Smocking Book Part 1 with Sample

Modern Smocking Canadian Smocking Techniques & Patterns

PART 2

Debbie Shore

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Copyright © Vivebooks 2013 Vivebooks, an imprint of Rainbow Disks Ltd www.vivebooks.com 5 Linden Vale Howell Road Exeter EX4 4LF UK

These patterns/designs are for your personal use only, or for the purposes of selling for charity. They cannot be used for commercial puposes without the prior permission of the Publishers.

First published in the UK in 2013 Text and projects © Debbie Shore 2013 Photographs & Video © Garie Hind 2013 Video by Garie Hind Editor: Vivienne Wells Photography: Garie Hind

Thank you Vivienne Wells Vivebooks

ISBN 978-1-906314-54-5 ISBN 978-1-906314-55-2 (download)

Debbie Shore has asserted her right to be identified as author of this work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN 978-1-906314-54-5 ISBN 978-1-906314-55-2 (download) VIVEBOOKS

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C on t e n t s Contents 3 Using this ebook: tips

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Introduction 5 Shells 9 Lozenge 13 Diamonds 17 Bows 21 Four-point 27 Giftwrap 36 Windmill 41 Debbie Shore 46 More Vivebooks

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From the top: Diamonds, Four-point Flower, Giftwrap, Windmill and Bows 3

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To go to chapters or projects, click on the headings here, use the Bookmark links (click on the icon at the top left of the Adobe Reader window) or scroll through the page Thumbnails (click on the icon next to the Bookmarks).

Usi n g t h is e b ook: t i p s • Browse through this ebook by scrolling through the pages as with any document, or by using the Adobe Reader Bookmarks (like an interactive contents list) and page Thumbnails - they will take you quickly to the chapter, project or page you need when you click on that page or project in the list. These Bookmarks and Thumbnails are activated by clicking on their icons (looking like tiny pages) at the top left of your Adobe Reader window.

• Print out pages for easy and portable reference. Each project gives the page numbers for that project, so you know which pages to print out.When printing out templates,make sure that you switch off any 'shrink to fit' or similar commands in your print dialogue box to avoid changing the size of the templates. The pages print out well on A4 and US Letter paper sizes. • Use the search facility to find specific words.

• The Contents list on page 3 is also interactive. • To play a video, click on its image. You Click on any of the chapters in the list to go to that may be directed to download and install Flash player page. - if so, do this. Wait a few seconds for the video to start. A controller will appear underneath so that • Use links to go directly to other pages within this you can play/start/stop etc.To close the video and go ebook or to web pages. Click on the links, shown in back to the pages, click on the top right corner of blue, eg: Debbie Shore's blog. If you click on the blue the video screen. text it will take you to Katie's website, when you are connected to the Internet. • Copy the PDF file to your computer's hard disk, if you bought it on a disk – it will work faster from • So that you can quickly find the page you were there. If you have any problems printing from this file last viewing, activate the 'Previous View' and 'Next or viewing the video, the first thing to try is downView' buttons on your toolbar, to act like the Back loading and installing the latest version of Adobe and Forward button on your Internet browser. Reader (even if you already have the latest version). Right-click/Control-click the toolbar, go to More Tools and select these tools by clicking their boxes. • On iPhone, iPad, Android devices and Kindle Fire, currently the best pdf reader is ezPDFReader, which • Use the zoom tool to zoom in on close-up will play the embedded video (Adobe Reader for details in photographs, and see the beadwork these devices will not play the embedded video, at greatly enlarged. Activate the 'Marquee zoom' to time of publication of this ebook). For more informadrag a box around the area you want to enlarge. tion, see www.vivebooks.com

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I n t ro d u c t i on

Many countries have claimed this type of smocking, but the term 'Canadian smocking' seems to be the most well known, followed by North American. In Brazil, it’s called capitone. Popular in the 1950s and 60s, Canadian smocking is currently creating a lot of interest worldwide so is set to make a long awaited comeback.

tassels and fringes to bring a touch of extravagance to your work; beads and buttons are fun too!

Assuming you have Part 1 of this ebook, you have learned the main techniques. So now is the time to experiment with different types of fabric, and use your new skills in bag making and even clothing. Soft denim works well for a modern, young look. Try ticking or linen to keep it contemporary. Add

In this ebook (Parts 1 and 2), I’ve put together fifteen smocking patterns for you to try, plus instructions for the Matrix Round Cushion (Part 1), which should play a starring role in your display of smocked cushion covers. You will also find detailed instructions for a simple zipped cushion

You could also try making your grids smaller or larger, or even mixing the two together. Basically, there are no rules, so be your own designer and enjoy the results.

