Today we're thrilled to feature Ana Sofia, who has shared her delightful creation inspired by the *Building Block Dress* book. She enhanced the dress with beautiful smocking, which adds a charming touch. If you'd like to explore more smocking ideas, check out our Smocked Dress Round-up and Smocked Pocket Tutorial. Here's Ana Sofia with her fantastic project!
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Name: Ana Sofia Where can we find you online? Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr
Project Details: Link to Your Project: Building Block Dress: The Book Pattern Used: Building Block Dress Fabric Used: Chambray and Lace Trim (Broderie Anglaise)
Did the Fabric Work Well?
The fabrics I chose—chambray and broderie anglaise lace—were perfect for this project. The chambray has a lovely drape, and the dotted pattern of the lace was ideal for the smocking. It made the process easier and added an extra layer of charm. ---
How Did the Sewing Go?
As my daughter gets older, I'm focusing on creating pieces that reflect her evolving style. She's now more involved in choosing fabrics and designs, which makes the process even more enjoyable. For this project, I used the basic dress pattern pieces from the book—front and back bodice, along with the sleeves. I adjusted the front bodice to create a yoke and added a gathered skirt, measuring three times the width of the bodice. The back bodice was also shortened, and I added a bit of fullness to create a straight-cut look at her request. To add a feminine touch, I incorporated lace trim on both the front and back skirts. Drafting the flutter sleeves was straightforward since I've made similar garments before. I referenced the instructions on page 66 of the book and tailored them to her preference for narrower sleeves. Overall, the construction was simple, following the guidelines provided in the book for a dress with a button-back closure. While smocking wasn't covered in the book, I wanted to experiment, and this blouse was the perfect canvas. Those dotted patterns were practically begging to be smocked! Although my daughter isn’t as enthusiastic about smocking as I am, she agreed to a few rows, and I think they turned out beautifully. ---
What Was the Best Part?
The highlight of this project was tailoring the blouse to meet her specific requests. As my daughter grows older, finding patterns that appeal to both of us has become more challenging. While I prefer timeless designs, she leans toward casual styles. The *Building Block Dress* book has been invaluable for creating pieces that bridge our preferences. I purchased the English version shortly after its release, and it has become my go-to resource for sewing blouses and costumes for school plays. Its versatility extends beyond dresses and blouses—I’ve successfully adapted some of its techniques for other patterns. It’s incredibly satisfying to design garments exactly as envisioned, without being limited to traditional dress or blouse styles. --- This experience reminded me how rewarding it is to collaborate with my daughter on projects. Not only do we bond over shared interests, but it also helps her develop creativity and confidence. Plus, having access to such a flexible pattern book ensures we can continue creating unique pieces together for years to come. If you're inspired by Ana Sofia's work, consider checking out the *Building Block Dress* book for yourself—it truly opens up endless possibilities!Wool Yarn,Rich Color Wool Yarn,Wool Yarn Colored Wool Yarn,Stock A Lot Pure Wool Yarn
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