hey everyone, here is my updated way of pleating a bishop - no seams!! ruclips.net/video/nKD8WhdKXcE/видео.html And this is a playlist of videos with information about smocked bishops. ruclips.net/p/PL_UbtY5bDJ3nYLr0bvuMPMdGBbNdCPCBw thanks!
I am a quilter and haven't sown any clothing in many years. I've recently decided to try my hand at a smocked dress for my youngest granddaughter. I love handwork, but the details of how to start with a smocked item eluded me. Your video is helpful, clear, and encouraging. I love your vintage dresses too!! :) Thank you so much....and wish me luck!!
Wow, I hope you realize what a wonderful gift you have...its really like watching haute couture sewing videos from Paris...this technique, skill and patience I'm envious of!
I've just found your videos. I've been sewing for over 50 years. (Yikes I'm getting old.) Anyway I find you a breath of fresh air as they say. You are as beautiful on the inside as the outside and you explain things wonderfully. I have never used pleating in my sewing adventures but I have always wanted to. I happened upon a brand new Amanda Jane at a second hand store just 2 weeks ago and got the deal of a lifetime. Box, paperwork and all for $15. The next day I found your videos. Thank you so very much for taking your valuable time to show my how to use it. PS, love your accent!
Oh Sarah! You are killing me with the hairdo, full makeup, pretty dresses and PEARLS!!! LOL Oh, how life changes, right? LOL But, you do look so pretty 😍 whether all dolled up or in a Tshirt & jeans, with some babies strapped to you! Oh, what do you recommend for a good steam iron in the sewing room? I've had a couple of the Oliso that didn't last a year and currently have a super cheapo Hamilton Beach and it actually has NOT leaked...yet.
Charming! I'm not even *thinking* of doing any hand smocking, but this video is lovely every step of the way. Good pace, details, narration - and the little dresses are just gorgeous! If only people knew how much time and trial and error goes into craftsmanship like this. Beautiful job! 💜💛💚💙💜💛💚💙
Thank You! This was a wonderful video on smocked bishop tutorial!!! It's been years since I've smocked and just finished a smocked dress for my granddaughter. I wish had seen your video first, but Lord willing the next one will go smother now that I've seen your method!!! Thank you for sharing:)
+Eileen Redmon Hi Eileen, so glad you found the tutorial helpful. Smocked bishops can be a pain with some of the finishings, so many ways to put them together. But I love the look and really enjoy smocking them. Happy Sewing :-)
I have been sewing about 20 months which I know is a very short time and I'm enjoying myself. Now, that I've watched your videos, I feel like I can try this. Thank you for the videos, you have done amazing work!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😉
Looking at what your wearing in this video looks like you also make your own dresses I'd love to see videos of you making those and which patterns. Your videos are super inspirational
hey there, thanks so much. yeah, I used to make almost all of my dresses before the kiddos. I have made some dresses since, but just a handful, and have tutorials on these two. ruclips.net/video/OzjKRPb4FI4/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/AUYAkp7dBOA/видео.html, thanks!
This great! I've been smocking for 16 years and you have the steps all making sense. Never tried the french seam on the sleeves, will do on my next bishop. I got a little bit lost on the back placket, need to go over this bit of the video, plackets are always a challenge.
Thanks so much, really appreciate that. Yes, plackets are a pain in the butt hahaa. Actually, lately I've been doing the placket without the bias strip, just using the existing fabric. I've been meaning to make an upated video. If you go to one of my latest videos, say CC Jamie, you'll see what I mean starting at 3:54 in the video. I have the video broken down into steps in the description box. Thanks again. Happy sewing.
Hi, from London, England and thank you for the tutorial. Your work is stunning and your experience really shows through. Yours must have been the best dressed baby for miles around. I’m an experienced sewer but I’ve never attempted smocking before. I’ve visited a few websites and read up via vintage books etc but your tutorials have given me every confidence I need to finally have a go. I’m starting by doing everything by hand but after a few trials at pleating I can really see the benefits of the mechanical pleater! I love that you also include your ‘hmms’ as well as your ‘wows’ which are so important on the learning ladder. May I also say that the dresses you are wearing in these videos are beautiful. Are these self-drafted patterns? Thank you for generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience, kind regards, May
Youre too sweet, thank you 😙 those dresses are before i had children ( and had more time to sew for myself) but the start with a pattern and i modify as i want, if that makes sense. I am starting to sew dresses for myself again, though, so look out for those vide os soon 👌. Yes you can definitely do this and if you run into bumps, just leave a question here or email me. Thanks again Miss May ❤
I am so grateful for your videos!!!! You have mentored me through almost two bishops. I'm wearing RUclips out:) I like your method of saving the hand sewing and smocking till the end. So I've finished my 2nd bishop and just have the hem, buttonholes and smocking left. I am still struggling with the pleater though...I've broken 6 needles. I trimmed those sleeve seams on the second one and still broke needles...and yes, your phrase "hot mess" describes that fiasco. Your work and teaching style is amazing...THANKS for helping me make my 2yr old granddaughter two bishops hand made by her GIGi
+Rachel Baldwin Welcome Gigi 😙 so lovely to hear all of this... Except the needles. Grrr that's so frustrating. How big are your side seams? What fabric are you using? And are all your needles the same? If they aren't the same curvature (generic vs name also needles that got bent somehow)?