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introduction cover (Part 1). There are videos showing me demonstrating the techniques – which I hope will guide you through and give you confidence. (See the video introduction overleaf.) There is even a video showing what to do if you make a mistake in your smocking. The pattern grids can be printed out on your home printer for easy use.

As we were putting this ebook together it became clear that the large amount of video (well over 1 hour in total) would create a file that was going to be rather large for downloading. So, it has become a pair of ebooks: Modern Smocking Part 1 and Modern Smocking Part 2.

I have taken away the jargon and the mathematics so that even a complete beginner can use this ebook to master the techniques of smocking. And as most people want to make cushion (pillow) covers, I have given you two different sizes of cushion to work with.

This is Part 2.The basic techniques and detailed instructions (with lots more patterns) are contained in Part 1, so I strongly recommend that you start with Part 1 before tackling the projects in this volume.

When you are used to the methods, experiment with different fabrics, mix designs together, and apply the technique to anything from dressmaking to curtains! Please don’t think these are quick sewing projects, some of the more complex designs like the Bows can take around six hours to complete.If you would like more help or information, see my blog or http://debbieshore.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.shortcutstosewing.co.uk/ my forum: Short Cuts to Sewing.



Debbie

Matrix Round Cushion.The plain but thick textured fabric is ideal for showing off the pleats and folds.This is the first smocked cushion I ever made; it is featured in Part 1.

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introduction

Video: Introduction by Debbie Shore

Smocking on gingham fabric: this is the Four-point Flower pattern. 7

Matrix cushion from Part 1

Smocking patterns from Part 1. From the top: Lattice, Cobblestones, Leaf, Bones and Waves

Part 1 is available as a download from www.vivebooks.com. 8

Sh e l l s Shells is another pattern that comes together quite quickly, looking equally stylish in velvet, taffeta or suedette. Heavier fabrics that keep their shape are well suited to this design, so I like to use it for upholstery projects such as this chair and the headboard overleaf. It does also make a classic smocked cushion cover.

Fabric needs/grid sizes (1in squares) 16in cushion cover: grid 21 across x 24 down 12in cushion cover: grid 15 across x 18 down Add at least 6in to these lengths to allow for a border and seam allowance. NB Different fabrics give different finished sizes – if in doubt smock a larger area!

Shells smocking 9

Lozenge

Lozenge has a unique, contemporary feel; simple and stylish. I’d maybe try this on a scarf in a lightweight silk… This is an extreme example of a design that doesn't reduce evenly; in fact, one side reduces by half while the other hardly changes.

Fabric needs/grid sizes (1in squares) 16in cushion cover: grid 14 x 28 12in cushion cover: grid 10 x 20 Add at least 6in to these lengths to allow for a border and seam allowance. NB Different fabrics give different finished sizes – if in doubt smock a larger area!

Lozenge smocking 13

B ow s

You can see how this design got its name! It’s a time consuming piece of work but well worth the effort – the little beads in the centre of each bow really make a difference. The fabric reduces by half equally on all sides, so it’s quite easy to work out how much fabric you need for other projects.

Fabric needs/grid sizes (1in squares) 16in cushion cover: grid 32 x 32 12in cushion cover: grid 24 x 24 Add at least 6in to these lengths to allow for a border and seam allowance. NB Different fabrics give different finished sizes – if in doubt smock a larger area! Bows smocking 21

Fo u r - p oi n t This design is the most versatile of all of the smocking techniques. When looking at the stitched side of the fabric you see a four-petalled flower, as in this cushion, but from the reverse side it looks like tiles (see Four-point Tile). Open up the ‘tiles’ to reveal a larger flower, and press open to make ribbon and bows! In the video I show a couple of ideas for using this pattern on gingham and plaid fabrics.

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Debb i e Sh or e

Debbie Shore is a sewing author, actress and presenter for Create and Craft TV. She writes a regular column for a popular UK sewing magazine and produces her own range of instructional DVDs. Her sewing tutorials on YouTube have thousands of subscribers. Debbie’s previous books include the bestselling Making Cushion Covers, and the recently published Half Yard Heaven and Sew Bunting. Contact Debbie via her blog or her forum, Short Cut to Sewing, or subscribe to her YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/thimblelane http://debbieshore.blogspot.co.uk/ http://www.shortcutstosewing.co.uk/ 46

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