THE BULLDOG is the mascot for dozens of college sports teams, the United States Marine Corps and a host of other organizations, enterprises and bodies.  Although unique and endearing features have made this venerable breed a popular canine companion, the bulldog is more widely known as the deserving symbol of tenacity, loyalty and courage.

“Spencer the Bulldog” smocking design is a tribute to bulldogs everywhere.

If you are a dog lover, team fan or simply cannot resist the charms of our precious pooch, smock “Spencer the Bulldog” on your child’s next outfit and wait for the smiles.

"Spencer the Bulldog" smocking plate includes photos, diagrams and instructions for two  coat colors:  fawn and white.  

 “Spencer the Bulldog” smocking plate can be purchased from this website, or from your favorite heirloom sewing and smocking shop.  See our Links page for list of shops.

BUNNY SMOCKING FOR SPRING  Smock the JG Rabbit™ design (from our Layette pattern) on pink or blue cotton solids, checks, micro checks or dense prints.  For a single bunny, use our Toddler Smocked Apron, Mary Jane Jumper, Smocked Baby Daygown or Will patterns.  See Patterns page.

Because JG Rabbit™ is a silhouette, he is an easy stacked-cable project. For the body, use 4 or 5 strands of floss for the best coverage on heavier fabrics.

For an extra fluffy tail, make the rabbit’s tail using clipped turkey work stitched over smocking. If turkey work is not on your embroidery horizon, then take a shortcut by purchasing a small fluff ball (pom pom) at a craft store and stitching it securely.  

Detailed instructions for making the collar were featured in the October 2008 issue of Creative Needle Magazine, but if you can't get your hands on that issue, contact us and we will send you a copy of Trudy Horne's original article and illustrations.  

Note: we do not make or distribute photocopies of Creative Needle articles; although the magazine is no longer in publication, the content of the magazine is still copyright protected. 

DETACHABLE SAILOR COLLAR  This sailor collar, left, is a great look for any time of the year.  Because the collar is split down the back, it can be used with the many children's garment patterns with back closures. 

Using Trudy Horne's sailor collar patterns included in the March 2008 Creative Needle Magazine, make it detachable (instructions included in that issue) to pair with a fall outfit.

This is a great sailor collar for boys and girls and can be made with or without the ruffle. Suggested fabrics for white sailor collars:  piqué, linen, broadcloth, oxford cloth.

CONTEMPORARY

DRESSY

RIBBON ACCENT

mix & match with complementary prints, stripes and other coordinating fabrics

dress it up with white eyelet or linen accented with pastel satin ribbon ties

make a statement with ribbon sewn over tier seams and matching ribbon shoulder bows

Turn one of our most popular patterns, Hanna's Sundress, into a breezy, tiered frock for summer.  Click here for complete instructions (PDF), including charts for tiers. 

Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view instructions which can be printed for easy reference.

GREAT PAIR

If you have a little boy and girl to sew for, then we know you are busy!. We have two patterns that are easy to make and very adaptable to embellishments such as appliqué, smocking, hand or machine embroidery. 

Depending on your selection of fabrics, these two matching outfits can be for every season of the year.

Our Mary Jane Jumper & Blouse pattern, left, and our Will Jumpsuit & Shirt for boys, right.