• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Call Ajaire

Call Ajaire

You can always Call Ajaire.

  • Blog
  • MashUp
    • Monthly MashUp
  • Designs by Call Ajaire
    • FREE PATTERNS
    • GIRLS
    • SWIM
    • OUTERWEAR
    • UNISEX
    • BUNDLES
    • DOLLS
    • FOR THE HOME
    • ADD-ON
    • SKILLS
      • Neckbands
      • Sewing Knits
      • Topstitching
      • Bagging a Lining
      • Bias Binding
      • Bound Buttonholes
      • Color Blocking
      • Exposed Zipper
      • Gathering Knits
      • Inseam Pockets
      • Handkerchief Hemline
      • Lined Bodice
      • Keyhole Neckline
      • Princess Seams
      • Narrow Hem
      • Neckbands
      • Sewing Outerwear
      • Sewing Swimwear
      • Sewing Knits
      • Tailored Coat
      • Tube Turning
      • Sports Waistband
      • Topstitching
      • v-neck Binding
      • v-neck Hood
      • Sewing with Faux Fur
      • Vented Hem
      • Working with Elastic
      • drawstring casing
    • Checkout
    • Designs by Call Ajaire on Etsy
    • Designs by Call Ajaire Facebook Group
  • About
  • My Account
  • Cart
  • Archive
  • Call Ajaire Facebook Page
  • Call Ajaire's YouTube Channel
  • @callajaire on Instagram
  • Ajaire's Pinterest
  • Call Ajaire on Twitter

Lattice Smocked Top

I did it again.  I smocked.

This week for Project Run and Play we were to take a plain white sheet and make anything we wanted.  I bought (gasp!) a sheet really cheap since I don’t have any plain white ones I’d be willing to part with here.  I just bought the twin size and even with that size there was a ton of fabric to play with!

I knew I wanted to dye the fabric and purple and green were the dyes I had on hand.  I cut (really I tore) the sheet in half and dyed each piece separately.  I dyed the bag too, hehe.

I really love the color the purple turned out.  The green is a much nicer color than it shows in this picture!  It’s lovely too.  At the risk of making yet another PURPLE clothing item for Bean, I decided the green would have to wait for another project. 

I had no idea what I wanted to make with the fabric once it was dyed though.  I thought I’d like to smock since I knew I wanted very little embellishment and to leave the base of the outfit simple.  That’s what I like about smocking.  It is seemingly fancy, yet left on its own it is just a simple twist of fabric that gives some interest.

This time around I spaced the grid about 1/2 an inch apart whereas last time it was a little under 3/8 of an inch. I definitely think bigger is better in this case.  It takes some time to hand smock, but it looks so much nicer than the basic machine smocked stitch.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve used machine smocking before and love it, but there is something satisfying about knowing you’ve hand stitched.

A top was in order since I made two dresses last week.  I just cut out some rectangles similar to how I made Bean’s bishop dress and sewed them together.  Bean is still in need of fall clothing so there was no question I’d make this long sleeved.  Short flutter sleeves kept calling out to me, but I settled for an elastic gather at the wrist.  I’m so glad I did.  The big puffy shoulders slim arm and gathered wrist are so cute on a baby.  It gives the top a fairytale feeling.

I haven’t done a nice wide boatneck for Bean so I thought this would be the perfect way to showcase the smocking.  The back has a keyhole opening with a crossover snap.  That way I can adjust the snap (sewn in) as she grows so this top should fit for a while.  I also added a pleat on either side of the opening so the stiff sheet fabric would hang nicely as she grows.  I purposely made it big all around since the cooler weather is only just starting.

Bean has become very aware of airplanes recently and has to point out every single one.  Even when we’re inside.  It’s amazing how we learn to tune a lot of that stuff out as we grow older.  Most of the time it takes me a minute to realize that’s what she hears, hehe.

In case anyone is wondering, the pants she is wearing are the Is It Summer Yet pants that I made back in April.  I’m so happy I made them big.  They fit perfectly now.  I definitely need to whip up a few more pair for fall/winter.

125

Linking up:
Photobucket 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sparkling

    September 29, 2012 at 8:47 pm

    I love the detail of that smocking!!

    Reply
  2. Bratling

    October 4, 2012 at 7:42 am

    Love the smocking. How do you get the lattice effect?

    Reply
  3. Narelle Heath

    October 4, 2012 at 7:48 am

    The smocking is gorgeous. I like the puff of the sleeve too. Too cute!

    Reply
  4. Melissa (Melly Sews)

    October 4, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    I want a smocking tutorial!

    Reply
  5. Ajaire

    October 5, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Melissa, I finally got the pictures I needed to finish the tute I started months ago haha. Look out for the tute this week. THANKS!

