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Geometric Smocking Plate - Smocking Myths

Emma's First Bishop

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Graphed with SmockSoft 3.0 using Bold and Modified Trellis Features.

Instructions for Emma's First Bishop:

DMC 315 Antique Mauve Medium Dark
DMC 316 Antique Mauve Medium

Begin Row 1 with a Down Cable Stitch and continue across the Row Making a Cable Line using DMC 316
Begin on Row 1 Pleat 2 with a Three Step Cable (this will be on the top of the Cable Line and skips a pleat) using DMC 316
Begin on Row 1 1/2 Pleat 5 with a Three Step Cable (this will be on the bottom of the Cable Row and skips a pleat) using DMC 316

Begin on Row 2 with an Up Cable Stitch and continue across the Row Making a Cable Line Using DMC 316
Begin on Row 2 1/4 Pleat Making a Three Step Cable and continue across the Row (this will be on the top of the Cable Row and skips a pleat)
Begin on Row 2 Pleat 5 with a Three Step Cable and continue across the Row (this will be on the bottom of the Cable Row and skips a pleat)

Begin on Row 3 1/4 with a Two Step Trellis Wave traveling Up and continue across the Row using DMC 315
Begin on Row 4 with a Two Step Trellis traveling Up and Continue Across the Row using DMC 316
Begin on Row 4 to with a Two Step Trellis Traveling Down to Row 4 3/4 using DMC 316
Begin on Row 4 3/4 Traveling Down to Row 5 1/4 with a Two Step Trellis and continue across the Row using DMC 315

Important: (The trellis wave for Rows 6 to 9 1/4 do not align with the pleats on the upper rows. The turn around cables will be a pleat "off " from one another-just so you do not think you missed a pleat or trellis.)

Begin on Row 6 with a 3 Step Trellis Traveling Down to Row 7 and continue across the Row using DMC 315
Begin on Row 6 1/2 with a 3 Step Trellis Traveling Down to Row 7 1/2 and continue across the Row using DMC 316
Begin on Row 8 3/4 with a 3 Step Trellis Traveling Up to Row 7 1/2 and continue across the Row using DMC 316
Begin on Row 9 1/4 with a 3 Step Trellis Traveling Up to Row 8 1/4 and continue across the Row using DMC 315

Smocking Myths

It is too Expensive
Concerned that the price of becoming a beginner smocker is too high?
Counting up the price of supplies can add up initially (pleating machine, software, patterns, etc) when you consider the costs. But these tools are an excellent investment and will be used repeatedly for years to save yourself time and give your final projects a professional neatness.
Smocked Clothing is just for Parties
Smocking for all of its beauty is surprisingly durable enough for everyday wear.
This particular cotton fabric shown was purchased at a local Joann's Fabric Store 6 years ago. It has been constantly worn by my two daughters, regularly cleaned in the washing machine and has been to many a playground. Yet, the dress does get at least one compliment when worn out and is the girls' favorite dress. It is impossible to get so much satisfaction out of a pair of purchased jeans. Smocking is well worth your effort.
I Just do not Know if I can ever Smock As Well
I know. The clothing in the magazines are inspiring and gorgeous and it seems like it would forever before you can " become that good."
Informative books and videos or attending classes will quickly help you learn the basic stitches and build your confidence for completing your projects.
Emma's First Bishop dress was actually the third dress that I had ever sewn and the third thing I had ever smocked in my life. I even designed my own smocking plate for it. You surely can do it!!

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