Pecking Order" begins immediately.

We have had chickens on the farm for a while. About every other spring we bring in some new chicks because the older chickens are slowing down on their egg production.

I have yet to put one of my older chickens in a pot of chicken dumplings. I am a total wimp on seeing the food chain in action.......but there was one rooster a few years back that I so dearly wanted to stick a fork into!

Our chicks are a mixture of Ameraucana (they lay blue and Green eggs) Cochine (they have fuzzy feet) Rhode Island Red and one Golden Comet.

When we went to the farm store to get the chicks, the Golden Comet chick was all by herself in the tub. So of course she got added to the purchase. My Daughter knows that it is not wise to name chickens but she named the Golden Comet "Hailey".

The chicks are suppose to be Pullets which means that they are Hens (girls) but there is a chance that a few may be Roosters (dudes).

The other choice is buying straight run chicks which means they have no idea what they are.

Girl Scout Sleep Over

2010-03-16T22:18:00.008-05:00

Well, I survived the Girl Scout Sleep Over which is an oxymoron. No one gets any sleep.

Here is the group picture. We had 130 girl Scouts attending. I asked my troop to wear red shirts so I could see them at a glance. So everyone in red in this group photo belong to my troop.

Here are some pictures of the place where we had the all nighter. I always call it the Bouncy place because of all the trampolines and blow up slides. There are also several foam and ball pits to jump into and numerous things to climb on and through.

The ladies who organized this event did a wonderful job! Besides all the equipment to play on, they also played Musical hoops (musical chairs with Hula Hoops on the ground) and other games and activities.

The big hit of the night was Flashlight tag. The GS grouped into pairs. Then they turned off the lights. The pairs hide somewhere in the play equipment. Then the ones who were "It" had to go find someone.

I am not sure how this teen age boy got roped into working the evening. He is a gymnastics instructor. The girls thought he was cute.

Unfortunately all the GS leaders just got to sit around and watch.

I worked on Wee Care gowns until I couldn't see straight. I haven't gone back to look at my stitches I did that night. I am kind of afraid to look. :-)

Gotcha Day

2010-03-12T00:44:00.008-06:00

Today is Gotcha Day!

As my daughter explained to her Pre-K teachers when she was 3 years old. ........This is the day she got a family and the day that we got her.

Nine Years ago this Lost Empress of China entered our lives. We always say we think she is a direct descendant of Genghis Khan because she is excellent at conquering and destroying. She conquers hearts and destroyers obstacles in her way.

This is the photo we sent out as her adoption announcement. The announcement cover said "We finally figured out where babies come from." On the inside was the words "China" with her picture.

She has been my muse through out these years.

Normally we celebrate Gotcha Day as a family day. This year she and I will be spending the night with 150 other Girl Scouts. They are calling it a "Sleep Over"........Why? I do not know because no one is going to sleep. :-)

So after I get a long nap on Saturday we will do something together as a family. She hasn't decided yet what that activity will be.

Ft Worth Wedding

2010-03-10T19:30:00.010-06:00

Sorry for the long absence here. I've had a lot of stuff going on since Christmas but not much sewing.

We just got back from a wedding in Ft Worth. The father of the bride is a friend of my husband from pilot training.

The wedding was at the Marty Leonard Chapel. The inside of the church reminded me of the Wizard Of Oz.

Here is a link...http://www.lenapopehome.org/About-Us/Marty_Leonard_Community_Chapel/Marty_Leonard_Chapel.aspx

The reception was at the City Club in downtown Ft Worth.

This picture of the wedding cake does not do it justice.

We sat at the "Pilot Table". Almost everyone at the table was a pilot for American Airlines, the Air Force or the Navy.

I had to take a picture of the flower arrangement at our table. I counted two dozen roses in several shades of pinks. Also if you look in the window to the left you can see the candles that they had in all the windows. Everything was pink at the wedding ( Name that movie?) even the chandelier had a pink ruching.

Also at the wedding was a photo booth. A copy of the photos went into a scrapbook for the wedding couple. We were prompted to take silly photos. I was just laughing too hard to think of anything.

Sew Beautiful #129

2010-02-21T18:35:00.006-06:00

Sew Beautiful #129 has arrived. Here is the sneak peek.....http://www.sewbeautifulmag.com/

This issue is a fabulous issue packed full of eye candy!

I know I say that every issue but this issue has Wendy Schoen, Kari Mecca, Maja Clatton, Debbie Glenn , Vaune Pierce and Lezette Tompson along with several other fabulous designers.

There are so many ideas in this issue I am sure it will be a sell out.

It is like trying to choose a favorite child but I think my favorite article is the spring coat by Debbie Glenn. But I also love the article by Khristal Jouette "Panel Discussion".

This is a must have issue.

Sew Beautiful survey

2010-02-12T18:15:00.003-06:00

I am getting ready to sit down and watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics but I wanted to share with you this link to a survey for Sew Beautiful Magazine.

Please take a few minutes to add your input. Thanks~ janet

http://survey.hoffmanmedia.com/Survey.aspx?s=cf61288a985b49178d66fd83af2720e3

National Smocking Month

2010-02-08T09:48:00.003-06:00

February is National Smocking Month.

My Smocking Guild the Alley Cat Smockers put up two displays for this.

The first display was at the National Quilt Museum.

http://www.quiltmuseum.org/index.htm

If you are every near Paducah, KY this is a mandatory stop. The quilts are unbelievable. I am a traditionalist and prefer hand quilted-put on the bed quilts, but that doesn't stop me from studying the Fabric Arts quilts for hours.

I use to work here in another life. First as a volunteer in the galleries then as an assistant to the curator. The most fabulous thing about that is I got to touch the quilts!.....with white gloves of course.

The class rooms here at the museum are fantastic!. The lighting is great. There is enough plugs and electrical current to plug in 25 sewing machines, irons and anything else you want.

And the neatest thing is one wall is felt. This absorbs the noise and it makes a great place to stick your fabric pieces and be able to step back and study the color, contrast and the state of the universe. If you click on the link to the museum and go to the "Rent facility" you can see a picture of the class rooms.

Here is our display case that is in the lobby of the museum.

I have saved scraps from every dress I made my daughter. Yesterday while looking at the quilts I have made she asked me to make her a quilt. That's all the encouragement I need. Now to narrow down a design and find the time.

Waiting on the Snow

2010-01-29T09:20:00.002-06:00

I have been watching the weather Channel for the past couple of days. The weather forecast for the past couple of days said we were suppose to get 3-7 inches of snow this morning.

I did my usual "girl raised in the south" routine for snow.

I stocked up the freezer and can goods.
Made sure the generator was working ------I do this by hollering "Honey make sure the generator is working" :-)
Filled up the cars with gas and the extra gas cans.
Planned what kind of soup or stew I was going to make. Last time it was Chicken and Dumplings, this time it is Taco Soup.
Made sure there was plenty of necessities- Cheetos, TP and Netflicks.
Made sure I knew where the sleds and the snow shovels were.
Bought extras feed for all the pets and live sock.
Badgered the adult sons to make sure they were prepared.
Doubled checked I had vanilla and sugar for Snow Ice cream.
Refilled prescriptions
Washed clothes so I knew we had plenty of heavy socks and long johns.
Put Ice Melt on the bridges on the farm.
Made cinnamon rolls. Well actually, I bought a package of Rhodes frozen cinnamon rolls and they let them rise all night to bake in the morning.
Charged up the batteries on everything from Cell phones to DVD players and flashlights.
And had something ready to smock.

My Husband laughs at my routine because I do this anytime they mention snow even if it is just flurries.

My Father is from Brooklyn, NY. He said he kept heading south carrying a snow shovel and stopped when some one asked him what that was in his hand.

I have lived in New Jersey and South Dakota and Utah while in the military but I like snow only if I just have to look (while sitting in front of a fire with a cup of hot tea in my hands)

Well back to the the title of this post----- Waiting on the Snow

I had a hard time getting my night owl daughter to bed because up to the 10 o'clock news we were suppose to have 7 inches of snow this morning.

And what did I wake up to this morning?------Nothing!

It seems a dry cold front is mixing with this snow belt that is crossing the mid west. The result- No snow for now. Boy, were the TV weather people back peddling as fast as they could this morning!

I went ahead and baked the Cinnamon rolls this morning. Then, my husband and I flipped a coin as to who was going to wake up our daughter and tell her she had school this morning! :-)

They are still forecasting snow for later on this evening, But as my daughter says "Snow on a weekend is not as much fun as a Snow Day".

Wrong Diagnoses

2010-01-24T22:37:00.007-06:00

Right after Halloween I had told you about my mother being diagnosed with Leukemia.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/11/spelling-cookies-and-state.html

Dr Zufaqqar M. Jaffer, who is a Hematologist and Oncologist in the San Antonio, Texas area, diagnosed her as having cancer. He also ordered a bone marrow test and an MRI as well as some other expensive test.

All test were paid 100% by her HMO.

On one hand he was saying the type of Leukemia was a slow growing, non curable cancer and on the other hand he wanted to start chemo immediately. ( 3 weeks before Christmas) . He scheduled my mother to have a port put in the next week.

What got everyone asking question (more then just having cancer) was he prescribed Rituxan along with her chemo. Estimate cost per course of treatment for this drug - $10,000. Also paid 100% by the HMO.

I got online and did searches on this drug. All the warnings by the manufacture saying you should not take this drug if you have certain medical conditions. Well, my mother had some of those medical conditions.

Long story short , my mother got a second opinion. The second oncologist reading the medical reports and lab test from Dr Jaffer (1st DR) told her that the diagnoses of Leukemia was wrong.

She does not have Cancer of any type!

I just praise the Lord that we asked question, researched drugs and had enough friends and relatives in the medical profession that kept saying something doesn't seem right with his course of treatment.

So my mother is back to taking care of her roses and painting and finding treasures for me in thrift stores (a story for later).

Easter Bonnet

2010-01-22T11:32:00.009-06:00

There is not much sewing going on right now but I wanted to show you something that is hanging on the wall in my sewing room.

Each year at my daughter's school they have a Hat Parade for the Kindergartners and the First Graders around Easter time.

The first year my daughter participated I asked her what kind of hat she wanted me to make.

She told me that the her hat had to be pink and she wanted it to have lights on it! At five she had already figured out that her mom can make almost anything.

