29 November, 2011

Finally, Some Spherical Success!

They're ornaments, and they're supposed to be ROUND. Hmmm. My first few half-dozen seven attempts to smock round ornaments onto this baby corduroy yielded squashed, lopsided, (not even close to resembling an orb) shapes. My seam ripper is getting dull from the intense workout. I actually told my husband last night, as I was lifting out stitches, yet again; "maybe this is just too difficult for me". The pattern might be hard, but I am stubborn, I kept at it. (I even had a dream last night about squirrels digging up the acorns they had buried and leaving them exposed... because they weren't round enough!) At long last, I realized what I was doing wrong. I was crowding the rows too tight, they needed to be spaced out so that the shape could take form, it was a lightbulb moment... and a round one, at that! How many times do I have to make the same mistake, over and over, before I take that necessary step back and analyze the error of my ways? (Obviously at least seven times!) Finally, when I understood what the problem was, perseverance paid off and the ornaments started take on a sphere-like, rounded shape. I'm so glad that I didn't give up, they're not perfect by any means but they do resemble ornaments now. I can't wait to embellish them with some pretty little sparkly seed beads, soon they will twinkle and shine; but even then, they won't hold a candle to Nana's sweetest little Christmas dress model!

Life is Good!

12 comments:

LizA. said...

What a brave woman you are to smock on corduroy! It's just lovely. Can't wait to see it being modeled by a certain princess....

straythreads said...

You are very brave to smock a bishop collar on corduroy. Seems like blocking to fit the pattern was a key step in getting it to lay right. It will be precious
Ann

regan said...

Your smocking is lovely....and those ornaments are perfectly round! Yay! I've never tried smocking, but if you are having to rip things out with all your talent at it....then I don't dare try! I'll just admire yours! :o)

Quiltdivajulie said...

Yep - hard headed stubbornness runs in our family, too! (giggle)

Congrats on your success!!

Janet O. said...

What a beautiful smocking job! I hope we will get to see the finished product on the charming model!

lindsey said...

Absolutely beautiful...well done for persevering!

*karendianne. said...

Oh how lovely. You know I admire the perseverance. I can feel the sweat on the brow over this one. I'm so glad you kept it up. This really came out so lovely!

Becky G said...

Sweet! I look forward to seeing this one on your precious grand-daughter. B

Barbara said...

Such a pretty colour green. I must say that I would have been frustrated and determined as well; something like that is a challenge and I would not have wanted to give up either. Congratulations on getting it right and making a dress that is unique!

Nane said...

CURVES, I try to avoid them at all cost! But this is such a sweet dress, way to stick with it...she will be darling.

AnnieO said...

Excellent lession, Debbie! Perseverance surely paid off in a big way. Love that soft blue as the base to the ornaments, it will complement the darling Lucy well!

Carrie P. said...

so cute!