tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33705610660143244952024-03-14T03:16:49.960-04:00Smocking with GwenMaking Memories - One Stitch at a TimeSmocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-41197758155353277952018-02-20T15:59:00.001-05:002020-02-07T15:40:25.603-05:00<h2>
Life.....goes on.</h2>
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The end of 2017 brought immeasurable heartache to my family. My life felt as if I was spiraling out of control with little hope of righting myself. My daughter, Aimee, has been my most ardent cheerleader and along with her I will be back on track again with new purpose. To reinvent myself and get back again into enjoying my ability to create artful things again. The loss of my Dave to a sudden heart attack in November left our little family reeling and we are slowly regaining our footing. Aimee has encouraged me to again get back to what will make the minutes and hours fly by. </div>
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First will be to look at some of my out-of-print designs and rework, reinvent and update the overall look of my designs.</div>
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First on the list in the 1985 Cinderella. </div>
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The new version will have an updated computer generated color graphs and a bit of added dimension which will give it a more modern look. I was surprised to see that I had done this draft for the new Cinderella in 2010. </div>
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This little befeathered horse can be stitched facing right or left. I can’t decide which direction I like best. Which direction would indicate “going to” or “leaving the ball”? <br />
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I have a great need to move forward with the challenge of turning “we” into “me” as my new normal.</div>
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The Fairy Tale doesn’t always end the way you think it will. </div>
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Happy Smocking! </div>
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Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-43904038964595329842015-03-07T19:16:00.000-05:002018-02-23T13:58:44.731-05:00Sharing Cinderella.....Circa 1985<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is for those that have so graciously asked many times about my Cinderella Design plate. As I do know that the original design will not be published again, I think sharing it might be a good idea. It was first published in 1985 at my daughter's request. As you can imagine, Granddaughter Emma wore a Cinderella dress and it was one of her favorites. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With focusing on family in recent years, it was so frustrating not to get things done as I had planned. However, after so many requests for it, I just thought that it should be shared. Now comes the problem. Remembering how to add photos to this blog and have them readable. So, in that light, I have tried to create pages that you might use to recreate the design. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Cinderella design is not a complex design but I think that it is probably an intermediate level for most smockers. I hope that the photos that I have prepared will give you enough information to smock this design for someone special. Here you will find the graph and stitch-by-stitch instructions taken from the original design plate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hope that those that have asked about this design can find it here. I love smocking and really love seeing it being enjoyed as our Miss Emma so often did. The dress she is wearing is actually one done by a commercial manufacturer who used the Cinderella design with a few changes...without permission and without any design credit. Oh well, Miss Emma wore Cinderella and totally enjoyed it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Happy Smocking,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Gwen</span></div>
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Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-37235819557314340292013-05-01T15:13:00.000-04:002013-05-01T15:17:38.534-04:00Designing isn't always easy.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been ages since I posted anything that I thought was "worthy" of anyone's attention. Lately I seem to find myself running away from anything creative and I'm not at all sure why. EXCEPT that my sewing space is still under construction as everything seems to take priority over the drudgery of manual labor! I am ever so hopeful that I will be back in my space soon! That being said, I do have a project that I must get done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again, the gremlins are hard at work and what I thought to be a pretty easy design has become the most frustrating of tasks. First, knowing that I was spending a few weeks in Tennessee to help my daughter get through the last few weeks of classes and her finals, I packed my supplies....any I didn't have, I could buy in Tennessee....right? Well, I packed a pleater than I'd never used before....my.Mother-in-Law's Pullen pleater. Have you ever NEEDED A PLEATED INSERT RIGHT NOW-only to have the unfortunate luck to either have dull needles or something the gremlins are having a laugh fest about! After breaking 6 needles trying to pleat an insert, the GREMLINS WON......almost. I did manage to pleat enough of a panel to work on a design if I can only get my mind off tracking down and doing away with those gremlins!!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The new design is getting done....at a much slower pace. My graph paper actually came in handy for this design. I normally just put needle and thread to fabric to begin a design idea. Right now, I'm pretty sure what the design will center around and am trying to get some cute inspiration for borders because I always have trouble with that ever so important design element that frames the design. I am, however, one that thinks if the central design is so busy and "important", I will not take the emphasis away by creating a complicated border. Back to work for me...... please wish me luck!! </span></div>
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<br />Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-24812925496966118262011-03-10T17:55:00.003-05:002011-03-10T18:44:34.083-05:00Cinderella....inspiration as old as the Fairy Tale<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>When I think of what inspires me to create a smocking design, I have to say the ideas come from everywhere. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Before I started designing smocking designs, I actually had time to make special birthday cakes for my daugher Aimee. While looking through a special recipe box recently, I came across a photo of Aimee's fourth birthday cake.....<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cinderella!</span></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>The "carriage" is made using a sugar mold intended to make those wonderful Easter panorama sugar eggs. It is nestled in a bed of pastel roses. The "wheels" of the carriage are actually the top rims of small Dixie Cups. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>I only wish I had saved the Cinderella topper. Aimee wanted to play with it and we all know how that turns out. It was a beautiful plastic figurine made by Wilton but was a copy of a porcelain Cinderella figurine by Lladro. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>Sadly, I have to say, I don't think we will see this quality in a simple little cake topper. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>Wilton still has the sugar molds. </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>So....would you consider this to be "Vintage" as it was thirty years ago? Like so many wonderful stories....it is vintage, but in the most special way!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>This little cake was such a special memory and </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><strong>that's what it was meant to be.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbcZE-SRLVKBb_ZrYMJbO9R8FLCKHq03cf-bw3BSxtKhYoD0dD9BPgFW3nPNKZemlaiuVqvTSzXuiuRFaxy94p4xQ4Qap6fKHGmAWn-44fEGvgmPgmATNq3rP_-5n1Ydm3c04e5dizw/s1600/hollow+sugar+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbcZE-SRLVKBb_ZrYMJbO9R8FLCKHq03cf-bw3BSxtKhYoD0dD9BPgFW3nPNKZemlaiuVqvTSzXuiuRFaxy94p4xQ4Qap6fKHGmAWn-44fEGvgmPgmATNq3rP_-5n1Ydm3c04e5dizw/s200/hollow+sugar+eggs.jpg" width="195" /></span></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Smocking!