NOTE: I’ve since shortened the dress by 5″ and it fits so much better.
In my humble opinion, bishops are a near perfect garment for little girls. They are comfortable, long wearing and easy to construct. Would anyone rather construct than smock? Not me.
Ready-to-smock garments from Martha Pullen Company were my go-to “bring-along” project for trips. When they were readily available, I laid in a supply. But I have run out. The white bishop shown above is the last one that will fit any of my grandchildren. The few remaining Smockables are for sale here.
Starting with a ready-to-smock bishop is the quickest way to get one finished. I soon grew tired of the basic style offered and have had fun modifying it.
A few weeks ago, I was packing for our trip to North Carolina. We were headed to the mountains with our two younger grandchildren and their parents. I knew I had to have some handwork for those few (VERY few) quiet moments after 2 yo tornado Vivian Rose was asleep next to her easy-going brother, Alastair. I grabbed this last white bishop and couldn’t help but think “ho-hum.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love a geometrically smocked white bishop. But I was in the mood for something a little different. Then, due to the less-than-tidy condition of my sewing room, I spotted this scrap red border given to me by my friend, Suzanne Sawko. Hmmmm…