I started with a straw hat from Michael's. I cut a circle of fabric that was hand gathered on the edges to cover the crown of the hat.

For the brim, I measured the width of the brim and added about an inch. Using pink fabric from my stash, I cut two pieces of fabric the width of the fabric and seamed them together.

I ran the seamed strip of fabric through my pleater. I fanned the fabric out like I would when blocking a Bishop dress. After the pleats were distributed evenly, I used dots of white craft glue to hold it in place temporarily.

With a long needle and quilting thread I basted the fabric on the crown with the pleated fabric together.

I then lined the inside of the hat. The inside crown is another circle that has been gathered on the edges. The inside brim is a large donut shape piece of fabric. I laid the hat on the fabric and traced the outer edge. Again the brim was basted to the crown and the outer edges were held in place with dots of craft glue.

The Bias edge is purchased double fold quilt binding. I put a jeans needle in my sewing machine and threaded the machine with quilting thread. With a Zig Zag stitch, the binding was stitched through the straw hat.

Because this hat was going on a 5 year old and there was going to be several practices, the silk flowers were wrapped in floral tape and secured with a needle and thread to the hat. Ribbons were added to hid the raw edge between the crown and the brim.

Now the most important request----- the Hat had to have lights on it. I bought two battery powered mini lights from Micheal's. The battery packs were stitched to the sides of the hat. The lights were then woven in and out of the flowers. Ties were then added to the sides of the hat to help keep it on her head.

TA Da! A pink hat with Light! :-)

Baby Josh's Christening

2010-01-12T19:12:00.012-06:00

Last Sunday was my great nephew Josh's christening.

What was so interesting about this christening is that Josh's mother (my niece Angie) is a Methodist Preacher. She preaches at a small country church that her great grandparents were members of when she was born.

But Angie did not perform the christening. That honor went to her father (my husband's brother) who is also a Methodist preacher.

It was very special to see my brother-in-law baptise his own grandson.

I have always enjoyed hearing my brother-in-law preach. But I was totally in awe at hearing my niece preach. She is truly gifted.

As part of her sermon she read a poem by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton. I did a Google search when I got home so I could read it again and share it with you.

Song for a Fifth Child

Mother, oh mother, come shake out your cloth!
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking!

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(Pat- a- cake, darling and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard and there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren’t her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.

1958 Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

There wasn't a dry eye in the whole place!

Of course you are wondering about the Christening gown. Yes, I made it but I did it over 5 years ago for her first child.

When she was expecting her first child I offered to make the Christening gown.

When I asked her what she wanted she told be she wanted the Christening gown to be made from her wedding dress.

She gave me the entire wedding gown and told me to cut it up.

Here is a picture of Josh with his dad.

On the front of the gown I hand embroidered a Celtic Cross design from the MP Internet subscribers club in 2004.

The embroidery is a Padded Satin Stitch. I started using readers glasses to embroidery while making this.

The pearls in the embroidery are from Angie's wedding dress. The bullion rose spray was my addition to the design.

Sew Beautiful Subscription

2010-01-11T07:42:00.003-06:00

Just a quick note as I am trying to get everyone off to school and work.

I was reading Martha Pullen's news letter and notice that the company is offering again a one year subscription for $18. That is $3 an issue delivered to your door.

Here is the link to the SB subscription form.

https://w1.buysub.com/pubs/HM/SWB/SWB_SubForm_18offer.jsp?cds_page_id=31895&cds_mag_code=SWB&id=1263217226069&lsid=30110740260042099&vid=1

Snow days

2010-01-09T13:17:00.006-06:00

We have had two snow days this week. Just wanted to share some pictures.

First taste of snow for Jasper. :-)

More Jasper pictures with my daughter. We don't color coordinate too much here on the farm.

Gator riding or rather Gator sliding.

This is a picture from outside my kitchen window. I was taking the picture of the cardinals. I didn't notice the Blue Jay at the top of the photo till I was editing. They are lined up to eat the dry cat food.

It's 8 degree!

2010-01-04T09:25:00.006-06:00

Happy New Year!

Good Morning. It is 8 degree F. here on the farm. That is -13 degree C.

Since everyone is back to school and work, I am here on the farm making sure all the animals are fed and have water that is not frozen.

Of course the plug-in, never freeze water bowl for the dogs, froze last night! We double checked and the plug is working. I guess the water bowl doesn't freeze only if the temperature is above freezing.

I am also working on cleaning up the house. Sometime during Christmas day my kitchen shears went missing. I am hoping they didn't get thrown out with the Christmas trash.

In between all of these plans I know I will need to sit next to the wood stove and get warm. While I am sitting down and resting, I am sure I will notice that my basket with my smocking projects in it is right next to me. :-)

I will try to get back to the picture smocking tutorial next week.

Sew Beautiful 128

2009-12-28T13:42:00.017-06:00

Just a quick post because I am waiting for our county animal control to show up. Someone dumped two puppies on our farm this morning. They are about 3 months old. One is a german shepard and the other is a white lab mix.

I have them pinned up in the chicken house right now. Chickens are outside.

Everyone has their nose out of joint. Old dogs, horse, chickens and daughter. The 3 cats could care less.

Back to the subject of this post....... The New Sew Beautiful #128 should be arriving in your mailbox and in the store very soon.

This issue is the Ribbon Issue. The whole issue is gorgeous!

Helen Lively has a flower girl dress with woven ribbons. Cindy of "Cindy & Company" has a jacket in a multitude of sizes in this issue. Pattern in included in the center fold. And Sarah Norris has a most beautiful bonnet that is just exquisite.

I know I am leaving someone out.

This is issue that I will keep close at hand as a reference manual and inspiration.

In this issue I have a smocked dress with 3 ribbons.

When you think of my dress think of all the possibilities. The ribbons can be done in any size and in any color. Think about ribbons in 3 Easter colors or the colors of a wedding. The ribbons could be three shades of pink or green or even college color or shade of Autumn.

Because the dress is a Pascale, you can make it sleeveless, with cap sleeves, long sleeves or with a bolero jacket. The skys the limit.

Just an FYI- Please note the name change on the blog. The URL is the same. ~janet

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

I wish you all a happy and safe Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas

75 Wedding Anniversary

2009-12-24T00:01:00.005-06:00

Today would have been my Grandparent's 75th Wedding anniversary.

This is a picture of them and my mother (wearing a smocked dress) about 4 years later.

I have always loved the story of their wedding. It is much better then mine.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/06/wedding-from-hell.html

So here is their story.......

The date is Christmas Eve 1934.

No one knew they were planning to get married except for them (of course) and the preacher.

They attended Christmas Eve services with all their friends and family in their little country church, north of Ft Worth, Texas.

Back then very few people had automobiles. My Granddad had volunteered to drive the preacher and his family home. No one gave it a second thought that my Grandmother went with them. :-)

After they arrived at the preacher's house, they had to wait till the children were put to bed and the preacher found his "wedding book".

Close to midnight, they exchanged wedding vows in the preacher's living room in front of the fire.

Can You Picture it? Part 4 - Half Stitches

2009-12-14T09:12:00.012-06:00

Ready for Half Stitches?

When I was teaching myself to Picture Smock these things drove me crazy. I had read several instructions on Picture Smocking and the subject of half stitches just left me confused.

After much practice this is what works for me.....

When I have a smocking row that has a half stitch on either end of the row, the Half stitch is going to be the very first stitch and the very last stitch.

I am going to start off as usual. I have a large eyed needle. My threads have been stripped and I have ran them through a piece of wool.

My knot has been secured to the back of a pleat.

I am going to bring my needle up in the bottom of a valley.

One thing different that you may notice is when I bring my needle over through the left pleat (right pleat if I was left handed) is the needle position is slightly higher.

Remember when you have always been told that the needle must be kept straight when you are Picture Smocking? Well, here is the exception.

Because my half stitch is only covering one pleat I need to place it exactly where I want.

Here is a close up to better explain what I am doing.

My threads are to the bottom (remember I smock with my fabric sideways).

My needle is going to enter the pleat exactly vertical to where my threads exited the pleat before.

Then my needle is going to exit the pleat at a 45 degree angle, right beside the previous threads. I am also making sure the needle is exiting at the same depth as the previous stitch.

Walla! A half stitch! :-)

Now, If I only had to do one half stitch, life would be too easy! :-) I have another half stitch at the end of my row.

After my first half stitch, I am going to stitch 9 more cable stitches.

On my ninth cable stitch I am going to repeat the process and stitch a half stitch but this time in reverse. My Half Stitch will be the last stitch.

My ninth cable is going to enter the pleat exactly vertical as the previous stitches, but it is going to exit the pleat at a 45 degree angle.

When I am stitching my last half stitch I am also stitching my last stitch of the row. I am going to stitch this exactly as I would a regular cable as described in the previous lessons.

My needle is going to enter the fabric vertically then I am going to push down on the end of the needle slightly twisting the pleat and pull my needle through.

If this really doesn't work for you then try bringing the needle at a 45 degree angle.

Now lets get more complicated and stack the the half cables!

I have turned my fabric over so that I am smocking away from me. If I was left handed I would be smocking towards me.

My needle and thread are on top just to the right of the first row.

With my needle straight up and down, I am going to go through the first pleat just to the right of the previous first stitch.

I am not going to reuse any of the previous needle holes to do this. This would weaken the support of your half stitch.

With my needle and thread through the pleat I am going to repeat the process of the first half pleat.

My needle is going to enter the pleat vertical then exit the pleat at a 45 degree angle.

I then stitch 9 more cable stitched.

I am going to finish the row the same way. My half stitch cable is going to be the last stitch.

I have stitched the ninth cable.

I entered the fabric with my needle vertical and have exited the fabric at a 45 degree angle.

This time because I am stitching my cable stitch on the inside and my next cable row is below I am exiting the fabric at a 45 degree angle.

And I am done.

To be continued.......... Next tutorial- Increasing and decreasing cables.

Can You Picture It? Part 3

2009-12-03T08:21:00.000-06:00

So far we have gone over Fabric, Pleats, Needles, Threads, and the Perfect Cable Stitch. Now, lets put it all together start stacking.

I left off after I had completed the first cable row also known as the base row. I am going to stitch another cable row on top of this one. But first lets look at some things.

