Sunny weather (albeit freezing) always brings with it the possibility of turfing the boys out in the garden and doing a bit of sewing. In the hazy pre-Christmas past, Florence sent me a chalk pencil which I hadn't had a reason to test drive until now. It passed with flying colours - what a handy contraption.
Used it to outline the template for a smocket, which I had been dying to sew ever since Alicia posted the pattern. Sometimes you just need to hang onto the thoughts swirling at the back of your head until the opportunity presents itself to try something.
We are officially on half-term this week. I'm looking forward to the break in routine. We have a birthday to celebrate, friends to see, opticians to visit, shoes to replace and adventures to be had. Hope your week is looking full of fun too.
I love the smocket that you made! Great fabric too! Hope you enjoy half term!
Posted by: Di | 17 February 2008 at 19:06
I do love that fabric! It seems to pop up quite a bit around blogland!
Excellent pencil too, must keep my eye out for one of those!
Posted by: Gemma | 17 February 2008 at 19:13
So pleased you like it. I love both the fabrics on the smocket and am just about to go and investigate your link to it! Have a lovely week - we are on half-term too - I am so looking forward to waking up tomorrow morning and being able to stay in bed for a while longer (although do have some guilt that we are all happily snuggled up in our PJs and my man still has to go to work!) x
Posted by: Florence | 17 February 2008 at 19:29
Yep , we are on half term too.. Love the fabric, makes me wish we had a girl in our family but no, we have 4 boys
Posted by: Periwinkle | 17 February 2008 at 19:39
We are on half term too - oh the luxury of not having to rush around like a lunatic in the mornings. Fabulous smocket. x
Posted by: Kitty | 17 February 2008 at 19:45
Cute, cute! :)
Have a great break with those boys!
Posted by: Alicia A. | 17 February 2008 at 19:52
ah, i saw those chalk thingys on florence's blog too, nifty aren't they?! we're on half term this week too, cue house trashed by about midday tomorrow!
Posted by: lucykatecrafts | 17 February 2008 at 20:03
what an adorable little smocket (love that word!) + such sweet fabrics...is it reversible? that chalk pen looks like a sewing essential. i use a pen that's supposed to turn invisible but sometimes it doesn't : (
enjoy your half term + all those good things you have lined up! keep warm xx
Posted by: kelly | 17 February 2008 at 20:17
I love the fabric you used for the smocket! Very happy. Are you going to add a pocket?
Posted by: odd dotty | 17 February 2008 at 20:17
Lovely smocket!
So, enjoy your half-term and all the adventures coming up.
Posted by: seemownay | 17 February 2008 at 21:04
Cool smock ... Julia x
Posted by: weirdbunny | 17 February 2008 at 21:14
gorgeous sewing, we've just had half term and we're back at school tomorrow, hope you hae a great one!
Posted by: driftwood | 17 February 2008 at 21:25
Beautiful smocket! I have that apples and pears fabric too - it is so pretty! We're also on half term and have a similar schedule to yours! Have a good week!
Posted by: Helen | 17 February 2008 at 21:46
it's delightful! I shall have to try one or two for Lex ( if I can find a spare moment!) Thanks for the link Z x
Posted by: Zoe | 17 February 2008 at 21:49
Have a lovely half-term, ours was this week so back to work and school tomorrow. I think you'll have the same fine weather we did, great for turfing those boys out in!
Posted by: Gill | 17 February 2008 at 22:18
ahhhh... love the smocket!
Posted by: capello | 18 February 2008 at 00:51
Such cheery fabric! Enjoy your half term.
Posted by: lina | 18 February 2008 at 01:25
That smocket is adorable! Love the fabric!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 18 February 2008 at 02:10
so cute, ali! who's the smocket for? miniswappers?
Posted by: kirsten | 18 February 2008 at 04:12
Hi Ali - it was lovely to have you visit my blog. I have now read your archives posts (courtesy of Alice) which was a great way to be introduced to you.
And I see you took part in the photo swap too!
I am glad to have found you...
Posted by: mary | 18 February 2008 at 08:15
The smocket is adorable and I love that pretty and fresh-looking fabric you used.
Posted by: June | 18 February 2008 at 10:00
Love the smocket (what a brilliant word that is!) it's perfect in that fabric. Hope your half term is fun!
Posted by: julie | 18 February 2008 at 10:11
How nice to have caught the sewing mojo at the right time - I totally agree that sometimes you do have to wait.
Have a lovely week with the boys!
Posted by: Joleo | 18 February 2008 at 10:56
so which of the two boys will be wearing it?
just kidding. It's so cute. Lucky recipient.
Hope you survive the half term.
Posted by: monica | 18 February 2008 at 12:45
ohh,what a cool pencil,I wonder if I can find one here in the USA??
If not then it'll just be yet another thing besides my pg tips,marmite,crunchies.........that will be on my list for my visiting sister!!
love your choice of fabrics,
Posted by: natasha s | 18 February 2008 at 14:51
I've got one of those chalk pencils and rate it highly. I'm just a little worried though. I just used the pink on some white fabric to mark a baby quilt. After the fact, I started thinking I should have tested it to be sure it won't leave residue on my soon to be grandson's quilt. I love that the pen comes with different color chalks.
Posted by: peggy | 18 February 2008 at 16:57
Half term last week... wish it was this as the poor princess has to celebrate her 6th in school!
Posted by: Angel Jem | 18 February 2008 at 17:29
I love your smocket and the fabric you have used is gorgeous!! We have a full week planned too. Tomorrow Ive got my first ever meet-up with a fellow blogger as I'm meeting Trashalou to compare cameras and naughty children :)
Posted by: Lesley | 18 February 2008 at 21:37
Cuuuute! I know two little people who would love a scaled up version of that - thanks for the link.
Posted by: dottycookie | 19 February 2008 at 12:43
I love the smocket too, especially the fabric. I'm always impressed with what you make. I have some in my stash but it just gets looked at and will have to wait till my sewing skills improve.
Posted by: Catherine | 24 February 2008 at 12:18