I just had to make another one of these. For this one, I gathered the front just a little and used a machine blanket-stitch around the yoke-binding. If your sewing machine has built-in decorative stitches this is a great place to have some fun with them. For the armholes and straps I used a continuous bias-strip cut from the same fabric this time.
The technique is a little tricky but really something worth mastering because you can get an incredible amount of bias trim from a small square of fabric. I always feel like I'm doing a magic trick when I start cutting and 
yards and yards of trim keep reeling off that tube.
BTW *thank you* to everybody who stopped by and left comments about my other aprons too. Some of you have asked about the pattern I used for the enchanted garden smock so here's a little more about it.
I've had this pattern since 1972 and it was my all-time favorite pattern for years. Still is actually, but I'm having trouble with the notion that something I bought new is now considered vintage. (ahem!)
The original pattern was sewn with a closed back, but I started making these with ties instead. I think the coolest thing about this though, is the facing. It's turned out instead of in. So you can make a contrasting yoke and facing all in one. And what could be easier than dolman sleeves? (Click on pattern to view it larger.)
I've never been able to master bias binding, it is the one sewing thing that can send me into a crying heap in the corner. Another lovely smock - beautiful, actually.
Posted by: Meg | May 13, 2006 at 02:45 PM
LOVE IT!!
Posted by: Nichola | May 13, 2006 at 03:30 PM
Hope you have a very Happy Mother's Day, Vicki!
Posted by: tinker | May 14, 2006 at 06:18 AM
Vicki, I am loving these smocks you are making. As soon as I am done with my skirts I want to try one. Thank you to for the info about the continuous bias strip. I am so glad to learn how to do this. A very happy mother's day to you too. Clarice
Posted by: Clarice | May 14, 2006 at 07:15 AM
Vicki, I really enjoyed reading about the smocks you are making. I have long been interested in traditional smocks worn by farmers and shepherds in the 18 and 19 centuries. So practical. I didn't know they were used by gardeners too, but of course it makes sense. Inspired, I am going to make a smock to use when I garden.
Your blog is fantastic.
Lucette
Posted by: Lucette | May 14, 2006 at 01:52 PM
I finally got my computer working again (turns out it needed a java update) and I can see all your pictures for the first time in weeks. Ahhhh!
Thank you for the bias strip tutorial link -- how clever that is! And tricky! What kind of genius thinks these things up anyway??
Happy Mother's Day to you too. :)
me: Thanks so much Linda, hope your Mother's Day is grand too!
Posted by: Linda | May 14, 2006 at 02:23 PM
whaou ... i like so much , very nice !!!!!
c'est trop mignon j'adore !!!!
bisous
valou
Posted by: valo | May 15, 2006 at 01:44 AM
I've been reading and enjoying your blog for a while now, but never commented before.
I LOVE the smocks you've done. I may try to do something similar myself, if you don't mind :)
me: please feel free to use whatever inspiration my blog provides! i'm flattered, really.
Posted by: Lina | May 15, 2006 at 08:03 AM
Again, love this! Thanks too for the link on how to make the binding. That's on my list to learn. Saving on posting time here, hehe, but also wanted to say how much I love your light blue garden chairs too!
Posted by: Toni | May 15, 2006 at 10:19 AM
thanks toni...i'll tell "the man"!
Posted by: ~Vicki | May 15, 2006 at 01:24 PM