Picture Smocking is like an On-Line Dating service. Everybody has a match! :-)

When I stitch my second row, each cable is going to match up with a cable from the previous row.

If you need more visual help. Dig out your child's Legos and practice stacking.

One more thing .........Lets talk about spacing of the second row.

My Base Cable Row is about 1/8" wide. The imaginary center line that I was following for my cable row is in the middle of this about 1/16". When I start my second row, I need to take in account the width of my cable row.

If I start my second row with my needle against the previous row then my cables are going to be smashed together and lumpy.

Instead I am going to bring my needle out about 1/16" over. I do not actually measure the distance, I just sort of eye ball it.

When I bring my needle out to take my first stitch I am also double checking that my depth of the needle is the same as the previous row.

Here I am taking my first stitch on the second row. My needle is straight up and down. My floss is separated and resembles a ribbon.

Two stitches done.

Eight stitches done. I sometimes use the side of my needle to gently tap the cable row into place. This is not a substitute for a bad cable.

My last stitch is the same as I had talked about before. The needle is going into the fabric straight. Then the needle eye is pushed to the side, twisting the pleat.

And I am finished. Well actually I really don't like the 3rd cable on the top row (left side). Most likely I would pull out my stitches and redo it.

To be continued........Next up Half Stitches.

Note: If I have not answered a question you may have on Picture Smocking, please let me know and I will try to address it. ~Janet

Can You Picture it ? Part 2

2009-11-29T20:26:00.032-06:00

Okay, I have covered the 3 main ingredients of perfect picture smocking.

Before we start double check that you are not planning to smocking on the wrong side of your pleated fabric. On some pleaters the thread between the pleater will be longer on one side or then other. As Martha Pullen says "Long is Wrong".

Now let break it down to the lowest common denominator........The Cable Stitch.

Lets get started on the perfect cable stitch.

For this exercise I am going to thread a large eyed needle with 4 highly contrasting strands of floss. For example....1 strand each of red, blue pink and yellow floss.

My floss has been stripped and I have ran it through a piece of wool. My thread has been knotted at one end.

I am going to first start on the back of the fabric and secure the knot.

Because the knot on 4 strands of thread is large I do not want to bury it in the valley of a pleat. It will just get in the way of my picture smocking.

So instead I am going to secure the knot on the back of a pleat. I am making sure I am not going through any pleating threads.

FYI-I have covered the back smocking in a previous tutorial.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/07/back-smocking.html

After the knot has been secured, I am going to bring my needle up from the bottom of a pleat. Again I am not going through any pleating threads.

If this was a picture smocking design, I would be coming up in the valley one pleat to the left of where I want to start.

Since I am right handed, I am going to bring the needle through the bottom of the pleat on my left. If I was left handed I would go to the right instead.

When Picture smocking I need to take a deeper bite of the fabric to help support my design.

I smock with my fabric turned sideways. I find I make better cables and it reduces the Carpel Tunnel because my wrist is not always bent. This is a personal preference. See what works for you.

I am going to be stitching my cable stitch away from me. If I was Left Handed I would be stitching my cable stitch towards me.

Your eyes are not seeing things. I changed the colors of my multicolored floss because they did not show up as precise as I wanted in the photographs.

I wanted to show you in this picture how separated the threads are coming out of the fabric. This is a result of using a very large eyed needle.

Now I am going to take my first stitch. I am stitching my cable stitch just a few threads above my pleating thread. I do this to avoid hitting the pleating threads.

My needle is straight up and down and at a 90 degree angle to the pleats. The needle is going into the fabric and coming out of the fabric at the same depth.

Gently pull the floss to complete the first cable. The cable stitch should lay across the pleats. It should not choke the pleat. Think light and fluffy. :-)

When I look at the cable stitch I should see every strand of the multicolored floss laying side by side. This also includes where the floss exits the fabric at the start of the cable and where the floss reenters the fabric at the end of the cable stitch.

Ready for the next cable? It will be the same as the first cable. The needle is at a 90 degree angle to the pleats. I am following an imaginary line. No matter if it is an Up Cable or a down Cable the needle will follow the line.

Some times no matter what, my floss get twisted. I always read in other Picture Smocking books to let your needle dangle and let the thread untwist. My floss is never that well behaved.

Notice the circle I have drawn on this photograph? When I am Picture Smocking and keeping my threads separated, I really only concerned about the 1/2"-1" length of thread at the base of the thread.

To untwist the floss I can pull up the cable stitch with the eye of your needle. Place your finger in the loop. With the eye of the needle separate the strands of floss.

Another way to untwist the floss without unthreading your needle is to bring your needle all the way down the floss so that it is sitting on the fabric. Then I can untwist and separate your floss.
I am going to continue stitching my cable row with the multicolor thread. Remember that every stitch is important.

Note: I have switched to pink thread for photographic reasons.

Here is my cable row. I am going to stitch 2 more cable stitches.

To stop the last stitch of my Picture Smocking from making a "Y", I am going to slant the last stitch.

This picture looks a little deceiving. I am still going to keep my needle straight just as I have previously done. But, before I pull my needle through the fabric I am going pull the needle eye to one side twisting the pleat. Then I pull my floss through.

Now to finish off. My floss is just above the last pleat. I am now going to bring the needle straight down into the bottom of the pleat.

To be continued.................. Next Up -Stacking.

Can You Picture It?

2009-11-28T20:42:00.003-06:00

When I am stress it is best for me to pour my self into a project. So here it is..........A tutorial on Picture Smocking.

Can You Picture it? Part 1

I will start with a Disclaimer........... Instructions on Picture Smocking is like the family recipe for Potato Salad. Everyone may do it a little different. Or they may think their recipe is the only way to make potato salad. :-) But guess what? You still end up with potato salad no matter what recipe you used to get there.

But, when I see another potato salad recipe I usually give it a try to see if I like any of the ingredients. Some time I do and sometime I don't.

So this is my recipe for Picture Smocking.............

There are three main ingredients for perfect Picture smocking.

The first is the fabric.

1. You need to use a Broadcloth weight fabric. I prefer 100% cotton broad cloth like Kona Cotton. http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/kona_cotton/

Handcock's of Paducah carries all 219 shades including some colors in a 60" width. NAYY http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/

If you are using a lighter weight fabric then you can add German Interfacing to the wrong side to the fabric to pump up the pleats.

If you are using Featherwale Corduroy, your design may be distorted. I would do a test smocking first. You may need to use 5-6 strands of thread. Or you could add a row to the design or use a Kona Cotton Insert that matches the Corduroy.

I once smocked "My Little Ponies" by Mollie Jane Taylor on featherwale corduroy. It looked more like "My little Dachshunds". :-) I redid the insert in a matching Kona Cotton.

2. When you pleat the insert for Picture smocking, the pleats need to be pulled up till they they just kiss each other.

Picture Smocking does not stretch so the insert needs to be tied off to the exact measurement.

If the insert is not wide enough for the bodice then either add wings to the side of the insert or use 60" fabric.

Here is some examples of the pleats:

These pleats are too far apart.

These pleats are too close together.

These pleats are just right. Sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears! :-)

The Second ingredient for Picture Smocking is the floss.

1. To insure good coverage you need to use 4-6 strands of floss.

The normal amount is 4 strands of floss. Depending on your design and your fabric you may need to use more threads. For example, I smocked sheep on a hot pink bishop. I used 5 strands of floss to keep the pink from showing through.

2. The length of floss for Picture Smocking needs to be about 15-17 inches.

The reason for this is thread wears as it is pulled through the fabric. The more wear, the thinner the floss. The thinner the floss, the less likely the floss will cover. If you use a longer length of floss, by the time you got to the end of the floss it will have been pulled through the fabric more and the floss will be worn thin.

3. The last thing about floss and the most important is the floss need to be separated. This is called "stripping the floss".

To strip your floss, the best method is called "The bonk and strip". Okay, get your mind out of the gutter! :-)
Lets start with the "Bonk". Hold the floss (all 6 strands) in between your thumb and your first finger. With your first finger on your other hand, you are going to bonk the top of the floss several times.

You will notice in this photo (besides the fact that I need an manicure) that the end of the floss fans out and every thread is separated.

While you are still holding your floss that you have "Bonked" you can now "Strip" the floss. With your other hand grab one strand of floss and pull up quickly. Repeat.
To help keep your threads separated you can use some of these products. These products are just options and are not mandatory.

The first product is starch.

This is a Starch Box that was made by the Web Smockers and given out as a table favor at the SAGA convention. Thanks Webbies!

http://www.smocking.org/websmockers.php

To starch your threads, mix one part liquid starch with 3 parts water. I use distilled water.
I pour the mixture into a wide mouth half pint canning jar or a baby food jar. Anything with a lid. You can use the mixture from the jar or soak the small sponge that is in the Starch Box.

Dip your stripped floss into the starch mixture. As you pull the floss out you are going to squeegee the excess water of the floss by pulling the floss between your fingers.

Let the floss dry. The floss should have some body to it after being starched. It should not resemble dried pasta.

The next product is Thread Heaven.

It is a silicone based product. To use it, you place the stripped thread on top of the jell stuff. Hold the floss down with one finger then drag/pull the floss through with your other hand.

And the last product is a piece of wool fabric.

Wet your stripped floss with water or spit. Place the wool around the floss as shown. While holding the wool and floss, pull the floss through with the other hand. The floss should squeak as it is being pulled through.

Products or techniques I do not use are Bees Wax and ironing my floss. I don't like the residue that bees wax leaves and life is too short to iron my floss.

The last ingredient is the Needle.

You need to use a needle with a very large eye . When you are Picture smocking you need to use 4-6 strands of floss. If those strands of floss are trying to squeeze through a small opening then they will not lay flat. If you use a large eyed needle it makes a bigger hole.

I prefer to use a # 2 Crewel Needle or a Cotton Darner. The length of the needle is a personal choice. I like to use a shorter needle.

Remember the smaller the number the the larger the needle

To be continued................

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:09:00.005-06:00

To all my Smocking and sewing friends I want to wish y'all a Happy Thanksgiving.

I really appreciate all the prayers for my mother. Thank You.

Want to see something neat?

I was looking out my sewing room window and saw this guy walking across my back yard. It is a Wild Turkey! And you thought it only came in a bottle. :-)

I need to call him Lucky! He was able to walk across the yard without my 2 dogs, 3 cats or my husband seeing him. :-)

He was with a flock of about 12 others. He was the only one who walked across the yard. The others stayed in the field.

