and just like that, it multiplied

Well, it's done. For now, at least, the manuscript is out of my hands. Gosh, that was hard to let go of this time around. Thanks so much to those of you who sent such kind words yesterday. I wrote that post yesterday with the intention of taking a break and remembering to breathe. And the byproduct was a wonderful, much needed pep talk from you lovelies. So I thank you. Just what I needed.

And I also needed to do this. After the marathon work session was done, and the babes were asleep, my head was still buzzing. I headed to my studio to 'work it out' on these, based on yesterday's vintage smock - the red one in the front of this photo. (You can see the back of the smock here, if you're wondering how it's put together).

And then when those were done (I told you my head was buzzing), I made an even bigger one.

And then I felt much better.

And today? Today I will play "Castle," and "Doggie Piano" and "Peekaboo".  And then tonight - Oh, right. Tonight I will SLEEP.

Comments

[betsy]

Congratulations!!! Well done you for letting that baby go. You've put your heart into that manuscript. I'm so proud of you! xoxo

[blair]

I am behind in my reading. My goodness, the manuscript is off? Wow, what an accomplishment (I'll go read that post now).

Your celebratory smocks are out of this world cute my dear!!!

That "Simple Sewing..." book on your right sidebar, I just treated myself to that book this week. I just love the images in it. What do you think of it? xo

[Amanda]

Okay I am SO coveting your new shirt! BEAUTIFUL!

Can't wait to buy your book! :)

[Melissa]

I really loved that red vintage smock and have been sitting here thinking of making one myself for each of the kids and the daycare kids to have on hand for craft time but I guess since I haven't gotten off my butt to design it yet this morning it just means that I'm not ready to start my creative juices flowing.

[Alicia A.]

Is the back open?

They are beautiful. And the manuscript is too, I'm sure. Congrats, Amanda!

[brandy]

Congratulations on finishing your book!
What are you eating that gives you so much darn energy?!
And what the heck is "doggie piano"?

[Angela]

Congratulations!!! What a big, big accomplishment.
I'm so in awe of your sewing. Those smocks are beautiful. Love the one with the big, fillable pocket in the front. :)

[christina Gomez]

Amanda,
Thoes smocks are really cute! I suppose you didnt even usea pattern, huh? I love them, love them, LOVE them! wish I had one... I agree, sometimes crafting makes you relax, and feel so much better. Im glad you let the book go. We all think we could of done things better in our lives about things, but that only means there will be another book to come! Lets not talk about that right now!..... Go and have fun with your kiddies. Embrace the moment.
Christina

[Penny in VT]

You may have started a new trend in fashion! Love Adelaide's, love love LOVE yours!

Congrats on the book - can't wait to see it!

Have fun - Penny

[Casey]

Many congratulations on finishing the manuscript!! We knew you could do it! :)

The various versions of the smock are so cute! I just love the bright, happy textile patterns you used. And the "growed up" version is just too fun! Just when I don't need to be thinking up any new projects, I find one that inspires me so much! :D Have a lovely, fun-filled, joyous and laid-back day (and get lots of SLEEP!)! :)

[hannah]

this is so going in my project train, it might even jump straight to the front... so glad you got done last night, and thank goodness for that sweet husband of yours!

[Elli]

yay! good for you. love the cute pocket on the orange smock!

[Grace]

OK, I was having smock envy big time yesterday, and today it's even worse! I have to make some of these!!! I am so terrible at creating patterns, though, so any tips from you would be greatly appreciated (please?) I think I need a big one, too. :D

And good for you on the manuscript! I'm so proud of you, and I don't even "know" you!!!

[Kelly]

WOW! You are an amazing woman! As always, such an inspiration! Thank you! I am loving the smocks!

[kirsten]

oh great, now i have to go make me some smocks!

[Elisabeth]

love those smocks! must go and find a pattern for one for myself!

the doll in the picture on Flickr showing the back of the smock... did you sew that one yourself? It looks precisely like one my mother made for me when I was little! I can't remember what the book was called that she used though... but the cutest dolls ever :)

[andi]

Yay for finishing your manuscript! I can't wait to buy your book! Is it still looking like it will be released early next year?

And those smocks...oh, so lovely! Happy Resting Day and hopefully a sweet night of sleep..

[carol]

so cute! I can't believe your babe is old enough to be playing with her dolls and eating goldfish (from yesterday!).

have a fun day playing.

[lisa s]

i love the idea of all the soule's in smocks! :)

sleep well and enjoy your well deserved rest!!
xo

[Courtney]

Oh my, those are great. Can't wait until my baby girl is old enough for something like that. (after she is born, of course) I think I'll wait until I am no longer pregnant to make one for me, I don't know if I have enough fabric to make it around me...

