Dandelion Avenue

Sunday's best Christmas Dress!

2011-11-14T06:25:00.003-05:00

Here is a silk dupioni dress that was custom ordered for a little beauty for a Sunday's best style pageant. I love how it turned out. I added red glass beads to the holly berries in the smocking for added shine :o) More to come soon!
Have a great week!
Angela

Sweet little silk pageant set....

2011-10-19T16:41:00.003-04:00

Here is a sweet little 3-pc set for a little Louisiana pageant customer. It has a hairbow, bloomers and hand smocked silk dress. The silk is stunning in person. Such depth and shine! I love it.

The bodice was handsmocked with lots of faux pearls.

Thanks for peeking!
Have a great week!
Angela

Silly Old Bear

2011-10-01T22:36:00.004-04:00

Here is a brother/sister set of outfits for Disney. I created a smocking design for the occasion! I hope they get their pictures taken with the big silly old bear. I'd love to see them! :o) Here is the smocking...

Have a great day!
Angela

Lilac and Rose Smocked Silk Dress

2011-09-16T06:45:00.003-04:00

I have been getting a lot of orders for "Sundays Best" smocked pageant dresses. Here is one in a lovely lilac and rose combination....

The neckline is embroidered with bullion roses and pearls..
As you can tell, the color was a bit off in the photos! lol One was taken outside and the closeup was taken inside. The correct color is probably somewhere between the two :o)
Thanks for looking and have a great week!
Angela

Royal Garden dress....

2011-08-31T06:41:00.004-04:00

Here is another Sunday's Best pageant dress. It features a gorgeous royal blue dupioni skirt and ivory top.

The bodice is smocked with a garden scene.

I love the texture and sheen that only silk dupioni has!
Have a great week!
Angela

Ivory and Gold Silk Dupioni...

2011-08-10T17:30:00.003-04:00

Here is another "Sunday's best" pageant dress. I loved how the colors turned out. I hope this little sweetie does well in it too!

There are 50 hand embroidered roses and buds. There are 58 seed pearls.
Thanks for looking and have a great week!
Angela

Another Tea Party Dress...

2011-08-06T09:10:00.004-04:00

This dress is for a sweet little girl's 4th birthday. She wanted to have a tea party so a special dress was required! This little dress is made of a pink/orchard dimity. It has a detachable hand embroidered apron. The apron is embroidered with a vintage bird and tea set design.
It also has a matching rolled roses hairband.
Here is a closeup of some of the embroidery.
I hope she has a wonderful birthday!!

Tea Party Princess

2011-07-20T10:39:00.004-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! Things have been super busy here, so I am sorry for the lack of posts. I am busy working on several orders so I should have more photos soon!
Here is a special little dress I made for a tea party photo shoot. It is blue batiste with white lace edging and sleeves. There is a hand embroidered rose spray on the bodice.
Here is a photo that shows the embroidered bodice a little. (You might be able to click on it to make it larger)

Thank you to Lerissa at LB photography for the photos!
This sample is a size 5 and is for sale. Please write me for more info if you are interested. :o)
Angela

First Birthday Jon Jon

2011-07-02T09:34:00.002-04:00

Here is a jon jon that I made for a sweet little boy's first birthday. I made up the smocking design to match his invitations and birthday theme. I also created a little bib to try and save the jon jon from the inevitable frosting disaster that is sure to follow when he eats his birthday cake! :o)

I hope everyone has a great weekend and a very safe and blessed 4th of July!
Angela

Sew Beautiful July Issue

2011-06-22T21:23:00.003-04:00

Sew Beautiful magazine has featured my Grace smocked suntop in the current issue. My friend, Kathy Dykstra made a couple of different variations to the top too! Here is a photo from the magazine:

Here is a closeup of the smocking plate that I designed. The plate is free in the magazine.

They did a 4-page layout featuring it. I was very excited to see it published!
Thanks for sharing in my excitement! :o)
Angela

Beach portrait dress....

2011-05-27T19:20:00.002-04:00

This little dress set was made for a precious little customer's trip to the beach. It is a two piece set consisting of a dress and pantaloons. The dress has a swiss embroidered hemline and angel sleeves (my favorite). It also has a few cast on roses embroidered on the bodice. I hope her photos turn out great! :O)

Tierred, Smocked dress

2011-05-14T09:43:00.004-04:00

I loved these shabby chic florals so much that I decided to use all 3 of them in the dress :o).

I smocked it with a geometric design.

I added some lovely battenburg lace to the hemline to complete the look :o)

We will be heading back to the TPC Sawgrass golf tournament tomorrow. I hope we get to see Ian again! :o) Have a great weekend!
Angela

Golf dress....

2011-05-11T06:30:00.005-04:00

Those of you who follow my blog might remember that last year, my son got to meet his favorite golfer, Ian Poulter, at the TPC in Sawgrass. Ian was so kind to my kids. This year, I decided to make Ian's little girl a dress in honor of her daddy. I was able to give it to him yesterday when we went to watch the TPC practice rounds. He was so kind and appreciative. He signed his own glove and gave it to my son. I thought I would share a photo of the little dress I made. It was seersucker, smocked at the waist and appliqued along the hemline with a golfing scene featuring Ian, himself! I hope he wasn't insulted.......he was not the easiest thing to applique! Ian is known for his tartan trousers, so I made him wearing some on the dress.

The bodice of the dress had little golf ball buttons.

Here is a closeup of the applique.
Ian always wears white sunglasses and a visor, so that is how I stitched him.
It was such a fun day. Ian Poulter has 4 fans for life in my family. :o)
Have a great day!
Angela

boy's romper...

2011-05-07T08:45:00.002-04:00

This was just a fun little gift that I made for a friend. I really like how it turned out though. I like making a white collar and white sleeves to give the appearance of a jon-jon with a shirt underneath when it is really all one piece.
I have been busy sewing and will have some new things to post soon! I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day!
Angela

PATTERN SALE!

