Monday, June 04, 2007

Thrift Store Treasure

I found this beautiful smocked dress at a thrift store about 3 months ago. I was excited at my find. Just think of all the hours that somebody spent in smocking and putting the dress together, and to think that I only spent $1.95 for the dress--I tell you, I almost felt guilty at paying such a low price for such an heirloom.

This dress has many special details in addition to the smocking: a sweet embroidered flower at each arm cuff, piping in the collar, a big sash, and a tiny little button with loop closure at the top neckline. You can't see all this in the pictures, but it's these little details that appeal to me. And of course Emily is a doll in the dress.

The only thing I could find "wrong" with the dress was that the hem was coming undone. That didn't take long to remedy (well, it took me 3 months to get to it) with the blind hemmer foot of my sewing machine. I used to be afraid of the blind hem foot, but after a lot of practice, it is now one of my favorite sewing accessories.

Notice the tiger lilies in the pictures. These bright flowers are in full bloom right now and I have been enjoying their beauty. Jessica, when it's the right time, you are welcome to dig up some bulbs for your yard.

blessings,
Ruth

3 comments:

  1. well, I just read that you're supposed to wait to dig up tiger lilies till the fall when the foilege has started to die down, so I guess I'll have to wait. =( Don't let me forget.

    What thrift store did you get the dress at. She sure looks cute in it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That dress reminds me so much of a dress I had when I was a child. But it didn't have as much of the beautiful detailing as yours. And its probably in pieces now as I wore it, my sister wore and then our dolls wore it!
    P.S Your little girl is so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a beautiful dress!!

    ReplyDelete