Here is a close up.

I felt like running outside and wave my arms yelling "Fly away, fly away. It almost Thanksgiving!"

Trivial pursuit answers.........Wild Turkeys can fly. Domestic Turkeys can't.

This year I am thankful for several things......

I am thankful that no one in my family is in a war zone for the first time in 4 years.

I am thankful for my family and friends.

And I am eternally grateful to all of y'all for reading my ramblings on this blog and loving my designs.

Once Again, I wish you all A Happy Thanksgiving.~Janet

Spelling, Cookies and the State

2009-11-21T18:35:00.004-06:00

This week has not been the best.

First off, I get a letter from my daughter's dentist that they will no longer accept the State of Illinois Dental insurance due to lack of payment by the state.

When I called the insurance company, they said that from bill to payment is about 170 days+ right now.

Second, Girl Scout Cookie sales for my troop are down by more than 50%. Part of the problem is the economy.

The other problem is they moved the cookie sales from Jan-Feb to Oct-Nov. Why I don't know. So we are competing against every other school fundraiser. Also everyone is trying to buy for the holidays.

They also raised the price to$4 a box. We had a Cookie Booth yesterday at a very busy gas station. We sold 100 boxes in 4 hours. Last year we sold almost 3 times that amount at the same location. 85% of our customers complained about the price.

And the last problem with the G.S. Cookies is Wal-Mart is selling knock off Thin Mints and Tagalongs for $2.38.

The third thing that happened this week and the worst is I learned how to spell a new word this week............Leukemia! My mother was diagnosed with this yesterday. She is suppose to start chemo before Christmas.

Gingerbread Cookies Smocking plate

2009-11-19T10:22:00.006-06:00

I have been working on the actual insert to show you this new smocking design but I am running in the slow mode all week. So for now I will just post the smocking plate and will update this post when I have it finished.

This design is suppose to be clickable so you can print it out. Let me know if it is not.

The usual restrictions apply. The design is for personal use. You may use it for gifts. Do not mass produce. Do not make changes or embellishments then call the design your own creations. Nuff said.

The insert I am working on is done in lime green and pink but you can use any colors you desire. After the smocking is complete you can embellish the gingerbread people with back stitches and bows. The same with the Christmas tree. Decorate it up as you would a cookie with icing and sprinkles.

Enjoy! ~janet

Happy Veterans Day!

2009-11-11T10:45:00.005-06:00

To all my Fellow Veterans that have served or who are serving now.....THANK YOU!

I wanted to show you some old photos from my past..........

My parents pinning on my bars.

This is my older brother and myself right before graduation at Texas A&M. He was the first person I saluted after my commissioning.

This is a few years later at England AFB in Louisiana. The aircraft is an A-10 Thunderbolt.

Hug a Veteran today and say Thank you.~janet

Smocked Christmas Wreath Construction

2009-11-09T10:21:00.002-06:00

If you have participated in this tutorial for a smocked Christmas wreath I hope you have completed the smocking.

If you are just reading this, here is the links to the previous posts.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/09/smocked-christmas-wreath-tutorial-part.html

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/09/smocked-christmas-wreath-tutorial-part.html

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/09/smocked-christmas-wreath-tutorial-part_11.html

Back Smocking:

To help ease in the construction you will need to back smock row 11 with a very loose cable stitch. Do not tie off the ends of your threads at the ends of the rows.

Also you need to back smock rows 1-2 with a Chevron Stitch. Again do not tie off the end. Leave about a 2 inch tail.

Construction:

After wreath has been completely smocked and back smocked, remove pleating threads from the outside of the wreath (rows 6-12).

Unpick (do not cut) the knots on the pleating threads on the inside holding row and rows 1-5. Re-knot the ends of each pleating thread so you don’t accidentally pull the thread out).

Pin the wreath to a blocking board or ironing board and fan out into a complete circle .

With the open ends facing you, look at your smocking design. To achieve a seamless wreath the smocking design needs to be continuous. This is done by unpicking your smocking threads until the design matches up. Do not worry if you are unpicking an inch or more of smocking. The wreath is 90 inches of fabric.

Unpick the smocking until the design is a mirror image on both sides. See the example. Unpick one more stitch on the right side and tie off smocking threads to the back. Left side threads are still loose.

Unpick back smocking to match up with front. Tie off the Back Smocking.

Cut off knots on the ends of the pleating threads and pull out pleats until they also match up with the smocking on the front.

Trim the un-smocked ends down for a 1 inch seam allowances.
Fold un-smocked ends under and reposition pins and fan out the wreath again.

Steam wreath with a steam iron. Let dry.

Back of the Wreath:

The back of wreath should be one piece of fabric 5”x45”.

Thread your pleater with 2 half space rows. Run the Back fabric through your pleater.

Unpick the pleats on the ends until you have a 1/2" seam allowance. Fold the outer edge (unpleated side ) down a 1/2 " and press.

Mark the center line of the fabric by creasing a fold or by using a small pin.

Pull up pleating threads until fabric measures 18 inches end to end.

Remove smocked wreath from the blocking board.

With right sides together pin back of wreath to the back. Pull up pleating threads of wreath if needed. Match up ends (end of smocking with the pleating thread on the back) and center lines. Distribute pleats evenly.

Stitch the two pieces together with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Outside edge is still open.

Return the wreath back to the blocking board with right side up. Pin wreath into a circle. Steam if needed.

With wreath ends facing you double check your continuous smocking design. Thread a needle with each of your loose threads on the left side. Take one more smocking stitch joining the two sides together completing the design. Pull threads to the back and knot off securely.

Open wreath up. Tie each of the remaining pleating threads together. Do not pull threads too tight and distort the circle.
Place the 10 inch craft ring on the inside of the wreath. This will stop the wreath from warping after it is stuffed.

Turn wreath to the back side. Fold seam allowances back, Pin the outside folded edge of the back of the wreath to the loose cable row (Row11) that you back smocked. With matching thread hand sew the two sides together.

Stuffing the wreath:

Stuff the wreath with polyester batting. I fluffed the batting first by pulling it apart into little clouds.

Work from back towards the openings. I found the end of a wooden spoon helps to get the batting to the back. Craft ring should be in the middle of the batting.

When stuffed to your desired fullness slip stitch the back opening closed.

Finishing the wreath:

The center of the smocking design is a perfect place to add you choice of decorations. I used Christmas bulb buttons. Each bulb was sewn on separately then a ribbon was threaded through holes.

•Five plastic rings are sewn to the back to help hang the wreath with out it tipping forward.

And finally, if you do not like the area where your your seamless smocking joined together Just cover it with a pretty bow. :-)

Outstanding In My Field

2009-11-05T13:26:00.005-06:00

Let me rephrase that..........I am out, standing in my field! :-)

This little guy has been interrupting my smocking and sewing time. But he is cute and the weather has been great so I do not mind.

I have a lawn chair under one of the trees. It is cool enough I need a sweatshirt but sunny enough I need a hat and sun glasses. So while he is grazing I am sketching out new smocking designs and pattern ideas.

Life is good! :-)

Jasper

2009-11-01T23:07:00.008-06:00

Halloween was a little more exciting for my daughter this year.

Meet Jasper, her 6 month old miniature horse.

It was just by coincidence that we picked him up on Halloween. But he made a wonderful Halloween present. :-)

Here he is with his mom before we picked him up.

It was a mini rodeo for a little while. A mini rodeo for a mini horse seems fitting! :-)

She just wasn't as enthused about going Trick or Treating after he arrived. I wonder why? :-)

She hasn't quit smiling!

Changing a needle while pleating

2009-10-29T00:00:00.011-05:00

Debbi, you must be reading my mind! :-) I had already taken all the photos to explain how to change a needle when I read your comment.

Okay lets get to the instructions...............You are happily pleating a way when you hear the most dreaded of sounds to a smocker..........Crunch! :-(

Of course the broken or bent needle is usually in the middle of your pleating project. Before I would remove everything from the pleater and start over.

That was until I learned how to replace a needle in the middle of my pleating from Judith Adams at a SAGA convention a few years back. Yeah Judith!

The first thing to do after you hear the crunch is to clear the pleats off the ends of the needles. Okay just to be honest, the first thing I do after I hear a needle break is to talk to my pleater. I'll let you fill in the words..........

Elevate the front of the pleater with a spool of thread or a book.

Carefully remove the front roller bar from your pleater.

Without pulling all of the pleater needles off the pleater, carefully work the broken or bent needles out of the fabric.

If the needle broke in to pieces, make sure you find all the pieces.

As a matter of habit, I always knot one end of my pleating threads when I am threading my needles.

Slowly pull the unknotted end of the thread through the previous pleats. If you do not knot your threads then carefully pull only one strand of the thread through.

Remove the broken or bent needle and dispose of properly. I use an old medicine bottle with a Janet....... I mean child proof lid.

Re thread the pleater thread with a new needle.

Look closely at the needle holes left in the fabric. They will be important in getting the new needle in place.

Take your new threaded needle and weave it through the needle holes on the last pleat. Take note at the direction of the curves on the needle.

Push the tip of the needle into the needle slot and then lay the needle down into the corresponding grove.

The needle is resting on top of the rest of the pleats.

Here is another view.

Double check that the other needles have not come out of their needle groves. Place the roller bar back onto the pleater and secure it. It will be a tight fit. That is okay, just don't force it.

Take your pleater off the spool of thread now.

Slowly turn the handle of your pleater and continue pleating.

When your pleated fabric comes off the pleater there will be a few missed pleats where you changed the needle. That is okay. The pleating row above and below can show you where the pleats are. You could also back smock the area of missed pleats if you want.

Front of fabric

Back of fabric

I hope this helps the next time you have a broken needle.

Changing a needle on your pleater.

2009-10-27T12:01:00.006-05:00

The post is being written for Kelly, who is having trouble changing a needle on her pleater.

I decided to share all the pictures I was taking for her because if she was having a problem then maybe someone else was also.

I am using a Salley Stanley pleater so there may be some slight differences with your pleater.

The first step is to tilt the front of your pleater backwards. You can use a book or as shown here, a spool of thread.

Next you will need to loosen the screws and turn the tab that holds the front bar. You do not need to remove the screws. If your pleater has pins then you can just remove the pins and place them somewhere where you can remember.