2011-04-21T16:58:00.008-04:00

I am very pleased to say that my smocked suntop pattern is ready for sale!
For this week only I am offering it for $8.00. After that, it will be $9.95. I am also including a special butterfly smocking plate! It is the one shown on the smocked suntop in the first photo above.
And for an extra special deal, you can buy my friend Wendy's Lucy Pocket Pettiskirt pattern with my top for a total of $15 for both patterns! Here is her pattern:
THIS SPECIAL IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.... TO purchase the Grace pattern, please go here:
http://www.dandelionavenue.com/press.htm

Thank you! Angela

2011-04-18T12:22:00.003-04:00

I just finished this set for a customer. I love the vintage styling of the bodice. The pattern was from a Sew Beautiful magazine a few years ago. I thought the little cloche was a nice touch. The baby rick rack edging adds some vintage sweetness too :o)
Here is a closeup:

The weather here has been soooo gorgeous. I am finding it hard to stay indoors and sew! Thank you for peeking!
Angela

Great Britian was wonderful!

2011-04-10T08:01:00.009-04:00

We had such an amazing time. We were blessed with gorgeous weather. The tour group that we went with was GREAT! My only complaint was that I couldn't find any good fabric stores. The two fabric stores that I did find, only carried regular fabric that is sold here in America....Moda, Michael Miller, etc. So that was a little disappointing. I fell in love with a store called Cath Kidston though. She had some amazing fabrics....but it was home decor. Check them out:
Here was another shot of the store. (((love)))
I also fell in love with another store. It was in York. It was a true princess store. Check out the darling name of it...........Rosie Muggles!
It had the most beautiful princess gowns!
Love the pink too :o)
Another type of store that we all loved.... the sweet shops! lol
The scenery was so beautiful. The daffodils were in full bloom everywhere we went.
Stratford on Avon was so pretty. Here is a shot of Anne Hathaway's cottage. So sweet!
Well I am busy working on a few Easter sets. I will post pictures as I finish. Thanks for peeking!
Angela

Great Britain Bound

2011-03-20T14:01:00.003-04:00

We will be visiting England and Scotland :o) I will be gone until the 29th, but I will answer all emails when I return. Please pray for a safe trip for us. Thank you!
Angela

Sunday's Best.....

2011-03-17T19:24:00.006-04:00

I have a client whose daughter competes in a type of beauty pageant called a "Sunday's Best" pageant. This is a non-glitz pageant where little girls actually look and act like little girls. :o) When I heard the word "pageant," all I could think of was the TLC show "Toddlers and Tiaras" lol Fake tans, fake fingernails, flippers, etc. :o) However, in these pageants, the little girls wear hand smocked bishops and hand smocked yoke dresses, and patent leathers............just adorable!! So I created this dress for my client. It is a peacock blue silk dupioni dress. (the one I pleated in my pitiful tutorial):

Here is the closeup of the smocking:

This was the first time that this little girl was competing in an older category. She is 3 and she had to compete against 4 and 5-year-olds. I am very happy and proud to say that she won QUEEN!! So congratulations to her!! :o)
Angela

Shabby chic country set finished!

2011-03-14T12:49:00.004-04:00

Here is the set that I showed a sneak of a week or two ago. It includes the hand smocked suntop, double layered twirl skirt, matching purse and headband........what little girl doesn't love accessories??

Please excuse the fit on the mannequin....it is a 2-4 and the set is a size 5
Here is a closeup of the top/headband:

Here is the matching little purse:

If my friend, Pat from the UK Sewing Room is reading this, could you please email me at angela@dandelionavenue.com? I will be in England next week and we will be visiting the Yorkshire area :o)

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE Spring!! The flowers are stunning this time of year. I hope everyone reading has a great day!!
Angela

Pleating silk dupioni tutorial

2011-03-03T19:23:00.002-05:00

I needed to pleat a dupion silk dress for a customer today. Since I have had several people ask me for tips on pleating silk dupioni, I decided to make a little video :o) NO LAUGHING! lol I know I sound like a Smurf! I had to make it in two little videos because I couldn't hold the camera and turn my pleater handle. This is just a VERY simple tutorial, not anything amazing or elaborate, but I hope it might help someone.

Another work in progress...

2011-03-02T07:26:00.002-05:00

I am working on a custom sun top and skirt set order. This sun top features smocked panels with embroidery in between the smocking. Here is a sneak peek of some of the embroidery. The flowers match the flowers in the fabric of the skirt. :o)

I'll post the finished product next week :o)
Have a lovely week!
Angela

Baby gown finished.......

2011-02-28T16:09:00.007-05:00

I know this is a long time coming! My daughter got sick, then generously shared it with me! :o) I thought that was going to be the end of it, but then my son came down with it. :o( I am hoping my husband will stay healthy!!! (Men are the worst patients! lol) Here is the gown. It has the baby's initials shadow embroidered in the center.

Here is a closeup:

It features a hand embroidered, scalloped hemline too.

It was a joy to create. I love white with ecru! :o)
I hope everyone reading this stays healthy! Thanks for sticking with me!
Angela

A work in progress

2011-02-08T07:53:00.003-05:00

Here is a sneaky peeky of a baby gown that I am working on. I love white with ecru!!

I will be sure to post the finished product next week :o)
Have a lovely day!
Angela

Vintage Little Bo Peep set

2011-02-01T19:10:00.002-05:00

Here is a little dress set from my vintage nursery rhyme line. This one features a detachable hand embroidered apron, hand embroidered collar and lots of rick rack for added vintage charm :o)

Thanks for looking!
Angela

Alice is finished :o)

2011-01-29T12:50:00.002-05:00

Here is the Alice blouse finished.

I hope my little customer loves it! :o)
My testers are finishing up their suntops for my new e-pattern so I should have it for sale soon. I will also be offering a free smocking plate to accompany it! I'll keep you posted.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Angela

How about a nice cup of tea?

2011-01-24T13:21:00.002-05:00

Here is a preview of an Alice in Wonderland smocked blouse for a special customer.

