I stitched the last geometric stitch on Jane Ellen over the weekend. I am just so super pleased with the variegated thread effect that I have to show you. I do apologize for the crude picture… but you now get to see what a smocked dress looks like in the “ugly duckling” stage. Oh, please also excuse the safety pin – I have to leave it there to mark the dress center for when I add some embroidery:
I decided to leave the “bars” out that you see in the original Jane Ellen plate (toward the bottom part of the smocking). You will see the difference by comparing this original plate with the picture above.
All I have left are some back smocking & embroidered flowers, and it will be ready for me to work my sewing klutziness to try turning the dress into a “swan”. Stay tuned! :)
p.s. Annelle, for sure you will be getting questions on this one! :)
Ivory Spring 
That is some fantastic job! I’ve never tried smocking, but my grandmother smocked dresses for me and my cousin about 60 years ago. OMGosh I’m old. I told my Grandson, who says I walk like an old lady, that I was as old as dirt. He thought maybe dirt wasa little older….grin.
Holy cow! You must have some kind of patience!! That IS beautiful!!
So pretty, Wendy. Your design looks good without the bars, and the variegated thread gives the design so much dimension. You make me miss smocking. As I looked at this, I could almost feel myself taking those lovely embroidery stitches again. Oh, to have a wee girl!
Wow I am impressed how many hours does it take to do this smocking?
Such gorgeous dress!!! Miss baby is so blessed to have just a talented mommy!!! Great job Wendy as usual!
So very pretty!
Oh, it is so sweet. What a great design. I always wanted to learn how to do smocking. Maybe one day when I have a granddaughter.
You are absolutely amazing, Wendy! These are SO pretty. I know that Miss Baby is going to be adorable in these.
XO,
Sheila
I would be absolutely petrified to start constructing the dress. Please keep us posted. :)
Your smocking is absolutely amazing! I’m so glad you are showing the dress “in the process”. Can’t wait to see the finished product!
I don’t think I have the patience for this.
It is beautiful. Your smocking is outstanding!!! I can’t wait to see it finished.
OMG…that looks gorgeous…i desperatly wanted to lean this…thank you for inspiring me…t looks heavenly wendy
Beautiful colors! I love seeing the “in process” and would love to know how it’s actually done. I will Google that – LOL! I saw a little girl with a smocked dress while on vacation and thought of you o:)
Lovely! I have managed to stay away from smocking, but I have felt it drawing me in for several years…..luckily, no one carries the pleaters in stores, at least that I have seen – or I definitely would have purchased one by now! I know if I ever put one in my hands……..
Beautiful smockjng Wendy. The variegated thread works wonderfully and I think you have done a super job.!!!!
I printed out the pictures of the quilting maybe to practice on some day when I get brave….grin. Great post.
Hi!…this is lovely! just wondering where you get your patterns from???
The actual dress pattern, not just them smocking plate??? thanks veyr much!!!
So pretty and inspiring! I love the look of the variegated floss on the deep pink. Thank you for sharing!