may-smock to wear out!
The theme for the month of may is to make a "smock to wear out!" Another purely selfish theme here. I have tried and failed to make a smock like the one on the right to wear over jeans and and a t-shirt and need to master this look very soon. I think it is so very cool and have to have a smock I can wear out. Patterns are hard to come by for this style, especially for a more modern look like this. I have a ton of vintage patterns, but they are so. . .shapely. But this runs the risk of looking like a big sack. hump. So, I think I am up for the challenge, I hope you are too!
I love that you come up with "selfish" themes, as you say. It likely gets you extra motivated to follow your heart, and a fun ride for the rest of us too!
Posted by: Laurie G. | April 30, 2006 at 11:13 PM
Arrghhh! Not sure how I'm going to manage this one, but nothing ventured...
Posted by: Meg | April 30, 2006 at 11:49 PM
Where did you take these pictures? I want that shelving system in the back there! For the smock pattern, get a blouse pattern where the top of the bodice is simple - no princess seams or darts. For a shift shape, all that really matters is that you have the neckline, shoulders and armscye shaped right. The rest of the smock hangs like a bell. So, copy the top part of the bodice and then, at the underarm, drawn a line angled outward as you like. On the bodice back, make it have the same angle under the arm and you'll have a fabulous shift. Hope this helps! Good luck!
Posted by: Heather | April 30, 2006 at 11:56 PM
what are the 'rules' for a smock?
Posted by: Marijke | May 01, 2006 at 04:10 AM
I love this idea, but I'm going to have to pose the same question as Marijke on this one: are there any rules to a smock? This month is going to be really fun! I see lots of stitches ripped out in my near future, but oooooh the possibilities for this one are so temptingly juicy!
Posted by: Leanne | May 01, 2006 at 05:41 AM
Yeah, cause I'm dumb I wonder too? Do smocks have sleeves always. I'm scared of sleeves I think.
Posted by: Amy | May 01, 2006 at 06:12 AM
no rules for the smock-
here's what websters says:
"a light loose garment worn especially for protection of clothing while working"
but I think a "fashiony" look would be fun. do whatever you all want as long as it is easy-and not a dress. I think that would mean not closed in the back-but obviously you can use ties,a button, etc. Or it could be open on the sides. really-no RULES here-so don't sweat it. but I'd say, if you can call it a dress, it's probably not a smock.
and heather-thanks so much for these tips!! I do have to warn you all, unless you have a lovely small chest-the boobs get in the way-so heather's tip about using a pattern to alter is brilliant and what i'm gonna do for sure.
Posted by: amy k. | May 01, 2006 at 07:42 AM
i am excited about this.... great idea!
Posted by: stephanie s | May 01, 2006 at 10:01 AM
i've found your blog and i love it!! i don't have many time these months, but i'll try to participate in summer!!
it's beautiful!! :)
Posted by: loretta | May 01, 2006 at 11:11 AM
i know i keep saying this amy, but this month i am going to get back into doing tie one on. i already had smock-tops on my list. i tried on a bunch at anthropologie (the marimekko ones are especially great) and was determined to come up with my own pattern.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 01, 2006 at 12:30 PM
Ooo, I lurve these! As always, I'm inspired!
Posted by: Kathleen | May 01, 2006 at 12:40 PM
ok smock here i come. it should be fun to try finding inspiration.
Posted by: christina | May 01, 2006 at 04:45 PM
oooooh ... scary!
Posted by: vegasandvenice | May 02, 2006 at 01:51 AM
Yea! Count this girl in!
Posted by: nikki | May 02, 2006 at 10:04 AM
i went to the thrift store today and found an abundance of smocks!
http://flickr.com/photos/janellep/141131730/
i think someone made them all because they were all the same pattern. i had to refrain and only buy since i am making one this month!
Posted by: janelle | May 05, 2006 at 07:21 PM
The smock in the right is the classic half-circle (or quarter in this case) model. You cut a halfcircle of the fabric, fold it in the middle and then fold the straight sides to each other - you'll end with a quarter circle of double fabric with a "seam" in the middle - that's the back of the frock. Then you just cut - the shoulder angle, the neckline, the holes for arms - and then you sew it. It really is very simple and no patterns are needed. Make one for a doll or of paper to understand the pattern, and then you can do it to yourself. :-)
Posted by: Ketutar | May 09, 2006 at 10:42 PM
When I was in college I drove myself crazy looking for a pattern or even a made-up 'french jewelers smock' that I had seen in a vintage clothing book. It looked like your photo -
I had forgotten about it, but would still love one.
Posted by: blackbird | May 11, 2006 at 03:40 PM
Done! I used the instructions from sudzeth's tutorial and the remnants of a men's oxford I bought to make a "tease" button-up tee. I'll post photo soon.
Posted by: Carrie Suchman | May 14, 2006 at 07:37 PM
hi all
i'm teacher for handycraft sepecialy about emboidery.
now i want hv more info, ide etc for smock
help me pls...
its my e-mail amilia_cat@yahoo.com
thx
Posted by: amilia | July 08, 2006 at 10:41 PM