Where did the last 6 weeks go?

I can't believe that it's been six weeks since I last posted an update. My apologies! A lot has gone on in that time:

• We drove our daughter back to her university on the east coast, and took a few days on the return for a little R&R;
• I completed two custom orders (one 'Amy' and one 'Mary De', both by Children's Corner).
• I finished the smocking on a new bishop dress (size 3 months).
• I completed most of the smocking on the bodice of a dress I'm designing myself.
• I started a 10-week fashion sewing course (to upgrade my self-taught sewing skills).

We've also had fantastic fall weather here in Eastern Canada, so that means we've been trying to get outside and enjoy the warm(er) temperatures before our winter arrives. Winter here normally begins in late November and lasts until late March -- and brings with it lots and lots of snow and freezing cold temperatures. (We have pictures from two years ago in which our snowbanks were as high as the top of our garage!) Although the winter is long, it means that I get to do a lot more sewing! Most of the smocked dresses that I've made to date are summer outfits...so I am looking to branch out and begin producing fall and winter dresses made from warmer fabrics, and with long sleeves.

Here are some pictures from my most recent work:

I think that will be it for the summer dresses...

Bye for now,

Christina