What were the two items used in angel sleeve bishop where to buy your Instructions are so we'll presented and easy to understand. Better than sitting in a class because you are available anytime instructions are needed. I am really impressed at your talent. I envy you at your ability and you have such cute models
Sarah your dresses are beautiful! Like you, I believe in using heirloom techniques when making smocked dresses. I have a friend who has made hundreds of these dresses over the years, but for the last few years she started taking shortcuts......instead of french seams she simply using pinking shears. Her customers don't seem to mind and frankly probably don't know what the proper technique should be. I wanted to share with you what I started doing with my buttonholes. I saw this on a smocking tutorial that I think I purchased from Martha Pullen's store. I make my buttonholes before attaching the neckline. You just have to measure determine where that first one should go which in most cases would be right under the first row of cables at the neck. Give it a try and see how you like it.
Ahh yeah, I've thought about that idea but figured the fabric would shimmy out from underneath the pressure foot. I guess I should try it -- thanks for sharing that with me. And yes, no pinking shears here :-) I'm a traditionalist when it comes to sewing. Thanks again for sharing and your kind comments, Wanda. :-)
Lots of ways to close back placket, but noticed your purchased use of bridal loops. I learned to hide the band inside the seam by picking out a stitch or two where the loop would come through, sewing back over the seam. Thus that loop band is hidden; all you see are the loops.
I am new nd huge fan of ur work from Algeria could you plz help me with the pattern coz i couldnt cut my daughters dress to start working.....feeling so sad🥺🥺🥺
Thank you so much for your video, I loved it! It was very inspiring! I love sewing! Been sewing for many years, but I've never smocked. I have been reading & watching to learn as much as possible. I'm looking to invest in a pleater, but not sure which is best. What's the difference, besides size, in the 16 or 24 row pleater? Which do you have? I just was wandering what is each different sized pleater (16 verses 24) mostly used for? Thank you again! Love all your videos! You make it look so easy. God Bless.
Aww, thanks so much. Glad to hear that the video was helpful. I have the Amanda Jane pleater and I've been really happy with it. I bought it off craigslist back when I was in college -- funny, uh? I've loaded it all up only once or twice when pleating lots of rows to make dresses for myself. Otherwise I mainly use about 10 or so half spaces. Baby garments use "half" spaces instead of full spaces. That just refers to how far apart the pleating needles/threads are spaced. I'm not that knowledgeable on the different brands, though.
I am curious, how you keep from sewing into the tied off pleater-thread end knots, when you are sewing so close to the first pleat, while attaching the placket?
That's a good question. So I pull the thread off to the side and try to avoid sewing over them. Sometimes I do sew over them, though and it's not a big deal since I can cut off the knotted end before I hand sew the placket edge. It's rare, but there have been times when my machine needle goes through the pleating threads, and in those cases, I trim close to the stitch and then the pleating thread comes lose. I hope that helps answer your question, let me know, thanks :-)
So glad you find it helpful :-) and yes, here you go. bit.ly/1hIAflp. It is a blocking board for smocked bishops on one side and a lace shaping board on the other.
Do you sell anything. I live on Long Island NY. and there are no smocking groups or stores anywhere around here. I buy everything online. Thanks again.
How do you finish the back of a bishop that has been cut all the way down the back rather than prepared for a continuous bound placket? Ordered a piece online and it came to me this way and I’m not sure how to finish it. Thank you!
Where can I buy a bishop board like yours? I cannot seem to find one online. I haven’t sewn in a while and want to start making bishop dresses for my little girl.
here you go, www.amazon.com/dp/B0018N28PS?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzsarah0fa-20&creativeASIN=B0018N28PS&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1Q90F5LMA5DFW&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin and then I have a diy version if you'd rather make your own, sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/the-diy-smocking-blocking-board hope that's helpful, thanks so much!
