Much as I love heirloom and English smocking, more and more frequently I find myself resorting to quick and easy styles with machine embroidery, or in this case, embroidery machine appliqué. So often I find myself having to choose between sewing for my grandchildren and spending time with them. Of course, I always choose the latter.
That description fits the back-to-school dress made from Bonnie Blue’s Lydia pattern which Laurel is wearing in this photo. It has an option for smocking in the center front but I haven’t tried that yet. I bought the pattern immediately after it was featured in Creative Needle magazine. The smocked area is just perfect for a single picture smocked design, like an apple or whatever.
After making several A-line jumpers from the pattern in the Pullen book, Appliqué, Martha’ Favorites, I have switched to Lydia because it is fuller, more of a swing style, which Laurel prefers. However, Judy Day’s two granddaughters, who are the same age as Laurel, prefer the more tailored lines of the MP jumper. So to each her own.
Blue baby cord makes up the jumper, which can be made with the same quick-turn lining method as the MP jumper. Because of the weight of this fabric, I chose to line only the bodice and finish the skirt bottom with a shirt tail hem. School bus yellow microcheck served as the bodice lining, with the large shoulder buttons in the same color.
The appliqué design is from Amazing Designs School collection, with the addition of the waving American flag. Green rick rack provides a school yard for the scene.  To my daughter-in-law’s satisfaction, this easy care garment is ready to wear as it is pulled out of the dryer.
I am certainly looking forward to making spring clothing for my grandchildren. The Lydia pattern is one that I will be pulling out of my pattern boxes.
What are you planning to sew next?
