Wednesday 7 August 2013

A little 'Ta Da' - My first ever Smocked Dress.

A little 'Ta Da' post as I show off the little smocked dress I have made.

This is the first time I have ever tried smocking and I have to say I really enjoyed doing it.  



My lovely Trendon redhead Brenda-Julia 'BJ' got to model it for me as I do so love the colour lilac/violet/purples on her.



Now I've got to decide which fabric to use next as this gorgeous fabric was given to me by the lovely Norvell when I was over there.  She kindly pleated the fabric on her Little Amanda Smocking Pleater - oh what a wonderful tool!  

18 comments:

  1. How pretty! You did an amazing job and the color is beautiful on your BJ.

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    1. Thank you dear Bama. I just love the colour, and think it looks great on BJ.

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  2. Your first attempt at smocking is a smashing success! And you're right, B.J. is exquisite in lavender. This post made my morning a little brighter. Thanks for posting her.

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    1. I am so glad this made your morning a little brighter. Just seeing the colours brings a smile to my face. Thank you for visiting me and for your lovely encouraging comment.

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  3. It looks very nice on her Lorraine, the colour suits her perfectly. I am interested to hear about this smocking pleater because I've only pleated by hand and it is quite hard to get all the pleats the same size. I may have to google it. Also, obviously with this tool you can pleat plain fabrics too, only I've always used gingham, thinking it would be easier. Yes, definitely sounds like a tool worth looking into!
    Off to look!!

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    1. There are various pleaters, but I was very impressed with Norvell's pleater. Trouble is most are advertised in the USA!

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  4. A definite 'Ta Da!' Well done!
    I always wanted a pleater - the only thing I don't like about smocking is the hand gathering. The import cost from the US is silly money because of the weight of a pleater and the one I managed to find here gave such uneven pleats that I tossed it in a skip.
    The Sashas look so sweet in smocked dresses.
    Jenni



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    1. Oh I agree Jenni - I keep looking...the prices are crazy with shipping and customs added in. I was thinking I might see if any are available in NZ and seeing if my sister would get one for me...but then think how long I would have to wait for it and I want one NOW! Gosh Mrs Impatient or what? Will keep looking.

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  5. Brilliant - definitely worth showing this off and feeling pleased with yourself. I'm glad you've discovered how enjoyable it is doing the smocking, the only boring bit is the pleating - lucky you that Norvell pleated it for you on her machine. I keep watching pleaters on ebay and wishing hard, but pennies won't stretch to one at the moment.

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    1. It really is enjoyable, shame most of the pleaters are in the USA. The cost of postage and customs makes them even more prohibitive.

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  6. Absolutely fabulous smocking and then made up into such a pretty dress! BJ looks delightful in it.
    Bet ALL your other girls are now queueing up for one MADE by their MUM!

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    1. They will be indeed Kendal! Yikes! Didn't think of that!

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  7. I've been meaning to comment for a while, Lorraine, but I keep getting signed out of google and then I don't remember my password! But I think I've got it this time! First of all, lovely job on the smocking! I think you picked good colors. I have smocked about three times, and I so far have not been bold enough in my color choice, so the smocking barely shows up. Of course that may not be too bad a thing, as it is not perfect by a long shot! But unlike our friends, the pleating is my favorite part! I don't know why. I draw a little grid on the back of the fabric, in light pencil, and use that for my guide. I use a quilting mat that has a grid on it, and a clear ruler, and it is easy to get it precise. And not too time consuming since the Sasha dress is so small. It is so fun and satisfying to pull all those perfect little pleats. What I have trouble with is getting the smocking rows, on the right side, perfectly level...Also, I wanted to tell you I LOVE your dress-a-Sasha entry...YOU were so cute, and you DO look very like Charlotte! I think you did a great job, and no wonder she is now quite special to you!

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    1. Thanks so much Kirsten. I know what you mean about passwords etc! I thought I would just go bold, and am pleased I did, the colours look great. My smocking is far from perfect as well, but I am pleased with my first attempt and am looking forward to making another.

      So glad you liked my Sasha dress and that you 'got it' :-) It has indeed made Charlotte very special even if she didn't get to wear it at the Festival.

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  8. WOWIE!!! Faster than the speed of light, more talented than Christian Dior, it's Lorraine.

    I am as usual absolutely amazed at your sewing prowess. I just got my copy of A-Z of Smocking in the mail today, so at some point I would love to do a dress for my Maplelea doll if I can figure out how to adapt a pattern.

    Beautiful work, love the colours on that doll. No stopping you now, I am so delighted you are feeling better.

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    1. Oh you are too kind. I will look forward to your lovely Maplelea doll in her new smocked dress!

      It is so good to be feeling more on top of things. Still have my moments, but far less.

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