</span></span></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Gwen</strong></span></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-27239024979528539412010-12-26T18:28:00.005-05:002010-12-27T12:39:45.328-05:00A Christmas Tassel<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>I know that there are times when I see something </strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">special and </span><span style="color: #b45f06;">I need to buy two or more of whatever it is. </span><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><em>Why?</em></span> </span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Because.....I may not be able to find it again. </strong></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>I only bought one of these Nativity ornaments at <em>Hobby Lobby</em>. </strong></span><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">It was half-price....$2.50</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>As expected.....there were no more! </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Never buy just one!!!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EbhYeHZ9S5J7t9kH_UuubkS_X8QMuEnGl6GY_2WzfujlNepA073k0FSPQUCIbB634fKBcRSu_jC8SriFpu2yFetLZ2dY5tTNjvYdFtNcHUE_LVPpOQFh5xBvU-4gAaQpd9v6qA1tqQ/s1600/IMG_4454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549904364304465778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EbhYeHZ9S5J7t9kH_UuubkS_X8QMuEnGl6GY_2WzfujlNepA073k0FSPQUCIbB634fKBcRSu_jC8SriFpu2yFetLZ2dY5tTNjvYdFtNcHUE_LVPpOQFh5xBvU-4gAaQpd9v6qA1tqQ/s640/IMG_4454.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="433" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">I had seen and actually purchased what I call a </span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong>"<em>Froo-Froo Fussy</em> <em>Tassel</em>." </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><strong>Of course thinking that I would eventually attempt to make one</strong></span>. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Now for the story behind my making </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Christmas Tassels......</span></div><br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: #b45f06;">My sister Sue is the</span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><em>Master of Christmas Creations</em>. <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: small;">S</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;">he creates some of the most beautiful wreaths and such that I never wanted to bring anything to her Open House Sale that might compete. So this year... at the last minute....of course...I thought that I could make some Christmas tassels. . </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">It seemed possible since they were made from ribbon. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">Of course....I have ribbon! </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">R</span><span style="color: #e69138;">i</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">b</span><span style="color: #45818e;">b</span><span style="color: #a64d79;">o</span><span style="color: #674ea7;">n</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">!</span></strong></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong><em>An absolutely beautiful, soft, flowing piece of tactile therapy!</em></strong></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><strong><em>It is a collection...not necessarily to be handed down...but a collection never the less. I have ribbon that it would break my heart to cut. Seriously...... </em></strong></span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;">If you are a sewista, sewer, seamstess or just a crafter, you probably buy ribbon....well, because it's </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Ribbon......</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysx3YgpAuPIbV_ccQh4DW1Y_jLnUm1nqJqHIxS3TwSeV8ZaQfB4VRMZgzo02VaLjpU9Sp_oo70WtxcfRPoL2Rf4q55OpuevAbZTpq8Iyoi7naHp0ozdo9ATE0BWniZEMRBMPkJggBAg/s1600/IMG_4451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549904354650165106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysx3YgpAuPIbV_ccQh4DW1Y_jLnUm1nqJqHIxS3TwSeV8ZaQfB4VRMZgzo02VaLjpU9Sp_oo70WtxcfRPoL2Rf4q55OpuevAbZTpq8Iyoi7naHp0ozdo9ATE0BWniZEMRBMPkJggBAg/s640/IMG_4451.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 265px;" width="265" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Ribbon Tassel Instructions</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><em>You will need:</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> -</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><strong>An Ornament with firmly attached hanging hook/loop-</strong></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>-Four or five different ribbons in graduated widths-</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>-Eyelash yarn-</strong></span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">So with my stash of ribbon, I began this experiment. Keep in mind that for the most part, I don't like "exact" measurements when crafting and more often than not use the "TLAR" method.......</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">"That Looks About Right"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">You will start layering ribbon starting with your longest ribbon loops first, working "up" the tassel. Cut 6 to 8 lengths of each ribbon for the layered loops. A "ringer" is added in the center using a bead or jingle bell as a weight. I found small ribbon garland at <em>Big Lots</em> that worked for this...just removed extra beads from a 10 to 12 inch lengh of ribbon garland. This nativity tassel was the smallest one that I made with the longest ribbon being cut 12 to 14 inches. The second ribbon was cut 10 to 12 inches and the third 6 to 8 inches. The last row of ribbon which is a focal point of the tassel, cut to a length that works in relation to the ornament that will finish the tassel. The finishing touch to the tassel will be the eyelash yarn glues around the base of the ornament. Use 3 to 4 strands of eyelash (also sometimes called "fun fur")yarn together, crochet a chain stitch approximately 6 to 8 inches, depending on the size of the ornament base. Fluff the yarn to release all the lashes/furry strands.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Each different "layer" of ribbon were gathered using a zig-zag stitch over DMC pearl cotton thread. Zig-zag the raw/cut edges in groups by length. I did not used a wooden core, such as empty wooden spool of thread ....which would have worked better to be honest. I gathered each row of ribbon and using hot glue, glued them together...working up the tassel. To help hold the tassel while working, I used a gallon starch jug covered with aluminum foil to prevent the hot glue from sticking. The weight of the starch in the jug helped it from tipping over. Make sure the last layer of ribbon is level and flat so when the ornament is attached, the tassel will hand straight and level. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">This was a quick guide....if you need more information, please let me know.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas and may your home be blessed with love and happiness in the coming year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Happy Smocking....and other stuff!</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Gwen</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong></strong></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-5820359786904210992010-12-08T20:02:00.035-05:002010-12-08T22:54:44.095-05:00Christmas is for Sharing.....Santa Design and Graphs<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCf3ejR9Y7npQRRtDtvxoofxYV0U62sX4AEEgiTaOk0fGwlsmSwIjCebu_9nak8geAh53hJgo5Jdj0VYi9DYsqO-_W3yiRnKAzEqIKhhv9BHfVnO6F19HzaYFGIp5V9MImqrb3v1AyZA/s1600/Austin+sweet+smile0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 555px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548495951862602930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCf3ejR9Y7npQRRtDtvxoofxYV0U62sX4AEEgiTaOk0fGwlsmSwIjCebu_9nak8geAh53hJgo5Jdj0VYi9DYsqO-_W3yiRnKAzEqIKhhv9BHfVnO6F19HzaYFGIp5V9MImqrb3v1AyZA/s400/Austin+sweet+smile0001.