Dalmatian Data

It must be time to talk about the Dalmatians.  The real ones, I mean, not the smocked ones!  They are a large part of our lives (but please don't make them a part of yours until you really and truly know all there is to know about them--they aren't for everyone despite how cute the movies make them look.).   We've had a Dalmatian(s) for a whole lotta years.  Our first one was a true classic and exhibited all the traits of the breed--major extrovert, clown, good with kids, dedicated to the whole family, and just generally a real gem.  She took her "job" seriously and let any and everyone know that she was there (a good thing when you're home alone!).  In case you missed what I mean, she barked and meant it!  Or everyone thought she meant something by it because she could look fierce but wasn't.  She loved everyone (except one person and I don't think he has turned out well.  She was a good judge of character!).

And in case you wondered why I named the blog as I did, you can probably figure it out now...plus they are ALWAYS under my feet when I sew!  Here's a spot!

The Dalmatians

Here's another completed smocked insert:

With buttons on the side.  Please don't think I'm that prolific with either my sewing or my smocking, because I'm not!  I started this insert years ago for oldest dd and a smaller one for ds, but never finished them.  I think I already mentioned how much I love to picture smock!  Not!  Not wanting to rush things, I finally finished the smocking on this one last summer during baseball season.  It was agony, too.  I hate doing all those fidgety details on picture smocking.  I don't really know why either since I like to embroidery and that can certainly be full of fidgety details. 

Now I need to decide which pattern to use--Elsa by Maja's Heirlooms or the Basic Square Yoke by Chery Williams.  I'll use it with the red micro checked gingham that is pictured in the background.  I wish I had more of the solid red--I think it is Imperial broadcloth--but since I don't, I'll just need to work on using up the micro check!  Oh, and the smocking plate was in Sew Beautiful, either Spring or Summer 1995.  I told you this was an old project!