These doll dresses are just a few of many my mother has
made for her grand daughters over the years. The pleats are made so
perfectly by
using a pleating machine. It has a row of needles that you thread individually.
You then run the piece of fabric through the machine, which folds the fabric and
sews threads through the folds very close together. You then have perfect pleats
to smock. It’s an awesome machine!
The yellow dress has little purple flowers in the middle.
This dress has beads sewn right into the smocking. They really add just the
right touch. The apples in the middle are so cute.
The purple dress has diamonds smocked, which is a very simple pattern yet
looks stunning. It also has yellow flowers embroidered in lazy daisy stitches.
 Their randomness adds such interest!
The dotted swiss white dress is my favorite. The yellow in the center makes
me think of cool, fresh lemons! And at the bottom of the smocking she used a
zig-zag stitch to encase a white ribbon. This adds just the right touch!  
Creative Smocking
by Chris Rankin
"... a showcase of smocking combined with decorative
stitches and embroidery. filled with beautiful projects.very good diagrams and
instructions on how to smock for the beginner."--Doll Crafter
For hundreds of years, smocking--decorative stitches worked over tightly
pleated fabric--has been a favorite technique. Now adventurous sewers have
embraced the style again, experimenting with new methods and materials and
inventing fresh and fascinating effects. Newcomers can start at the very
beginning by following the instructions for all the basic stitches; fabric use
and preparation; pleating; and adapting existing patterns. But, the excitement
comes with the original designs (all shown in color photographs) and the
creative ideas for using embroidery, beading, and quilting as accents. Just see
how lovely a smocked gown looks when embellished with delicate bullion roses and
diminutive pearls. Or, stitch up a dainty drawstring bag, elegant holiday
ornaments, or a tiny Christening dress. Nothing could be prettier! all in
color
Other Featured Projects and ItemsFrench Sewing by Machine Techniques
Collection of links for french lace insertion techniques Quilting, Sewing and Embroidery Scissors
These high quality scissors are available at joann.com... Smocked Doll Dresses
These doll dresses are just a few of many my mother has made for her grand daughters over the years. The pleats are made so perfectly... Lace Insertion
Lace insertion creates a beautiful, delicate look for many projects. Two pieces of fabric are cut and laid side-by-side. The flat lace is sewn with a zig-zag stitch to each piece, the fabric behind the lace is then...
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