Smocking Success

My smocking fascination has really blossomed. I have completed 2 classes and anxiously anticipate my final class in a few weeks. I continue to be the youngest person in attendance and realized last class I am also the only person that does not require reading glasses to see the work. In fact, a few of the ladies had their regular glasses AND their reading glasses. I don't mind though. It's kind of cool to hang with grandmas for a few hours.

Below is my sampler I am working on for class. We have learned most of the basic geometric stitches and I really enjoy practicing while watching my evening Criminal Minds episodes. Perhaps making adorable things for little babies helps to deter fear while watching serial killers on rampage. Or perhaps I'm dreaming of making these items for my love child with Dr. Reid. Either one could be true or both false. Nonetheless, I'm loving the stitching.

I figured with the knowledge I had gained (and numerous web tutorials and videos) I could attempt a project. I wanted to do a dress. However, I need a pattern and probably a little more experience on the sewing machine. I decided that a bonnet would be easier than a dress and give me an opportunity to get comfortable with construction post smocking. After reading a few articles and blogs online, I learned that gingham is the easiest to learn on for pleating and stitching. I had recently made some gingham napkins for my neighbor and had leftovers. BONUS!

I went to my fabric store and purchased some lace trim and ribbon to make this happen. I learned to hand pleat while watching TV and then found a FREE smocking plate (pattern) online that I played with a little bit. This bonnet is by no means fancy, but I think it was a good first try. I even taught myself to do what is called "bullion knots" to hold the ribbon in place on the sides. I'm pretty proud of this.

Since I don't have a kid, I had to use someone else to model. Mr. Bear was hesitant since he's a boy, but he cooperated. I would like to think a kid's head would be a little bigger than Mr. Bear's. It should fit a child in the size range of 0-3 months.

Last week I ordered a bubble pattern since that one can do double duty: boy or girl. I'm really excited to get it in the mail and try something a little more substantial. And if you play your cards right, perhaps I will send something smocked your way.

Our final class will be on picture smocking and I feel like that will be best used with little boys. Two of my VAB girlfriends just had little boys, so I can't wait to put something together for them soon. Plus, I love bishop necklines and this pattern includes that too! I love hobbies...

Oh, and you may wonder who gets the first bonnet. I'm keeping this one. :)

Southeastern Patriotic Tour

A few months ago I decided to enter the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race lottery on a whim. I'm not sure if I was more interested in "winning" a lottery or running a new race. Regardless, I got in. So, I decided to make a little trip of it. I called it my Southeastern Patriotic Tour. I haven't got a picture to prove any of these details, but trust me. I do not lie.

I left right after work on the Thursday before the 4th and drove to my folks house. From there, we traveled to my sister's house in TN the next day. I don't make it home too often, so I was pretty pumped to just be there again. My last few trips I have started a little tradition to visit with Sarah Washington Bragg and Kylee Miller Rayfield. I met these girls in the 7th grade in Pre-Algebra, so it is pretty cool to catch up with them 20+ years later. Sarah just renovated an old home, so we met there for a little coffee and chatting. Her home is gorgeous!

Well, since I'm in training I had to at least get a long run in over the weekend. So I attempted the hilly Cleveland terrain. Holy Cow I forgot about all the hills! And since my hometown is so tiny, I was able to see it ALL in 10.5 miles. Once I freshened up from the run, off the fam went to the ATL.

Most of my favorite people live in Atlanta and I was able to see many of them. My family hit up Stone Mtn and met with Ali and Jeff Krizner for a little picnic. Then the Dixon 4 joined about a million other people and watched the laser show and spectacular fireworks display. I've been to that laser show a lot as a kid and always felt like it was the same year after year after year. I can assure you, this year is different. So, make a trip!

One of my girlfriends from VAB recently moved to the ATL and her apartment was prime location for the race start. She went home to VA but allowed me to spend the night in her place. This was absolutely perfect! Joanna stayed with me and I was able to walk to the start no problem.

The purpose of this whole trip revolved around a few early morning hours on July 4th. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect in the PRR but admit I was pleasantly surprised. It was my first race to run alone. I normally meet people at the start or ride in with folks but this one was completely solo. I had an idea where the race was starting but when you are joining 60,000 other people it is guaranteed you can just follow the crowds. I did that and they didn't let me down. Once I found my corral I went on in and just hung out. Fortunately, they provided water at each corral. I just sipped and waited. I also learned that this was the largest 10k in the WORLD.

I met a nice lady right before the start also running alone. We ran together for the first 2-3 miles and that was nice. The race spectators were just as excited to be there as the runners. That blew my mind. I didn't even listen to music the entire way because I didn't want to miss anything that was going on at the sidelines. I loved all the excitement and hope to get in again next year.

I was super pumped to have Joel, Joanna, and Kelly on the sidelines and heard them cheer when I ran past. Afterwards, Joel and Jo scooped me up to have brunch with Whatup and Kit. I love seeing these folks and really enjoyed the little bit of time we had to catch up.

Shortly after my race, I met up with my folks and headed back to SC. I was able to spend another day with them and then back to VA I went. It was a much needed trip and I was very thankful to have made it. Life is changing for me in VA, and I believe that this trip has provided the encouragement that I need right now. Thanks for everything, friends and family.

And that, readers, is a rundown of the 2011 Southeastern Patriotic Tour. I didn't get t-shirts made this year. But if starts to be a regular 4th of July occurrence, I'm getting shirts with dates and venues on the back. And if you would like a place in the 2012 Tour, just let me know!