I'll post the final product when I am finished.
Have a lovely day!
Angela

Exciting news!

2011-01-20T11:50:00.003-05:00

Sorry I disappeared again, but I do have some exciting news :o) First of all, I apologize, I had to put my vintage nursery rhyme sets on the back burner. I got sidetracked by a couple or orders and the exciting news! :o) I am in the final stages of completing my first e-pattern! Here it is:

And for the really exciting part......Sew Beautiful wants to feature it in their July issue! I should have it ready to sell in the next couple of weeks. I'll keep you posted!
Have a super day!
Angela

Happy (Belated) New Year!

2011-01-07T08:15:00.005-05:00

I know, I know. I have been a complete slacker about posting. I had all visions of posting wonderful photos and recipes of all the goodies I was making for Christmas. I did make the goodies........I just never got around to posting them! (Sorry about that)
I cannot believe another year has come and gone. I am starting off this year with a vintage nursery rhyme line of clothing. I just love the innocence of vintage embroidery designs so I decided to try and incorporate some into a small clothing line. Here is a sneak peek of one of the dresses...

Here is a sneak of another...
I even have a little boys romper in the works :o) I'll be sure to post the finished photos as soon as I can. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!
Angela

More fun jumpers :o)

2010-12-17T07:38:00.004-05:00

Here are a couple more fun jumpers. HoHoHo.....

and another fun little reindeer one! :O)

I liked the aqua with the red.
I am done sewing for this Christmas......now I am baking! I'll post some pics and recipes of some of my favorite treats soon. I LOVE Christmas baking. I LOVE finger foods and appetizers. If anyone has a favorite, please email me at dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net. I really would love to hear from you!
Thanks!
Angela

fun little jumpers :o)

2010-12-13T18:02:00.005-05:00

I made up a few little jumpers for a local boutique. Here are a couple of them. I'll post more later.
Here's a little brown cord reindeer:

Here is a white baby cord "I love Santa" jumper:

I just love how quick and easy these are to create compared to smocking!!!! Smocking takes forever!! lol I'll post more tomorrow.
Angela

All Aboard!!!

2010-12-08T07:32:00.004-05:00

Just sharing a matching brother set that I completed last week. It is a hand smocked newborn romper and a matching 2T jon jon. Both are smocked with a train design. I used elements from a couple different smocking plates for it. I used the engine from the amazing Gwen Milner's smocking plate, Timothy's Train and the other cars from AS&E 47. Isn't it amazing how large the 2T looks beside the newborn set? Just another reminder of how quickly all sweet babies grow! (((sigh)))
Have a lovely day!
Angela

Wintertime Fun!

2010-12-06T06:49:00.005-05:00

I designed this fun little dress for a customer who wanted a dress that could be worn all winter long, not just Christmas. I love the icy blue baby corduroy. Perfect for the winter months.

I altered some of the smocking designs from Little Memories "northern lights" for two of the characters and made up the snowman design.

A few tips when smocking baby corduroy:
It smocks up really well,so don't be afraid of breaking needles. It smocks up easier than a lot of broadcloths!
I recommend using more than 4 strands of floss when doing picture smocking. I like my pictures to cover the fabric really well and that can be a little harder to do on the thicker fabrics.
For this dress I used a larger needle and the full 6 strands of floss to do the smocking. I still stripped them as usual though, as this helps with the full coverage also.
However, be aware of sore fingers when doing this! I was on a deadline for this dress, so I smocked it for 4 days straight. My poor pointer finger and thumb were SO sore from this. I have never experienced such sore fingers from smocking!
I'm sure the fatter needle, more floss and thicker fabric all contributed to this! :o) Thanks for peeking. More to come soon!
Angela

Nativity blouse

2010-12-04T09:53:00.004-05:00

Here is a little blouse with the true meaning of the season on it :o)
It is one of my signature blouses smocked with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, along with some animals.

I used Little Memories Asleep in the Hay for the animals and made up Mary and Joseph.

Off to finish some more Christmas orders. Have a lovely weekend!
Angela

Christmas Present Special!

2010-12-01T07:33:00.009-05:00

Here is a little set that I made for a customer. A custom monogrammed night/daygown and matching pillowcase.! I think these make super Christmas presents! This customer wanted her set to be sleeveless, but you can request sleeves, no problem. You can also have a square bodice, as opposed to a round one. This would be super for Christmas morning photos in red/white........however, it can be made in any color combo.
For the next few days only, I will be offering only 3 sets for sale, here on my blog. They are $40 for the set size 6m-8. I will not have time to create any additional sets, so if you want one, buy it now :o) Thanks and have a SUPER day!!

SOLD OUT!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

Pure sweetness!

2010-11-14T13:27:00.005-05:00

As promised, here is a photo of my sweet friend's baby in the gown :o)

This was taken in the church with horrible lighting, but I thought I would show you it anyway. :o) Have a great day!
Angela

Shadow Embroidered Baby Dedication Gown....

2010-11-13T17:18:00.008-05:00

This custom order was for a dear little baby at church that I have the privilege of loving on twice a week :o) It included the gown, bonnet and matching bracelet.

The gown is made of a beautiful silk batiste that I bought from my friend Sara. She does gorgeous work herself! It also included french lace insertion, beading and edging. It was shadow embroidered with a beautiful cross, dove, ribbon and floral design from Martha Pullen's Christening gown pattern.

I added shadow embroidery to the sleeves also.

I hope to get some professional photos taken to show off the true beauty of it. I cannot wait to see it on my little sweetie at church tomorrow! :o) I'll try and post a picture of her in it if I can. :o)
Angela

Christmas nightie!

2010-10-26T16:07:00.005-04:00

Here is a sweet little nightie that I just finished for a customer. It has a large, round yoke edged in red whipstitched piping. The yoke is shadow embroidered with a Christmas tree and presents. I added glass beads to the tree for a little extra sparkle :o) Then I hand smocked it with a red and green geometric design.

I think she will look super cute on Christmas morning! :o)
Have a great day!
Angela

teeny tiny.....

