I love the way trendy modern children dress — the layers, the leggings and the muted colors. They do look cool and even comfy most of the time, but I have to admit I’m a sucker for traditional pretty dresses. Don’t get me wrong, I know there’s a time and place for everything, but nonetheless I always stop and look at the smocked traditional dresses that abound in the posh classic children’s stores in Milan. What usually stops me from buying them is their price –very high, especially if compared with the use you are going to get from them. Given our lifestyle and my daughter’s character she is more likely to be wearing a pair of denims on a regular day.
This was until I discovered Smocked Frocks, a one-woman British company, that makes the most adorable smocked traditional dresses and for a very reasonable price. Jill lives in Devon and loves sewing, and for the last 5 years her passion has become her job. She makes to order a great variety of dresses, mostly smocked but not exclusively. She can be contacted by phone or and she will send you fabric swatches and a little catalogue that explains all the styles.
After the main characteristics of the dress have been picked you can discuss the details, sleeves, necklines and other finishing touches. She will also help you in pick the right style and size if you are not sure what might work best for your daughter.
As everything is made to order you should allow for 4 weeks for your dress to be ready, but if you are in a hurry you might be lucky and find something suitable among the dresses she has in stock, which she sells at a slightly reduced price.
Jill makes all her dresses using fine-quality American cotton and all garments are finished with French seams, generous hems and hand-smocked toning silks.
Can’t wait to see my daughter running around in her smocked dress; she may even play the part and act more ladylike!

-Michela