This past Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending a tour of the McCall’s Pattern Company in New York City, as part of a Smocking Arts Guild Meet-Up. The tour explained the development of a sewing pattern from design concept to the finished pattern available for purchase; a process that takes a year and a half from start to finish. The tour began in the Design Center where the color predictions for spring 2018 were on display. The designers had just been in that morning to r

I spotted this fabric from Emma One Sock with its fun scissors and just couldn't resist. After all, someone who sews and smocks needs a scissor blouse! The fabric is a stretch cotton sateen, and the pattern is Butterick 6026 by Katherine Tilton. I LOVE this pattern! The heirloom details make it just perfect. The tucks radiate out from the shoulder, waist and from the 3/4 sleeves as well. I wish all patterns had fun details like these. It is one of the reasons I sew - you just