In my former sewing life (before quilting), my passion was making English Smocked little girl's dresses. I figured I could fill up a closet in anticipation of eventually being a grandmother. I did this for years. After all, I have a married son and daughter and one of them would certainly have a girl, right? Well, not so much! I must admit that I do have one 4 year old granddaughter, who doesn't like frilly type clothes, and I'm thinking "she" might be "IT" for that family. My daughter and son-in-law have decided to remain childless. So now what? What do I do with a closet full of clothes that took me hours to create? I just can't bring myself to donate them to Goodwill!!! As nice as that might be. So, I've decided to have a sale. I do know some local gals who might be interested too, so first come, first served with my sale, I say!!
Let me tell you that all dresses were made with heirloom type fabrics from the very softest corduroy, to the absolute best available poly-cotton and pique, mostly purchased from Farmhouse Fabrics. The back closures are buttons as heirloom clothes sort of forbid zippers (in case you didn't know that.)
First off is this darling red corduroy Christmas dress, Size 3. Note the cute collar smocked with cute mice. I really can't remember the name of the smocking plate after all this time, sorry. This dress is for sale for $50 USD plus shipping of $15 to my US friends. If any of you international ladies are interested, I expect the shipping would be an additional $10 on top of that amount. It will be packed in a large box to avoid wrinkles.
Next, we have a baby blue poly-cotton dress smocked with balloons. It also closes in the back with buttons and also has a sash. Note that it is piped with white tiny piping on the collar, bodice and sleeves. This dress would be perfect for Easter. It also is a Size 3 and sells for $50 USD with $15 for shipping as above to my US friends plus $10 extra for international.
Lastly, for today, is another blue dress in a print on pique fabric. This dress is smocked front and back as seen on the next pictures and is trimmed with a fancy tiny pale yellow piping. This one is a Size 4 and is $55 USD plus $15 shipping to US residents and an additional $10 for international shipping.
A close-up of the front smocking:
And a close-up of the back of the dress:
So there you have it. There will be more.....and some aren't smocked. If you are interested in any of these dresses, please e-mail me at the address on my sidebar. I accept payment through Paypal and/or checks from my US followers. Thanks......
They are all beautiful. My boys are too young to produce grandbabies so I shall admire the photos
ReplyDeleteThese are just beautiful Carol!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work Carol. I used to do a bit of heirloom sewing too. I know there is a lot of work in those garments.
ReplyDeleteWonderful little dresses, Carol! What beautiful smocking! That's something I've never done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work. I'm sure somebody will love wearing them. If my girls were still little I'd buy them.
ReplyDeleteGosh - they are beautiful - unfortunately I have no recipients in mind either. IF they don't sell through your blog - are there children's shops you could try?
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness! These are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWOW! These are so beautiful! I know that you put a lot of work into these.My Mom use to make smocked dresses and I know the amount of time that it took her to make them.
ReplyDeleteI had dreams of making pretty little frilly dresses also but, I was blessed with 3 grandsons, so no girly-girly stuff around here.I don't think you will have any trouble selling them.You could also advertise them in the want ads of your local newspaper.
Your work is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI remember you making every one of those, Carol!! It almost makes me want to cry, seeing them sold instead of being kept in the family. They truly are heirloom quality treasures. You've always done such beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Rett
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ReplyDeleteThose are stunning. Unfortunately there are no little girls in my family either.
ReplyDeleteWow,those are just beautiful. Had to restrain myself from buying but we have no little girls! Very nice, I smocked one dress when my daughter was small. I was consumed trying to get it done for Easter, took it everywhere and worked on it every available second. just loved it when it was finally done but never made another.
ReplyDeleteThese are adorable! Your work is beautiful.
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ReplyDeleteCarol, I remember these, too. I wish....But you are probably right. They are too beautiful to be hidden away and not enjoyed. I am sure that they will be loved and much admired when they are purchased. I had to restrain myself, especially with the red corduroy. I am glad that others have been able to see what beautiful children's clothing you have made. You have always inspired me!
ReplyDeleteOh Carol, this makes me so sad! I remember you making a couple of these! Your work is so beautiful and perfect. Anyone would be truly lucky to have one of your garments!
ReplyDeleteYour work is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful - many, many, many years ago I worked at Best & Co. in the children's department. We sold Polly Flinders dresses - these are easily equal to them! Wish I had a little girl for one of these, but my son doesn't even have a steady girlfriend right now!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had someone to give a dress to. They are so lovely and a lot of hard work. My Mum used to make dresses like those for my sisters and myself. Maybe advertise them as Easter dresses at a local church?
ReplyDeleteBarb@Witsend