I have been smocking for almost seven years now off and on. But I have never tried any picture smocking. All of my past work has been geometric smocking......like the Easter dresses from this year. After seeing some adorable smocking plates (that is what smocking patterns are called) I decided I was ready to teach myself how to picture smock. I was fortunate to find a book that was highly recommended to me. The book is Perfecting Picture Smocking by Laura Jenkins Thompson. I think the book is extremely helpful. I also have The Joy of Smocking by Martha Pullen, which is a good reference book, but it doesn't delve far into picture smocking.
Since Ethan loves trains I knew I had to make this sweet choo-choo from the moment I saw it. I wanted to use navy blue featherwale corduroy for the little overalls so I had fun picking out the colors to make the train. I think it all came out well though. I am hopeful my abilities will improve with more practice....but I am pleased with the end result. I used the Children's Corner Johnny pattern for the overalls. In the first picture I have the bottoms turned up so you can see the lining fabric I used.....navy and white gingham....hard to believe, I know! They are definitely a hit with Ethan. The morning after I finished them we were ready to walk out the door to run some errands....upon seeing the completed overalls he insisted that he carry them with him the entire morning....in the car!!! They returned home a little bit crumpled....but he was happy....and therefore I was happy!!!!
8 comments:
Wow! I love it :D
I have attempted smocking a tiny bit, just by gathering though. Do you have one of those pleating machines?
Excellent Job!!! Now do some more and just maybe you'll motivate me to want to think about teaching myself to picture smock....;)
Amie,
Yes, I do have a pleater. It makes smocking much quicker than having to gather fabric by hand. If you ever want to try smocking, most fine sewing shops sell pre-pleated inserts or they will pleat fabric for you for a fee. I am sure some on-line shops do the same. It is really fun to smock...I think anyway!!! Thanks for the kind words.
Cheryl,
Thanks for the nice comment. I actually really enjoyed the stacking of cables. I found it somewhat relaxing...of course, that's how I feel about all handwork though. I found the book by LJT to be excellent for teaching myself....and I believe that was her aim with that book. Michie Mooney teaches picture smocking and she is the one that recommended I find this book. I'd love to hear about it if you do venture into picture smocking territory!
It looks like the picture smocking was a success. I'm sure he'll look handsome in this outfit. Is it for a special occasion, or for everyday use?
aDORable! Just adorable!
really great work!
Missy....it is not really a special outfit...I just really wanted to make it.
Katie and Karina....thanks!
Post a Comment