Something to aspire to

I've had a little play around with smocking.  I have some reference books and a smocking pleater and I'm all set.  Here is my first attempt at a little sampler:

 

It's pretty basic.  Now that I've got a feel for the technique I'm keen to make some actual garments with smocking detail.

I have been busy trawling the internet for inspiration because, to be perfectly honest, most of the smocking books and magazines available have really bad styling.  Or I should say, styling that is not to my taste.  It's a bit hard to look past the daggy fabric choices and ballooning puff sleeves to imagine the possibilities.  That is, until you come across something beautiful like this:

   

This is such a wonderful contemporary use of smocking.  I just love it.  It is from a very talented Spanish blogger who I am currently in awe of.  Anna has an etsy shop as well.

Comments

[Christie]

your smocking looks beautiful, can't wait to see more

[eva]

A good beggining! I dress my girls with smoked dresses, I love them. I sell my headbands in a shop where you can find plenty of them,and if you want, I can give you places to search inspiration. Eva

[Carolyn]

A short tailored little sleeve with narrow piping looks lovely on a smocked dress-takes away the `fussy look`

[Lisa]

What wonderful progress you are making. My grandmother was a fabulous smocker - it is a shame it isn't more widely seen today in more contemporary garments.

[Michelle]

Beautiful! I started my daughter's Christmas dress last night. It is from Australian Smocking and Embroidery mag, issue #71. It is a beautiful magazine. http://www.countrybumpkin.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=217_222&products_id=433002

[lucky]

oh those gorgeous sleeves!!!!!

[Anna fabo]

thank so much for included my Alice Blouse of Etsy Shop in your blog