Summer Smock

It feels like summer is easing in early this year; time to stitch up some new tops and skirts to accommodate the warmer weather. 

This 'summer smock' was something I just finished.  A lesson on tucks.  Although it didn't really start out that way. I decided to insert a tucked panel, AFTER I cut this out.  Yes, it was an afterthought.  One that actually worked out!   I started with an older pattern, one I've made many times, mostly out of linen or chambray. I like this top because it 's casual and loose; comfortable for around the house and working in the yard. 

Here's the pattern.  Which now looks nothing like what I ended up with, but the back is the same.  I also shortened the sleeves to 3/4" length, because I don't like to keep pushing them up while I'm working.  For the neckline, I cut out a square self-faced yoke and stitched it over the top of the tucked portion.  Somehow, it all went together beautifully. 

Please excuse my figure model, she is easier to photograph than I am.  I forgot to make allowances for the shoulders.  Mine are not quite so "impressive", so this is a tad wide at the neckline.  Making notes for next time, because I see more of these in my future.

Comments

[Account Deleted]

Your smock is very pretty. I love smock tops and a 3/4 sleeve.

I think it is a very fine thing that you and your daughters have this sewing time together. What a fine teacher you are! They are fortunate in that. I wish that I was better at sewing clothes. I've never had as much patience for it, for some reason. I think it's the tracing of the patterns that I don't enjoy.

Our weather is warming up, finally, in our part of the world. Now I can plant the window boxes full of geraniums, which will be nice.

xo
Lena

[Bridgette]

Oh how I wish my mother had had the patience to teach me! Perhaps it was I that wasn't patient enough?
Anyway, love the smock, and that you set aside time to sew with your daughters.
Is that a lawn fabric you used?

[vicki haninger]

Thank you Lena. Sewing definitely is a lesson in learning patience! My girls have been craft sewing for some time now and are finding out that clothing construction requires a bit more finesse. They've made some darling skirts and tops so far.

Windowboxes of geraniums sounds lovely. We are hanging up flower baskets this weekend. It's the only way we can enjoy certain types of flowers, because of the deer.

Everyone is enjoying the warm weather here too!

[vicki haninger]

By the time I was old enough to sew, my mother (who sewed beautifully) was working full-time, so I was mostly self-taught. It's never too late to learn if you have the desire. You may also find you have more patience now that you're older.

Yes, that is lawn--I wish I could find more in lots of colors.

[Debra]

Vicki, I love your smock. I, too, have been sewing tops for myself, tunic-style with 3/4 sleeves. Pretty and comfortable!