2010-10-14T08:41:00.002-04:00

I just completed an order for tiny little romper for a preemie/newborn boy. The mom wants to bring him home from the hospital in it. It was fun to make a little boy's outfit for a change. :o)

Have a nice week!
Angela

Another birthday wish....

2010-10-08T09:11:00.004-04:00

I have to wish my sweet daughter a happy birthday! She turns 12 today. I was looking at some old pictures where she used to model sets for me. I found this sweet little one :o) I think she was only 3 1/2 here! She was modeling a little Betsy Ross smocked patriotic jumper.

My photography (and camera) has improved a lot since then. lol Here was the last time she modeled for me. It was a dupion silk smocked dress that she helped design.
((sigh)) where does time go?? Have a great weekend everyone!
Angela

A Birthday Wish

2010-10-05T10:59:00.003-04:00

It is hard to believe, but my "baby" boy turns 15 today.........(((sigh))) Where did all that time disappear? Some may remember my post earlier in the year about how he insisted I make him some Union Jack golf trousers in honor of his favorite golfer, Ian Poulter. Well, here is the rest of the story..... Because of those trousers, he actually got to MEET his hero at the TPC!! :o) Not only did he get to meet Ian, but he also met his 2nd favorite golfer and fellow European, Lee Westwood. Here they all are together.

They were both so friendly and kind to my son that I will be their fans for life. Congrats to them for winning the Ryder Cup. And a HUGE happy birthday to my sweet son :o)
Angela

Fall Smocked Jumper

2010-09-29T13:06:00.003-04:00

I just thought I would share my latest little creation. This is a smocked backwrap jumper. The fabric is Michael Miller's Meadowsweet line in the Pumpkin colorway. The colors are gorgeous in person! Perfect for the Fall season. I am still waiting for some Fall weather to show up here, but this certainly puts me in the mood! :o)
Have a great day!
Angela

Free Dress Photo

2010-09-14T13:02:00.005-04:00

I never did post photos of the free dress that I gave away. It was from the drawing of those who posted comments about my new website. The winner wanted a size 3 in pink, so here it is:

It was smocked with pearls and bullion rosebuds and roses:

I hope she likes it! :o) Have a great day!
Angela

Tiny Christmas Bishop

2010-09-12T16:40:00.005-04:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas will be upon us once again!! We start practicing our Christmas choir special this evening and I have already made my first Christmas dress this year!!! Where in the world did this year go???
Here is the dress, it doesn't exactly scream Christmas, so it could be worn for Valentines or really anytime.

The smocking plate is Anna by Ellen McCarn, Design I for the neckline and III for the sleeves.
I believe you can click on the image to see the detail better. Thanks for peeking and have a terrific day :o)
Angela

What I've been up to....

2010-08-24T12:28:00.005-04:00

I have had several sewing projects lately, but they are all sets that are already on my website, so I didn't post pics of them here. I have also been busy taking pictures of a couple of sweet newborns!! Remember those shower gifts I made earlier? Here are the recipients in some photos I took. A friend from church made the hat and blanket.

And the next little sweetie....

I am so glad they both came into this world safely. Both have such beautiful complexions and heads full of dark hair! What a blessing!
I am still working on my sewing room renovation....I'll post final pics soon. In the mean time, here is another sneak peek! :o)
Now all you fabric folding experts, please do not critique me too harshly :o) I just wanted to get it stashed away! Perhaps one day I'll make some fancy little fabric holders for all it and file it away more neatly. I can't wait to show the rest of the sewing room.........I am still in the process of stashing things! lol
Have a great week!

Vintage Sailor Set!

2010-08-05T16:16:00.008-04:00

This was a custom designed set for a very special birthday girl. She is having a New England style lobster boil for her party (lucky girl!) and needed a little lobster themed ensemble to wear. So I designed this little sailor dress and made up a smocking plate to match the sea creatures in the fabric......including a lobster, of course!
Here are the little smocked sea creatures..

A little sailor tam with embroidered lobsters completes the look.
I hope she has a fabulous birthday!!!

Angela

So sorry for going AWOL!!

2010-07-28T18:15:00.004-04:00

I have just been staying super busy with Summer activities!!! I try to spend as much time as I can with the kids while they are on summer vacation, so I have neglected my blog :o) Here is a sneak of things to be posted soon!
The free daygown for the winner of the blog posting...

A darling nautical inspired set....

And the BIGGEST of all........

A sewing room MAKEOVER!!!! I can't wait to share the finished product!!! :o) So stay tuned :o)
I hope everyone is having a great summer!!
Angela

Happy 4th of July Weekend!!!

2010-07-03T09:54:00.002-04:00

Thank God for our freedom! Have a safe and fun weekend everyone!

Smocked Bishop Gown

2010-06-26T14:44:00.004-04:00

I call this style of bishop my cheater bishop.......because only the front section is smocked. I know it isn't as pretty as a full smocked bishop, but when you don't have a lot of time, it certainly is a nice alternative. I needed yet another baby shower gift and with summer here, I just don't have as much time to sew. So I whipped this up yesterday. Sorry for the lousy photos...I just snapped them real quick this morning before I wrapped it up. My focusing isn't very sharp on either one!
It is just used Pink Imperial Broadcloth. You can find it for a great price here. Then a little French lace from my stash. So this sort of design is fairly inexpensive to make and is a great present. I just used a regular bishop pattern and instead of smocking the top of the sleeves and the back pieces, I just gathered them and attached them to the bias neckline as usual.
Have a wonderful weekend! :o) Angela

Shower presents...

2010-06-21T14:48:00.007-04:00

I have been gone on vacation this past week. It was great, but it is always good to be home :o) Before I left, I whipped up some baby shower gifts that I thought I would share. I originally was making a smocked gown......but then I found out that the mom-to-be liked more mod or retro items!! lol So I had to do a quick change of gears. :o)
Here are a couple of dress sets with bloomers. The green/blue print is Portabello Pixie's Claire pattern in a 6 mos size. The other is a sundress that I made from a FREE tutorial. You can find the pattern here.