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>This is a design that I did years ago. Years ago when I was publishing designs....when time seemed to be more plentiful.... when just getting that sudden creative energy was enough to make me want to spend hours stitching. </strong></p><br /><p align="center"><strong>The original design was done for <em>The Smocking Arts Magazine</em> in 1986. I did a variation of this design for Austin when he was three years old. At times I feel that I'm in a time machine.....where have the years gone?</strong></p><p align="center"><strong></strong><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-bKNifdnMBlXo-riQXBqAucAoegXGLxvYxpf384K8RP6BitNJdj1S55IL34-VgBsCeS6JZgY_-RFfhtV2Q55EnMjSbuS6DDKUbeghv2Uk3yuaTGDqMrpflPUEm3_0F_KiWMyCqw3gQ/s1600/Austin+sweet+smile0003.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 420px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 573px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548489402848012530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-bKNifdnMBlXo-riQXBqAucAoegXGLxvYxpf384K8RP6BitNJdj1S55IL34-VgBsCeS6JZgY_-RFfhtV2Q55EnMjSbuS6DDKUbeghv2Uk3yuaTGDqMrpflPUEm3_0F_KiWMyCqw3gQ/s400/Austin+sweet+smile0003.bmp" /></a><br /><strong>Austin's romper is smocked on Spechler-Vogel Imperial broadcloth insert, Children's Corner "Jeffrey" romper and Spechler-Vogel featherwale corduroy plaid. Santa also has blue pants.<br /></strong><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLBgndy0f3k7rEPdORpiULFoLEf6zXAZVHb-ZXt3A3QctxsvpL_R7RN5q47OPxhCdDN7Gba3gqXFfQwEKFzhbM0I2F4Q6oRWy3Ola1rnAYetEW4M_EqgvXlB3lcU8n_7S8zMt-_2euA/s1600/Christmas+is+for+Sharing+Color+front.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 372px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548489396037739586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLBgndy0f3k7rEPdORpiULFoLEf6zXAZVHb-ZXt3A3QctxsvpL_R7RN5q47OPxhCdDN7Gba3gqXFfQwEKFzhbM0I2F4Q6oRWy3Ola1rnAYetEW4M_EqgvXlB3lcU8n_7S8zMt-_2euA/s400/Christmas+is+for+Sharing+Color+front.jpg" /></a> This <em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Santa</span> </span></em>is one that is much easier to smock that you might expect. </div><div align="center">The body is symmetrical which requires less counting and positioning of stitches. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Basic Instructions </strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></div><div align="justify">The design is worked over 12 rows. Pleat 14 rows. Begin border with a 2-step, half-space trellis beginning on row 2, working between rows 1 and 2; and row 11, working between rows 11 and 12. Use 3 or 4 strands of embroidery floss. Use the number of strands that will create a stacked figure with 5 rows of smocked cables beginning on one gathering row and ending on the next gathering row. See graphs. Arrows indicate stitching direction of smocked rows. Turn work as arrows change direction. Numbers on cable rows indicate consecutive stitches in the same floss color. Read graph colors from left to right. Red arrow-lines indicate where to end stitch (tie-off) sequence. Restart/continue smocking as indicated on graph. Note on graphs where satin stitch bars are worked over 1 or 2 pleats. Red dashed lines indicate backsmocking across back of work when moving over three or more pleats. When picture smocking, you must backsmock every row for support of characters except for front border design rows. These instructions are abbreviated, without cable-by-cable written text, in the hopes that this design with larger, more detailed color graphs will be sufficient to create this design.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Eyes for all figures are French knots wrapped 5 times in black/brown. Santa's mouth is a French knot wrapped 5 times in pink floss. Santa's belt buckle is a lazy daisy stitch in gold/yellow floss. Rabbit ears are lazy daisy stitches with pink straight stitch fill. "Snow" is randomly placed satin stitches over 2 pleats. </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Santa is worked across 38 pleats.</div><div align="center">Click graphs to enlarge.</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2kb4t_YhdtpGwLDgP2LKaLLeETmuN7mA_6mZA2Gct2x2QKu9MELSwPWEGALzqTNvONcRNl0HMHRdba2rCXpPmSz41yLKdcALFuJFROzIqaeorkiVsDU_dPAGFy9l3BafY3CsjwMXGA/s1600/Santa+graphy+for+Christmas+is+Sharing.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 345px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548489393060097042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2kb4t_YhdtpGwLDgP2LKaLLeETmuN7mA_6mZA2Gct2x2QKu9MELSwPWEGALzqTNvONcRNl0HMHRdba2rCXpPmSz41yLKdcALFuJFROzIqaeorkiVsDU_dPAGFy9l3BafY3CsjwMXGA/s400/Santa+graphy+for+Christmas+is+Sharing.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</strong></span></div><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><div align="center"><br /></span>This reindeer is smocked across 25 pleats. In the variation that I did for Austin's romper, I smocked this reindeer in reverse on the right side of the smocked insert.<br /></strong><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyybmVBNWkc1IlvJN3ILeoZIL5Tij7gIwuZs0uoHUCTMvGWuQbKRrDxLBwS4JuD43Ku9US-OWarZmXApgqnirNF1lGgIDkT15cq7F59qYjrQs1Fe7Zu_crW0RH4WUGcV2RI-VGZLRCNg/s1600/Reindeer+graph+for+Christmas+is+Sharing.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 478px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548489381564732610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyybmVBNWkc1IlvJN3ILeoZIL5Tij7gIwuZs0uoHUCTMvGWuQbKRrDxLBwS4JuD43Ku9US-OWarZmXApgqnirNF1lGgIDkT15cq7F59qYjrQs1Fe7Zu_crW0RH4WUGcV2RI-VGZLRCNg/s400/Reindeer+graph+for+Christmas+is+Sharing.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /></strong></span><br /><strong>The third character is a little rabbit that is smocked across 18 pleats.<br /><br /></strong></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNurnhamT8VF80MEIPtxF97Br3Tvd-wCSolhkBCvh7Nz_xsU36gx2BcvHt18NzBdy0XBjajG6r5nk8woHPKiFXx-TuprPgrmYTaEDrlOq0IVeE5bPbrhyT76-57IgbJCWRn7-sM14Hw/s1600/Rabbit+graph+for+Christmas+is+sharing.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548489379178836098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNurnhamT8VF80MEIPtxF97Br3Tvd-wCSolhkBCvh7Nz_xsU36gx2BcvHt18NzBdy0XBjajG6r5nk8woHPKiFXx-TuprPgrmYTaEDrlOq0IVeE5bPbrhyT76-57IgbJCWRn7-sM14Hw/s400/Rabbit+graph+for+Christmas+is+sharing.jpg" /></a><strong>Time seems to slip away and my productivity seems to be lacking at times....which is so frustrating. However, I always have a design just waiting for it's turn at my work table. I <em><span style="color:#cc0000;">KNOW</span></em> that </strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><em>Rapunzil</em></span><strong> will get done...right after the "new" Cinderella. </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>I would very much appreciate any feedback....<em><span style="color:#000000;">please</span></em>....regarding how much you like or dislike these new graphs. Also, I would be interested to know how many smockers prefer the cable-by-cable text. In trying to create new designs, with the limitations of a single page, I wonder if larger more detailed graphs would be favored or text. </strong></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Merry Christmas</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Gwen</span></strong></div><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><strong></strong><strong><div align="justify"><br /><br /></div></strong><div align="center"></div></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-78498421839643076212010-09-16T17:09:00.121-04:002010-09-19T14:20:17.032-04:00Emma wears Ashley Ann Design<div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lgU-ZQwXvTqJZgfy4cMTKQmGWreUMVSQrt37xzlFv1hb6V1Q8IFOKkegtcj1CdPP17LhXUHbI8M-kVBgHbOzPc99E078bE2CdlIyhI7syhOYn68ewYfaq32B4U7DfzV1QIzLc3o-XA/s1600/IMG_2871-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517651531077939682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1lgU-ZQwXvTqJZgfy4cMTKQmGWreUMVSQrt37xzlFv1hb6V1Q8IFOKkegtcj1CdPP17LhXUHbI8M-kVBgHbOzPc99E078bE2CdlIyhI7syhOYn68ewYfaq32B4U7DfzV1QIzLc3o-XA/s320/IMG_2871-1.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div></div><p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"><span style="color:#6666cc;"><em><strong>Ashley Ann</strong></em></span><span style="color:#666666;">,<span style="font-size:100%;"> is a smocking design plate that I designed many years ago. </span></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="color:#333333;">However, as with all heirloom smocking, it really is</span><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Timeless</em></span></span><span style="color:#333333;">. This little dress is such a sweet one that I think is fairly easy to create. I would rank the design between beginner and intermediate skill level.