We’ve had the posts on the Easter Purse, now to get the Easter Dress underway. My fabric is a Spechler-Vogel fabric called “Skinny Dip Pique“. It has a delicate narrow strip and I am using the soft mint green shade. I also carry it in white and coral. Very easy to work with and nice to pleat. Am using my favorite Smocked Bishop pattern and smocking in Floche’ thread.
I have chosen the smocking plate by Crosseyed Cricket Designs called “A Bishop for All Seasons“. I am using the spring version instead of the Easter version so the dress can be worn into the summer. On this smocking design there is an Easter, Christmas, Fall and summer motifs with colors appropriate for the season. Very versatile design!
I am smocking purple and pink butterflies with the yellow sunflower in the motif spaces that are part of the geometric background of the design. Another thing that I am doing with this bishop style dress is the treatment on the angel sleeve. I have used my scallop embroidery stitch on my machine and finished the edge with the machine scallop.
Use the stabilizer of choice under the design. I don’t do a lot of machine embroidery so I use a product called “Stitch in the Ditch”, a soft paper product that pulls off nicely when finished with your stitching. I place it under the area to be stitched. But I know there are a number of water soluble stabilizers on the market, so try the one that works for you.
The other thing that is helpful in doing this sleeve finishing technique is the scissors that you use to cut off the excess fabric on the outer edge.
I’m real pleased with an English pair of scissors from the Ernest Wright Co. They have a curved short blade making the operation easier to accomplish.
You can, if you choose to add Fray Check on the edge, but I don’t normally find it’s necessary. Just be careful as you cut to stay off the embroidery and the stitching will remain fine.
Now on to smocking!! Happy Stitching!