Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: sewingnonie
Date: 04-29-2005, 03:16 PM (1 of 70)
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Before you begin to smock. Strip your threads,do this by seperating the number of strands you will be using,generally three strands for geometrics and four strands for picture smocking. Then put the strands back together. This helps to make nice plump stitches. Also use a #7 darner,when smocking. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-29-2005, 04:30 PM (2 of 70)
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Nonie loves to smock. She is going to give us one smocking tip per week. Thanks Nonie from www.everythingsewing.net
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: weezyrider
Date: 05-02-2005, 01:33 PM (3 of 70)
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Since I use mostly broadcloth & batiste, I like a smaller tapestry needle. It's got a large enough eye. I like skinny needles anyway. I had seen that tip about stripping the thread.  Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-06-2005, 02:15 PM (4 of 70)
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The tip for this week is. Run wax paper through your pleater before you begin pleating a project,it will make the pleats slide off the needles with ease. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 05-06-2005, 05:08 PM (5 of 70)
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Thank you Nonie, that is an excellent tip.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: shediditagen
Date: 05-08-2005, 11:44 AM (6 of 70)
| I also leave waxed paper in the pleater between uses. Betty |
User: shediditagen
Member since: 03-15-2005 Total posts: 28 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-13-2005, 03:16 PM (7 of 70)
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Thats a great tip also Betty. It one of those "why didn't I think of that"??? I will do that from now on. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-13-2005, 03:20 PM (8 of 70)
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When working with difficult threads such as silk/rayon.They will be easier to handle if they are slightly damp. Pull threads across a sponge,and run them down the threads. An Alternative(and my favorite) is to use a fabric softener sheet. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-20-2005, 01:09 PM (9 of 70)
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Don't just think smocking needs to be done using a pleater. Give smocking a try by trying other forums of smocking,such as counter change,which is done using the squares of gingham fabric. Or,the honyecomb stitch which also uses the squares of gingham,or mark you own fabric with a wash away marking pen,into squares. Have fun and try something alittle different. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-20-2005, 04:55 PM (10 of 70)
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Nonie, How far apart should the squares be? I guess I am asking how big each square should be? Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-20-2005, 05:48 PM (11 of 70)
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Good question Summer,if you are just starting smocking I would work with 1" square gingham. Then as you see how the stitches work try it on smaller squares. There are also many variations of the counter change stitch. A good book to get would be A-Z of smocking. Another tip,if you want to use plain fabric and mark your own 1" squares,get the tracing fabric that comes already marked in 1" squares and use that as a template. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 05-20-2005, 10:45 PM (12 of 70)
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Thank You Nonie, I will pick up so gingham and give it a try. Also I will look into that book. Wonder if JoAnn's sells it, shall look Sunday. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-21-2005, 02:15 PM (13 of 70)
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http://www.adriannes.com/category.php?category_id=24 I am sure you will find it here and Suzanne is a wonderful person to buy from. I don't know if I have ever seen it at Jo-Anns but it would be worth looking. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 05-27-2005, 11:38 AM (14 of 70)
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I know many of you do this that sew. Always pre-wash your fabric before you put it through the pleater. Fabric from the store has chemicla residue that will destroy your needles. Also pre-washing fabric will help straighten the grain. Even if you know,the fabric will not shrink,take the time to pre-wash it. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-03-2005, 05:11 PM (15 of 70)
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Now,you have put your fabric through the pleater. Next step,is to set those pleats. Take your piece to the ironing board and pull the pleats up tight. Spray with a shot of spray startch,then I like to give it a good shot of steam from the iron. Don't touch the iron to the pleats,just give it a good shot of steam holding the iron about the pleats. Now,just let it sit and dry, before beginning to smock. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: meaghane
Date: 06-06-2005, 11:17 AM (16 of 70)
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Hey! I "gingham smocked" the last outfit I made for my daughter; my pleater needles had all but FIVE broken, and I had not reordered... yeah I know, I shouldn't let my stock get that low,  , but I have to order them online and just didn't....So, when I was ready to smock something else, suffice it to say I had to pleat it by hand. So I chose gingham, the small check. It worked wonderfully, and turned out so cute; I had a great experience with it. Anyway, I have a question for you, Nonie... My daughter is now six, and just because she is a little bigger does NOT mean I don't want to smock for her anymore; but my problem is... 45 inch fabric is not wide enough for the bodice of a dress for her; trying to make the pleats fit stretches them out too far, and it ends up looking... not as nice as I would like. Any suggestions? It's hard to find GOOD fabric that is wider than that to smock with. It's kind of crappy... just when she's big enough for me to use the plates that are more than 5 or 6 rows of smocking, the fabric is now not wide enough.  Meg 
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User: meaghane
Member since: 06-03-2000 Total posts: 433 
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-06-2005, 06:56 PM (17 of 70)
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Isn't ginham smocking fun? and you can make it look toatally different by picking up just the white squares or picking up just the colored squares. I know 45" wide fabric can be a draw back. Some of your options are to use the length of the fabric instead of the width. If you are making inserts Kona cotton comes in 60" widths,or for inserts,sew wings on the insert. Wings as they are called is fabric sewn to the insert after it is smocked to make it extend the width you need. You can sew the wings from the smocking fabric or the dress fabric.Maybe some others have some ideas. I don't like to peice my fabric for smocking,but if you do,split the difference in the amount you need and add a little to each side. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 06-07-2005, 11:27 PM (18 of 70)
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Nonie, Waiting for my book to arrive in the mail, but here is my question. What type of thread should I use to start the pleating? I am doing it on gingham like your suggestion and was wondering does the thread you use to sew with work? I have some scraps and wanted to try it because I am the impatient type. Also how tight would you pull the threads once you have them all doing what they should do. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: meaghane
Date: 06-08-2005, 09:42 AM (19 of 70)
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I hope you don't mind me replying to the question, Nonie... Summer... I always use hand quilting thread when pleating. You need a strong thread, because the thread is going to have to withstand some pulling. The LAST thing you want is to be working on your smocking, and have a pleating thread break. Take it from experience Also, and this may be excessive, but I always cut my pleating threads the length of my fabric, plus several inches. I've had a COUPLE of times where I've pleated fabric, only to find that one of my threads wasn't quite long enough. That bites, believe me.As for how tight to pull your threads... I like to keep mine at least a little bit close to the finished width, but with some extra room to maneuver. You want your pleats even and tight enough to work your stitches without having them too loose when you are finished. A lot of it for me was just trial and error. A lot of people might tell you to block your pleats BEFORE you smock, but to me, this is unnecessary and constricting. Have fun! Smocking is WONDERFULLY relaxing, and so beautiful. Meg 
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User: meaghane
Member since: 06-03-2000 Total posts: 433
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 06-08-2005, 09:50 AM (20 of 70)
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Thank you Meg I will practice some more. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-08-2005, 04:09 PM (21 of 70)
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Meg, Of coarse I don't mind if you answer questions. We all learn from each other so the more that jump in the more we all will learn. When pulling my pleats up as meg described,I also use quilting thread. But if doing the honey comb stitch or the counter change stitch on gingham,I use three strand of embroidery floss. As to how tight,I like the saying your pleats should stand straight as little soliders,just touching so you can get a needle in between pleat,with out picking up two pleats. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-10-2005, 01:01 PM (22 of 70)
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We have all heard not to store your pleater needles in the pleater. So where to keep them safe? My tip is to use an empty film canister, and store your needles in there. since I have two pleaters,I mark the outside of the canisters with tape,that has the name of the pleater the needles belong to. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-17-2005, 04:01 PM (23 of 70)
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When pleating and smocking a design,that uses half space rows. Use a different colored thread in your pleater,one color for full space rows and a different one for the half space rows. That way you will always know if you are working on a full space or half space row. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 06-24-2005, 01:57 PM (24 of 70)
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As you pull the thread through your pleats,it compresses the thread and you will notice your thread is getting 'skinny'. From time to time,take your needle and run it down the thread to plump it up again. Happy smocking Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:00 PM (25 of 70)
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The needle that is recommended for Picture smocking is a size 7 or 8 crewel needle.The crewel needle is used because it makes a hole large enough for four strands of floss to pull through easily without compressing your thread. If you have arthritic hands,then use a size 7 or 8 long darner. Happy smocking Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-08-2005, 06:47 PM (26 of 70)
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My tip for this week,is if you want to learn to smock but don't know where to start! Start small,think small projects such as bonnets,doll clothes,samplerpillows. You will feel sucess and be more confident moving on to larger smocked projects.. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing,net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-15-2005, 06:47 PM (27 of 70)
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I know what type of thread and how many strands to use can be confusing. So to take the guess work out of it generally the rule of thumb is. Three strands of stranded cotton for geometrics and four strands for picture smocking. But! I say let your fabric guide you,for a light weight batiste,two strands might give you the look you want.For heavier fabrics you might want to use as many as six. So experiment and see if the type of thread you are using and the number of strands you are using,is giving you the look you want. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-22-2005, 07:27 PM (28 of 70)
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I know alot of you shy away from smocking a bishop,because of all the blocking. Well,no more. Smock your bishop straight. Pick a smocking plate that is designed for a bishop,that has the deep trellis stiches,and when you remove your holding threads,your dress will be a perfect shaped bishop. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-25-2005, 08:44 AM (29 of 70)
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Exactly what is a bishop?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-25-2005, 05:22 PM (30 of 70)
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Good question. A bishop,is a round yoke dress. With that said,it could also be a nightie or even a womans blouse. The front and back are cut,and the sleeves are attached as you would a ragland sleeve, Then the whole item is put through the pleater. The regular method for smocking one of these Items,has been to then block the dress,flaring it out. Very intimidating,to some. Hope this helps. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 07-25-2005, 08:00 PM (31 of 70)
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Hi everyone I'm fairly new to this forum and wanted to say that Nonie is the best teacher.. Make sure you ask her plenty of Questions... She's terrific about making sure you understand.. My 1st smocking project was the smocked baby bonnet from EverythingSewing. my second was a bishop using the straight method.. Very easy to smock.. thanks Nonie MM Marilyn
Sewforme Stashaway |
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005 Total posts: 67 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-26-2005, 10:03 AM (32 of 70)
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Oh sure Nonie. I knew that. LOL. Nonie, would you teach us something easy later on this fall? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Nanny
Date: 07-26-2005, 01:34 PM (33 of 70)
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Nonie I have been smocking dresses,bonnets and fancy panties for my 6 granddaughters for years now ( the eldest is now 16 ) but.. you are just blowiing my mind with saying you can smock bishops straight Please explain how because it has been driving me crazy since I read it. Do you still sew the fronts, backs and sleeves together first or what? I just can't figure this one out! |
User: Nanny
Member since: 07-09-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-27-2005, 01:52 AM (34 of 70)
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mary,I would love to teach something easy. Just give me a few ideas of what you would like to do as a project. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-27-2005, 01:59 AM (35 of 70)
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Nanny, I know it is hard to believe,but yes you can sew a bishop straight. I smock all my bishops that way and if you want to see any of them,the pictures are posted on http://www.everythingsewing.net the one on the home page has the collar overlay. to answer your question,yes,assemble the dress just like you would. Put it through the pleater,and start smocking. Keep a row of cable stitches on your first row,and as you get to the end rows besure they are deep waves. Which is the way most smocking plates for bishops are designed anyhow. It works,it really works. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: Nanny
Date: 07-27-2005, 04:05 PM (36 of 70)
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Nonie Thank you Its been driving me crazy since I read it and I've been making bishops for years. I'm going to check out your site now. Thanks again! Nanny |
User: Nanny
Member since: 07-09-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-29-2005, 07:26 PM (37 of 70)
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Nanny, I do hope you give it a try. I know you will be pleased with the results. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 07-29-2005, 07:30 PM (38 of 70)
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What is back smocking? It is stitches that are worked on the backside of your smocking. Used mainly to hold the pleats when picture smocking,if the pleats are not held in place the pleated section will poof when you remove your holding threads. You can give a different look to your smocking by using different stitches for back smocking. Cable is generally used,but try doing trellis stitches,and see how different your piece looks. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 08-06-2005, 01:17 PM (39 of 70)
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It is easier to have your smocking pattern line up perfectly at the back,if you start your smocking in the center and work out to the sides. If you start at one side,your design will probably not match up. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 08-14-2005, 12:03 AM (40 of 70)
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When you look at a smocking plate,you will notice the rows of smocking are numbered. You begin your smocking on the main design row,it might be row 5 or 6. You do not smock the plate from row 1 through 5 for example. That way you establish the design first. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 08-19-2005, 08:47 PM (41 of 70)
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If you want really pretty smocking and I am sure you do. Take the time to strip yur thread. Stripping,is done by seperating the threads and laying them back together. I also iron my floss. I put it on the ironing board and pull the thread under the iron. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-20-2005, 10:57 AM (42 of 70)
If you iron your floss, it doesn't tangle or knot either. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 08-24-2005, 08:21 PM (43 of 70)
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Thanks Mary,I should have added that. Another bonus is it plumps andmakes nice full stitches. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 08-27-2005, 05:20 PM (44 of 70)
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Some tips for picture smocking: 1. Take a deeper bite of the pleat,then when geometric smocking. 2. ensure the needle is parallel with the pleating threads at all times 3. Use a number 5 crewel needle. Some like to use a darner for picture smocking,but I have had great sucess with using the crewel needle. Try both and see what works best for you. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 09-02-2005, 11:07 PM (45 of 70)
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My tip for this week,is to watch your needle placement and how the stitch is forming. If you like how it looks let it stay,if it doesn't look right to you now is an easy time to fix it. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 09-11-2005, 07:48 PM (46 of 70)
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Use the correct needle. Alot of people have problems with the bullion stich which can be overcome by using a milliners needle. The instructions usually will tell youwhat size needle they recommend. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-14-2005, 02:20 PM (47 of 70)
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I am doing a needlework project that asks for the bullion stitch. I had some really inventive looking messes going on for a while. Now I think I have conquered it.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 09-16-2005, 06:30 PM (48 of 70)
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Mary, bullions can be a pain to do. Be sure to use a milliners needle,and the best thread to use is 'floche'. Don't wrap your thread to snug,and if you are still having probelm pulling the needle through the thread,wiggle the needle back and forth a bit. Bullion roses take a bit of practice but really are a beautiful stitch. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing,net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 09-25-2005, 04:05 PM (49 of 70)
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When doing picture smocking,you notice there are color changes in a single row. Don't work you colors in blocks,but work straight across your rows changing color as you come to them. the best way to do this is to thread a seperate needle with the colors you are going to need. When it is time for a color change park your needle on the back and pick up your new color. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 10-01-2005, 03:22 PM (50 of 70)
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Instead of a tip this week. I was thinking of asking all of you what small smocking project you would like to do? We could do a Christmas ornament or I was also thinkg of a small pillow. It would be like a sampler with a few of the smocking stitches for you to learn and to practice. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 10-03-2005, 11:39 AM (51 of 70)
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Hmm, I for one do not own a pleater so..................................
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-03-2005, 12:53 PM (52 of 70)
me either but I am still trying to do it on gingham as a practice piece. so Mary you can give it a try too 
Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 10-05-2005, 06:30 PM (53 of 70)
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I have been looking for you! I am finally through with hospitals, operations, computer problems and moviing, installed at my son Jon's here in Friendswood TX, healthy again in spite of gynocologists (who have cancer on the brain). I've had every test known to man, but no matter how hard they tried, I am well again AND non-cancerous! One of my daughters (Shauna) and her family now live in Friendswood, too. Suzannah is still in Austin (TX) and Lisa is in west Houston TX, about a 50-minute drive from here. My sons are in Friendswood (TX southreast of Houston) Katy (TX west of Houston) and Phoenix, AZ. How are you doing? E-mail me with all the news. Between last night and today they got rid of my favorite Icon. It was a little large, but they could have reduced the size, but no, they had to eliminate it! Well, so much for that. I won't use one at all. coffee 2: Love, MariLynn
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
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User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 10-06-2005, 04:51 PM (54 of 70)
I have been trying to remember the correct spelling for bouillon (?)-bullion(?) but I still havent found my dictionary. I keep opening boxes of books but haven't run across it yet. And I see my favorite icon is back!! I want a cup right now! It is 3:15 pm; time for a coffee break. In my bathroom I have an etagere set up with my electric kettle, my Chemex, coffee and a couple of cups.Also some instant coffee, some powdered cream and sugar, as well as some cookies. I am so tired of opening boxes and putting things away.  MariLynn
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 10-08-2005, 11:34 AM (55 of 70)
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MariLynn, I have been thinking alot about you lately,glad to see you got the computer hooked up and are back posting. Will zip off an email to you. I think the correct spelling is bullion,hope I am right. Have been a tad bit under the weather and not keeping up with what I should be doing. Mary,since alot of people don't have pleaters,I could either pleat up some sample pieces for those that would like to give smocking a try or we could go more into detail of how to pick up dots on fabric. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MariLynnTX
Date: 10-08-2005, 01:51 PM (56 of 70)
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I have had so much trouble with my computer! I had a person my daughter knows working on it before I moved, and he fixed the worst things on it, but he completely removed my Favorites list AND even worse, deleted my entire address book. And I am going to see if Shauna can come over and show me how I get the computer pick up on the e-mail addresses of people who write me. I can't find it on this latest version of XP that is now on my computer. Do you realize computers are the only appliance IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD that don't come with basic instructions?? I mean the kind that begin with "Turn on the computer...press the green button that says ON." I tend to get lost after that if I have new programming! And Jon, with endless trouble, has put my computer on his new wireless network! Thank God it works without any different input from me. Well, my coffee cup icon is gone again, the Coffee2: MariLynntx
Life is a song...we give it harmony or dissonance.
|
User: MariLynnTX
Member since: 08-13-2001 Total posts: 256 |
From: muddyclothes
Date: 12-09-2005, 08:36 PM (57 of 70)
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The tip for this week is. Run wax paper through your pleater before you begin pleating a project,it will make the pleats slide off the needles with ease. Nonie http://www.everythingsewing.net Thank you, sewingnonie! I'm just in the process of shopping for a pleater. I have done some smocking and enjoyed it, but gathering all those dots by hand is for the birds. I sure hope I figure out the pleater easy enough. Since I'm new to this, I do appreciate any and all tips |
User: muddyclothes
Member since: 01-07-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: muddyclothes
Date: 12-10-2005, 01:18 PM (58 of 70)
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Ok, I seem to be alone here right now, but just in case anyone pops in.. I'm new to this, obviously. I just read the entire thread. I'm shopping for a pleater. What is the best type of thread to use for the actual smocking? |
User: muddyclothes
Member since: 01-07-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: Kitty3
Date: 12-11-2005, 06:02 AM (59 of 70)
| Sewingnonie, I've been reading over everyones shoulder and I'm a go with whatever you want to start with. Kitty3 |
User: Kitty3
Member since: 08-13-2005 Total posts: 17 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-12-2005, 06:50 PM (60 of 70)
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Most of the Children's garments I have seen, have been done with regular embroidery floss..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 12-20-2005, 03:15 PM (61 of 70)
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I am so sorry due to a computer crash I was not able to check in and see how you were all doing. Maybe I can think of something simple for those with pleaters and those wanting to learn to use their pleaters. Maybe Santa will bring one to those wanting them. I hvae a Salley Stanley pleater that has served me well for a very long time. I am now pleating fabric on it for my DGD and when I started smocking I was smocking her mothers clothes. I have ead nothing but good things about the Amanda Jane pleater and the little Amamnda. |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-21-2005, 06:08 PM (62 of 70)
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Nonie, Last night, I saw an episode of Martha's sewing room and she demonstrated how to thread the needles and then how to put the material onto the pleater.. Was very interesting.. She did a bishop and a straight smaller piece..(for a small insert).. She tickled me, said she always had to stand up to do it right..(and she did)..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 12-22-2005, 01:24 PM (63 of 70)
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I love that show and try to catch it as much as possible. I stand over my pleater,hard on the back but i try to watch the fabric going in and coming out!! Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: MaryW
Date: 12-22-2005, 05:51 PM (64 of 70)
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Welcome back Nonie, we missed your posts.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: sewingnonie
Date: 02-18-2006, 08:32 PM (65 of 70)
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Sorry for being gone so long mary. Am ready to continue with tips if you would like me to. I love smocking and helping others learn is really a blessing for me. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: Kitty3
Date: 02-19-2006, 12:37 PM (66 of 70)
| I know I speak for alot of us, I really enjoy your tips and advice on smocking. You are such a sweet and helpful soul. |
User: Kitty3
Member since: 08-13-2005 Total posts: 17
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From: ninifav
Date: 02-19-2006, 09:29 PM (67 of 70)
| Glad to have you back...was concerned that you may be having problems...health or otherwise...am a basic smocker...love the tips, hints and refreshers...Paula |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 02-20-2006, 01:33 AM (68 of 70)
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It was a little of both computer and health,but if I do what makes me happy(sharing sewing) I know I will be back to good health in no time. do you have any questions I might be able to help you with? Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
From: ninifav
Date: 02-21-2006, 12:25 AM (69 of 70)
| Nonie, I have just completed a bishop sized 3...and for the first time, I am afraid that the neck is going to "turtle" a little...hoping that when she wears it, that the effect will not be too bad...On the first gathering stitch on the back side, I used a wheat stitch ( I think.) Do you think maybe I pulled the stitches too tight??? I have another dress ready to construct that was basically prepared the same way; but the smocking is definitely looser further down the dress...should I remove the wheat stitching before finishing the neck to prevent the previous mistake...or am I doing something else to cause the "turtling." Thanks...Paula |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: sewingnonie
Date: 02-21-2006, 01:33 AM (70 of 70)
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I usually pleat my bishops with the first row being a half space below the holding row. that makes the first row,the cable row or tight row and easy to stitch on the neckband without a lot of extra fabric. What causes the bishops to create a tube effect is the rows of cable stitch or tight stiches run to far down the design and do not let the bishop flair. I rarelywill do a tight stitch row below the third smocking row and if it is a small size bishop I will start my flair row on the second row. The further down you go on the smocking the deeper your stiches have to be,even as much as seven step waves. I would probably remove the tight stitches and let it realx,it just might lay down and behave itself. Nonie |
User: sewingnonie
Member since: 09-23-2004 Total posts: 175 |
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