</span> </span></div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3pnk7PVOOdRL6UZ_B1veYYQ9-joHCjFyLY0USqvcIai2BF6hIe4qMac4W-21aUeFZISI9BOehYW3Ghud6O1CJwnXfsCCOCaVbjB9dYVVJF6vBtPwOkumVPXdXOJCZn6Tpn0rB7WdUA/s1600/Emma+wears+Ashley+Ann+Design+shadow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 368px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517651523666151874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3pnk7PVOOdRL6UZ_B1veYYQ9-joHCjFyLY0USqvcIai2BF6hIe4qMac4W-21aUeFZISI9BOehYW3Ghud6O1CJwnXfsCCOCaVbjB9dYVVJF6vBtPwOkumVPXdXOJCZn6Tpn0rB7WdUA/s320/Emma+wears+Ashley+Ann+Design+shadow.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center"><br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="color:#333333;">The design is a good one for anyone that has never tried picture smocking. The tiny little flowers and leaves are settled in the waves of the design using the stacking technique used for creating picture smocking. The only recommendation that I would make is that you begin at the back of the bishop as your flowers will improve with practice.</span><br /></div></span><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><br /></p><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v-n7qb_eXmN0QWFIwF14M4CpFR0bgchLLf0pQygQWwkLe4xROky4VlNTzrgocdw2RagkYnwreCqeQ4dfsqstewvEA3Sdqyyihi1_ylOcn6aKpwf0_LviS1qpiLhR0bRaj6ikISOisg/s1600/Ashley+Ann+Blue+Insertion+detail+copyright.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517650906728025330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v-n7qb_eXmN0QWFIwF14M4CpFR0bgchLLf0pQygQWwkLe4xROky4VlNTzrgocdw2RagkYnwreCqeQ4dfsqstewvEA3Sdqyyihi1_ylOcn6aKpwf0_LviS1qpiLhR0bRaj6ikISOisg/s320/Ashley+Ann+Blue+Insertion+detail+copyright.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="color:#333333;">The Swiss embroidered insertion dictated the colors used for the smocking. The embroidered vine with blue buds made choosing colors easy. The Delft blue and soft greens were a perfect jumping off point for creating this bishop style dress. The lace beading, Swiss embroidered insertion and lace edging were attached using heirloom machine techniques. Pick your embroidered insertion and match your floss colors for a quick start to beginning a special little dress.</span> </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gO9C2gup2SFmOuLZ06GLmMGW0VjtPMXIAZJ_kG7lXFGIDDHgPEvvwbn3cwqnZ0NRW9nDh9ndhjnI-zDYP7ChfZwsMag5ODIIsi3DwKAZjgbLD648uXYExJkH9fpkFuOvruizgZ5gZg/s1600/Emma+AA+bishop.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 378px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517650887537506274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gO9C2gup2SFmOuLZ06GLmMGW0VjtPMXIAZJ_kG7lXFGIDDHgPEvvwbn3cwqnZ0NRW9nDh9ndhjnI-zDYP7ChfZwsMag5ODIIsi3DwKAZjgbLD648uXYExJkH9fpkFuOvruizgZ5gZg/s320/Emma+AA+bishop.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="color:#333333;">Miss Emma posed sweetly.....well, at least for a very short time.</span><br /></span><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQFbyBbKTzONe9h6AE8ij2m3P8C3d7dy2gv-OxbpwHTlaDfjVBUzSZzDJKqEGCWUwVJKlhF7E41Cqybj31tuwMA_cnTPmQTm6CC3btmd_35bBlTN9RaOojXe7sXQkGboteLvRVWUwkw/s1600/AA+group+shadow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 374px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 452px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517650871206406146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQFbyBbKTzONe9h6AE8ij2m3P8C3d7dy2gv-OxbpwHTlaDfjVBUzSZzDJKqEGCWUwVJKlhF7E41Cqybj31tuwMA_cnTPmQTm6CC3btmd_35bBlTN9RaOojXe7sXQkGboteLvRVWUwkw/s320/AA+group+shadow.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#333333;"> While this dress is done in Martha Pullen's white Swiss Nelona Batiste, the published design was worked using Spechler-Vogel Watercolor Blue Imperial Broadcloth. The colors of white, blue, pink and green were chosen to create a design that was....</span> <div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>"</strong></span><span style="color:#ff6666;">A</span><span style="color:#6666cc;">ll</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Gi</span><span style="color:#6666cc;">rl</span><strong><span style="color:#009900;">"</span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#333333;"><span style="font-size:180%;">....</span>just as Ashley Ann was. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#333333;">The design was also used on a dress stitched in an almost monochromatic colorway on Spechler-Vogel Peach Imperial Broadcloth. </span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#666666;"><br /></div></span><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-d_hsYeVGB3-xlek6CBbH1wBG0W4bLFVgB2KXEr7Ij3ABYT4Xdy1Bh8X_JWeyT5TknDPjYyITAPn7BMuNLUI2zD1vzHiiTnd3JATKRULYAOLDn1RmArCtsEPF5V71LVbwgU0S3sLtA/s1600/AA+in+pink.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 255px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517650856736435650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-d_hsYeVGB3-xlek6CBbH1wBG0W4bLFVgB2KXEr7Ij3ABYT4Xdy1Bh8X_JWeyT5TknDPjYyITAPn7BMuNLUI2zD1vzHiiTnd3JATKRULYAOLDn1RmArCtsEPF5V71LVbwgU0S3sLtA/s320/AA+in+pink.jpg" /></a> <span style="color:#333333;">As with so many smocking projects, I think choosing colors is probably the most difficult. The first "draft" of this design was done in multi-colors. After finishing the design on pink broadcloth, it reminded me more of colors you might find in an Easter Basket. Cute, but not what I had intended. I wanted a design that was soft and sweet....so I changed the colorway to white, blue, pink and green. </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1IfAxb_qj9is_lpLbQObv_L_FVLKG_gGI9AV_VwkdhYweDAGttStydICXIUqjtHZlMQZjFqTafX2y_oA4dHFL44fleMtmTe09QkKZjYekbCY9yBTPytykb1_rS_pJDpWDgWafO57ZQ/s1600/Girls+shadow.jpg"></a><span style="color:#333333;"><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></span><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6666cc;"><em>Ashley Ann</em></span> <span style="color:#333333;">is a real little girl that grew up. A few years ago she graduated from the University of Florida with a Master's Degree in International Business. How fast the years pass!!! How to name a design is always a challenge because there are so many designs and yet you always want a name that everyone can remember. In an effort to have designs that were memorable, I began naming them after children of my friends. It guarantees that I think of them often.<br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;">Happy Smocking,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gwen </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">OOps!</span> </span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"><em></em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"><em>Almost forgot to mention that ...</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"><em><span style="color:#6633ff;">Ashley Ann Design Plate<strong>...</strong></span> </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#666666;"><em>is available through retail shops. </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-20249139446379795752010-08-18T17:41:00.048-04:002010-08-19T12:56:57.776-04:00Picture Smocking Graph Paper....to share<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8on8PU0GDgUwZKZ0XI2Zw5RGbBW7eJD2JSWk15ktzuD6AAuD0ueoHiwVy1K2UHaMb1wUdy8df4si5K2BRQ-_aAgi5RH10SnkprARh1_g1V1RELo1FvRVFcovLMuwd9DxugEPaNavJWA/s1600/Graph+Paper+Photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 332px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507142359453405794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8on8PU0GDgUwZKZ0XI2Zw5RGbBW7eJD2JSWk15ktzuD6AAuD0ueoHiwVy1K2UHaMb1wUdy8df4si5K2BRQ-_aAgi5RH10SnkprARh1_g1V1RELo1FvRVFcovLMuwd9DxugEPaNavJWA/s400/Graph+Paper+Photo.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="justify">This summer has been packed with fun with my <span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff9966;">Grands</span>! The house is quite....too quite....and I need to get busy working through designs that are long overdue. