Yesterday I did two things I rarely do: 1) I actually ventured off of the property after dark and not wearing sweatpants and 2) I went to a group meeting to learn something new from actual people instead of from a book. And it was awesome!
The group was the Portland chapter of SAGA, or the Smocking Arts Guild of America. I have been wanting to learn to smock forever, and somehow I got a bee in my bonnet last week and started looking around to take a smocking class, and found this group which was meeting in just a few days. They warmly welcomed me and the teacher, Nancy Malitz, helped me pleat up a piece of fabric and start this little sampler. Predictably, I am immediately and thoroughly obsessed. I got home at 9:30 p.m., went to bed around midnight, and had weird dreams all night where, once again, I couldn't stop the smock. It was like I was having a Pee-Wee Herman knitting moment. But with smocking.
Much, much more on this to come from me, including details on correspondence courses in smocking, etc., and a photo of a correspondence-course beginner's dress that Nancy is going to send me. Very exciting. In other news, I finished my weensy gray grannie square blanket over the weekend and will have that pattern up and running this week, I think and hope. I ordered a great big blocking board that should get here any day so I don't want to take another photo of the blanket until it's officially blocked because I am quite excited about having a real board with a grid and everything. Maybe I'll do a before blocking and after blocking photo just to really see the diff.
Smocking is a treasured art. I am so tickled you are learning it. I am so glad people still sew. It is such a fun skill.:)
Posted by: Sherry | January 26, 2010 at 01:59 PM
I looove the look of smocking and have never done it. When I was a little girl some of my dresses were smocked and I was enchanted by them. I occasionally subscribe to a year of "Sew Beautiful" thinking I'm going to get started, and so far I have been put off by the thought of choosing and then paying for a pleater. Someday......... and in the meantime I will enjoy your smocking vicariously.
WendyBee
Posted by: Wendy | January 26, 2010 at 02:29 PM
My mother did beautiful smocking, and I had many, many smocked dresses growing up. I still have a soft spot for smocking.
Posted by: wishes, true and kind | January 26, 2010 at 03:35 PM
reminds me of making wonderful little gingham dresses and smocked pinafores for my sweet daughter (who is turning 32 at this precise moment!). it was a wonderful time and they were so cute on her. she was the best dressed toddler by all accounts.
Posted by: hashakat | January 26, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Can't wait for that pattern!!! Good luck with the smocking. :)
Posted by: Denise | January 26, 2010 at 04:03 PM
Ohhh...that is so beautiful! I consider myself an accomplished seamstress, but that totally intimidates me. Please tell us more!
Posted by: Rose | January 26, 2010 at 04:07 PM
It looks lovely and charming.
Posted by: naomi | January 26, 2010 at 04:30 PM
Smocking looks so cool, but intimidating. BTW, can't wait to see that finished granny square blanket:D
Posted by: Linda | January 26, 2010 at 05:12 PM
This is something I have always wanted to learn. I have bought vintage books and put them in my crafting library for someday. How fun for you! Thanks for sharing. Have a great day!
Posted by: Donnelly | January 26, 2010 at 05:19 PM
i'm psyched about the smocking, it's always been on my bucket list and i have finally got a project worthy of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/purejuice/2898188017/in/set-72157604052691024/
just moved to ABQ and this post inspired me to hook up with the SAGA chptr here, zia sun smockers. thanks so much for getting me back on the craftly track!
Posted by: jeannette | January 26, 2010 at 05:25 PM
If you like to smock, make sure to check out Martha Pullen. She is the "Queen" of heirloom sewing (which includes smocking).
Posted by: Becky Wagner | January 26, 2010 at 05:36 PM
I learned how to smock as a girl in my home ec class in England, haven't done it since. It was fun though.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 26, 2010 at 05:44 PM
When my daughter was born 5.5 years ago the first thing I did was learn to smock! 25 dresses and bubbles later (20 in the first two years) I am making her a flower girl dress for a cousins wedding. Be sure to check out Australian Smocking and Embroidery. FAB magazine!
Posted by: Catty | January 26, 2010 at 06:23 PM
Oh my goodness I am sooo jealous! I LOVE smocking and buy it for my little girl every chance I can. This is something I would love to learn and I need to soon as she is already 2. Looks lovely, can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Michele | January 26, 2010 at 08:10 PM
I need to get out and take a class too I think :)
I love what I have seen of the blanket so far. Can't wait to see the finished project and pattern!
Posted by: Tayla B | January 26, 2010 at 08:12 PM
Wow! I never liked the look of smocking before, but yours looks gorgeous!
Posted by: quirkygranolagirl | January 26, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Oh I do so love to smock, and I haven't done it for years!
Enjoy!
Posted by: Fer | January 26, 2010 at 08:37 PM
I'm so thrilled you've caught the smocking bug and found The Rose Trellis SAGA group. I belong to The Columbia Cablers in Tri-Cities, WA, but we are a very tiny group. Your post has reminded me that I need to get on the stick and start planning for my granddaughter's Easter dress!
Posted by: Vondalee | January 26, 2010 at 09:01 PM
OH SMOCKING! I haven't smocked since my two oldest daughters were one and two. I loved it! I loved how precious they looked in their smocked frocks. Good job!!
Posted by: Linda | January 26, 2010 at 10:03 PM
Love that feeling of a new obsession
Posted by: Sarah | January 26, 2010 at 10:39 PM
I'm old enough to have worn smocking as a child, when it was in vogue. I loved it then and still do now.
Have a ball. I know you will be creating new and interesting Alicia designs in no time.
Posted by: Sue Collins - Broome Australia | January 26, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Smocking! What a blast from the past - I remember wearing smocks as a child, but I think they were elasticated - not sure if it's the same thing you're doing here.
I am a huge fan of your blog and have just finished the Ollalieberry quilt! Can I say what a joy the pattern was to follow - so clear and precise and beautifully presented. I love my quilt to bits (my first attempt at quilting). You may be able to see it on my (new) blog - if I get the link right at the bottom here (still a novice, I'm afraid!). thanks for all the inspiration!
Posted by: Bridget | January 27, 2010 at 03:06 AM
Can't wait to see your blancket. And to hear from your blocking board. I've been looking for it everywhere but I can't find it. It's as if it doesn't exist in Europe. Could you let me know where you found it. Did you buy it on the internet?
Love, Ann
Posted by: Ann Van Gampelaere | January 27, 2010 at 04:50 AM
I learned to smock from a SAGA group at our local fabric store when I had my daughter. I wanted all those beautiful smocked dresses but couldn't afford them so I learned to do it myself. Once I learned to smock, I had to learn to sew it together! That was almost 8 years ago and I have never looked back...I love to sew, mostly clothes and I still love to smock, for my daughter and any baby I can find. I even smock for the AG dolls!
Posted by: Victoria Hassink | January 27, 2010 at 06:18 AM
Oh my, I so want to take a class like that!
Posted by: Mary Ann | January 27, 2010 at 06:29 AM