Since Liesl is just back from the SAGA convention and is so excited about smocking now, we thought it would be fun to feature some examples of the technique applied to Oliver + S patterns. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with it, smocking is used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. If you are willing to invest the time it takes, you can achieve results like these smocked dresses (and one blouse). Enjoy these examples, and if you know of other Oliver + S patterns that work well with smocking be sure to let us know in the comments.
First up, we have Ashley and Emily with a light blue striped Garden Party Dress for spring. The bodice panel was pleated and smocked instead of gathered. More details about the modifications made to this dress and some close up photos of the smocking can be found on their blog.
Another Garden Party Dress, but this time as a peach Easter dress by Darcy. This one has already made an appearance as a Friday feature.
Next up, Sharon created this pastel pink Fairy Tale Dress for Easter. You can read all about this dress on her blog.
Another Fairy Tale Dress, this time by Deb who made a red, white, and green snowflake dress for Christmas.
Catherine sewed this Birthday Party Dress, and you can have a closer look at the smocking details here.
Tamara created this unique denim School Photo Dress using Italian smocking.
Moving along, we have Aukje who made a Popover Sundress using red gingham. She also sewed a 2+2 Blouse using green polka dot fabric.
This Popover Sundress was sewn by Marlene. She used shot cotton and vintage Liberty lawn and added a hem facing on the right side of the fabric.
The Popover Sundress seems to be quite popular with smocking because we have two final ones to share. Melissa started out by making a mock version with a vintage bed sheet, and it worked for her so she went on to make a green Christmas one, too.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like:
- Customizing with Oliver + S: Adding Honeycomb Smocking to the Ice Cream Blouse
- The New Smocking: An Obsession
- Smocked Badminton Dress in Sew Beautiful
- Speaking of Smocking: Lisette Continental Blouse
- Feature Friday: Independence Day
- Liesl’s Smocked Necklace workshop on Creativebug
The denim school photo dress is a knockout!
So I have never been a fan of smocking as it has always felt super baby-ish. (Or it felt super 70s!)
These examples have turned my head COMPLETELY. There is some very sophisticated smocking there! Bravo, ladies. You have converted me to a fan! I may try my hand. Now to find recommendations on how to start.
Ditto the above, this group has really shown me smocking in a new light with their sophisticated examples!
I think smocking can be really contemporary–we just need to turn it that way! I’d recommend investigating SAGA a bit if you’re interested in learning more. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is, to do, too!
I learnt to smock in school as a teenager and smocked a white dress in chevron smocking style in graduated shades of blue for my first baby. I love how textured it is. I think it can look very contemporary given the right fabric and colours choices. Tamara’s is a great example and is absolutely beautiful.
Have a go, you’ll be surprised how complex it looks while it is not difficult once you get the hang of it.
Hmm, grey linen dress smocked would look gorgeous on grown ups!
After thirteen years of smocking and being self taught, I am most proud of this denim dress. The design was for a cushion! In silk! Which goes to show the versatility of design and how we can take it and use it on something not thought of.
I love it how we make what is considered old, new and contemporary and I think all the above examples reflect this in such a perfect way.
Smocking is very simple. It just LOOKS difficult and that is the beauty of it.
That dress is awesome! I have never used denim as a base, only broadcloth, batiste or fine corduroy. I am impressed with your talent!! Keep up the good work!
ITALIAN SMOCKING??? We must investigate this further….WOW, it is STUNNING {and showcased on a dress we LOVE}!! Liesl – you are AMAZING. Seriously. A recap blog post already up? A Wee Care gown already smocked?? YOU NEVER STOP!
These are really beautiful, is the smocking as time-consuming as it looks?
I sew because I smock. I LOVE all these smocked O + S garments! Thanks for gathering them all in one place.