Smocking...

is like crocheting, at least to me - I knew it.
But before I tell about my not so smooth attempt to smock, here's my current WIP.

 

I needed about one week to finally get it that the month of bags over at Whiplash actually had started... at the beginning of July. I got a bit confused about that date because we've got two weeks to make a bag and to enter the contest... but there are four weeks in a month, aren't there? So are there two contests, first half and second half of the month? I still don't get it (I am sure it's my English)... anyway, I did start working on a bag yesterday. Some nice fabrics, a cute handle and some embroidery, inspired by one of my favourite books.

I didn't tell much personal information before but I'd like to change that a bit... so let me tell you that I have a crush on insects.

Back to smocking! After my first trial which I won't talk of here on the blog, I asked Kagemusyan-san the other day to come over and help me out... well, as long I commented every stitch I made aloud, it was kind of okay - I miscounted very often and got lost in all those green and white squares though, but I smocked.
Oh yes, of course I changed my mind about the fabric I'd use for the smocking adventure... never trust any of my announcements! I thought it would be safer to use a fabric I can easily buy in any shop around the corner if I wanted to. I think it was a wise decision.

Comments

[Jan]

I used to do a lot of smocking when Molly was little. I wondered if I'd be seeing any posts about crafters trying it. Are you just practicing now or is this gingham destined to become a garment? I used to use a beautiful pleating machine which gathered the fabric on threads before smocking began.
I still have all of Molly's little smocked dresses. Maybe I'll do a post about them one of these days.

[Julie]

LOVE the detail of the dragonfly on your book. I also love insect illustrations (well, certain ones). Cant wait to see your bag - its going to be amazing!!!!

[Elke]

I am not really surprised to find out about your insect crush...do I have to mention that I really love insect illustrations? We have some pretty need children books about insects here, too. But my favorites are a series of silk prints by fabric frontline in Zuerich with illustrations by Cornelia Hesse-Honegger.
The smocking looks fun. I am looking forward to seeing more posts about this technique.

[Ruth singer]

I'm so glad to see someone else trying smocking. Me too! Keep us posted about how you get along. Love your blog.

[margaret]

FYI: a smaller check (ie, 1/8") will smock easier. Also helps to shir fabric before smocking.
I haven't posted too much about smocking, but here's something recently done. I will post soon with another dress that is in progress.
Thanks for spreading th esmocking word.