The Handmade Dress

But first let me announce that the Miss Violet pattern is in the SHOP!!! (Lily wearing the Miss Violet dress) (The real life Violet, andClaire, wearing Miss Violet dresses) For those of you who thought that the honeycomb smocking may be too tricky, let me show you just how easy it really is. Watch this little video, ignore the thick southern accent (I really do hate to hear myself on video), and smock on friends! xo, Sam

As I was making the very last sample of Miss Violet today, and I was so inspired by the way these colors came together with my nail color. It got me thinking that I may need to try bright yellow lazy daisies in between the smocking pleats, or maybe a little seed bead (as suggested by Cindy  on the phone the other day). What other tiny embellishments could be added between the pleats? Do you have any ideas you would like to share? xo, Sam

I did a couple of things different here...First I took the smocking all the way across the front... ....and then I added a dainty cotton lace edging.  Very heirloom, no? Start to finish, even with the extra smocking, it took me just over an hour! To answer some questions, yes, the diaper cover will be included in the pattern. But it will just be a diaper cover not long bloomers. I drafted these to be all one piece with the fold being in the crotch, SO FAST! This little pattern will be very easy to dress up or down, I'm lovin' it! I better get back to work now, Ben is home today to play with Claire. Any more questions or suggestions? xo, Sam

 View A is a dress/gown that has the feel of a smocked bishop (but in two hours or less!). The smocking is done using dots, no pleater or fuss. I did this in about 15 minutes. This was the first Miss Violet. I made it when Claire was just a few weeks old. This one is just simple and sweet with no smocking. When I was looking back through antique baby layettes in some of my old books I noticed a lot of peasant style dresses with ties. I loved the simplicity of the soft batiste fabrics and sweet little gathered gowns. Ha! I thought she was chubby then! This will probably be my new go-to baby gift for a while. I am considering taking the sizing up since many of you asked about that. But how old is too old? Maybe it should be just a shirt for older girls? I need to get this nailed down in the next few days so let me know what you think! Thanks friends. :) xo, Sam 

Yeah, I know I'm supposed to start off with View A, but let's mix it up a bit! I'm so excited about this pattern! This pattern will have no buttonholes, plackets, zippers, or gathering.... It can be made with or without the honeycomb smocking (how to included in the pattern).... It is designed to be used with thin fabrics like batiste, voile, etc...It can be made to look very heirloom! FAST! Little girls look adorable in it, and like to wear it. :) So far it is drafted/ graded from newborn to 18 months. Now I need your help mamas! Speak now or forever hold your peace! Gimmee some feedback.....What do you think? What would you change? What do you want to know? xo, Sam