The newest thing I'm enjoying learning and doing (do I really need another new thing to do?) is making daygowns. I got intrigued when I saw the this blog and their website. I bought a couple of things from them and away I go. I started with this gown which had its challenges. Now I've advanced myself whether I'm ready or not.
First was the embroidery. I traced a pattern with my water soluble blue marker.
All finished and washed out . Not bad, eh?
Next, the smocking. I wanted to smock this one, but I've never put anything through my pleater with a slant. I had to take out some pleats on one side to slant it. This is one thing I'll have to get help from Martha, my local smocker. I also think I may have figured it out, so I will also give it a try. But I'm sure glad there's someone in town to help me.
So the smocking isn't as good as I would like it to be. It's not professional, but a good practice piece.
See the whole daygown. Or I guess you could call it a long dress. It's meant to keep a baby warm down over their feet. This dress is made from a Kona cotton. It has a very nice feel to it. I shirred the sleeves to add the gathering. (You're not supposed to do that in old-fashioned gowns). I also French seamed everything.
Someday I'll try entredeux.
I am excited to keep trying and improving on these. Does any baby wear daygowns these days?
Very pretty, and so many old fashioned skills - I was astonished by the phrase " my local smocker". I don't know ANYONE who smocks! I am feeling inspired though: I'm about to start a textured quilt for a blind lady, and smocking would work for one block.
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