Not a sewing machine
 

My DH scooped up an old "smocking " machine the other day. Fortunately I found a local supplier for some parts and its fully functional. I ALWAYS wanted to sew with smocking but my two son's quickly out grew cutesy 20 years ago. I'd still like to wear some but as I'm approaching Plus size I can think of how not to look ridiculus. And I can't find any illustrations or example on adult clothing unless I go vintage.
Any suggestions folks?
Thanks
MaryKatherine

well, you could use it for adding cuffs..possible 3/4 style, longer than just a shirt cuff. Also, you could use it at the hem of a simple top to conform to your hips a bit?? Smocked pillows are cute...headbands, belts...bodices if stay above bust-line...oh! and vests! could do just a vest BACK if you wanted. In a few years, you may have GRAND-DAUGHTERS and then you will put miles on it!

I found these patterns:

http://www.smockingstore.com/ladies.html

http://www.smockingstore.com/ladies.html#guide

As far as the children's patterns go, you could make and sell them!! :)

Thanks so much for the links.
Now I need to fit this in with the quilting, the knitting, the weaving, the spinning and oh yeah, work!
MaryKatherine

check with your lqs..many of them give lessons and sell smocking stuff...bet they could help with your search.

This is a nifty item to know about. Could you please post a picture of it? As for suggestions, I think it would be cute along the top of a shower curtain, and you could add a smocked ruffle to towels to match it.

The Read Smocking Machine
 

The first is a simple picture. The second shows wax paper being run through the machine. I'm not sure if you can see the detail and the folds. My needle supplier recommended the wax paper as were're not sure where this machine had been. All I know is it was someone's grandmother's.
MaryKatherine

How interesting! Seeing the machine raises all kinds of questions as to how it works. I remember having smocked dresses, but I think my mother did them without the benefit of a machine.

Most did smocking using Dots. You can still buy sheets of iron on dots with any smocking pattern.
MaryKatherine

I don't know if I can find it, or if it is available somewhere else, but there is/was a pattern that uses smocking to make the top of a hat. It looks like a brimmed hat, regular not a top hat, or ball cap that men wear, but the fitting and shaping comes from the smocking that makes the crown of the hat. A Lady on a tour with me had one and she gave the pattern- that was years ago. One seam down the back. Made out of Velvet it was really striking, but the denim one was cute too.