I made this top yesterday from Simplicity 4589. I bought the pattern and fabric a while back and finally got around to making it. I wanted a tank style top that didn't show my bra straps. I love the results. The only thing I would change is that the arm holes are a little big. I love the light smock feel to it but when I asked Mitch what he thought it became apparent that a smock evokes a completely different image for him than it does me. This is the conversation we had:
Me: How do you like my new top?
Mitch: It's cute, it reminds me of my grandma.
Me: Your grandma!?
Mitch: Yea, it looks like a sm... an apr... what do you call it?
Me: A smock?
Mitch: Yea, a smock. You need a pocket... to hold your snuff.
Dipping snuff was popular among southern woman years ago and they would keep their snuff can in the pocket of their apron. NOT the look I was going for.
Not deterred by his opinion and still pleased with my smock I remembered these from the May Tie One On challenge. I wanted to make one then, but was swamped with purse orders, so I never got around to it. Two months later, following Suzdeth's wonderful tutorial I came up with this. The green fabric is a very light, nearly sheer cotton blend.
Even if I am two months behind and do look like someone's grandma, I'm lovin' me some smocks!
very cute.
Posted by: lera | July 25, 2006 at 01:02 PM
very cute.
Posted by: lera | July 25, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Ugh, they don't get it do they? I made the same top this summer, and my hubby isn't sure about it, but I love it and I definitely love yours, such cute fabric! And now I'm going to make the smock too!
Posted by: madmommy | July 25, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Love your smocks! And you're way ahead of me, I've had those on my to do list forever. Oh well, some have all the right timing...
Posted by: Toni | July 25, 2006 at 01:48 PM
I love them both!!! Granny Schmanny...maybe we all just need to embrace our inner-granny and snuff away to our heart's content!
Posted by: Meegan Blue | July 25, 2006 at 01:59 PM
lovely smock. and to think, i'd almost forgotten snuff. my grandmother didn't drive, but one of her friends, Rosetta, did. Rosetta picked us up and took us to church. then brought us home. as she drove she tucked a pinch of snuff between her lip and gum. i think she had a little dog, too. but my grandmother didn't really socialize with her, seeing as how she took the evil baccer!
Posted by: bekka | July 25, 2006 at 02:04 PM
OOOOh I love them :) Especially the green one !!! I adore :) I hope you're fine ! Smooches
Posted by: Sandrine (alias Didine ♥ ) | July 25, 2006 at 02:07 PM
You wear them well. Very cute. I wore a similar style in '77 when expecting child #2...I used a regular pattern. Very comfy..and got me through a hot summer. I wore them without a tee when hot and with when needed.
I love smocks... always have..
Posted by: Dawn | July 25, 2006 at 02:09 PM
I love both the smocks - and technically, thanks to Brownie/Madden, aren't you a granny now???? :)
I like your version way better than the Anthropologie version.... especially since I bet you could make a whole bunch of yours for less that $98!!!!!
Posted by: lla | July 25, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Those are very cute!
And you look nothing like a grandma, so you needn't worry!
Posted by: capello | July 25, 2006 at 02:28 PM
I love it! I want to dress like a hip Granny!!! :)
Posted by: Jessica | July 25, 2006 at 02:45 PM
They are both so adorable. The green one looks perfect over that little t-shirt.
Not granny-fied at all!
Posted by: Alicia A. | July 25, 2006 at 02:56 PM
well you are gonna be a grandma one day...might as well practice now...hehe the first top shows off your tan (love it) and the second is a leeetle more grandmotherly...I love em...and should buy that pattern for myself! Its a simplicity pattern so that means simple right HAHA
Posted by: Tanya Nichols | July 25, 2006 at 03:37 PM
I love smocks. They always remind me of hip young housewives on 70s TV shows. My grandmothers never wore any smocks, or dipped any snuff for that matter...
Posted by: Chris Howard | July 25, 2006 at 04:29 PM
absolutely wonderful tops! my smock from that tutorial did not go nearly as well, it totally must be me and my less than great sewing skills! i think i will have to try it again cuz it's just so cute!
Posted by: brandie | July 25, 2006 at 05:04 PM
Lovely fabrics and tops,not the least bit grannyish. Keep on smocking girl.
Posted by: wendy | July 25, 2006 at 05:20 PM
That tank makes me want to attempt to sew clothes again. I've written down the pattern number - is it easy? Please say it is! I think I could wear that tank. The smock, however, would just make me look pregnant. :o)
Posted by: linda | July 25, 2006 at 06:07 PM
I think it is the cutest summer shirt I have ever seen. The material is great. I would have never associated it the same. You look adorable in it!
Posted by: Cindi | July 25, 2006 at 07:11 PM
They are both gorgeous! Love your fabric choices.
Posted by: myra | July 25, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Love them. Adorable, you look smashing!
Posted by: kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu | July 25, 2006 at 08:26 PM
What does your hubby know anyhow??? You look precious in both!!Snuff....oh that brings up memories. My dad ran a small grocery when I was growing up. He kept the snuff and chewing tobacco in a drawer. Everytime I opened that drawer, the odor would knock me down. What an obnoxious smell! Lots of little ole grannies would purchase looked as cute as you!
Posted by: Leslie | July 25, 2006 at 09:11 PM
Oh! as your web page was downloading slowly on my computer I had visions of your "Granny" smocks. These are very trendy looking. Love the fabrics. Just remember everything old is coming back into vogue. Eventually it does.
Posted by: Fiona | July 26, 2006 at 07:41 AM
funny conversation! thanks for posting this- I've bought about 4 different shirt/top/sleeveless top patterns in the past few months but nothing is coming out right.I'll have to try this one.
Posted by: megan | July 26, 2006 at 07:42 AM
Love that top one! I will so be buying that pattern... and I have the perfect fabric already. :)
Posted by: michelle | July 26, 2006 at 02:10 PM
sounds exactly like something my husband would say. but, I LOVE it! they're both great!!
Posted by: molly | July 26, 2006 at 03:18 PM