Next remove the front bar.

Your pleater is still tilted . If not your needles will all fall out. Been there done that. Don't want to do it again! :-)

This is what the pleater looks like with out the front bar.

Another close up.

To remove the needle, hold the pleater needle by the end and lift up and out. If you are removing a broken needle you will need to find the broken tip of the needle and remove it also.
Note the direction of the curve of the pleater needle.

You must use a pleater needle that has been designed for your brand of pleater.

While holding the end of the pleater needle, place the tip of the needle into the needle grove. Do not push or use force. Then lay the pleater needle down into the needle grove.

Repeat the process until you have place all your pleater needle where you want them to be.

After you are done, place the top roller bar back on. Check to see you have it going the right direction. The bar should roll back into place.

Tighten the screws or replace the pin. Double check that everything moves freely by turning the wheel of your pleater. You should be able to turn the wheel with one finger.

You can also find information on customizing your pleater under the archives.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/06/customizing-your-pleater.html

Sew Beautiful #127

2009-10-21T13:44:00.009-05:00

I just received my copy of the newest Sew Beautiful. Issue # 127.

As usual it is a wonderful issue just packed with eye candy. The cover is a embroidered needle case from Wendy Schoen.

I just took a 2 day class with Wendy at the SAGA convention. She told me she was thrilled that she made the cover. She deserves it!

There is also a pictorial by Maja Clayton of Maja's Heirlooms. And my friend Helen Lively has three dresses in this issue. Each one is just gorgeous!

In this issue I have a light weight denim jumper with a shaped smocked window. Inside the shaped window is my picture smocked "Cowboy Santa". The smocking plate can be found on page 63 of this issue.

The Jumper is a Martha Pullen A-line in a size 5.

Here are some construction photos I took while working on the outfit.

The jumper has a double ruffle. The lining was lengthened by 1 1/2 inches. One ruffle was sew to the jumper and another ruffle to the lining.

A dress with a hole in the middle of it.

Post script: I realized after posting this picture of the Cowboy Santa that this was the first version of what was in Santa's bag. I originally had a puppy looking out of the bag. I decided later that there were too many eyes looking at me. I replaced the puppy with wrapped gifts. Sorry for the confusion. ~j

I was so excited when Kathy B. told me they photographed the little model sitting on Santa's lap. Thanks Kathy! :-)

Halloween 2007

2009-10-17T08:33:00.004-05:00

So now we come to Halloween 2007.

She is getting into the swing of things now. She was a witch that year.

Her dress BSY was from a royal blue bridal satin. She has a dress overlay of that sheer sparkly stuff at JoAnn Fabric.

The overlay was made from the same pattern. I also made a hood in the back of the dress overlay. But she would not put the hood up except at home. She also had a royal blue witch hat but she wouldn't wear that either.

But the dress had a twirl factor which is important. :-)

Halloween 2006

2009-10-14T09:31:00.005-05:00

After my daughter's first Halloween, we avoided Trick or Treating for several years. She was terrified of masks! We were dealing with enough stuff with night terrors, we did not want to push it.

It also did not help that stores seem to go more for the ghoulish decorations or that her school would put on a fall festival each year hosted by the 8th graders. It would never fail that someone in the 8th grade class would bring the Black Lipstick! :-(

Snow White with black lipstick is not appealing to a 4 year old. And they wonder why they didn't make much money.

The icing on the cake was when we had gone to a place that we love to eat at in the fall. It was the weekend before Halloween. All of the wait staff was dressed up in costumes. There was Raggedy Ann, and a princess or two and even someone dressed as a cat.

Who did we get as a waiter?................ The Dead Guy!

The waiter had his face all white with black eyes and again Black Lipstick. Needless to say my daughter spent the entire meal under the table. It would not have help to move to another table because she had already seen him!

The owner of the restaurant apologised and took her meal off the bill and we drove through McDonald's for her on the way home.

That was several years ago. We went to that restaurant again this week end. She had to check the calender first before she would get into the car.

Well back to the story...... This is a picture of her as a cat again 5 years later. I made the costume out of Polar Fleece. I was worried about her getting too warm but a Cold Front came through and the temperatures dropped into the 30's that night.

I had some extra fabric and made her a scarf. I turned up the ends to make pockets. She loved it!

Halloween 2001

2009-10-12T10:23:00.003-05:00

I am working on a Halloween costume this week.

One think my kids figured out quickly was if they can dream it, I can make it! I have done Dragons and Power Rangers and almost every character in Star Wars.

I have even done some Quidditch robes for my nephew.

I'll have to dig out some old photos to share later.

This was my daughter's first Halloween costume. She was 18 months. She was so thrilled to have a tail! :-)

Corn Maze

2009-10-09T09:28:00.004-05:00

Last week I took my Girl Scout troop to a Corn Maze at a local farm.

The corn maze covered 15 acres. It took us about an hour and a half to go through it.

The family that has this Corn Maze donates all the money to their church. They said it is a lot of fun to go through at night with just a flash light!

I had always wondered how they make a corn maze. They said they draw the design for that year onto graph paper. They sowed the entire 15 acres in field corn.

When the corn was about 3 inches tall they would go through the corn field with a mower and cut the design into the field. They would repeat the mowing 3 or 4 more times over the next month or two until the walking paths were clear.

We were very appreciative that they also went through the maze with a grader and made the paths smooth.

This is a picture of two of my assistance Toni and Ida. I also have a Co-leader Tracy. She was blazing the trail at the beginning of the group.

After a while we discovered the secret to a corn maze. You let everyone else go first. Then when they are back tracking because a dead end you know not to go that way! :-)

Everyone thinks Toni and I are sisters. She is exactly 13 days older than me.

Convention Raffle baskets

2009-10-07T14:23:00.005-05:00

First off , these pictures do not do these Raffle baskets justice!

There were about 80 baskets at the convention this year. Everything from a sewing machine, to a hand made quilt, to sewing accessories. Each basket was just unbelievable.

These baskets are donated by different smocking guilds and smocking groups like the Delphi ladies. All the money that was collected goes to SAGA to help fund different programs.

These tables circle the entire room displaying different baskets.

The only thing bad about this is I have yet to win a basket..........Maybe next year! :-)

Home from the Convention

2009-10-05T08:50:00.003-05:00

I am home from the Convention. Now the hard task of putting my sewing room back together.

I want to show you some of the pictures I took at the convention. The first thing is all of the Wee Care gowns!

There were over 1000 garments donated at the convention.

These booties, bonnets, day gowns and bishops were donated to a local hospital in Indianapolis.

Every item was just precious!

To be continued..................

3rd day Smocking Convention

2009-10-02T13:13:00.002-05:00

Well Today is the 3rd day of the SAGA convention. We are in Indianapolis, IN.

I made it through the Design Show. I was awarded a Judge's Choice for my little boy's romper "Duck, Duck, Goose".

Today I have been in Tess Ellenwood's class "Little Bittty Bunnies". It was a very sweet design for an doll dress or for baby clothes.

This afternoon is one of the highlights of the entire convention.......Market! There are 20 vender's setting up in the ballroom right now. The doors will open in about 30 minutes so everyone is pacing the hallway. :-)

I always start out the same saying I only need to buy one or two things. I end up with shopping bags full of goodies.

Well, I better end now and go join the mob that is forming in front of the doors. It is sort of like the day after Thanksgiving shopping but it is all Heirloom and Smocking supplies! :-)~janet

First Day @ Convention

2009-09-30T16:42:00.005-05:00

Just a quick note after my first day of classes.

I have been doing hem stitching and pulling threads on linen for drawn thread work all day. We are making the most beautiful little baby dress!

This is the dress we are making. Tranquility. http://www.wendyschoendesign.com/

When Wendy Schoen says to bring magnification for one of her classes, take it from me you need magnification! It is a two day class with homework. So tonight after we go out to eat I will be back in the hotel room working till bedtime.

The hotel here is connected to a very nice mall. We found the important stores yesterday.... Starbucks and the Godiva chocolate store.

Well I am heading over to another meeting then to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. ~janet

Heading to the Smocking Convention

2009-09-28T13:03:00.003-05:00

I am heading to the SAGA - Smocking convention in the morning.

But first I need to head to the doctors office this afternoon. The gray gas/smoke from the airbags is making my asthma act up all week.

I have two garments going in the Design Show. Both will be published in Sew Beautiful sometime next year.

Needless to say my plans to drive to the convention have been cancelled since I hit Bambi's Dad last week. I could take my husband red pick up truck (farm truck) but I would have to take a step stool with me to get in and out of it. :-)

I will try to keep you updated on all the happenings at the convention. ~janet

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-09-26T15:15:00.014-05:00

Yesterday I learned that I was received a Kreativ Blogger from Julia of http://juliassewsweetandspecial.blogspot.com/

The "RULES" of this award are that I am to......1) tell you seven things that you don't already know about me. 2) I am to name seven other blogs to receive this award. 3)I am to leave a comment on each of the blogs I have nominated letting them know that I have given them an award. 4) I am to thank the blogger who gave me the award.

Okay let try the first one. Seven things you don't know about me.........

1. My younger sister use to tell my friends that I was adopted. She told them I was sensitive about this so don't mention it to her!

2. I have moved every 2-4 years my entire life. I had a hard time when we moved to this farm 14 years ago. I did not know how to stay in one place. I was use to waiting to clean behind the refrigerator only after the movers had loaded it on the truck.

3. I have flown in an F-16 twice.

4. I am allergic to peanuts.

5. I do not like the color orange especially burnt orange. Gig 'Em Aggies!

6. I live in a house that is suppose to be haunted. At first when I heard all the stories I figured they were connected to all the whiskey bottles I have found in the woods. I have seen something twice that I could not explain. So maybe its true.

7. My SIL and my husband' s Ex also have the same first name as me....Janet. And we have been introduced before as "the Janets".

I will have to work on the 7 other blogs to pass this award to.

Here are the first three.....

1. Sivje from http://goosegirlsews.blogspot.com/

2. Gail Doane http://www.gaildoane.com/

3 http://sanctimommy.wordpress.com/

And last a great big Thank You to Julia for giving me this award. I really appreciate it.

The Deer Slayer

2009-09-25T11:37:00.006-05:00

Tuesday night my Ford Explorer became the Deer slayer. I took this picture of a 10 pointer from my kitchen window.

