With all the current interest in Alice in Wonderland, I thought I'd share this picture smocked design. It was for a Smocking Arts Guild design competition soon after I began designing in 1985. It was, to my knowledge, the first true "picture" smocked panel. There is no fabric showing (hopefully)....the entire piece of fabric is covered with stacked smocked cable stitches. It was a crazy idea I had to do a group of this type design....Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Needless to say, this is the only one that was completed. The fabric that was pleated was 90 inch wide muslin and I have no idea how many hours of stitching to complete. I have had request for the instructions for this design to which I usually laugh. Just the thought of graphing all of the characters makes me wonder......"What were you thinking?"
12 comments:
Oh Gwen, I love this so much! And you know I am one who is always asking you for this plate!!!
I am just starting Ahnalin's Easter dress but it will not be an Alice in Wonderland dress this time. I need to get smocking!
I pray you have a beautiful day.
Artistic and utterly delightful!
I have the biggest grin ! :)
What a sweet design=)
Thanks for following my blog!=)
Which countries have you lived in? I've just lived abroad 3 times so far, twice in the same country, but I'm half expecting more of the same later!!
Your designs are beautiful! The previous post with the freehand machine embroidery was amazing ... I wouldn't have a clue how to do it, of course, but the gradations of color gave it the look of a painting made of thread.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving the thoughtful comment. I'm sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you with an answer to the paint question (I had to find the can of leftover paint). It's Ralph Lauren Regent Metallics. Fortunately, there was a sticker with the name of the color -- Champagne Toast. It has a slight shimmer in the light. It's has a rather watery consistency (the painter said it was a challenge to apply). Here's information about it:
http://www.ralphlaurenhome.com/products/paint/Finishes/items.aspx?haid=116
As far as I know, it's still available at Home Depot.
Regards,
Bill
Beautiful blog! I look forward to reading many more.
I've always loved this magnificent smocked piece of yours - from the first time I saw it. I cannot imagine the hours of smocking that it took to complete that!
I've always loved this magnificent smocked piece of yours - from the first time I saw it. I cannot imagine the hours of smocking that it took to complete that!
I remember being amazed by this piece way back when it appeared The Smocking Arts magazine. Truly a work of art-
Hi Gwen, thank you so much for your wonderful message left on my blog today. I think it is good to add addresses if possible, just incase anyone is near to the places.
You have an amazing talent, wonderful works of art.
Thanks for all you sweet comments! They are very much appreciated.
Happy Smocking to All,
Gwen
WOW!! I am so excited to see you are making new things. I hope I can find the plates soon. I have paid outrageous prices for your out of print plates!!! Off to search the web to see if these are for sale yet. I LOVE Alice and the princesses. Omgosh. My daughter will be so excited if I can make her those!!
Oh, I'm guessing you won't be publishing the princesses? I love them so much. I hope they make their way into print somehow!!
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