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="justify">In doing this, I'm amazed that I was able to get things done twenty years ago in record time that take me <span style="color:#ff9966;"><span style="font-size:130%;">FOREVER</span> </span>today! That being said, I've had a productive few days working out the "kinks" in the revision of my Cinderella design. Who would have thought that putting Cinderella "in the coach" would be so tricky. I'm not complaining!! Twenty five years ago, all the graphs that I put into my designs were <span style="font-family:georgia;">hand drawn</span>. Thankfully, my light table sits alone in the corner of my basement collecting dust. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center">Bonus is that in the process of "taking a break" from the tediousness of creating the Cinderella graphs with horses and a carriage full of stitches, I made</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"> <span style="color:#ff6666;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Picture Smocking Graph Pape</span>r</span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="justify">I've used it in the past for small designs....usually the things I do are much too large for a single piece of paper...and decided this was definitely something that I can share. This little sheet of paper also took some time as with my graphs, the "scale" of my individual "cable" stitch was made to create a graph that closely resembles what the actual smocked figure will look like. If you're a smocker and have stitched a variety of different designer's work, you know that no two are alike. I have no explanation for this fact. In fact, I am changing my graphs to combine the color graph and the "numbered graph". Hopefully this will make picture smocking easier. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="justify">I, not being too blogging savvy, haven't been able to figure out how to link my pdf.doc of the graph paper to this particular post. Anyone with tips or tricks to share....I would be so thankful for your help. Until then, anyone wanting the pdf download .... just leave your email address and I will send it. The pdf.doc prints quite nice as you can see if you click the photo. I have so much to learn!</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy Smocking</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gwen</span></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com185tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-57919265137590612312010-06-06T15:31:00.021-04:002010-09-18T15:44:52.660-04:00Finding Prince Charming<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAvPgmSsjrtJpaTpYjTGI2FUsnj3jNcNZTuOcepVQ-eTBzOXnGxSQg55KlaZmBPYR5hQRKh23yRdA7m9fSx8t0HkCXGJ4WUCod8TCzC456QGNRfclPfGnwiE2rek4AMfeGeXSRV31mQ/s1600/Emma+and+Prince+Charming.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 429px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479759545040419042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAvPgmSsjrtJpaTpYjTGI2FUsnj3jNcNZTuOcepVQ-eTBzOXnGxSQg55KlaZmBPYR5hQRKh23yRdA7m9fSx8t0HkCXGJ4WUCod8TCzC456QGNRfclPfGnwiE2rek4AMfeGeXSRV31mQ/s400/Emma+and+Prince+Charming.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#3333ff;"> </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Sometimes meeting the right guy </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">can make </span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">dinner just ever so nice. </span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Emma loves her Princess dresses.....so (sigh) I've resigned myself to not killing<br />myself to create a one-of-a-kind Disney smocked dress for our annual trip to Disney. </span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuEJm7hHCqk7kjcaxc1icCAx57pOfFThrlei5pYjonSbo1njdtK19Ax7ieWeJb5jWIfBcw5PF6WCX_PD4GcKWtDqGjL2CFlK1CvSD1EBYNc5KQDNpe7T33iE8SfzyYpgzWOaKo9oxxg/s1600/Cinderella+2010+in+Coach.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479758634671368482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuEJm7hHCqk7kjcaxc1icCAx57pOfFThrlei5pYjonSbo1njdtK19Ax7ieWeJb5jWIfBcw5PF6WCX_PD4GcKWtDqGjL2CFlK1CvSD1EBYNc5KQDNpe7T33iE8SfzyYpgzWOaKo9oxxg/s400/Cinderella+2010+in+Coach.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">I've tried many different character arrangements and still haven't decided on one. There are so many choices and so little space. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">However</span><span style="color:#3333ff;">, she has requested the newest Cinderella on a pink sundress....</span><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">"So Nana, I can play in it!"</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">I have been working on a new Cinderella for some time and</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">keep reivising to the point of being silly. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Since the original Cinderella smocking design layout of the </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em><span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>oach, White <span style="font-size:180%;">H</span>orse and <span style="font-size:180%;">C</span>inderella </em></span><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#3333ff;">is what Emma prefers, then I will probably be sticking with that. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></em></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#666666;"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">It also seems to be one most "borrowed" (illegally) by an "un-named" Boutique Smocking Company also. </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Truthfully, that has been my hesitation in creating another design.....</span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">only to have it stolen....manufactured in El Salvador and sold for $35. on</span></em></span><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#666666;">Ebay after everyone hits their warehouse sale.</span> </span></em></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6633ff;">Oh well........must keep stitching regardless of unscrupulous people!!!!</span></p><p align="center"></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><em>Hugs and Happy Smocking, </em></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;"><em>Gwen</em></span><br /></p></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-8307996208101168952010-05-22T11:23:00.014-04:002010-05-22T12:21:10.902-04:00Celebrating Ten Years<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGQ6C9Q34199bOdPghu_a-5DMLnwFRkWggjn93te1PWUT_FYeuCMCn3ZdrPl1yhfOUhoZ_DOFjKrlJW0btIFl_JgR8H6ZhbPQJNWs35O-yc2OliCBFKDbxEGKCdzMr66NvNIfjKkH7g/s1600/Austin+Photo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474124486271663842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGQ6C9Q34199bOdPghu_a-5DMLnwFRkWggjn93te1PWUT_FYeuCMCn3ZdrPl1yhfOUhoZ_DOFjKrlJW0btIFl_JgR8H6ZhbPQJNWs35O-yc2OliCBFKDbxEGKCdzMr66NvNIfjKkH7g/s400/Austin+Photo.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Our first grandchild, Austin, turned ten years old last week. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKwDVGtulzv0lbzLIDT9EulQ9TDFvW_555NrQHOtJs9xYALRPj0YQzgZSSrjBbbj0qR5ARu_P1p3rfKUaU0rJ9IrNC4YrSynCK2XJ46DI_V5d1nqiIplTWVi5hzmuv1M6cBDIOptggQ/s1600/Austin+and+Aimee+incl+smocked+suit0013.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474124483373156290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKwDVGtulzv0lbzLIDT9EulQ9TDFvW_555NrQHOtJs9xYALRPj0YQzgZSSrjBbbj0qR5ARu_P1p3rfKUaU0rJ9IrNC4YrSynCK2XJ46DI_V5d1nqiIplTWVi5hzmuv1M6cBDIOptggQ/s400/Austin+and+Aimee+incl+smocked+suit0013.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Daughter, Aimee, Austin and me.<br /></span></em><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwufFapow7bTQBoJwW_c6t9Nsw2Y4S_c6K59yRgDHGX65Hap5SF2J4tbrbrIrhZCVUYovUYTVpRArmcupQKfWgX_vTR9EW3jw4dVzg9dUv4l3wEkl-KbuRMgyTlNNaK3DHXy9SppFKOA/s1600/Austin+and+Aimee+incl+smocked+suit0006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 273px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474123259497632322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwufFapow7bTQBoJwW_c6t9Nsw2Y4S_c6K59yRgDHGX65Hap5SF2J4tbrbrIrhZCVUYovUYTVpRArmcupQKfWgX_vTR9EW3jw4dVzg9dUv4l3wEkl-KbuRMgyTlNNaK3DHXy9SppFKOA/s400/Austin+and+Aimee+incl+smocked+suit0006.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Austin wearing "Sailor Ducks"....at Disney of course!<br /></em></span><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center">Where do those precious years go? I feel the years are falling away too quickly.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I work everyday to keep those memories close to my heart and wish time</div><div align="center">would just slow a tiny bit. Long enough to catch my breath.