More smocking. Berny made a reference to "American Smocking" in commenting on my baby dress. I hadn't heard this term so I had to look it up to find out what it was. I vaguely remembered my Mum smocking without gathering the fabric, but couldn't recall the results. I then realised that the cushions I made in the 70's and tfk made the other day, were in fact examples of American Smocking.

I have never done any smocking but have always admired it. It's one of those things I have often said I want to try one day. great job of teaching you are doing Sue/Lillian

I love the different variations.

This is a sampler my mother made when she was 11 or 12 yrs old (1926 - her birthday was in October). It needs careful cleaning, it's now grey instead of cream coloured; but I'd have to remove the cardboard that's inside it.
She used it when she was planning a design. The points were nice at the bottom of the smocked part. I have used some of those variations when I smocked dresses or tops for my daughters and those of friends.

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2 comments

by spendlove 27 Mar 2015

What a fabulous item to preserve and cherish. Thanks for showing the picture. It has made me think about doing a sampler.
BTW This is English smocking isn't it?

by lbrow 14 Apr 2015

Beautiful! so nice you have been able to keep this Martine. /Lillian

You would do it on the front of the fabric making a fancy design with thread as you sewed,I would use variegated colours, green on pink,lilac on white,they were greatly admired.I wish I had photos to show,all lost a long time ago,There is a lovely Australian smocking magazine I'm sure it is still going I loved the designs in it...

2 comments

by berny 27 Mar 2015

The pattern I used was McCall 9293 it was and still is my friends phone no

by spendlove 27 Mar 2015

I've found a picture of that pattern - it is a really sweet dress and the pattern even had the dots transfer.

I like the look of this. Never heard of American smocking before, but nice to know!

Interesting...and good to know!

I love to learn new things. I had no idea there were so many ways to do smocking.

Whatever it is called, it's amazing! Love watching people do this and I love watching lace makers with their amazing spindles. Love Chris

Thanks a lot Sue for sharing the information with us.....we learn a lot this way :)
The pattern I had followed was labelled as Canadian smocking and the name of this particular design was given as matrix!
There are more patterns like bones....arrows. ...leaves....flowers....I wish to make time to try all including the beautiful English smocking you are doing Sue on that baby dress!

1 comment

by spendlove 27 Mar 2015

I think the English smocking is easier - once you have done the preparation!

I didn't realise there were so many variations to smocking.. thanks for sharing this info