Girls' Tops

This Christmas I decided to make smocked tops, rather than dresses, for my granddaughters. This was really a choice amongst the kits in my stash chosen not so much for immediate wearability, but for what might be useful in a few months' time, since they have quite a stock of summer dresses.

I really liked Temily, in AS&E issue 80, and bought two kits, figuring I could reverse the thread colour to make 2 distinct versions for Veronica and Niamh. I could see them wearing it over jeans around the time they start school,  later in 2012.

The magazine version has an orange picture-smocked abstract flower, with purple around the centre, so I did one like that and one with purple and orange reversed.

There is a neat running stitch around the frill and seams. Unfortunately, in the Christmas rush, I didn't take photos of the finished garments. Once it is cool enough for the girls to wear them, I will rectify.

For Brigid I made Free Spirit, from AS&E 92. It has a smocked yoke and a little bit of smocking to bring in the three-quarter sleeves. I am happiest with designs, like this, that use smocking for functional, rather than merely decorative effect.

The colours and design of this top are very pleasing. I thought it might be more autumn than summer, but Brigid has worn it a lot since Christmas. She says it is comfortable and cool.









My quick iPhone snaps give her an impressionist portrait look!