This is a repost from 2014! My, the time has flown by!!! My little princess has her 11th birthday today!!!

I did have the opportunity to stitch out an adorable Snow Princess on one of my Annalise tops.  I am thrilled with it and the little princess that will wear it immediately recognized it.

Update – Janet’s website is no longer available.

Fortunately I had some sparkly rick rack in my stash in both pink as well as white.  I couldn’t decide on which one to use, so I used them both!  Because the points were the same distance apart and only the height of the peaks were different, I was able to use them together and the end result was not only interesting, but I think that it goes well with the snow theme.

This went along so well with the snowflakes in the smocking – which I added one strand of silver metallic thread for sparkle effect. As you can see, the little princess O is adorable in her top!!!

The Annalise top is one of my newest SAGA approved classes.  The top for the class is done in vibrant colors and has a cap sleeve. The pattern is also available in my Etsy shop with 3 different sleeve variations – angel sleeve, short sleeve & 3/4 length sleeves! It comes in sizes 6 mo. – 8.

The original pattern was called Temily and was in Australian Smocking and Embroidery magazine #80 several years ago. The original pattern had a 3/4 length sleeve which is perfect for our mild winters in the south. The Etsy pattern has all the sleeve variations!

I have smocked this top with the different sleeve options so many times and in so many sizes now that I have lost count.  Each one seems to be my new favorite!  It is quick to smock, easy to wear and a little more trendy.  Both kids and moms seem to love it.  I am thrilled to be able to offer the wider range of sizes in the pattern teaching kits.

I’ll share some of the cute versions that I’ve created over the past several years.  I cannot chose a favorite – they are all favorites!

In the 2 samples below I added some width to the sleeves which made them fuller but allowed for a smocked ruffle at the hem. This isn’t included in the pattern, but it easy to adapt.

OK – I have to stop!  As you can see, this is really one of my favorite tops and with the sleeve variations can be worn all year long.  Different trims, smocking designs and themes allow this top to have unlimited creativity but still be a quick project.  I hope that this will encourage some young moms to learn this fine art of smocking!

Happy Stitching!

Kathy