I am back to smocking after about a 30year break. I am making the creative needle shoulder button bishop. I have pleated the sleeves and the dress and am happy with the blocking. Now I cannot find anywhere how long the sleeves should be at the bottom of the sleeve. What am I missing. Please help.
Thank you for video. This is my first bishop dress and looking for video that covers the smocking of the sleeve. I haven't done my side seems yet. The pleate don't seem as tight on the sleeve as on the neck so I'm a little confused how to smock it.
So you'll pull out about an inch from each side of your sleeve before doing your side seam (this will give you some seam allowance). How much did you pull your pleating threads up for the sleeve? You can pull them up as tightly as you'd like since after you're done smocking and remove the pleating threads, the sleeve will be very elastic and will fit your child just fine. Maybe I should do a video on this? Explaining things through only words is difficult for me.
do you offer slips with your bishop dresses... what do you do about the "SEE THRU" with the imperial batiste..specially the WHITE! no interested in seeing the BLUE LINE on the diapers showing thru!
Yes, I have put a petticoat under some dresses when the fabric is lightweight. Or I'll use bloomers. We do cloth diaper though, so those covers aren't as obnoxious.
I am in the process of finishing a bishop dress for a friend who's mother did the smocking about 25 years ago. I need to sew the sides and back together, hem the sleeves, not smocked, and the bias binding on the neck edge. Would you still recommend doing a French seam on sides and back? I do not have any extra fabric for the placket. I was thinking of using just a solid ecru color of fabric. How deep should I make the hem and is double folded?
Hey there, just answered your email but I'm going to put the response here in case it is helpful to others :-) Thanks so much for your kind feedback :-) Yes, I would definitely do french seams. They are so clean and secure. My favorite seam as long as the fabric isn't super thick. You could use a different fabric for the placket and no one would think anything of it since most people don't sew... or you could use this method. Look at this video at 4:20 ruclips.net/video/LQKuAavMDFM/видео.html Does the dress have long sleeves? If so, you could finish it like this... ruclips.net/video/SZTwXEqbsiQ/видео.html If it has angle sleeves, then I would finish it with lace. If it has short-length sleeves, I would gather the sleeves (since the dress is already smocked, it would be difficult to smock those unless you pleated by dots) and then finish the raw edge with a bias band. Not sure about the bottom of the dress -- how much fabric do you have to work with? I love the wide hem look, but if you don't have that much length, you could finish with lace or introduce another fabric -- all up to you. Not really a right or wrong, just personal preference :-) Hope that helps. Good luck with your project.
there is something that claims to be "smocking" on a sewing machine, but it's not the same. Hand smocking only goes thru the top portion of the pleats, which keeps the entire thing elastic meanwhile machine "smocking" goes thru all the layers, which locks everything down. Cant compare the two. Plus hand smocking looks so much better 😘
+Rachel De Barros Barros Thank you. I translated your comment using google translate, and I think you have a question, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. I do all my sewing first and then I smock, but I know ladies who pleat their bishop, smock, and then add the neck binding and continue sewing. Maybe that answers your question, I hope. Thanks again.
yes, it'll relax some anywhere that isn't sewn down (so underneath the neck won't move on a bishop since the bias band is holding it in place on that neckline), but around the chest/shoulders will increase some.
+mariela chavez Thanks so much, Mariela. I've been meaning to get back to sewing videos -- house renovations have taken my time lately. Take care, Sarah.
Your pattern should have an outline of the neck curve included. You can trace that onto some computer paper (since it's sturdier than tissue paper) and pin that onto your ironing board. Then you can pin your dress onto the ironing board, same kind of idea.
