It is hard to believe but school has started up again for so many children. Here in New England, there are a few more days before that first day begins, but it is fast approaching. As sewists, we will soon be delving into sewing for Fall and then dare I say the holidays! I am hoping that there is tons of smocking in your future! So before you get started on all those projects, take a few minutes to get your pleater in great working order. Have you ever cleaned your pleater? I

Last week my good friend Julie was on the blog to share her tips and tricks for stitching the gathered version of July Flowers. Today she is back to show you her smocked version and offer some additional tips and tricks for making the skirt including adding ric rac! So here is Julie... Once I had the bodice made, the next step is to make the back placket, which I did following the directions, but using a technique I have learned, which is as you stitch the ‘V’ on the main fab

Introducing July Flowers - the latest pattern from Pink Hollybush Designs, and the perfect back to school dress! When I introduced the May Garden pattern which is designed for knits, my good friend Julie asked if I was planning to introduce the pattern for wovens. I said no, and then got to thinking... and the result is July Flowers! So why two patterns? Well, the construction is completely different because it is made from a woven fabric rather than a knit. July Flowers has