thanks. i really enjoy smocking. it is very time consuming but it really is relaxing to me. takes me a long time but worth it in the end. did you smock for grandchildren that are too old for them now?

Hehehe, I thought you might.

you smock too and live in alabama also i take it from your screenname. smocking is big here in the south isn't it? it's a very southern thing. i love doing it. maybe we can get together some time and share tips......you asked a question about the lace to shirlene but i will answer too although i'm not the expert like she is..but in case she doesn't see it, here's what i do. i only have a 4X4 hoop so i stitch one out onto 2 layers of wss. rehoop another 2 layers of wss, then use the template for placing the next attached to the first. so, your very first stitch is placed into your last finished piece of lace. keep doing that until your lace is long enough for whatever you are working on. when it is long enough, trim around lace, sew lace to garment, then rinse. i feel rinsing it last keeps it prettier and in its shape better. if i have totally confused you. email me at cdcwoods@knology.net or shirlene might be able to help.

yes, they also have some beautiful ones. i agree! *