Thursday, September 21, 2006

Our New Craft

My sister is teaching Grace and I how to smock! I have always wanted to learn and so far we are really enjoying it. My sister enjoys "old-fashioned" things like me, so we are having some handiwork afternoons and evenings around here! Here is a picture of her smocking sampler. Isn't it pretty?!

Sample
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


The first thing we did was punch little holes into each section of graph paper. Then you lay it down and make pen marks through the holes onto the fabric. We are going to look at Michael's for a tool that already has the holes since it was so time comsuming.

Needle
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


Here are our semi-neat rows of stitches. ;0)

Stitches
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


Then you pull on the side strings and all the material gathers up into pleats! Knots keep the stitches in place while we do the embroidery on top.

Smocking
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


For our first project we are making doll aprons. I chose a burgundy fabric with cream colored stitches on top. I need to get busy this afternoon!

IMG_3124.JPG
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


Grace is catching on even quicker than I am. She is a pro!

Grace
Originally uploaded by pwinn.


Grace chose the same fabric as her pinafore apron. She has already learned several stitches.

Grace
Originally uploaded by pwinn.



I will be sure to share photos when we are all finished! I hope our dolls will be happy with their new aprons. ;0)

16 comments:

Amanda said...

So that is how you do it! Looks like fun. :)

Dawn said...

If you love this process...you must consider a pleater. I used iron on dots for years...and finally switched over. I have been able to do more of the smocking..which I love to do.
The sampler looks sweet. Nothing like smocking to make something extra special.

Sandra said...

Oh that is amazing Kelli, great something else for me to get into LOL

Looks like so much fun, and hey, that pumpkin gingerbread is calling my name...will have to try it :)

Have a great day....hope you play along with the Slow Cooking Thursday next week :)

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful new (old!) skill to learn!! Do be sure to show your work as it's progressing! Like you, I've always wanted to learn to smock. Now, with one grand daughter already, I may have to think about it a bit more seriously. Your instructions are very clear, thanks!

Laurie said...

I'm impressed, I am happy when I can sew something simple like a pillow!

Christine said...

Incredible! I am simply in awe of your handiwork!

Marci said...

I have always wanted to learn smocking. I had a friend who did it a long time ago.

The pumpkin ginger bread looks wonderful. It is on my list of have to make for the fall.....

JacquiG said...

I've always wondered how that was done! Thanks for showing us. It looks lovely. You are so lucky to have your sister to share some of these "old-fashioned" things with!

I'm enjoying your blog.

Jackie in ON

Carole Burant said...

Now that's brought back a lot of memories...I learned how to smock when I was around 12 years old and had even made myself a couple of tops. Unfortunately I didn't keep up with it and now I don't know if I'd remember how to do it!! Can't wait to see your finished projects, your dolls will be the best dressed ones around:-) Hugs!

Kelli said...

Hi Amanda, it really is fun!

Dawn, thank you for the tips. I will have to take a trip to the craft store this weekend. :0)

Sandra, I'm looking foward to the slow cooking Thursday!

Copper's wife, I found several smocking books at the library. I think smocking makes for the sweetest little girl dresses!

Thank you Laurie and Christine!

Marci, the bread is perfect for the cooler weather. :0)

I agree Jackie! She may have to extend her visit because she is a master knitter too! I have alot to learn. :0)

That is so neat Pea! I'll bet it would come back to you quickly!

Rowan said...

The pictures of smocking brought back memories of the smocked dresses my mum made for me when I was a little girl. It's a craft I've never tried but would love to do. Your sister's work is lovely and you and Grace are doing really well too, I know it isn't as easy to do as it sounds. The pumpkin gingerbread looks and sounds delicious. Must give that a try I think.

Tammy said...

Wow, very neat! I would love to learn to smock!

Patty said...

I am with Dawn, a pleater is so nice to use. Ebay has some good prices once in a while.
Things go so much faster with a pleater

Amy said...

I love smocking. Making a doll's apron sounds like a really fun project!

homespun living said...

How wonderful that Grace enjoys sewing along with you. I'm so glad you explained the smocking process as it has always been a mystery to me. It's one of those things I have never tried...yet!
Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hi - I loved what I read. I don't want to learn anything fancy - just to be able to pleat thin width silk ribbon 1/8 to 1-1/2 inch soft like silk, rayon, silk velvet. I do not want to smock it. I want to use it in other projects. Can you help understand how that is done??? I sure would appreciate it. GB