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Austin is such a sweet child with a tender heart. As most kids today, he's growing out of those</div><div align="center">childhood years much earlier than necessary....a sign of the times.</div><div align="center">And yes, I will worry that his heart will be broken. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The center bottom photo of the collage was the day his parents </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">took him </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">to live for four years in Hanau, Germany. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">We were so fortunate to be able to visit him </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">so many</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">times while they were living there. </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Everything has </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">a silver lining....right. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">That was when Delta had to furlough pilots </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">after 9/11 and </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">we had more time than money. Luckily we </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">traveled on </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Delta's dime for all those trips. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">What was </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">more funny was that Austin at age 2 thought </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Nana and Papa lived </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">at the Frankfurt airport!<br /></div></span></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Happy Smocking,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Gwen<br /></span><br /><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-33305369539109750802010-05-21T16:22:00.008-04:002010-05-21T16:40:20.011-04:00Macaroons......for me!!!<p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Love to find something special......</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON2igwD38v93qlYt5XvPRWDWkY-B2pFeZEVI5v2TVLJmsf6ufmsY_RT22zoWgRpimKxJqM7NqEbxWL2Y5hFFkPYKn27pw1m1UJYtSlnH0VRPp6Us4qFg9Kcl3SQ9s9n4S2NjZ5rf1BA/s1600/Gesine+Mug.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 470px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473822216847480034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON2igwD38v93qlYt5XvPRWDWkY-B2pFeZEVI5v2TVLJmsf6ufmsY_RT22zoWgRpimKxJqM7NqEbxWL2Y5hFFkPYKn27pw1m1UJYtSlnH0VRPp6Us4qFg9Kcl3SQ9s9n4S2NjZ5rf1BA/s400/Gesine+Mug.jpg" /></a> Love that I found Confections of a (Closet) Master Confectioner </p><p align="center">and her fabulous recipes and online shop for confections!</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com/">http://www.confectionsofamasterbaker.blogspot.com/</a></p><p align="center"><br /></p><p></p>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-15015226610518207402010-04-29T14:22:00.024-04:002010-04-29T23:36:46.271-04:00Tiny Smocking<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqfREu87J_1wRmuQhUUeqy-_nqWFLiyCMRz49z6CzJRsyODeQhohrhoHq_jU0TsalzOZ3ybqForjJxThtLVXgXlV-ADXn76CbW_mgMzLtjcptX1AG3YF1x0LDLYXMQCfJ7Fep4wkkbw/s1600/Smock+with+friends.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465659651820367746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqfREu87J_1wRmuQhUUeqy-_nqWFLiyCMRz49z6CzJRsyODeQhohrhoHq_jU0TsalzOZ3ybqForjJxThtLVXgXlV-ADXn76CbW_mgMzLtjcptX1AG3YF1x0LDLYXMQCfJ7Fep4wkkbw/s400/Smock+with+friends.jpg" /></a> <em><strong><span style="color:#996633;">Smocked Christening Gown on Miniature Baby Doll, circa 1982</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"><br /></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ue14qsyY_kcOR-A6opdVTslVVQDdkpuL_rJbuG0NUSPK0QofOpdxmXOsoaZ8kFipfRq1qjrZmNghFAyGGYfG1wlUS_6fOWQECLXq7TCmplmBRjplyReiWlU_1CRomSBPEvicAgQHdQ/s1600/Baby+in+dollhouse.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465659643350619906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ue14qsyY_kcOR-A6opdVTslVVQDdkpuL_rJbuG0NUSPK0QofOpdxmXOsoaZ8kFipfRq1qjrZmNghFAyGGYfG1wlUS_6fOWQECLXq7TCmplmBRjplyReiWlU_1CRomSBPEvicAgQHdQ/s400/Baby+in+dollhouse.jpg" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaV2c5GFaQsTYTXQLvaTtPysejXbqOEyRw1A7kKPPzRxAGEHTpZ3_fzYSFPqrf3YTodcBxLJaP1b2gWLLBHSxbETpNiBxvtiV52tXdsTob3ftA4L0W2crPdkJINbS8KHvhY5nN1IF8g/s1600/Emma+discovers+dollhouse.jpg"></a><span style="color:#996633;">Two strands of floss were used to smock the top.<br /></span><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGen5Df0GV22twBee9hIcTteFzXzDdP9HGkoG89h87WCLemVZqNBhDW38q13meDzOKjkrYADmtX9BV3daPEbL-zuALvqdiRrmdTCibZ8ibKt9JJO8HnqFQ913dnXKvbOS7vENMyvsq8g/s1600/Dollhouse+smocking.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465629072905170850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGen5Df0GV22twBee9hIcTteFzXzDdP9HGkoG89h87WCLemVZqNBhDW38q13meDzOKjkrYADmtX9BV3daPEbL-zuALvqdiRrmdTCibZ8ibKt9JJO8HnqFQ913dnXKvbOS7vENMyvsq8g/s400/Dollhouse+smocking.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Smocking was done freehand..no pleating...just picking up fabric.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Buttonholes were worked for "sleeve" opening.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Boullion roses and lazy daisy leaves with two strands</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">of floss were added to finish this little ditty.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWluYelj9c3z7cODhC0CQJSo9f73ho37xUVIeg0E-rweLBV07_uESmdvz2Eoue3j2FpjpTVw3NaSXf_ScnHvx3GeLUgBI0OyIsKkkaXfH05MW93cpiORroGIMCVPgG6rj3K36bmqi3mw/s1600/Dollhouse+smocking+detail.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465628362664607906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWluYelj9c3z7cODhC0CQJSo9f73ho37xUVIeg0E-rweLBV07_uESmdvz2Eoue3j2FpjpTVw3NaSXf_ScnHvx3GeLUgBI0OyIsKkkaXfH05MW93cpiORroGIMCVPgG6rj3K36bmqi3mw/s400/Dollhouse+smocking+detail.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#996633;">Recently we unpack our daughter's dollhouse so Miss Emma could play with it. Well, she evidently has taken on the characteristics of her older brother where demolition is the most fun. In the process of trying to put things back together, I ran across this little baby doll scattered to the winds. I had forgotten that I had made it for Aimee and quite frankly, I'm amazed that it has survived. It was a dollhouse accessory that was played with for many years. </span></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#996633;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#996633;"><em>The tiny doll in the blue gingham dress....Goldilocks....is made from the plastic cake decorating dolls. She is painted with acrylic paint and finished with "Delft" lacquer. Her hair is made of DMC floss. Curls are wrapped around wire and "set" with glue. Her lace "petticoat" is French cotton.</em></span></div><div align="center"><br /><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>My question to everyone is: </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"><strong>"What is the smallest thing you've smocked?"</strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">Happy Smocking,</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">Gwen</span></em></strong></div></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-67584227195755078532010-04-15T14:48:00.025-04:002010-04-15T16:26:26.364-04:00A Little Storybook Smocking<p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1O3TL_qFrUAe9dHl-lVfnjTauA0nEP3rNJ6krV7LPuNFpIBdVkDrfXyJjm10dAwtCvEmDUHzd0MWLGe2wrTG5AFKtYKRVlk8nYHsUdmkC4ICwXx0KZZJUsMqdnwK39VMTBKURrAvyg/s1600/Emma+wears+Alice+in+blue.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460447618429029682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1O3TL_qFrUAe9dHl-lVfnjTauA0nEP3rNJ6krV7LPuNFpIBdVkDrfXyJjm10dAwtCvEmDUHzd0MWLGe2wrTG5AFKtYKRVlk8nYHsUdmkC4ICwXx0KZZJUsMqdnwK39VMTBKURrAvyg/s400/Emma+wears+Alice+in+blue.jpg" /></a>I just had to share this today. Last summer started this event with a little smocked outfit for Disney. However, the Cinderella and Belle ballgowns were Emma's choice to wear. Eventually, I did get photos of Miss Emma wearing this design. And so with this, a normal, not so special day can turn into something special!