Judy Day's FRANNIE jumper
This is another darling creation made by my dear friend Judy Day. Stitched for her granddaughter, the Children’s Corner Frannie pattern was used with the addition of the smocking option. Frannie has a ribbon casing under each armhole which draws up a little extra fullness. As the child grows, the ribbon is loosened to allow more room across the chest.
The smocking is a simple tone on tone cable/wave combination with yellow flowerettes adding just touch of color.
The 100% cotton featherwale corduroy has such a nice hand and soft drape. It also pleats beautifully and is great for most smocking patterns.
But there are a few factors that must be taken into consideration when using this fabric for smocking. The extra thickness makes it unsuitable for most picture smocking plates. I once tried to smock Mollie Jane Taylor’s Cardinals on hunter green featherwale and the poor birds looked like they had been run through ringer. Their body shape was more like that of a crocodile than a bird. I went to Plan B, which was to smock Mollie Jane’s Little Houses. Constructed of satin stitch walls, the house width is of no consequence.
Another thing I learned is that the heavier weight of the fabric makes it necessary to remove some of the fullness from bishops and sometimes from yoke dresses. There is so much more bulk that it is impossible to draw the pleats up to the neck measurement.
Having smocked for 30+ years, Judy has dodged all those bullets. This little jumper is just sweet. It is such a versatile garment, suitable for school, church, parties or any event, short of rough outdoor play.
I’ve made two dresses for my granddaughter from this pattern, but have never added the smocking. This bit of handwork elevates the garment to another level, adding extra interest, extra detail and extra love.
Next fall, I’ll be pulling out some corduroy for a smocked Frannie jumper for Laurel.