It is not the deer I hit. I only hit a 6 pointer. I know......only a 6 pointer! I don't get much sympathy around here. People are more amazed that this was the first deer I hit.

After I hit the deer, my idiot light came on saying...."Check the Right Headlamp". DUH!

The deer laid in the ditch for a few minutes then walked away.

When It rains,it pours!

2009-09-22T22:58:00.003-05:00

Things around here are very hectic.

My daughter's softball team is in the final tournament.
An ivory insert (already smocked) turned white after I washed it.
I am leaving for the SAGA convention in a few days and I am not packed.
I hit a 6 point Buck on the way home tonight. Airbags deployed.

But looking on the bright side of things......

Softball season is almost over with!
I tea dyed the insert and the fabric is back to an ivory shade.
I am still leaving for the SAGA convention even if I am not packed.
No one was hurt in the deer strike except the deer and my car.

Smocked Christmas Wreath Tutorial Part 2

2009-09-11T10:17:00.013-05:00

To make this Smocked Wreath you will need 2 pieces of light weight fabric for the front of the wreath that are 6 1/2" wide by the width of the fabric.

For the back of the wreath you will need 1 piece of fabric that is 5" wide by the width of the fabric. The back fabric can be the same fabric as the front of the wreath or you can use a novelty fabric or another fabric of your choice.

Cut or tear your three pieces of fabric.

Set aside your fabric back. We will deal with it after the wreath is smocked.

Take your two front pieces of fabric. Cut off the salvage of one side on each piece. Pin the fabrics together cut short side to cut short side.

Stitch fabric together using a ¼ inch seam allowance. Trim seams down to 1/8 inch then zig-zag the edge making a rolled edge seam. To make a zig zag rolled hem, the zig is on the fabric and the zag is off the fabric. Press seam.

The wreaths shown have a serged rolled hem on the outside edge. This is optional you can do a narrow hem or even add a trim. The choice is yours.

To make the serged rolled edge first double to make sure the Right side of the fabric is UP. Otherwise the rolled edge hem will be rolling to the wrong side of the fabric.

Thread your serger with the thread of your choice. Set the serger to a rolled hem. If you have a differential feed on your serger if you set the differential feed to stretch the fabric while you are sewing the rolled edge you will have a denser stitch. When going over the joined seam hold the fabric taunt.

There may be a few little threads sticking up after you go over the joined seam. Don't worry. This can be fixed later.

Pleating:

Thread your pleater with 13 Full space rows of hand quilting thread. For this project I prefer Hand Quilting Thread over any other thread because it is stronger.

Your Pleating threads need to be extra long because you are pleating 90 inches of fabric.

Roll your fabric on to a dowel rod.

Here is a graph and a picture to show you the pleating spacing. We want about an 1 inch ruffle of unpleated fabric on the outside edge. Double check that the unpleated ruffle is on the serged rolled edge side. (been there, done that, don't want to do that again.)

After the wreath has been pleated, Unpick about 1/2 inch from each side.

Place your pleated wreath onto a blocking board or your ironing board. Pull up the pleating threads of the first two pleating thread to 12 inches. Tie off the first two inside rows with a double square knot.

Note: I know that some ladies smock a bishop dress with the fabric straight (not fanned out into a circle). The Straight Method of smocking a bishop does not work on this wreath.

Fan out the wreath onto your blocking board or ironing board. Tie off the rest of the pleating rows with a double square knot.

Smocking:

Here is the smocking plate for the Red wreath. It is clickable to make larger.

The usual restrictions apply to this smocking design. It is for personal use only. Do not sell the design or mass produce it. Also do not make changes to the design then claim it as your original design.

You can also use use any bishop smocking plate you want.

We are going to use 4 strands of embroidery floss when smocking this wreath. You want your smocking stitches to be visible.

Remember this wreath is an exercise in endurance. Think of it as smocking bishop dress for an elephant. :-)

To begin smocking this smocking design we are going to start in the very center of the pleated wreath.

Bring your threaded needle up one pleat to the left of the center seam on row 5. Stitch a cable stitch.

Continue following the graph.

After you have smocked several trellis stitches, look at your wreath. Can you see your stitches? If you can't see your stitches I recommend to increase your threads to 5 or 6 strands.

When you get to the end of the pleated wreath, Do Not tie off. Leave about a 3 inch tail.

To be continued............

Smocked Christmas Wreath Tutorial Part 1

2009-09-10T09:04:00.010-05:00

Well, I am a week later then what I had projected on started this smocked wreath. My apologies.

I should have anticipated my busy life getting in the way. Here is the link to my first post.

http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/06/smocked-christmas-wreath.html

Today let me go over again with what you will need to make this smocked wreath.

These are the basic supplies. You will also need some polyester batting later on when we get to the construction.

I realized I did not add any embroidery floss into the group picture. You will need embroidery floss. :-)

The first thing you need to decide on is what fabric are you going to use. You will need a 1/2 yard of a light weight fabric that does not have a hard pattern.

The red wreath is made from red Imperial Micro Check.

Okay, what to see some of my mistakes? This was the first wreath I did.

I loved the Christmas print when I bought it but when I pleated it I had all these red blobs on it!

Did I get some different fabric and re-pleat it.........Noooooo! Of course not, I am too stubborn. So this is my Green Red Blob Wreath! :-)

I will give you the smocking design on the red wreath. But you can use any bishop smocking design. The GRB wreath is smocked with my smocking design "China Rose" which is in Sew Beautiful #109.

http://www.sewbeautifulmag.com/issues/issues2006.html

You will also need some sort of decorations for the wreath. But you can leave it plain and it will still be beautiful.

Now is the perfect time to look for decorations. I was at my local craft store and they had all their Christmas decorations out.

The red wreath had plastic Christmas lights. But you can also use miniature Christmas ornaments, Jingle Bells or Buttons. Use your imaginations and the sky's the limit.

These directions are not limited to just Christmas. You can use sports buttons or ceramic buttons and make your wreath something you can use year round.

I think the next one I make will be a Texas wreath. I saw some miniature Texas themed ornaments yesterday. I wonder if I can attach miniature Tabasco bottles? Hmmm.... I will have to think about that.

These are plastic ring that you will use for the back of the wreath. You will need 5 of them.

You will need one 10" metal craft ring. This is also know as a Macrame ring.

If you have children or grandchildren around I highly recommend you get more then one. This way you will not be hunting all over the house for your craft ring when you need it.

In my house these rings have been used for several Circus acts and races down the hall. :-)

Come back tomorrow (God willing and the creek don't rise) and we will start.

Sew Beautiful #126

2009-08-26T00:33:00.010-05:00

The new Sew Beautiful Magazine is out. I love every issue but I think by far this is one of the best. It is packed with everything!

I love the vintage back to school dress. I think I wore a dress like that to school in the 19 ....mumble mumble. Lets just say a while a go. :-)

My dear friend Helen Lively has her smocked sculptures of "Bruce" the rooster and "Maja" the Peacock in the magazine. The pictures are like pictures of the Grand Canyon. The picture look great but it is hard to translate how overwhelmingly majestic they are. She also has a wonderful top for women in this issue.

Also Sew Blessed has her daughters in the magazine. Here is the link to her blog. http://sew-blessed.blogspot.com/

If I was 17 again I would make the Corset cover top by Kathy B.... sigh!

Can You tell I love this issue?!

Here is the link to the sneak peek. http://www.sewbeautifulmag.com/

I have two smocking plates for boys in this issue. The first one is "Airplanes & Rockets"

And the second one is "Robots".

When you get a chance, please let me know how you like the way we have charted these smocking plates in the magazine. Do you like having the stitch count included? Do you need step by step written instructions?

Jada's Christening Gown

2009-08-16T15:01:00.008-05:00

I want to show you one of the projects I have been working on. Jada's Christening Gown.

Jada is the granddaughter of a dear friend, Jackie. Jada is now 7 weeks old and today was her christening.

The dress is made out of Swiss Nelona from Martha Pullen (of course). The slip is made out of Victorian Batiste. The dress is 34" long.

There is 4 rows of french lace that peek out from under the scalloped hem.

I used Cherry Williams square yoke pattern for both the dress and the slip.

It is hard to see but there is a small pink shadow embroidered cross in the center of the dress.

As my Husband says I never finish a project I just give up. I can always find something else to embroider, bead, or add too. Well I "gave up" on this Christening gown at about 2 A.M. this morning.

Here are some pictures of her christening......

Here is the proud grandmother. She sure looks happy!

Here is a close up of the little angel. She looks breath taking in white.

Here a picture of the designer and stylist for the day who had to get her baby fix! Yes, I am taking about me!

And through all the commotion, talking and picture taking Jada fell asleep.

Pleater Thread Box

2009-08-06T16:23:00.018-05:00

I am still super busy but I wanted to show you something that helps me save time. My Pleater Thread Box.

To make one of your own you will need:

Plastic thread box that will hold at least 24 large spools of thread. Thread box need to be wide enough for your pleater to sit on.
1 inch wide sticky back Velcro
spools of quilting thread (this will be your biggest expense)
Ice pick
Gas stove ( if you don't have one find a friend that does)

On the hinge side of the plastic thread box measure up about 3/4-1 inch. Draw a horizontal line across the entire hinge side. I used a washable marker. This is to mark your thread hole line.

You can eyeball the spaces between the holes or you can measure and mark 24 thread holes.

Safety warning! To make the holes you are going to use a ice pick and a gas stove. This is not something to do while you are distracted with small children trying to help, have dinner in the oven or are mad at anyone. :-)

Okay, everyone one calm?:-) Lets continue.........

To make the holes you need to place the end of the ice pick into the flame of the gas stove. This might also work with a gas grill but I have never tried it.

After the ice pick has been in the flames for about a minute or so bring it immediately over to the thread box. Keeping the ice pick straight up and down (if not your holes will be at an angle) place the tip of the ice pick where you want your hole to be.

The ice pick should go through the plastic like butter. You should not have to apply any pressure or use any force. If the ice pick does not go through the plastic very easily then you need to heat the ice pick for a little bit longer.

Reheat the ice pick and repeat the process to make 24 holes.

You might have a little plastic lip or ridge form around the hole but to not worry is can be picked off after the plastic has cooled completely.