<br /><br />Today started out pretty much the same....nothing special. Spent the morning weeding the wild strawberry plants out of my iris bed. A bit disappointed that my irises were not the tall bearded variety but still quite pretty...antique yellow and cream. I love that the wild bunnies love the strawberry plants but I do not love what those darling little creatures do to my plants! Just so you know, I don't have any March Hares or White Rabbits carrying pocket watches in my garden. But then who does? And then my not-so-special, normal day changed....</p><br /><p align="justify">I did a little watering in the hopes that it might make my azaleas finally open up and decided to quickly gather the mail before I came in. There was a big manila envelope that was full of what I suspected were magazines. Hoffman Media was my big hint! Hummmm... </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y_EZJmdrECEqjVq7Ol1o137aEsJMa77otXm2dkNyF63tFVyxNp6xiUS6b7tfthifTisdeWPBK2ZOuvXCUXorw-fZmWTovqpA1Lg4anfrwLSF9rvHX4gf2B7fMUrTLvm_ff4ZRlREDA/s1600/SB+Cover+and+Alice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460444665329955730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y_EZJmdrECEqjVq7Ol1o137aEsJMa77otXm2dkNyF63tFVyxNp6xiUS6b7tfthifTisdeWPBK2ZOuvXCUXorw-fZmWTovqpA1Lg4anfrwLSF9rvHX4gf2B7fMUrTLvm_ff4ZRlREDA/s400/SB+Cover+and+Alice.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Surprise, Surprise!!!</span></strong>.....</span>there in the <em><span style="color:#6600cc;"><strong>blue issue</strong></span></em> is my design. </p><p align="center">Kathy and everyone at Sew Beautiful did a wonderful job and I am so pleased.<br /></p><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN6gP3tb_Rm8KuHBLZZyJk8hbjcpGl0unw-PfaXnBb1XD50ZldcDpMhASo8tZgWLR-BXz-R6XaKl-qvbzHvyaA55wlCbwjR7uCvxjfpUKeDBYCyygvVerNf0Jb3Z_XiNaVmq3Wps-8w/s1600/Storybook+Smocking+in+SB.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460444662292618082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN6gP3tb_Rm8KuHBLZZyJk8hbjcpGl0unw-PfaXnBb1XD50ZldcDpMhASo8tZgWLR-BXz-R6XaKl-qvbzHvyaA55wlCbwjR7uCvxjfpUKeDBYCyygvVerNf0Jb3Z_XiNaVmq3Wps-8w/s400/Storybook+Smocking+in+SB.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><p align="justify">I have to say at times, my "senior moments" can border on ridiculous. Oh, my! Is this the issue of <strong><em>Sew Beautiful</em></strong> that my design is in? Yes it was! For me this was so exciting as this design was one that was taken from a design I did many years ago. With some encouragement from a smocking friend, Janet Gilbert, I had submitted it and was so pleased when it was accepted. It's always nice when someone likes what you love to do. <em>"Thanks again Janet!"</em></p><div align="justify">I love the article but love how Miss Emma looks in this little outfit! She has become my little motivator.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="left">Happy Smocking,</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Gwen </span></div></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-9876403447781811082010-04-07T16:04:00.020-04:002010-04-07T17:23:33.425-04:00Pink is her favorite color.....<p align="center">Smocking for this little girl is something I enjoy </p><p align="center">but I much prefer just to play with Emma and her brother. </p><p align="center">Emma asked for white bunnies but only if they were on a pink dress.</p><p align="center">So we have<span style="color:#663366;"> <strong><em>"Emma's Bunny Garden"</em></strong></span> design.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUvWrm49Xbp4Im49IZAvwPZq5R_W_JJCIqIQKUXSl4_cd7gf1CoObxgtLUsKxMoMLy1j_39MoAA2lRNqNbRsMlyMnlqtSd9IluQOul8PwPsEqbkXgiJ1D78BiPatLiJFVSBAm4dBfLw/s1600/IMG_2103-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457501160348730034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUvWrm49Xbp4Im49IZAvwPZq5R_W_JJCIqIQKUXSl4_cd7gf1CoObxgtLUsKxMoMLy1j_39MoAA2lRNqNbRsMlyMnlqtSd9IluQOul8PwPsEqbkXgiJ1D78BiPatLiJFVSBAm4dBfLw/s400/IMG_2103-1.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">This is Emma. She has to be bribed to get pictures.....</p><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1NTvpTMKV6OgvfvCQRk37Ltuc33OYS6w15m3WlRUhnSCjhSPHfcJzrlB7F3LA4SJ0KXNbPw5OWzH0K_aXq5ggH4tUS9sKvZSvCn9wlvHVVPQ5MUOTKM5wLrti2SlOqV6gLOKR6T0DQ/s1600/IMG_2092-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457500919722670098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1NTvpTMKV6OgvfvCQRk37Ltuc33OYS6w15m3WlRUhnSCjhSPHfcJzrlB7F3LA4SJ0KXNbPw5OWzH0K_aXq5ggH4tUS9sKvZSvCn9wlvHVVPQ5MUOTKM5wLrti2SlOqV6gLOKR6T0DQ/s400/IMG_2092-1.JPG" /></a></p><p align="center">There was much foot stomping in this process.<br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Eb-mWXAS5DIuJO9UdK-R6GlWidZXCUAw9OyHunHPgHswceNRwHJDPgNor6t_vuCPnhHrkNOrBNOuqUVuIUZc1khTpewE9saKPKI6wn9NykV8-XNVKKnXqPAwMO0_DkAXpB2vCeGjQ/s1600/Emma+at+Gate+Easter+2010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457500676545682146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Eb-mWXAS5DIuJO9UdK-R6GlWidZXCUAw9OyHunHPgHswceNRwHJDPgNor6t_vuCPnhHrkNOrBNOuqUVuIUZc1khTpewE9saKPKI6wn9NykV8-XNVKKnXqPAwMO0_DkAXpB2vCeGjQ/s400/Emma+at+Gate+Easter+2010.jpg" /></a><br />Funny how once your taking pictures, that the</p><p align="center"> little diva comes out!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvkbzq7lIV9WBXRcT6z7uf5pESUD4oV3bGr9RrCoU49Iu_EdbC0b73Fna_KWL16iNZSd0saV-XClGZ0F18G59oFPcXNGACJZON5sPSz0E2GpvZKvCqLL5xVBPjw0eo1VNqr8Mxi4ohg/s1600/Emma+smiling+sweetly.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457500394741720466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvkbzq7lIV9WBXRcT6z7uf5pESUD4oV3bGr9RrCoU49Iu_EdbC0b73Fna_KWL16iNZSd0saV-XClGZ0F18G59oFPcXNGACJZON5sPSz0E2GpvZKvCqLL5xVBPjw0eo1VNqr8Mxi4ohg/s400/Emma+smiling+sweetly.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So, I was pleased that of almost 75 photos....</p><p align="center">love that digital camera...</p><p align="center">that I was happy with about a dozen.<br /><br /></p><p align="center">........so I guess the new <em><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Pink Princess Bike with silver streamers</strong></span></em> was worth it!<br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-90504607204720709832010-04-06T17:10:00.027-04:002010-04-07T12:20:56.002-04:00Emma's Easter Bunny Garden<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457159929954441762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dyyJ8Pp2mqEPTvyWCIf5NI8AM_aRiewpJhSNVarM-wlPIMvGIu0M8_ugoQ_jcfoYAZ1-0TVzyR8tcoB62astSNApmEfphyphenhyphenI-A-3EXW3lGqWFSfrER9yTMzBzk-x4yokPr8ns5qC4Ig/s400/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+Bishop+copyright.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS4oVJmFKZAgayRd6MMIDRMPeAzg5otK5-d4JieO4qMx248EjtCaCQ__I3HzQtDA54C0K6HO655M21aWKe6iJinV8-lfZa2Jq7f34SoSUyYCQHHrFWDq-x5OmGjX9sWwvPmUL0qLgAA/s1600/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+Bishop+copyright.jpg"></a>Emma's bunny bishop was one that I have had in mind for quite some time.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWD9nDJ5iMuyzRtSbQSC0IPkfWclwuUWEpVPwuYpDnDxwT1wXcfyLY9bTzjocefM_AxGSqARENaTJZSDLbKjZSZriaA-Qna68VHvPjTK23FeOWP_dgSwhpjxMLKCumLtpdBbpFIpAFA/s1600/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+Bishop+2010+copyright.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457158194659390338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWD9nDJ5iMuyzRtSbQSC0IPkfWclwuUWEpVPwuYpDnDxwT1wXcfyLY9bTzjocefM_AxGSqARENaTJZSDLbKjZSZriaA-Qna68VHvPjTK23FeOWP_dgSwhpjxMLKCumLtpdBbpFIpAFA/s400/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+Bishop+2010+copyright.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">A design that looks very much like spring.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPus08yn5QpDHMOVXsvUdtIN1UttFMN7AGq-MQAHkow963UGk1noGeLwdvOsfKwkFlEmermT6OZES1z75ZXfTtUlrlwKjDY45Wp499Q3GDhq2RuxcO4kmU7W0fHB9KgTx7PfZrSEu4og/s1600/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+detail+copyright.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457157851172476498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPus08yn5QpDHMOVXsvUdtIN1UttFMN7AGq-MQAHkow963UGk1noGeLwdvOsfKwkFlEmermT6OZES1z75ZXfTtUlrlwKjDY45Wp499Q3GDhq2RuxcO4kmU7W0fHB9KgTx7PfZrSEu4og/s400/Emmas+Bunny+Garden+detail+copyright.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">The most "challenging" part was actually keeping the number of </div><div align="center">different elements to a minimum. There are two bunnies, six open-faced daisy </div><div align="center">flowers that circle the neckline, simple "tulips" and tiny blue bullion butterflies.