I’m not sure if this is your sort of “candy” store but it is mine…
The Smock Shoppe!
I find few things in life more rewarding than taking a piece of fabric and making it into something wonderful for my little rovers. And this is one of my go-to places!
Not only can I spend money there, I can also spend a LOT of time; planning, thinking, creating, coordinating… it’s an incubator for my right brain. Last year I showed you Bill’s Hardware/Simply Unique {another one of my sewing gold mines} and this one is similar but geared more towards sewing for children. The Smock Shoppe specializes in all things related to children’s sewing; patterns, fabric, the finest lace, and anything in-between you would need to create something special for a little person!
They carry fun & funky and prim & proper!
And all the accouterments…
My last few trips in have been both to the benefit of the little Rover…
And his sisters…
My go-to pattern for shorts {boys & girls} is Diaper Shirt and Shorts by Creations by Michie. It’s an incredibly easy pattern and I love that the shorts have no side seams, only two identical pattern pieces!
Pictured on Morgan & Paige {above} is a new pattern that the Smock Shoppe just got in… Ofelia by Figgy’s Patterns, which is quite similar to Simplicity’s 5118 {that many of you email me about regularly}. The Simplicity pattern is unfortunately out of print but the Ofelia pattern is just as easy and with a few minor modifications* you can get the same angel sleeve that is on the Simplicity pattern! With one yard {60″ wide} of fabric I made Morgan a size 6 blouse with a modified sleeve and Paige a size 3 dress {with length taken off the bottom}. I used Katie’s Skirt pattern for Morgan’s skirt and I LOVED IT!
The skirt is fully lined and has elastic casings on the sides only and two adorably trimmed side pockets. She loves this skirt and I do too! The length is perfect for little girls, the pockets make her day and it’s so easy! {No modifications were made, besides adding a “5″ so she would know front from back and so I would know the size. } Although I did notice the last step wasn’t clear– you have to pull the skirt through the opening in the side of the lining to sew the bottom hem— otherwise you’ll end up with a giant tube, not a skirt, I learned this the hard way. I could make at least 6 more of these for summer!
Ok, back to the shop {where ALL these favorite patterns can be found}! The Smock Shoppe ladies are always kind and willing to help with patterns, assist with fabric selections… and begrudgingly pose for a picture! 
Mary Strickland {shop owner [above on left] & queen of all things sewing– play clothes or the finest heirloom}, Dianne Whitehead & Jennifer Watson {shop employee [above on right] and incredibly talented seamstress, heirloom sewer, and “sewing for little boys” expert} have all been so patient with me. You see, I started this post last JUNE when I attended a lace show.
… and fully intended to follow my visit with a post… and now here I am nearly 11 months later!
The show was wonderful and I was mesmerized with what I saw! The children’s heirloom pieces were gorgeous but this wedding gown captivated me. This is a simple satin wedding gown with a train made of the lace from the bride’s grandmother’s wedding veil… it was breathtaking! And a very creative way to incorporate an heirloom piece with a modern gown!
Various outfits line the walls… each one is carefully handmade and they always spark my interest and creativity!
They also carry a great selection of outfits already made or ready to smock and a HUGE pattern collection! Mary has been in business for 32 years and clearly her expertise is invaluable. They have a NEW blog where they showcase new patterns, new fabrics, class schedules and class details {everything from smocking to basic sewing, to hand sewing, to tatting} and they also offer great discounts! Mary is willing to ship if you see something you like and aren’t local!
Now… for PATTERN talk. Jennifer helped me pull some patterns… some are my favorites, some are hers but all are GREAT! So if you need some inspiration and don’t know where to start… this is a collection in my FLICKR account to showcase a stack of children’s sewing patterns! And you can click on individual pictures for larger/closer views.
- An easy pattern for beginners with a BOY & GIRL jumper pattern: Holly & Hunter by Bonnie Blue
- Another moderately easy pattern for little girls {I’ve made view 2 for the girls}: Sophia by Bonnie Blue
- Also love Shelby Kate by Bonnie Blue {I’ve made view 1 without pockets}
- My friend Tami has made and I’ve seen and LOVE this top as a dress or top… Sophie by Maja’s Heirlooms
- Jennifer loves {and I’m going to make for Rover w/o smocking in short version}: Donald by Maja’s Heirlooms {the side pockets are so fun}
- Jennifer also recommended for little boys: Toddler Romper by Creation’s by Michie
- I love and use: Jillian by Bonnie Blue for my PANTS pattern for JM and girls {I add a ruffle for the girls.}
- This is a very easy and simple pillowcase dress, I’ve been known to modify and morph a pillowcase dress into a halter style dress for the girls and the back. The fabric on the girls dresses came from Simply Unique.
- I have always LOVED Frannie & Frannie Baby by Children’s Corner for little girls. There is one tricky step that requires you roll the neck up into the arm to sew the sleeve but besides that it’s pretty straightforward!
This is really only scratching the surface, there are many more in my flickr group and TONS more in the shop. I will try to be better about sharing patterns because some of you seem to be interested!!
Thank you, Mary for your commitment and dedication to teaching women of all ages how to sew for their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews! It is always a pleasure to walk through your doors, I’m always inspired and never leave empty handed! And… thank you to my mother and my precious friend Tami {past shop employee} for teaching me basics and the not-so-basics of sewing. I am forever grateful!!
*Modifications made to Ofelia for the girl’s dress and blouse above.
- For the neck: I didn’t use a bias strip to make a casing. I simply added {before cutting out} 1/2″ to the top of the neck line, surged the raw edge, and turned it down to create a casing. I feared that adding a bias for a neck casing would add more bulk and prevent the dress from gathering the way I intended for it to.
- For Paige’s dress: I took about 3 inches off the length. I also added a coordinating piece of fabric around the bottom of the dress.
- For Morgan’s angel sleeves: You can create an angel sleeve by measuring 3 1/4″ inches up from the bottom of the sleeve cutting line and cut it off. This will create an angel sleeve… I then banded it as the pattern instructs like I did on Morgan’s with the lime check. When constructing the dress you will need to use a bias strip or single fold bias tape to finish the inside of the arm hole because the sleeve will not cover the inside/underside of the armhole. I followed the instructions for the angel sleeve construction on the Simplicity pattern.
Looking forward to your next post!