Fill your thread box with as many spools of thread you can afford. My thread box has alternating spools of pink and white hand quilting thread.

Look at your spools of thread and find the little notch that is usually on the side of the rim. Place the spools of thread with this notch downward. If not, the thread will catch on this notch while you are pleating.

Note: this thread box use to have 24 spools of thread. I have been cannibalising (taking/stealing /reassigning ownership) from it for other projects. I will replace them when I find a good sale.

Now the hard part. Thread the holes with alternating colors of quilting threads. Leave about a 8 inch tail. If you don't have 24 spools of thread do not worry. Just place the thread you have in alternating colors.

Once you are done. Bring all the ends of the threads together and pull slowly. Is every thing pulling freely? If not make some adjustment till they all do.

Lay all the threads down in front of the pleater box. Take your sticky back Velcro and pull apart the two pieces. One side is soft and fuzzy, this is the loop side. The other side is rougher. This is the Hook side of the Velcro.

Peel the stick back paper off the Hook side of the Velcro. Stick it to the plastic box behind the thread holes you made.

Bring your threads up and lay them separately on the Velcro. The Hook side of the Velcro will act as combs/channels that the thread can travel through.

Take the loop side of the Velcro and place it on top of the Hook side. Press down. You can leave the sticky back tape on or you can remove it and apply a ribbon of your choice or you can replace it with a piece of Sew On Velcro of the same width.

Place your Pleater on top of the thread box and thread your pleater as needed. And your done!

Sneek Peek

2009-08-04T08:48:00.007-05:00

I have got my nose to the grind stone this week. I am trying to complete projects and get ready for a new school year and a new year of Girl Scouts.

My question of the week is "When will retailers figure out that 9 year olds do not need to wear "Crotch Hugger" jeans?

Oh, I better get off my soap box (because I can rant and a rave about this subject for hours) and get back on topic.

I want to tease you with a sneak peek of something for a little boy that is in the next issue of Sew Beautiful. The garment was posted on Martha Pullen's School of Fashion news letter. (Hint it is on page 3.)

http://www.marthapullen.com/newsletter/MPN_072709_p1.html

.

Bonnet Stands

2009-07-30T10:40:00.009-05:00

Several ladies have asked me about the bonnet stand you got a glimpse of in the last post. So here they are.

On my Bonnet Stands and dress stands, I wander around the Home Improvement stores and Craft stores looking to see what I can put together to make a display stand. Sort of like Tinker Toys for Smockers! :-)

Here are the stands without any decoration or bonnets. They're Naked!

These stands are made up of

Wooden candle stick holder
small wooden plaque (base)
Wooden Spool of Thread
A small dowel (you can't see)
Styrofoam ball (your choice of size)
strips of white or cream cotton
Tulle
ribbon
Craft glue

I start out by gluing the candle stick holder to the wooden base. I like to use Tacky Glue.

The Base is so the Bonnet stand won't fall over.

Before you glue the candle stick holder, turn it over and see if it it looks more interesting upside down

I then glued the wooden spool to the top of the candle stick.

Changing the subject....... I have enough old wooden spools. I think my next Bonnet Stand I am going to just stack thread spools at top of each other! That would look Cool. What do you think?

You can't see it but I glued a 3" piece of Dowel Rod to the Wooden Spool. I made sure the Dowel rod would fit into the hole of the Spool. Squirted glue into the Wooden Spool and stuck the dowel into the spool.

The dowel rod will help keep the Styrofoam ball on.

If you are going to paint the Bonnet Stand this would be a good time. Painting mine is on my "To Do" List .........going on 6 years! ....... maybe next week.

I have two different size Styrofoam balls for the head of the Bonnet Stands. Well, actually they start out as the same size but I made them different sizes.

FYI ....A new born's baby's head from ear to ear is about 7-8 1/2 inches. One of these measures 12 inches in circumference (about 7 inches ear to ear) and the other measure 13 1/4 (about 8 1/2" ear to ear).

I bought a Styrofoam ball that was close to that size. To make it larger I wrapped them with strips of light colored cotton cloth. I believe this is cream colored Kona Cotton.

I secured the end of the last strip with a dab of glue.

With a chop stick or other small pointy object, I made a small whole on one end of the Styrofoam ball. You don't want the hole to be too big or the Styrofoam ball will flop around on the stand.

I applied some glue to the Dowel rod that is sticking up from the Wooden spool then impaled the Styrofoam ball .

After everything dries I cover the bonnet stand with Tulle, and secured the tulle with a pretty ribbon

Add the bonnets and I am done!

Well, I better show you another Bonnet Stand in my Sewing room. This one displays something that is dear to my Daughter's heart......... Her Ears!

Isn't she cute! If they would only stay little....sigh.

Wedding Hankie Bonnet

2009-07-25T13:35:00.009-05:00

I want to show you a Wedding Hankie I made about 4 years ago. It was given to someone who married a member of my family.

The marriage did not work out. I won't go into all that on a public forum it would take to long.

Well, this Wedding Hankie still in the box, still in tissue paper, unused was returned to me. I know it was opened because I was at the Bridal shower.

It was meant as an insult. But I took it as "Great! Now I have a Wedding Hanky to make into a bonnet for a shop sample!" :-)

The fabric is Lawn. The finished measurement is 9" squared with a 3/4 " lace. The shadow embroidery is from Martha Pullen's Grandmother's Hope Chest.

So you want to see how I made Lemonade out of the lemons I was given?

I soaked the WH in a Biz bucket and Dreft to wash away the bad vibes and make it pretty again. After it was dry and pressed I laid it over my newborn bonnet stand.

After I made sure the bonnet was even on both sides, I placed a straight pin at the top just so it wouldn't slide off.

In the back I turned up the back about 3 inches. Again, I placed a straight pin to hold it in place and to mark the center back of the bonnet.

The fold line is now the bottom edge of the bonnet.

Now taking the left hand corner, I brought it over just past the center line, The fabric at the top folds in on itself. The bottom edge of the lace is even with the fabric folded bottom edge.

Place a straight pin to hold in place.

Now I took the right hand corner and did the same thing to the right side. After making sure the bottom edges were all lined up, I removed the straight pin on the left hand side and repositioned it. Now the straight pin is going through all the layers holding every thing in place.

With a needle and thread, I tacked the center meeting point of the back bonnet and the lower left and right hand corners. The stitches are meant to be able to be removed so the bonnet can revert back to a Wedding Hanky if needed.

Another option would be to place a small heirloom button at the center back.

I added silk satin ribbons to the sides and I am finished!

Here is another view.

Smocking Shoppe and Louisville

2009-07-19T18:54:00.008-05:00

I just spent the weekend with my family in Louisville, Kentucky.

Of course any trip we plan I have to check out any Heirloom or Smocking shops. While I was in Louisville I spent some time at The Smocking Shoppe. http://www.smockingshop.com/

After getting rid of some money there we went to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. http://www.sluggermuseum.org/ I highly recommend going there! Looking around I do not know who was more excited all the men that were there or the children! :-)

Here is a picture of the giant bat from the parking garage

Here is the ceiling of the Slugger Museum

Here is a picture of Babe Ruth's baseball bat. It was interesting seeing all the notches he added to the bat for each home runs he made. I made the picture clickable so you can get a close up.

I could not take pictures inside the factory where they were making the bats. I am the most uncoordinated, untalented sports person in the world and I found the tour fascinating!

We each received a miniature bat at the end of the tour.

After picking up a personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bat for my daughter, we headed over to the local Minor League Baseball Field. The Louisville Bats. They are a Triple A team .

The Bats were playing the Durham Bulls. I can't help thinking of my two favorite baseball movies... Bull Durham and The Rookie. But I also like A League of their Own and Field of Dreams ( been there also, but that is another story)

Okay, I am a uncoordinated, untalented sports person who loves baseball movies.......... and golf movies. I love Bagger Vance.

This lady was interesting. She was selling very large homemade cookies.

The game went into the 16th inning and it was about 45 degrees. Thank goodness we brought jackets. The Bulls won.

This Matthew McConaugh look-a-like is my hero of the day. This is #21 Jason Childers.

http://www.dbulls.com/cgi-bin/player.cgi?id=590

We are sitting about 3 rows up from 1st base and a foul ball came rolling up the 1st base line. He picked up the ball and threw it to my daughter who had been sitting on the edge of her seat the whole game with her baseball glove on. She caught it without the help of her dad.

You notice the baseball is now immortalized in its own case. She doesn't want the red dirt to rub off. :-)

She had the biggest grin on her face the rest of the evening. Well actually the grin is still there!

The whole weekend was great but when ever I watch a baseball game I am very thankful I am not in charge of the laundry or the mending! :-)

Children's Corner on youtube

2009-07-15T23:22:00.003-05:00

The next best thing to standing behind Lezette Thomason from Children's Corner and looking over her shoulder has been created!

Lezette has so graciously posted videos of her construction help. These videos are a must see!

http://www.childrenscornerinc.com/videos.html

Bullion Cherries

2009-07-15T08:34:00.012-05:00

This one is for Karen who wanted to see bullion Cherries and anyone else who is curious.:-)

Karen, you did say how big you needed the finished bullion to be so I took a guess.

For those who don't know how to make a bullion over pleats, you first start with a Milliner's needle or a Sharp needle. The reason why is the needle is a straight shaft. The eye of the needle does not bulb out on the end the way an Embroidery needle does. As a result your bullion wraps will slide off the end of the needle.

For the Bullion Cherries I am going to work over 4 pleats. I am working with 2 strands of Red (#321) DMC floss. My fabric is white Kona cotton because that is what I had already pleated.

I recommend you practice on a scrap pleated piece before working on your finished garment.

Bring your threaded needle up in the valley between pleats 3 and 4 (counting left to right).

Bring the needle through pleat 4 so your thread is to your right. This is point B.

Count back 4 pleats and bring your needle through all four pleats. The entry point of your needle is point A. Make sure the needle is the same depth through all four pleats. Your floss is now making a half circle from where it came out of the fabric at pleat 4 to the end of the needle.

With the floss on the right hand side, wrap your needle 10 times. It does not matter if you go clockwise or counter clockwise.

Place your thumb (I use my left) over the wraps( apply a slight pressure) and slide the needle through. If your needle does not slide through easily your wraps maybe too tight. If you slightly twist your needle this will loosen the wraps a little.