I also made a little covered wipe case. Those are so fun! Mine is not the greatest, but I found an AWESOME FREE tutorial on how to make them here. They make super gifts.

Lastly, I embroidered a little onesie. I added some bum ruffles and matching little shoes to try and up the cuteness factor :o) I'll post my template for the little shoes if anyone wants it.
Well, that's all for me today. Back to laundry from my trip............ugghgh!! lol
Angela

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

2010-06-12T09:29:00.005-04:00

I have a random name picking program called the HAT. You put in a list of names, press shuffle, then press the hat button. It will pull out an individual name. The name it pulled was the blogger "db" So if "db" could please contact me, I will get to work on your FREE SUNDRESS!! woohoooo :o) Thank you to all those who left me comments. I really appreciate you taking the time to do that.
(If anyone wants to download the Hat random name program, it is free. You can find it here.)
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Baby Blue Daydress....

2010-06-08T09:07:00.009-04:00

I crown Jeannie Baumeister the Queen of Daydresses. I just LOVE "The Old Fashioned Baby" line of patterns that she created. They have such precious vintage detailing and style. This dress is a version from her Baby Daydresses pattern. You can find her patterns here
I had to alter it to a size 18 months, so it really more of a dress, not a daygown. I also had to use the lace I had on hand, so it is also a little different from the pattern. However, the overall look is very much like the original pattern.

The hand embroidery was stitched in all white with white French laces.
It also includes a little hand embroidered slip. You can see the shadow of it in the photo below.

Again, I love the precious little details that she provides.

Don't forget the free sundress giveaway! If you haven't entered the drawing, see the post below. :o) Have a great week!
Angela

A Whole New Look! FREE Sundress!

2010-06-04T15:59:00.007-04:00

I have been struggling with the idea of changing the look of my website for a while now. I wanted it to look more professional, but the frilly froo-froo side of me just couldn't bear the thought of it! So in stepped my friend, Michelle. She has been telling me for years to "clean up" my website as she felt that it competed with the photos of my work. She has a super clean, refined style. However, she knows how I long for frills............
So, she took it upon herself to help me redesign it! (God bless her!) She even walked me through the steps of splicing logos with links, etc. so that I could build and maintain the site myself. Here was the logo she came up with
She went against her grain as much as she could and frilled it up a little for me, yet also tried to keep it clean and professional.
If you get the chance, could you please check my website and tell me if it looks ok on your end and if you like the new look? You can find the link on the left. I would appreciate any and all comments and especially constructive criticism!! :o)
As a thank you, to those who leave a comment, I will enter you in a drawing for a FREEEEEE custom smocked sundress up to size 5. :o)
I will have the drawing next weekend, the 12th of June.
Thank you!!!! Angela

Sweet sundress.....

2010-05-29T08:48:00.006-04:00

I just love this style of smocked sundresses. So sweet and adjustable. They look darling by themselves as dresses or tops and can be worn with bloomers, pantaloons or even jeans. Here is a rather shabby chic one that I made as a gift. It had bloomers to match.
Here is a closeup of the smocking:

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend. God bless all those that made this holiday possible!!

Smocked Lemonade Stand set Finished

2010-05-27T20:21:00.004-04:00

Here is the little smocked lemonade stand finished! :o)

You can probably tell that I first designed this back when I designed the lemon fizz dress for AS&E! lol AS&E had sent me a lot of the pink and yellow pique back then and I made up this little set with it too.
However, when I went to try and find pink pique to duplicate the set for my customer, I had a very hard time finding the right color. The piques that I ordered were either too pale or too peachy. So I have to give a shout out to Suzanne at Adriannes Attic. She was so very helpful in finding this true pink pique for me. They are also having a Memorial Day sale. You can find it here. Thanks again!!!

New Design in AS and E 91 is out!

2010-05-22T17:21:00.005-04:00

Australian Smocking and Embroidery issue 91 just arrived in my mailbox today.
My Lemon Fizz dress is featured in it. I think Pink Lemonade would have been a better name, but I believe they have already used it! lol

It is always a thrill to see a design published so I don't care what they name it! lol I just thought I'd share my excitement! :o)

A work in progress...

2010-05-20T07:24:00.004-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of a lemonade stand set that I am working on. I should finish the rest of the smocking today and start the construction of the set. I'll post the finished product in a day or two :o) I hope you are having a terrific week! Angela

83 roses later.......

2010-05-13T12:39:00.007-04:00

and it is FINALLY finished!!!! PHEW!!! lol

This peacock blue dupion silk bishop features 83 bullion roses/rosebuds trailing down the neckline and on the sleeves. I really am a glutton for punishment, aren't I? lol I believe I made .73 cents a hour on this one! :o) I think it will make lovely portraits though! Here is a closeup photo of the bodice.

I improvised the smocking design from Babycakes in AS&E 64. I changed it up to fit my color scheme,size,etc. I am pleased with the results and I hope my customer is too.

Sneak Peek of Another Silk Bishop

2010-05-10T11:46:00.007-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of another smocked silk bishop. This one is more of a peacock blue dupion silk and it has a unique vertical smocking design around the neckline. I will post pics of the finished product Wednesday!! :o)

ladybug, ladybug....

2010-04-30T11:33:00.007-04:00

Here is a custom order for a sweet customer. I made it using my suntop/capri pattern that is on the cover of Designer Smocking for Tots to Teens. BessieMary is having a TERRIFIC sale on that book if you do not have it yet. It has some darling patterns in it. You can find it here.
I added flutter sleeves to the straps and I made up a smocking design to match the fabric that my customer chose.

Here is the full set:

For extra fun, I found these adorable ladybug buttons that match the fabric perfectly! :o)

Off to start another order :o) Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Heirloom Photo Idea...

