What Are You Stitching?

Smocking is an art form that will never go out of fashion. As long as there are little boys and girls who want to wear beautiful outfits and brand-new babies being born, there will be people who love to smock. Here are some more smocking projects for you to enjoy. Perhaps they will be enough to inspire you to pleat up some fabric and have a try at this wonderful technique yourself.

Anne Shields

‘In the small town of Port Hope where I live there is a movie theatre called The Capitol.  It was one of the first theatres in Canada built for talking movies. The interior resembles the courtyard of a Norman Castle.’

‘The theatre was closed in 1984 and sat empty for a number of years. Fortunately, a group of locals bonded together with town officials to open the theatre as a movie and live theatre. Local volunteers assist as ushers, bar persons etc.

Every Christmas the theatre holds a fundraiser where Christmas trees and wreaths are purchased and decorated by local businesses. The public are invited to view the magical site and purchase tickets to enter a draw. Last year for the first time, a few special handmade articles were added. As a long-time volunteer, I decided to make a smocked Christmas dress for the draw.’

‘The jacket is lined in a navy fabric and the dress has a lace edged slip attached to the bodice lining.’

What a beautiful contribution, Anne. Whoever was lucky enough to win this stunning prize would have been absolutely thrilled.

Judith Crabtree

‘This smocked set is made with white satin backed shantung, smocked sleeves and neckline with pearls to match the hemline. It also has a matching pair of bloomers and bonnet I made from a recycled wedding gown. I see it as another way to keep fabrics from landfill.’

‘I love your magazine and admire all of your very talented artists. I love smocking in particular, so make dresses frequently. Here is another one that I have completed.’

These are lovely dresses, Judith. It’s clear how much you love smocking. There are sure to be some happy little princesses out there who are going to adore these beautiful garments.

Kathryn Molitor

‘Temily is from Australian Smocking & Embroidery issue#80. It is a wonderful pattern and I have made it many times. My granddaughter Evelyn recently picked out new fabric and matched threads for me. It’s done, but she hadn’t seen it yet! This is her from fall wearing an earlier version while pumpkin gathering.’

She looks so happy, Kathryn! Not surprising at all, with such a wonderful grandmother who makes such gorgeous, smocked clothing for her.

Do you love smocking? Do you enjoy creating beautiful clothing for special little girls and boys? Do you smock just for the sake of it, without having any particular recipient in mind?

Whatever it is you like to stitch, we would like to see it! Send us a picture of your work with a bit of information about the project and your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com