    Reply
  6. OnceUpona Sew

    January 7, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Wow this is so pretty! I love the smocking,you nailed it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Looking for something?

join us on instagram

callajaire

Today’s the day! The Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up is Today’s the day!  The Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up is live as a part of the Project Under the Sea collaboration released this morning over @projectrunandplay 💕💕

This zip-up has views for a cropped and oversized hoodie as well as four other cover-up style looks.  Designed for minimal stretch fabrics, it works great with French terry, sweatshirting, and of course the beloved new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics (shown in the cover looks.)
You can find the pattern (sized newborn to 16 years) on sale exclusively through Project Run & Play for a month. Check out all the views in the listing. 💕💕

https://projectrunandplay.com/product/morgana/
#dbcamorgana #designsbycallajaire 
#projectunderthesea #prpunderthesea #shannonfabrics #shannonfabricscuddle #shannonfabricscloudcuddle #coverups #zipuppatterns #pdfpattern #pdfpatternsale
This big sister turns 12 today! 💕💕 This big sister turns 12 today! 💕💕
The new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics is inc The new Cloud Cuddle© from @shannonfabrics is incredibly soft on both sides, which made it perfect for a new layering piece. 💕💕
It has just enough stretch for the Chromium Cropped Sweatshirt, but I needed to cut the neckband on the bias to make sure it would stretch over her head. 🙌🏻🙌🏻
She wouldn’t stop petting her arms and talking about just how soft it is. 😍😍

#designsbycallajaire #dbcachromium #shannonfabrics #shannoncuddle #cloudcuddle #shannonfabricscloudcuddle
It was a fun class day @sewspecialinc as we were a It was a fun class day @sewspecialinc as we were able to finish up some Larry the Lion stuffies leftover from a class this past winter. I’m so glad these ladies were able to come out to join me and complete their projects 😍😍

Fabrics are cuddle by @shannonfabrics and the pattern is @funkyfriendsfactory
Well, it’s been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajai Well, it’s been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire has a new pattern that’s ready for testing!! 
Meet the Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up in sizes nb-16 years.  This is the perfect beach/pool cover up and was designed for minimal stretch knits, so french terry, cuddle minky, sweatshirting are all great options here.  Other knits could be used, but YMMV.

Testing will begin Wednesday the 26th and end May 6th.  This is a relatively short turn-around, but the block has been used in the past and I’m not anticipating much in the way of fit changes.  If you’d like to test, just fill out this google form (in profile). Thanks!!
https://forms.gle/N8fkAGRXho6YsZbH9
fabrics here are cloud cuddle from @shannonfabrics 

#designsbycallajaire #dbcamorgana
Well, it's been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire Well, it's been awhile, but Designs by Call Ajaire has a new pattern that's ready for testing!! 
Meet the Morgana Zip-Up/Cover-Up in sizes nb-16 years.  This is the perfect beach/pool cover up and was designed for minimal stretch knits, so french terry, cuddle minky, sweatshirting are all great options here.  Other knits could be used, but YMMV.

Testing will begin Wednesday the 26th and end May 6th.  This is a relatively short turn-around, but the block has been used in the past and I'm not anticipating much in the way of fit changes.  If you'd like to test, just fill out this google form (in profile). Thanks!!
https://forms.gle/N8fkAGRXho6YsZbH9
I love it when the insides are pretty 💕💕🌵 I love it when the insides are pretty 💕💕🌵🌵
#designsbycallajaire #dbcacapechinos
When you’re working on a pair of pants and you r When you’re working on a pair of pants and you realize that the inside pocket material is the same as your ironing board cover 😆😆💕💕

@wolfandrabbitfabrics for the win! 💪🏻💪🏻💕💕
#designsbycallajaire #dbcacapechinos #sneakpeek
Love these siblings!! 💕💕 #nationalsiblingda Love these siblings!! 💕💕

#nationalsiblingday #jenngorriephotography
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Affiliates:

Seven Sisters Scones


Jennuine-Design-Banner

Designs by Call Ajaire

Designs by Call Ajaire shop logo

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Project Jet Set – Sardinia With the Rimini Romper
  • Project Jet Set – Travel Pattern Capsule – Sardinia
  • Very Peri Pantone Party
  • Project Happy Holidays – the Galentine’s Shoot
  • Project Happy Holidays – a Collaboration

Subscribe to Call Ajaire via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Call Ajaire and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Designs by Call Ajaire

Designs by Call Ajaire shop logo

I've always loved making. At an early age I started cross stitching and sewing and I taught myself to knit and crochet during college. When our seven year old daughter Bean was born I was filled with all sorts of inspiration, so now I find ways to manage my crafty time and treasure those moments. Though sewing is what I'm most passionate about these days, there's something about the portability of yarn crafts and embroidery that keeps drawing me back in. Read More…

Join our newsletter!

Stay up to date with exclusive offers and coupon codes in your inbox!

Quick Links

  • About Call Ajaire
  • My Account
  • Blog
  • Contact Page

Shop

  • Designs by Call Ajaire
  • FREE PATTERNS
  • Cart
Call Ajaire

Copyright © 2023 · Call Ajaire · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme