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.

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!