2010-04-27T07:33:00.006-04:00

I know a lot of my customers purchase special dresses for photos, so I thought I would share a photo idea. If you have a special little slip with your dress, sometimes it is sweet to take pictures of the child in the slip while the dress hangs beside them. For my photo, I put the dress on a mannequin, but you could have it on a hanger or laying across a chest, etc. I also brought in my great grandmother's antique Singer machine for our photo.
Please excuse the poor quality of the photo....it was a photo of a photo! The slip is made from ivory Swiss Nelona with ecru French lace and pin tucks. The dress is a wedding ring pattern made from robin's egg blue Swiss Nelona and ecru French laces. I wish you could see the details better, but perhaps you will get the general idea. I think if you click on the photo, you can see it a little better.

First Communion Dress

2010-04-19T06:54:00.004-04:00

This is a pale lavender version of my "Risen" dress from my website. It was made for a special little girl's First Communion. The priest had specifically asked that the children wear pastel colors and not the traditional white. The smocking features two doves carrying roses in their beaks flying toward a cross in the center. I think if you click on the photo you can see a larger image. It also features a bullion rose "necklace" and roses on the sleeves.

My favorite skirt pattern....

2010-04-17T14:48:00.008-04:00

This is such a fun skirt pattern. It is hard to tell from the photo, but all the squares are different sizes, some gathered, some sewn straight, etc. My daughter absolutely loves it!! I have made her two different variations and she wears them all the time. I have even had several teens and adults at church wanting me to make them one! lol It is the skirt from Portabellopixie called Analise. A few MAJOR points to make though. The pattern has FIVE misprints in it. I can't believe they didn't catch this in the editing, because it would be a nightmare to try and sew it the way it is printed. On step 5 of the left side, it should be piece #8 not #6. On step 8, it should be #6, not #8. On step 9, it should be #6, not #8. On the right side step on should read #12A instead of #7A and #12B instead of #7B.

Also, please note, it runs extremely long as a skirt. My daughter is a very tall 11 year old, around 5' 1". The skirt above was cut exactly to the size 8 pattern! No variations. And I did NOT add the suggested ruffle around the bottom either.

Here it is in a size 2, on a 3 yr old, also without the suggested ruffle around the bottom and with an inch or two trimmed off the bottom:

I am not any way affiliated with the pattern designer, I just thought I would share a fun pattern. I hope you are having a great weekend!
Angela

I LOVE SPRING!!!

2010-04-14T07:43:00.006-04:00

Spring is my absolute favorite time of year. The flowers are just glorious!! My camilias are no longer blooming, but the azaleas sure are!
Look at the intense color of these beauties!

Then look at the beautiful coloring of these...

But my favorite flowers are the wild Easter lilies that pop up in my yard unexpected! I always LOVED these as a child and I would make my dad pull over on the side of the road so I could pick them. Well, God knows this and I think he blesses me with these flowers just to remind me that He loves me :o) I am the only yard in my area that has these wild lilies!!

Coincidence? I don't think so! :o)
I'll post more sewing pics soon. Have a lovely week and enjoy this gorgeous Spring weather!

SRE Easter dress finished!

2010-03-30T06:46:00.007-04:00

As promised, here are a few photos of the finished Silk Ribbon Embroidery dress completed.

I love how the shadow embroidery came out on the silk batiste. Nice and colorful!

It also had a matching bonnet.

It had an embroidered brim:

My customer also wanted lace pantaloons to go under the dress so it can be worn with some darling Victorian boots!

It was a very labor intensive, yet fun project. I am thrilled that I was able to create it for my customer. I hope she will be pleased!!

Smocked Dress Sample Sale!

2010-03-22T10:48:00.004-04:00

I have a couple of my samples that I designed for Australian Smocking and Embroidery for sale.

If you would like to see more information on them and more photos, please click here:
http://www.dandelionavenue.com/samplesale.htm
Thank you and have a great week!
Angela

Silk Ribbon Sneak Peek~

2010-03-19T13:51:00.005-04:00

Here is a sneak peek of a glorious Easter dress that I am working on. This set is inspired by Kari Mecca's FairyTale Finery dress. The customer wanted the overall look of that dress but not exactly. Also, her pattern is not out yet so I just had to draw up the design freehand. Here is a preview! I'll post the finished design next week. This is some of the embroidery on the skirt:

More to come soon! :o)

T anyone??

2010-03-16T06:37:00.006-04:00

I love a vintage styled "t-dress". It has a T-shaped embroidered bodice and center skirt piece. This one is a variation of one from AS&E.

It has smocked sides...

And the back is almost as pretty!

One more Easter dress order to finish and then I can start my daughters!
Have a great day!

Another Smocked Easter dress finished!

2010-03-12T13:23:00.006-05:00

This little dress turned out sooooo sweet! I love the buttery yellow and all the flowers.
I think the tatting is just the right touch to the collar and sleeves.

The seed beads and pearls are a little hard to photograph, but there are lots of them! :o)
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.......off to do more sewing! :o)

Latest AS&E contribution

2010-03-08T07:33:00.003-05:00

AS&E just sent me a sneak peek of one of my dresses that they are publishing...but you can't see a whole lot of the dress in the photo! lol
Anyway, I just thought I would share. It will be in the next issue.

Here is a closeup photo that I took before I mailed it off :o)

The smocking features lemon wedges and lemon blossom flowers. They are also embroidered in the skirt bands.
I am looking forward to seeing the issue!
Back to working on Easter dresses......

Only God...

2010-03-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

Can create something so delicate and amazing like this!

My Camilias are blooming and the colors are just breathtaking!
It has given me a wonderful idea for a dress. :o) I'll have to try and work on it when I finish my Easter orders.

Smocked Infant Gown finished!

2010-02-18T17:59:00.008-05:00

Here is a photo of the smocked infant gown that I posted about earlier.

The baby's initials are hand embroidered on the bodice:

The hemline features more bullion roses and faux pearls:

This was a special request for a dear customer who wanted it for a baby gift. I hope the new mom loves it! It was a joy to create. :o)

Hand Smocked Dupion Silk Bishop!

