DIANNE DURAND’S COMPLETE BOOK OF SMOCKING: Techniques & Projects

Dianne Durand

Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York, USA

Year 1982

Pages 148

English smocking has recently emerged as a creative and artistic needlecraft that both novice and expert sewers can enjoy. This guide provides a wealth of smocking tips, as well as specific directions for choosing the fabric, pleating, smocking, and finishing for over 40 particular projects. Covering a wide range of styles and tastes, the projects include delicate baby gowns, little girl’s party dress, peasant blouses, as well as a host of more unusual items – all-weather jackets, pillows, caftans, and even Christmas ornaments. The author discusses in detail the use of color, the development of the design, methods for planning, the use of a design graph, the differences between functional and decorative smocking, and how these factors affect the choice of material, design, and construction. A variety of methods for finishing are also suggested. Simple step-by-step explanations show how to complete each project easily and successfully, and detail photographs of stitch patterns, as well as the finished projects, help make directions crystal clear.