[AnnaA]

Pretty all of them! Sweet dreams! :)

[Amy]

Utterly and completely adorable. How in the world do you just whip these things up??!!

I am so, so in love with the little orange one she's wearing here.

[robin]

OH, those are SOOO sweet, Amanda!! After seeing Lady A's little vintage smock yesterday, I thought to make a few for my wee one! I see you couln't resist a few more yourself!! I LOVE yours you made for yourself as well!!! Happy rest day!!!<3

[Suzie Vallis]

Congratulations, it is so exciting being part of this, OK well not really but it feels like it!!! (If you know what I mean)
The tops are lovely and so cute to have a matching Mommy one too.
You are just such an inspiration.
Suzie Sews (UK)

[Carrie]

I am so excited about your book! I can't wait to read it! :)

[Toni]

Your book is going to be wonderful! I know you have done your very best, they will be crazy for it :)

Now, on to that smock!! Dearie me, I can't stand it!!! I want one. So.darn.cute. Oh, how I miss making cute little things for my daughter--not only are the smocks so darling, but very practical.

[joleen]

Yay, it's done. I am SO incredibly proud of you and happy for you! I cannot tell you how much I look forward to reading it!

These smocks are the cutest- leave it to you to reproduce such a winner in the cutest prints! The one on you is lovely as well. I think I may need one myself! :D

[tracy]

oh - adding this to my list too (love the big pocket on miss a's!)

[erin]

great great great smocks.

[Katherine]

Those smocks are so sweet, and well done on getting the manuscript done.

I was just browsing this fabric/interiors site and this page made me think of Calvin's birthday party:

http://www.noolibird.com/index.cfm?p=knights

I'm sure you don't want to be buying fabric from the UK for it, but it's lovely to look at anyway!

[molly]

i LOVE these! they're killing me. I want a maternity one for myself, too. i LOVE the way you unwind.

[brandie]

amanda, you are so rockin my world with these smocks. lovely. and you know what, since i am too lazy to drive to joann's for knits i am working with my cotton on a smock/apron pattern (the one you gave me at the elks lodge fabric thing). i don't know how it is going to turn out because i had to tape my size to the pattern, and i don't understand how to transfer the darts and circle things...so i may or may not let you see the finished product. did you ever try that pattern?

[JulieFrick]

I'd been wondering for a while about when you were going to do that...

[Alina]

I love the little ones but I especially adore the grown up one....love the fabric too.

[kristin]

yeah for the homegrown versions! they
are so great. i wish i had one for each day
of the week. they are so fun! love the
pocket on the orange one and how funt to make
a mama sized one. great project.

[ilse]

love them , love them all!!!
The shirt for you looks very beautifull, lovely colours.

Have a good sleep tonight !!

[Beth]

The smocks are adorable, you are amazing, and I just can't wait to read your book! Congratulations!

[melissa]

congratulations on getting your manuscript finished. I love the way you celebrate, too.
I made a top very similar to yours last week, I adore the fabric you used. I have a feeling I'm going to have to make it a mother-daughter-almost-matching job...

[ginger]

Congrats on the manuscript! I can't wait until the general public gets a look at it. As a perfectionist myself, I sympathize. I think trying to let go is the theme of my life. And beautiful smocks! I especially like the adult size and what a great idea for a fresh layered look. Thanks for the inspiration.

[earthchick]

LOVE the smocks, can't wait to read the book.

[patience]

congratulations on the completion of your manuscript! Its a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Love love love the smocks.

[melissa f.]

so so sweet little miss a. gosh. and is it wrong to covet your *cough* body type that can pull of such a smock? yes, probably.

[mary]

many congratulations to you, amanda. what an amazing accomplishment! i can only imagine how you must be feeling right now.

the smocks are darling.

[amisha]

congratulations on finishing everything! hope you have a lovely & well-deserved sleep & restful times :)
the smocks... so, so cute. i love the one with the pocket in front... i want to make that in my size!

[Zelia]

Uau! busy:)

Love the photos!

Zelia (all the way from Portugal)

[hannah]

I love all your smocks, so sweet and makes me want to have a go at making my little ones one each too.

[Kisakookoo]

Hi! Why I can't fill my info in profile? Can somebody help me?
My login is Kisakookoo!

[equisetaceae]

hi amanda,
i was just going through your archives and found these smocks. They are awesome and would totally be perfect for my little nephew for solstice. Did you use a pattern or make one up? I can modify a similar pattern (if i had one!) but i'm not quite to the confidence stage of making my own patterns and I would love a suggestion on a similar pattern.
thanks,
Kjerstiye