If you would like to try hand-smocking, it's not as difficult as it may look. If you have an heirloom sewing store near you, look into classes. They also are likely to have pleating service available for a reasonable fee.
Designs for picture smocking can be found online at quite a few fabric shops - search for smocking and/or heirloom sewing to get started. Picture smocking isn't too hard because the basic stitched, the stacked cable, is not complicated.
If you want to teach yourself the basics, I would strongly recommend the book A to Z of Smocking by Country Bumpkin publishing (the same people who publish Australian Smocking & Embroidery magazine). It is fantastic, step-by-step, and explains all of the common stitches in detail as well as techniques for blocking the fabric.
Like many other types of needlework, patience and observance of technique will go a long way toward producing something you love. |
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