(photo recycled from 2009)
This spring bishop I made for Elisabeth last year is still one of most favorite creations!!! I love this dress. It's one of those things that brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. I had seen something similar in a magazine but no pattern accompanied it. So I sat down and figured it out.
(photo recycled from 2009)
Then I went to the local heirloom shop in search of perfect fabric. Barb, the owner, picked this out for me...but I wasn't 100% sure. I got it anyway and headed home. By the time I arrived home, I loved it!!!
(photo recycled from 2009)
I dug through my smocking plates (all 4 of them....really!!!) and found one that was perfect. Next I searched for matching floss and started stitching. It all came together fantastically. I could not have been happier with the end result. And I still love it....and just thought I would share it again!!! Don't you all have a favorite item you made that just makes you smile??? Do share so I don't feel so alone!!!
9 comments:
I love that dress. I do have some favorites that make me smile. One of them is a white sleeveless dress I made for Ahnalin a few years ago. I used the Kaleidoscope pattern from Australian Smocking and Embroidery and it was just wonderful. Thankfully, it still fits her but is a bit short. I need to finish more smocked things for her but I rarely sit still long enough now. Maybe when the apron pattern is done I will finish up some smocked things.
I just love bishop smocked dresses! Elisabeth's is sooooo pretty! I recently pulled out a few smocked dresses I made years ago with hopes that they would now fit my Emily, but it looks like they won't fit until the fall.
That dress is beautiful. I've only made 2 bishops so far. What is your favorite bishop pattern? I used Ellen McCarn's Ultimate bishop but was wondering if there's a lot of difference in some of the others out there.
Thanks ladies. There is just nothing like a smocked dress.
Kelly...I usually use the Ellen McCarn bishop or the Creative Keepsakes bishop trio. The Creative Keepsakes bishop was the very first bishop that I made and I really like the directions with it. With those directions I was able to make the bishop and feel good about it and really understand the process.
Kelly...I just re-read your question about bishops and am not sure I answered your actual question last time. I think the Ellen McCarn bishop has more width in it and therefore has more pleats. I've heard some say it is the best for thinner fabrics and if you are going to do any picture smocking on it. I've also heard the Children's Corner bishop has less fabric in the width and therefore less pleats which lends itself better for thicker fabrics. I have never laid any of the patterns next to each other to see what the pattern pieces look like. But I do know I prefer the Creative Keepsakes directions. Does something in there answer your question for you? If not, ask again and I'll try again. Thanks!
I LOVE this little dress. It's just beautiful!
Thanks, you answered it. I've just been amazed at the number of bishop patterns out there and wondered if I was missing out on something. :)
That is so pretty. I have only done a couple of smocked collars but this makes me want to make another. She looks so sweet in it. I just love your blog. I have an Elisabeth too! And also four children like you. :)
Laura
Thanks ladies!!! I love hearing from each of you....your comments make my day!!!!
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