Smocking 101

Several years ago we were blessed with three granddaughters in one year. So, I decided I'd enjoy learning to smock for them. I smocked and smocked and smocked and loved it. It helped me feel connected to them. Then, we had a grandson and I smocked a few things for him as well. Our son and daughter-in-law were sweet enough to let him wear a gown home from the hospital that I had smocked for him. Although I enjoyed smocking for him, there aren't nearly as many things to smock for a little boy as for the little girls. They all eventually outgrew wearing smocked outfits so my smocking stopped. However, now that we're having another little granddaughter, I thought that called for pulling out all the packed away smocking plates and needles and embroidery threads. It's been so much fun to go into the smocking shop and see all the beautiful material available. Here's a picture of the little day gown that I'm about to begin smocking. I've also included a picture of what the finished product is SUPPOSED to look like. I can't wait to get started on this little day gown for our little Miss A!!