French smocking is done with the dots. English smocking is done using the pleater.

:)French smocking is done with the dots. English smocking is done using the pleater.

Oh, I'm SO jealous!!! I've always wanted a Read smocker. My smocking was limited to a few baby bonnets, years ago - before I had a BOY!

You might take a look at "Sew Beautiful" magazine. It usually has graphs for picture smocking - and frequently has garment patterns included in the magazine. They're frequently for children, but there are blouses and nightgowns periodically, as I remember. I've checked out back copies from my public library.

Enjoy!

What kind of smocking machine is it...do you mean a pleater? I do smocking, all the time...and quilting. There are some adult patterns but they are complicated, too complicated to me. Mostly I make bishop dresses for my granddaughters. There are some great videos on YOu Tube by Laurie anderson that take you step by step if you are interested in pursuing it. If you decide not to keep your "smocking machine", I might be in the market!

Martha Pullen has some of the best American resources for smocking. Sew Beautiful magazine has items all the time in it.

I used to have a pleater just like yours. The only adult item I made with mine was a peasant blouse which actually worked quite well. The smocking distributes the fullness much more evenly than elastic does. I did have to be careful with the design so it did not create more of a turtle neck style than I wanted as I have very straight across shoulders. Enjoy your new toy!

Wow! That's impressive. Never seen one of those before.

I would be using it for cuffs and peasant style necklines It's lovely!