Shabby Chic Capri Set

I was recently reading a blog post by a seamstress where nothing seemed to be going right.  I could feel her pain and at the same time was glad that I wasn't the only one who had that problem.  Some projects just don't come together easily.  But in the end, if I persevere, I am usually glad I did.  Sometimes I think God sends us the little annoyances just to see if we really want  ____ (you fill in the blank).

So not only has my sewing machine been in the shop, but the outfit for the smocked top has had some bumps in the road.  

While I like the bird fabric, I just couldn't seem to get comfortable using it with the top.  The more I looked at it, the more it wasn't right.  So the hunt for new fabric commenced.  The top has a shabby chic feel and I finally found something!

I found the floral online and the polka dot ruffle at a local quilt shop

To help eliminate frustration in determining the front from the back, I added a ribbon tab to the back.

I'm pleased with how it is coming along.  I've made a size 3T, and plan on making a 4T also.

All that is left are the buttons.  And, yes, there has been difficulty there also.  Who would have thought it would be hard to find a white button with four holes?  I need four holes because the pattern calls for a bullion rose to be added to the button.  I've been through my button box and a local fabric store -what they had was the wrong size.  The button rose may become a casualty of the hunt.   Overall it is such a cute pattern it has been worth the annoyances.

Not all projects go this way.  I needed a break from the aggravation and started the next dress.  So far it is coming together beautifully.