2010-02-16T11:30:00.006-05:00

This was a special request for a customer. I just love the way it turned out. The camera could not quite capture how gorgeous the color of the dupion silk though. It is such a rich teal color.

There are seed beads sewn into the smocking and bullion roses in each "point."
I hope you have a great week! I'm busy trying to finish up the little slip to the baby daygown that I posted a peek of below :o) Then I need to get busy on my Easter orders! I'll post more this week.

Vintage ruffles!

2010-02-06T08:22:00.003-05:00

Here is a set I created for a sweet customer. It is a version of my Valentine's Ruffles dress on my website. It is a 3pc set featuring a ruffled underdress with a vintage Swiss embroidered bodice, ruffled pantaloons and a ruffled, floral overdress. I think the colors and fabrics have such a sweet and vintage feel to them.

Smocked Infant Gown

2010-02-02T08:02:00.007-05:00

Here is a little sneak of a hand smocked infant gown that I am creating for a dear customer. This is the edge of the bodice. It is loaded with bullion roses, rosebuds and pearls.

I will post some full photos of my other smocked Easter dress previews soon. I don't want to spoil the surprise for my customers, so I want to make sure they have received them first!
Have a great day!

Another Smocked Easter dress preview

2010-01-25T06:36:00.003-05:00

Sorry to have been away from the blog so long, I have been super busy sewing! I only have one, maybe two spots at the most for custom Easter orders. I am almost fully booked.
As promised, here is another sneak peek of another custom order. It is the Beatrix Potter set from my website but this one is done in blue. I really think I like the blue even better than the rose!

I should be able to post another set tomorrow. Have a great day!

Easter preview

2010-01-11T09:33:00.006-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at a custom smocked and embroidered Easter dress for an order that I received.
I think the colors are turning out gorgeous...

I can't wait to finish the dress so I can see the final product! :o)

Ian Poulter....eat your heart out :o)

2010-01-05T10:58:00.006-05:00

For those of you who do not follow golf (which is practically everyone lol), Ian Poulter is a golfer from Great Britain. Ian is known for his flashy attire. Due to this, he is my son's favorite golfer. Ian even has his own clothing line.
You can find a photo of him here:
http://latimes.image2.trb.com/lanews/media/photo/2009-07/48101319.jpg
Well, a year or so ago, I picked up some Union Jack twill fabric just for fun. Well, for over a year, my son has been begging me to make him some golf pants out of it. I just could not bring myself to do it. This is some LOUD fabric!! Well, after much persistence and much reluctance, I broke down and sewed him some "European golf trousers!" They actually did turn out pretty neat........if you can get over the print!! Exhibit A:

Check out the welted pockets.....if you can find them :o)
It actually was pretty fun to actually sew something for my son......I haven't been able to do that for years.
Well, back to smocking. I'll have some previews of my latest projects soon.
Have a great day!!
Angela

Personalized BOYS rompers!

2010-01-04T09:07:00.004-05:00

I have been making these as shower gifts for friends and they are a HUGE hit! Especially when the baby is named something unique. So I decided to list a few at etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37653592

Have a great day!

Christmas gone already???

2009-12-29T13:47:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. It is truly hard to believe that another Christmas has already passed. And 2010?? It seems like just the other day it turned 2000!! Remember the scare? lol We had a terrific Christmas....even though it passed too quickly. I am already working on some custom orders for Easter! We just go from one holiday to the next....
I'll try and post a sneak peak of the customs when I get to a recognizable stopping point! :o)
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!!!
blessings, Angela

A fun project

2009-12-10T11:39:00.003-05:00

I finally mailed my last Christmas custom order yesterday.......PHEW! So now I can actually sew just for fun and for presents. I made this today for my sweet little niece. It is really hard to find personalized items when you have an unusual name, so I thought she might like this. It looks a little odd on my mannequin as the set is only a size 2/3 but I thought I'd share anyway. I think she will like the sparkles in the hat fabric on the skirt :o) What girl doesn't like sparkles??

Off to do some Christmas baking! Have a great day!

Yummy....

2009-12-10T06:45:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas and Christmas parties are the finger foods!! I love being able to get one of everything :o) I found this Cheese Straw recipe over at Paula Deen's website and they turned out delicious. I didn't have a star tip, so I just used my cookie press with a flat zig zag sort of tip! lol No one at the party seemed to mind :o)

Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups self-rising flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cup 1/2 lb shredded sharp Cheddar, at room temperature
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, cayenne, and salt and set aside. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and cheese until blended. Add the flour mixture slowly, beating at low speed, then continue to beat for 5 minutes, until very creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl several times.

Using a cookie press with a star tip, make 3-inch-long cheese straws, leaving at least 1/2 inch between each on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to racks to cool. Enjoy!

More FREE Fabric!

2009-12-05T10:14:00.004-05:00

Here are two panels of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer fabric. Each panel is to make a soft book. There are 12 squares per panel.
If you want them, just be the first to write me at dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net.
Please pay postage and I will ship the least expensive way that I can.
Thanks!

FREE dress!!

2009-12-05T10:05:00.008-05:00

The first person to email me at dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net will receive this free Daisy Kingdom dress! :o) (you will need to pay postage) It is not handmade, it is actually from Daisy Kingdom. It consists of the underdress complete with petticoat and the pinafore. It is a very generous 4 and measures 31" long. It is not new, my daughter wore it a couple times, but it is still a darling dress.
Again, please only get this if you know of a child who needs a dress and can wear this now. I do not want this to be sitting in another closet or just taken to be resold.

All of the other free items below have found new homes, and I will post as soon as this one does. Thanks and Good luck! Angela

What is left....

2009-12-04T08:32:00.002-05:00

Everything has been taken except for the Songbird Garden fabric. I will have one more dress to post soon.
Thanks ladies! Angela

More Free Fabric!

2009-12-03T06:53:00.008-05:00

Ok, the other fabric has been taken and so have the Sew Beautiful Magazines.
Here is the free fabric for this morning:
This is a 3pc coordinating set of Forever Yours fabric by Robyn Pandolph.
3 yds, 2+ yds, 2+ yds.

