What Are You Stitching?

They say that everything old is new again and it would seem the timeless craft of smocking is in fact making a resurgence! Of late, we’re seeing more smocking enquiries come across our desks than we have in a long time and it turns out that our ‘What Are You Stitching?’ files are filled with garments meticulously smocked by hand. So, this week, we’re sharing what might just be the latest revival with needle and thread…

Jean Manning

Already an avid smocker, Jean contacted us as she was looking to complete her collection of Australian Smocking and Embroidery Magazines. We were able to add another five magazines to her set which ‘were at the front gate when my furry friend and I got home from coffee this morning and I haven’t done anything else since except plan my next project!’

Jean, we love that you were so passionate about completing your AS&E collection and are determined to keep the art of smocking alive and well – we can’t see wait to see which project next awaits your needle and thread!

Judith Crabtree

‘I love to smock! These are a few of the reborn doll sets I’ve stitched. The red and white smocked gown was made from a recycled bed sheet. Most of my time now is spent as Manager of Gladstone Angel Babies where l make gowns from donated wedding and formal clothing for deceased babies. I have every issue of Australian Smocking & Embroidery and have most of the Inspirations Magazines too.’

Judith, when we shared your smocked bag in All Stitched Up issue #184  HERE we were taken with the time and talent you’d poured into it. We’re equally taken with these reborn doll sets and love that you’ve found a cause as worthy as Gladstone Angel Babies to devote so much of time to. You are absolutely stitching it forward!

Kamala Padmanathan

‘I am originally from Sri Lanka and when I was eight years old my mother taught me to smock. She did not have a pleater, so gathered by hand. I would choose my own colours and make up my own designs. I moved to the USA when my husband was working on his PhD.’

‘At that time, I purchased a pleater and started making dresses, jumpers and pinafores for my daughter. After teaching smocking for 15 years for adult education classes in the evenings, I took an early retirement for health reasons but kept up with my smocking, embroidery and canvas work.’

‘I have smocked for my daughters, granddaughters and am now making baby dresses for my friends’ grandchildren and great grandchildren. It is such a pleasure to see the little girls wearing my smocked dresses!’

Kamala, we love the rich history you’ve forged with smocking and can absolutely understand the pleasure you see in your smocked dresses being worn!

Sandra Tedesco

‘Members from the Smocking Arts Guild of New South Wales in Australia – Georgina, Merridene, Amy and Sandra O – all entered items, and all won prizes in last year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.’

We are so proud of them and so happy they are keeping the beautiful art of smocking alive!’

Sandra, like you, we’re also happy that the art of smocking is being kept alive and well! Congratulations to the worthy winners. We love that the time they poured into their dresses was so well rewarded.

Have you stitched something you’d consider a revival with needle and thread? We’d love to see it! Email photos of your stitching revival along with a few details about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com