With your thumb still on the wraps slightly pull the floss tightening the bullion.

Finish the bullion by bringing the needle to the back at point A.

You should have a finished bullion.

To make the base of the Cherry you need to stack three 10 wrap bullions on top of each other.

Now to make the circle around the stacked bullions. First decide where you want the stem of the fruit to be. This will be the starting point of the bullion circle. In the picture above the starting and stopping point is at 10 O'Clock positions as a matter of taste.

Bring your needle up in the valley between two pleat.
Bring the needle through one pleat to your left. This is point B.
Take your threaded needle around as you have done before but this time we are only going through 1 pleat.
Wrap your needle 40 times. I prefer to bring my needle almost all the way though the pleat so that most of the needle is to my right.
Place your thumb over the wraps and gently slide the needle through your wraps.
With your thumb still on the wraps gently tighten the wraps a little.
Remove your thumb from the wraps. You should have a bullion loop.
Place the bullion loop around the 3 stacked bullions.
Place your thumb back over the bullions and gently pull the bullion up around the stacked bullion.
With 1 strand of matching thread, couch down the bullion ring.

Note: needle is only parked above for photography reasons. Finish your bullion circle by bring the needle to the back at point A and tie off.

Create the stem of the cherries by add bullion stems or by stacking cable rows. Add lazy daisy leaves and your done.

If you wanted to turn these bullion cherries into apples. Follow the same directions. When you couch down the bullion circle pull the bottom (6 o'clock position) up slightly.

Stop Lights Smocking Plate

2009-07-13T10:12:00.011-05:00

Here is another Free smocking Plate. This one is "Stop Lights".

I did this design about 3 years ago. The funny thing is, where I live, we do not have any Stop Lights! We have one flashing red light at a 4 way stop but that is it. We do not have any stop lights in the entire county.

The next county over doesn't have any stop light either.

So when they teach drivers education in the High School here they have to drive about 45 minutes to find a stop light.

The usual rules apply to this free smocking plate. ............... It is for personal use. Do not mass produce. Do Not change anything on the design then call it your own.

This outfit is Children's Corner Jeffery. I added 2 inches to the side for diaper room. Then I added elastic to take up the ease.

The fabric is blue micro check.

This design should be clickable to enlarge. Let me know if it is not.

Enjoy! ~Janet

What do you want to see?

2009-07-10T16:38:00.003-05:00

I have been doing most of the talking here for the past 6 weeks. What do you want to see as a tutorial?

- Picture Smocking?
- wedding hanky?
- heirloom sewing?
- Favorite gadgets from my sewing room?
- Pleating?

Please leave me a comment and I will work something up for next week. ~janet

Are you on the Map?

2009-07-08T22:35:00.007-05:00

I wanted to share this 24 hour snap shot map of visitors to my blog.

Can you find yourself on the map? You should be able to enlarge the map by clicking on it.

I just wanted to add, this map makes me very humble and blessed. Thank you!~janet

How I Got Started

2009-07-06T09:02:00.013-05:00

Julia had asked how I got started with Sew Beautiful Magazine so I figured I would share the story with everyone.

The timeline of events doesn't necessary mirror the timeline of the photo in the issues.

My first contact with SB was with the "What's in your Closet-Back to School" pictorial back in 2002. I saw the announcement with a short deadline and sent it this photo.

This is a shortened C/C Bessie with pull on pants. My daughter is 2.

About 5 weeks later I get a letter saying the outfit was selected for Issue #89. The letter says I can send them the garment or if convenient my daughter could model it.

You guessed it!

We drive to Huntsville, AL for the photo shoot!

The photo shoot didn't go very well. Huntsville was getting hit by a hurricane, so the weather was bad. My daughter who was now 2 1/2 was scared to death and wouldn't let go of my neck.

We tried about everything and nothing seemed to work. I finally had an idea and sent my husband back out to the car for the camera he had just put away.

I gave my daughter the camera which she loves and told her to take my picture.

So while I was moving around the photo studio my daughter took my picture while Jennifer of "Jennifer and Company " took pictures.

So if you look at SB # 89 that is the reason why she is holding a camera. Now when Kathy B talks about having trouble photographing a 2 year old I offer her my camera.

Several years later SB is doing another "What's in your closet". This time it is for Easter. I sent in this photo ( my daughter is 4). It was also selected. The dress is from AS&E.

This photo shoot went much better. SB# 100.

About the same time I had read about SB doing pictorials of Smocking guilds. So we decided to give it a try. We sent in several photo of our work and were selected for the summer issue SB #101.

Several months before I sent in some snap shots of an original smocking design I had done. http://www.sewbeautifulmag.com/pages/subguidelines.html

This was in SB #109.

While I was coordinating all the photo shoots and articles with Kathy B from SB she asked be if I would take a consignment job of picture smocking a design they had.

And the rest is history.

Angel wearing the Angel Dress

2009-07-02T22:21:00.005-05:00

Jada Isabella arrived on Monday morning! Her grandmother calls her Jada-bell. Mother and baby are doing great.

Here is the link to her newborn picture which was posted on the hospital web this afternoon.

Jada's mother's name is Rebecca and she was born on June 29, 2009

http://www.sfmc.net/display/familybirthplacebabygallery.nws

The pattern I used was "Mother of Pearl" from AS&E #29. I made the large which is for up to 6 pounds but it fits Jada who is 8 pounds..

The sleeves were done with lace beading joined to lace edging. I ran white ribbons through the beading so the mom could adjust the sleeves.

Back Smocking

2009-07-02T09:02:00.013-05:00

While I am playing chauffeur this week, I usually have something to work on. The most common thing I usually have is a Pleated Insert that needs Back Smocked.

I always Back Smock before I Picture Smock something. Back Smocking is the foundation and support for your work. When I am teaching a class on Back Smocking my favorite explanation is.............

"Back Smocking after you have completed your Picture Smocking Is like Cinderella putting on her underwear after she is already dressed for the Ball~Janet Gilbert"

Another reason to back smock before is, this is what the back of a finished (or almost finished) picture smocked insert looks like. It is very hard to back smock through all those threads. And just back smocking up to the design and not through it, leaves gaps between the pleats on the front.

When I Back Smock I now prefer stitching a Stem Stitch instead of a Cable Row for several reasons

It doesn't leave a distortion on the front.
I don't have to think about what I am doing. Which is great if I am doing this in the car.

Also I very seldom use threads that match my fabric. I have found it reduces eye strain if I use a thread color that is a few shades different from my fabric.

If I am smocking on a white insert I use Ecru or off white thread or navy blue if I am smocking on black. Shown here is Ecru Thread on a white Kona Cotton insert.

If you look to the left hand side of the picture you will see something different I do. I do not tie off my Back smocking until my project is done. The pleating threads are tied off but the Back Smocking threads are not.

The reason for this is, I got tired of unpicking knots! It seemed I was forever making adjustment by a pleat or two or three to fit garment. Whether it is my design or someone Else's I like to tweak things.

Here is the back of an insert I am working on. It is Back Smocked with 2 strands of DMC.

To cut the tediousness back smocking, I divide the Back Smocking up into groups. I usually Back Smock the two ends first, then the middle row. Now I only have 2 sets of two rows left to do. It just seems like less work then 4 rows. :-)

Also by looking at the back of this insert you will see two things......

My tie off knots are never lined up on top of each other. If the knots were lined up it would create a gap in the pleats. Most of the time this is not a problem because the knots are not anywhere close. If it looks close I will tie off my threads early and just restart with new threads.
I also place little safety pins to mark the rows I need to Back Smock. I would prefer not to Back Smock any more rows then I have to.

Have a Great and Safe 4th of July!

Smocked Christmas Wreath

2009-06-30T08:49:00.006-05:00

I am spending this week carpooling for Basketball camp, softball and golf. So there isn't any remarkable smocking or sewing going on to show y'all.

But I did want to give you a peek at an upcoming project I want to walk you through.

I am going to start this tutorial on a Smocked Christmas Wreath the first week in September. It is not hard but it is an exercises in endurance.

The fabric shown is Imperial Micro Check. Any fabric will do but light weight fabric without any definite pattern works the best. If you use something like a Christmas print that has snowman or something on it, by the time it is pleated they just look like blobs and take away from your smocking.

The smocking police will not rip the wreath off your door if you use a quilting cotton. :-) It will just be a bigger wreath.

If you want to look through your stash or see a good sale going on here is the materials list:

1/2 yard of fabric that is on the grain.
5 plastic rings ( like you would use to make Roman shades).
10 inch Craft ring (macrame ring).
Embroidery floss.
Polyester batting.
A sense of humor.
14 plastic Christmas lights.
Satin cording.
Embroidery floss
Ribbon for hanging the wreath

DMC Floss

2009-06-28T16:16:00.015-05:00

Well the Angel dress is finished and has been delivered to the soon to be grandmother. I am praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby girl tomorrow. I hope to have baby pictures in a few days.

Right now I am trying to reorganized my DMC floss which made me think of a story to tell.:-)

Two Christmases ago, my husband couldn't come up with anything I really wanted or needed. He asked for suggestion. I couldn't really think of anything either but then thought why don't you just buy me some embroidery thread.

And he did!

He soon learned on his lunch hour that DMC carries 454 different skeins of floss and 18 variegated. He bought every single color!

Under the Christmas tree I had 5 bags full of floss.

But in the spirit of "If you give a Mouse a Cookie"

If you by a Smocker 472 skeins of floss................

She will need to organize them by wrapping them on little cards.

If she wraps them on little cards she will need to buy those little stick on numbers. (bottom left hand of photo)

If she buys those little stick on numbers, she will find they do not stay stuck to anything but the cat!

If the numbers do not stick then she will need to buy a new thread color chart so she can identify 454 mystery colors.

If she finally gets them all identified she will need to put them in clear organizer boxes.

If she puts them in clear organizer boxes she will discover that they do not fit in the 5 clear organizer boxes that are already filled with DMC Floss.

If they do not fit in the organizer boxes she will just need to buy more.

If she buys more then she will discover they don't fit in her wooden cabinet that holds her organizer.

But she has 472 different colors of DMC floss and she is totally happy and will worry about a new cabinet later.

Here is a link to DMC-USA. On the web site they have a lot of color and number charts as well as comparison charts.

http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/0d01000005/en_US/Home.html