Here is another beautiful floral,3+ yds of Songyard Garden by Rosie Farmer for Free Spirit:
Here is a cute one 4+ yards Monday's Child by Chloe's Closet for Moda
Well, that's all I have time to list now. I'll be back later! :o)
Good luck!
dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net

More free Sew Beautifuls....

2009-12-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

Issues 60,61 and 63 :o)

Free Material!

2009-12-02T10:19:00.006-05:00

Again, I will give this to the first person to claim it. dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net I will ship the most economical way that I can to save you postage. :o)
First we have a little over 3 yards of Sweeet Dreams by Robyn Pandolph
Next, we have a little over 2 1/2 yards of Nature's Tranquility by Cheri L. Strole for Moda Good luck!
Angela

Raggedy Ann has found a home :o)

2009-12-02T09:41:00.006-05:00

Just a quick note to say that the jumper has been taken. Next, we have some Sew Beautiful Magazines. Issues 85, 78 and Summer 1998.

I can ship them bookrate if needed. Again, just email me! The first one to email me gets them.....just pay postage :o) dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net

For the Early Birds.....

2009-12-02T07:28:00.006-05:00

I'm up and at 'em early this morning. Here is a hand smocked raggedy ann and andy jumper. I bought this for my daughter but she never had a chance to wear it. It is beautifully made. Please only ask for it if you know of a child who can/will wear it. It would be a shame for it to sit in another closet.

Since it was handmade, I am not positive of the size. I am thinking it is around a size 6/7. From shoulder to ankle: 41" From shoulder to crotch: 24" Inseam: 20" Chest 27"

Like before, just email me. The first one, wins it. You just pay for shipping! :o)

Good luck. dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net

School set has been taken!

2009-12-01T21:47:00.003-05:00

The school set has a new home :o) but I am still cleaning! I don't think I will post any more this evening.....I'm watching the Biggest Loser (Goooooo Danny!!)
I'll post more tomorrow.
Thanks!

what a job!

2009-12-01T19:32:00.004-05:00

Boy, this has been an ALL DAY job. And I still have a huge pile of "Miscellaneous" in my living room that I have to decide what to do with. I am not very good at parting with things. My husband's idea of cleaning is just to throw everything out and he is done in record time! I have to sit and ponder over every scrap! lol ughghghghg. I am tired. I have several more freebies that I will list though. Here is the latest freebie:
A sweet little vintage style backpack.

As with the other freebies, the first one to write me will get it. One freebie per person please. Priority shipping will probably be around 5 bucks. I can check first class if you like. Just let me know.
dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net

UPDATE: I just found a sample made of the same vintage ABC fabric. I believe it is around a size 5.

So if this works for you, you can get both :o)

Gone!

2009-12-01T13:36:00.002-05:00

Ok, the peppermint twist set is gone now too. I need to take a breather here. I'll be back later :o)
Angela

another set!

2009-12-01T13:16:00.004-05:00

Ok, the tshirt is gone. This is for a Peppermint/Denim/Chenille 2 pc set. It was worn one time by my daughter. It is app. a size 5. It has adjustable straps and an elastic back. The shirt worn underneath is not included. This is for the dress and hat.

AGAIN....These free items ARE NOT FOR RESELL.
Please only take them if you have or know of a sweet little girl who can wear it.
One freebie per person please!
Thanks!

Another freebie!

2009-12-01T12:36:00.003-05:00

The set has found a new home :o)

Next is a hand beaded t shirt. It is quite shabby sweet. It features cabbage roses with seed beads sewn on for accent. It is a size 4.

Postage will only be about $2.00 for 1st class.
Write me dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net

Cleaning out the sewing room! FREE STUFF!

2009-12-01T10:52:00.007-05:00

Ok, my sewing room has become absolutely disastrous. I would post a picture but I am afraid it would scare you........it really is that bad. In the midst of my cleaning, I have found some stuff that needs good homes.
Since it is officially December and I am in the Christmas spirit, this will be FREE to a good home. Just pay the postage :o) (that should be around $6-$7)
First is a FIVE PIECE set!!!
This set is best suited for little sweeties in the 24M, 2t, 3t size range. Please check the measurements below and if you know someone who could wear this, be the first to write me,pay the postage and it is yours! It will come with tags and suitable for gift giving!
the top: 16" long
the skirt: elastic waist & 13" long
the pants: elastic waist, 15" long
the jacket: 16"long with adjustable sleeve length and generous chest
ruffled socks
***Please note that the apple hat is not included***
PLEASE DO NOT GET THIS TO RESELL!!
This needs a sweet little girl to wear it.

Keep checking back as I will post more as I clean! :o) Email me at dandelionavenue@bellsouth.net.

Bluebirds and Roses....

2009-11-30T13:22:00.002-05:00

Two of my favorite things!! I just love how this vintage inspired ensemble came out! I'll probably list it on ebay next year.....that sounds so funny to say next year!! sigh Where does the time go? Next year is only a little over a month away!!!

Latest project

2009-11-19T09:12:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to show my latest project. A sweet customer has ordered a smocked Christmas blouse. I am still working on it, but I think it will turn out cute!! :o)

An interesting visitor!

2009-11-13T07:05:00.002-05:00

I came home from taking my daughter to school and look what was waiting for me!
Isn't it beautiful? It was on the peak of one of our bay windows just sitting there rather majestically. I was happy to have been able to capture the moment! :o)

New listings!

2009-11-10T18:48:00.006-05:00

I have all sorts of new listings this week! The Polkadotz Shoppe is having a fun Valentines launch. So I have listed a sweet little patchwork twirl... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170405474639

Then over on etsy I have listed a personalized ornament shirt set

and also a DARLING little Mary Engelbreit patchwork twirl set! http://www.etsy.com/shop/dandelionavenue

I have been a busy lady!! I hope everyone has a very blessed Veteran's Day tomorrow! A huge THANK YOU to all our Veterans!