I've bought aprons on eBay, and so if you don't donate them, you could possibly sell them, depending on how collectible they are. I also wore smocks at my life drawing classes so that I would not get charcoal/pastel/water color on my nice clothes. Lars

Thanks for the input everyone! anele & andreadeg - I do agree that the blinds detract from the look but they are there to stay. We had blinds custom made for the windows when we moved into the house. And the curtains are semi-sheer so do not provide full privacy or light control. tuesday - I have not ordered bedding yet. I plan on getting a duvet that is a gingery kind of color and layer it with ivory/cream colored coverlet shermann and anele - well I already jumped the gun and ordered more panels, I guess I could always return the extra ones if I ultimately decide that 1 panel would be okay...it certainly would be more affordable LOL The other hesitation is that if I had only one panel on the two smaller windows, would it look unbalanced to have two panels on the bigger window...the bigger window would HAVE to have two panels on it.

It would be easier to use Smocking Tape. Then hand tack to define the diamonds better. Or use Pencil Pleat tape and hand tack to form the diamond shape. You can use more than one row of the tape if you want longer smocking. The tape will also act as a stiffener for you. Usually you need 3x fullness for smocking, so not sure if the two panels will be enough to be able to close them. I think you might need one more panel if possible and add a half to each of the other two.

Dian57, yup that is the smock i am talking about!!! i am beginning to think i will have to make my own pattern. congratulations! being a "nonny" is much more fun than a mommy!!! you will see....talk about stirring up feelings!! my granddaughter is emma jae. here is a great, easy apron to sew for your granddaghter when she starts helping you in the kitchen: take a kitchen towel and fold in half (lengthwise), sew one line across , about an inch from the fold. sew a potholder in the center, stitching the bottom of the potholder to the top of the towel now feed a ribbon through the little pocket you just sewed and feed one through the loop on the potholder. these take only a few minutes to make and you can now buy matching potholders/towels almost anywhere. anyways, if you do come across a smock pattern, please let me know. and good luck and God bless that new baby! ----------------