It’s a far cry from perfect, but if the house were on fire and everyone {as well as photographs} were safe, I’d grab this creation and run!

Maybe it is the fact that it was intended to be LG’s Easter dress and was finished almost 3 months late. The dress is truly a labor of love.

Typically, we are very low key about care of our creations and even when and where they may be worn, but this one came with regulations. Hand wash and try not to let her crawl {or walk for that matter} while wearing it.

Impossible, I know, but I’m paranoid she’ll rip the lace at the hem and how can one fix that?

There are a multitude of ways this version of Twinkle Toes by Susan O’Connor of Australian Smocking and Embroidery (Issue 58, 2002) could be improved with some practice and a little bit of know how. In fact, Ms. Susan might slap my wrist for not creating bullions as directed in the pattern, but sadly I couldn’t get the looped version to cooperate.

There was no love lost when all those bullions were finally complete either. I just never got to the point I could truly say I enjoyed sewing them. But seriously, is there anyone out there that enjoys sewing bullions? #inquiringmindswanttoknow

If I were to list the improvements, mis-sews and directions not followed precisely, the list would be lengthy! However, I want to try my best to point out the positives today, because I am pleased with this accomplishment!

First, besides the pleating (we don’t own a pleater), the dress was smocked, embroidered and sewn by us! The only other heirloom dresses that we’ve sewn have either been finished from a class we started or we’ve had an abundance of help putting them together.

I’m not going to kid you, often it was difficult to motivate myself to attempt to complete tasks at hand. Not to mention the process seemed never ending. “I think I can. . .I think I can. . .”

I’m also pleased that no shortcuts were taken on the bullions at the “hemline” of the dress. We debated possibly doing every other group of flowers, but opted to buckle down and stitch all of them. I don’t want to fool you, they aren’t perfect, but they are all represented, and I’m thrilled with the completed look!

Not only am I proud, but I also enjoyed sewing the lace. While it takes longer than just sewing other edgings and trims, I enjoyed it. Maybe I had a little more confidence this time, but it was fun {not to mention gorgeous} when completed.

Now, if I’d had to manipulate gathered lace on this creation, my story might have a different tone to it.

While the smocking is not something I’m really proud of per se, since it is within my gamut of skills, I thought it turned out just fine. Again, it was another portion of this creation that I truly enjoyed! Geometric smocking is extremely relaxing and gratifying. For any of you who haven’t tried it, you must!

I loved sewing the pintucks too, although never nailed the correct pressure and tension settings. Basically, the pintucks on this dress were just like sewing a straight line with a twin needle. Again, it took time, but not a whole lot of skill.

I’m pleased that while it was difficult to put that much time into one creation that only one niece may wear, I persevered to sew the baby something of her very own. Because while handmade-me-downs are wonderful, we all like to feel special some times!

As I step back from this creation and the entire process, I sometimes want to beat my chest with pride knowing that I will not be doing a similar one anytime in the near future. After recovering from a few weeks, I would however accept the challenge of something either smocked OR heirloom with lace {not in combination} and most importantly no bullions since my yearly quota has been met!

So, if your house were burning and everyone was safe {etc., etc.} and there was time to grab a favorite creation {and get out alive} what would you choose to grab?

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