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#333333;">I love creating new designs and wanted this bishop to be a "Happy Easter" design. From picking the pastel color palette to a very simple fabric, it was an exercise in practicality. This bunny design for Emma was quite frustrating because she really prefers her play clothes to smocked dresses. So this was not a dress that I could worry about when playing with her brother. </span></div><br /><div align="justify"><br /><span style="color:#333333;">Two mirror image bunnies are in a garden of daisies. The butterflies are worked on every other daisy with one butterfly set off-center between the bunnies. The only part of this type design that has always frustrated me is that when I create a mirror image of a design, I usually have a problem with it actually looking like the same, but reversed, image. I do know that it's similar to when I have done sculptures and the only way to find the balance in symmetry is to look at the image in reverse through a mirror. I guess it's one of the those left-brain, right-brain things.....</span></div><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#333333;"></span></div><div align="justify"><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Happy Smocking,</em></span></div><span style="color:#000000;"><em>Gwen</em></span><br /><br /><br /><em>Special Note: I will graph this design and post at a later date. With the slow market for smocking design plates, I have no problem sharing instructions and graphs on my blog.<br /><br /></em><p></p><p></p>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-25632980005114190662010-03-10T15:19:00.008-05:002010-03-10T15:49:07.149-05:00Inspirations come from Storybooks<span style="color:#666666;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe3ClMqr6gH2OW6JpdpkT0DlcMk_a93lRSc3bshsKDkNqWEpRvy81T7Q5g8Zsnz5sRCWR5pHEXyU1x8OTbsnxEzW-W0eiS71qFKeNLKgzasGrA6UZcJUIULlHPqrblwkGmWEydAYOFw/s1600-h/Alice+in+Wonderland.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447104374625957762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe3ClMqr6gH2OW6JpdpkT0DlcMk_a93lRSc3bshsKDkNqWEpRvy81T7Q5g8Zsnz5sRCWR5pHEXyU1x8OTbsnxEzW-W0eiS71qFKeNLKgzasGrA6UZcJUIULlHPqrblwkGmWEydAYOFw/s400/Alice+in+Wonderland.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">With all the current interest in<span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong> </strong></span><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6666cc;">Alice in Wonderland</span>, </em>I thought I'd share this picture smocked design. It was for a Smocking Arts Guild design competition soon after I began designing in 1985. It was, to my knowledge, the first true "picture" smocked panel. There is no fabric showing (hopefully)....the entire piece of fabric is covered with stacked smocked cable stitches. It was a crazy idea I had to do a group of this type design....<span style="color:#000000;"><em>Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears.</em></span> Needless to say, this is the only one that was completed. The fabric that was pleated was 90 inch wide muslin and I have no idea how many hours of stitching to complete. I have had request for the instructions for this design to which I usually laugh. Just the thought of graphing all of the characters makes me wonder......"What were you thinking?"</span></span></div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-91289908244148809172010-01-15T11:45:00.013-05:002010-03-10T16:05:52.279-05:00Machine Embroidery - Freehand<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jFEkbcykUgzYrqV5XTJQpI2HLPC_CnuRMF1vsm54t_tRP9Az2VtUGvmuQuPrhnK9HZhGAxMzJq02X5mB9FmJTKhL3eXRf-luWKFiCt9xXYQLsx_BEBmfkPa0JyZX5vDrq2W5ac9jmA/s1600-h/IMG_1867.JPG"></a></p><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCtKgygRym3o9EE_uQRHHkrccaWFpoGAMzegJSDyCX2v9tP2m7lt2G2d0BOeIS-nj8dIkQJNSe6lTKlftoalJn3rSxi404_EWpLnwnsmisQa_yJnyJ016vkNVXTl9WO9Nde_kh7JyQ/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_1870.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 476px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427011014675193362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVCtKgygRym3o9EE_uQRHHkrccaWFpoGAMzegJSDyCX2v9tP2m7lt2G2d0BOeIS-nj8dIkQJNSe6lTKlftoalJn3rSxi404_EWpLnwnsmisQa_yJnyJ016vkNVXTl9WO9Nde_kh7JyQ/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1870.JPG" /></a></p><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOaDW_slaHiaCyfc-s4-8m3OzBA2CKd-pQhup4sx93YCF1e58XKZRn9e49JaTUvr4rAGQG8f0HEV0o-rzXq0amri0OIcX2odaN3i-CLX0fgoKEEnLQnp0_TX3hIDC-IZcB4bI4FZGDA/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 474px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427011011051369698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOaDW_slaHiaCyfc-s4-8m3OzBA2CKd-pQhup4sx93YCF1e58XKZRn9e49JaTUvr4rAGQG8f0HEV0o-rzXq0amri0OIcX2odaN3i-CLX0fgoKEEnLQnp0_TX3hIDC-IZcB4bI4FZGDA/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1868.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgApJcKecwWxH58dfjAZGG8Mw-aIDE7aOX9R75spAs4uBYItT8tAyYCgFbROsO1XddonoQGdNEu_UjY0B2HsUn34rFJASiOyo1ybTih0tRQ5bf1I-58yGMqDU3yiwsCTM5WPSnDrsiSg/s1600-h/Copy+of+IMG_1856.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427011006366483778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgApJcKecwWxH58dfjAZGG8Mw-aIDE7aOX9R75spAs4uBYItT8tAyYCgFbROsO1XddonoQGdNEu_UjY0B2HsUn34rFJASiOyo1ybTih0tRQ5bf1I-58yGMqDU3yiwsCTM5WPSnDrsiSg/s320/Copy+of+IMG_1856.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHiTlZg9AED-vAHcLFQZLWBcleATaDMyn3nVr89qdO6xcUYPl0_wXfnhrM430Xk1sJciBPy5fD31zoej_NZd0MM3XiipJOzO9pTBGFTT2gRXTOLBVsMc0qwImEJiTBXVyxn7kytc9zg/s1600-h/Emma+and+mouse+bumper+pad.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 402px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427010999169709906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHiTlZg9AED-vAHcLFQZLWBcleATaDMyn3nVr89qdO6xcUYPl0_wXfnhrM430Xk1sJciBPy5fD31zoej_NZd0MM3XiipJOzO9pTBGFTT2gRXTOLBVsMc0qwImEJiTBXVyxn7kytc9zg/s320/Emma+and+mouse+bumper+pad.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0qgzWQ2MvLDeXkWwgHIQM01z4rmYKx46VFzAnbnkgi1gfbxOtCtbp7q-1v-iNN-op7t8oY6-NhAqYDJVR_HXGUMx-7_GrQcdIzF8navSKUtGG6mmss-MGG8kvDSFshzQ_pKTUHoPWQ/s1600-h/Copy+of+Emma+%26+Marys+Lamb.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 404px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427010994687113442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0qgzWQ2MvLDeXkWwgHIQM01z4rmYKx46VFzAnbnkgi1gfbxOtCtbp7q-1v-iNN-op7t8oY6-NhAqYDJVR_HXGUMx-7_GrQcdIzF8navSKUtGG6mmss-MGG8kvDSFshzQ_pKTUHoPWQ/s320/Copy+of+Emma+%26+Marys+Lamb.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="justify">Sometimes my imagination almost exceeds my ability! This is my first try at freehand machine embroidery...what was I thinking? Never the less, I thought I'd share a project I did for Emma's crib. It was a machine embroidered bumper pad with Nursery Rhyme figures. I think all totaled...there are six. It took much longer than I expected. Unfortunately it didn't stay in her crib too long as that extra bounce that I thought it needed was just what she needed to stand on to exit the crib. We have her crib set up in the guest room at my house and she will not let us take it down. She insists on sleeping in her "Little Girl" bed at Nana's house. At four she will have to move to a "Big Girl" bed this summer. </div>Smocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3370561066014324495.post-49031597751049969832010-01-13T13:56:00.002-05:002010-01-13T14:02:50.418-05:00Sew Beautiful accepts Design!I am so excited that I have a design coming out this year in Sew Beautiful Magazine. After so many years of not having designs published, it was just one of those moments when you doubt yourself....I know I'm not the only person who has those moments. But with a little nudge from a smocking friend....Thanks Janet...I sent in photos of grand daughter Emma wearing a design and I have to say was pleasantly surprised with the quick answer from Sew Beautiful...."Yes, we want it." Well with that, I have two more submissions that I hope they find acceptable. Once I thought about it, I don't think I've ever had a design turned down. There are just so many talented designers that have such special things published, that I had that "doubting" moment. New Years Resolution No. 1 - Get to work!<br /><br />GwenSmocking with Gwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12784181348617013561noreply@blogger.com7