Smocking Class and Inspiration

I recently took a smocking class at my local quilting shop, Cotton and Chocolate, the same store I took my recent quilting class.  The instructor was a well known smocker/heirloom sewing teacher who lives in the area, Vaune Pierce.  She was a great instructor and is very passionate about smocking and teaching the art of smocking to others.  We are pretty fortunate!



Many of you might already know this, but it really never clicked in my head this way before.  Smocking is the art of embroidery on pleats.  Well, I don't know how to embroider!  I have been meaning to take a class or do a small project to teach myself, but haven't.  I took the class with my mother-in law whose been doing needlework a long time so, if I needed extra instruction she was able to help.



We learned the cable stitch, trellis stitch and how to do a small flower. My practice pleat cloth is getting better, but I intend to fill it up with as much practice as I can before moving onto my first project.  Sorry, not going to take pictures of it - I would rather inspire you with a few picture/pins I found via Pinterest.



Smocking can make gorgeous heirloom clothing for small children and the inspiration for that is abundant everywhere.  I was actually surprised to find some designer clothing and a few adult sewing related items. It may be more rare but is absolutely gorgeous!  I am dreaming of a dress with a smocking detail!