SOS!!!!! Hey Sarah....i have an emergency question for you. I have a granddaughter born the same week as your Henry. She is big-and im having a heck of a time finding a bishop pattern that is big enough for her in the underarm to shoulder area. She is 7 mo and in the 95% in height and weight, and every bishop i have made is practically too small in that area. The rest of the dress fits fine with lots of grow room. Wasnt Audrey a big baby? Any pattern brand suggestions? Fitting tips? How to pick up the correct size? Thanks!! Janie
Sarah Classic Sewing thanks! Good things to consider! It’s not the armband circumfrence. She fills out the shoulder/smocking area so much that it raises the underarm area up too much. It fits her perfectly now...but i made it out of a knock off liberty in a summer fabric. I just completed 3...so i have 3 dresses that will get no use. She will outgrow them for sure by spring time. I was just hoping you had an opinion on which bishop patterns are generous. This is a michie . Her pattern drafting is fine....in just having trouble finding good sizing for a bigger baby. I used a 12 mo pattern. Yes, you are right about a too roomy underarm area can impede movement. The irony in all this is she cant wear any of the dresses i made for my daughter ( her mother) !!!! 😩. They all have arm bands that swallowed my daughter but cuts the circulation off my granddaughter! She lives 3 hours away so i dont have easy access to her for fittings. One thing i have learned from this experience is i will do more smocked sleeves! They are more forgiving than an arm band, if you want to pass it down to a baby that may be bigger. Anyhoo....thanks for your advice and being so prompt and willing to help! Ill try cc next time!!
boingoc nguyen 1 second ago Hello Sarah, you do such beautiful work! I was wondering if you make and sell dresses like these in size S in adults? If so, may I please order them in patches of 25 in various styles? Thank you!
hey there, thanks so much. I can do that, but it's not very time or cost-effective. email me if you are still interested, sarahclassicsewing at gmail.com
Hi, I am making a bubble romper from the Michie pattern. If I gather the sleeves with the pleating threads to the length on the pattern, the pleats are too loose to smock correctly but if I pull them tighter, I worry the sleeves will be too tight after I smock them. Do u have a solution for this? Does that make sense?
i have sm confusions. watched this video 6 times n dieing to sew frock like this but although i dont have mechine n ll smock by hand..my question is do u have one piece of fabric for front n back in two pieces and firstly u joined the shoulders n then made smocking
You can have either two pieces for the back or one solid piece for the back and then cut a slit for the placket. if you do the one solid piece for the back (as opposed to what has been shown in this video), you won't have a seam down the back, which is a cleaner look.
Hey, here is the smocking board bit.ly/1hIAflp. Also, you may find this video helpful - it's an updated way of putting together a smocked bishop. ruclips.net/video/nKD8WhdKXcE/видео.html. Thanks :-)
Sarah Classic Sewing Thank you. I have three new great, great grand daughters. I watch our video making a smocked bishop every day, sometimes twice. I am so glad I found your site.
my second question is how much more fabric is needed than regular frock.means if chest is 14 inches for normal plain body how much ll be required for smocked frock
Generally smocking requires about three times the width depending on personal preference and pattern. Picture smocking is more like four times, but most English smocking is around three times.
do u sale baby garments if i want this one for age 4 how much will it cost. thanks for video it is very helpful getting know ... but i dont have bushop
You want to do geometric smocking? If so, I'd suggest looking through designs via pinterest or whatever and you'll get a sense of how to put together your own designs. I just make mine up as I go. But if you want to graph, or if you're doing picture-smocking (kinda necessary to graph imo), then there are some blog post out there with free blank graphing files. I think Laurie Anderson has one - google and it should pop up. Hope that helps :-)
Hey there, I have the bernina artista 640. I love bernina, but my next machine will be one that only sews. This one has an embroidery unit. Plus I'd like a bigger model for piecing quilts and such. Good luck :-) If you decide to get a fancy one, make sure the dealer has good customer service for yearly servicing and such.
Slowvannah Sewing I love Brothers. And Bernina! I have a brother embroidery machine which I love! Recently decided to upgrade my sewing machine and sold it! Do you recommend any see only machines? I've looked at the brothers cs6000 and it's the one that comes up with the best reviews but the motor isn't heavy. I'd like one for quilting, and the baby clothes I make along with only garments.
Yeah, I have some friends who are a fan of brothers, baby locks, and husqvarna. Wait you have a ten needle brother?? I have a friend who has that *drool*. hahaa but honestly, I can't recommend a particular model, I'm pretty out of the loop on sewing machine models. And they (bernina) keeps coming out with new models -- I can't keep up lol.
Wow! I think I love you, will you marry me? Lol! I'm just playing. But I can't think of enough ways to compliment you! You are so poised, and skilled, and at ease in your teaching skills, as well as your lovely handwork! Great job, and BEAUTIFUL doll dress embroidery! Lovely! (PS I'm a way older grandmother, and #13 grand will arrive this year!). Beautiful work! Thanks for your time, energy, and education!
+Jeanne Marie hahaa I'm blushing 😄 thank you, thank you. I hope to get to be in your shoes one day. I'd love a bunch of children to sew for. That's again -- you're too kind. 😚
When I was learning to sew (1950s), fabric shops didn't cut printed cotton fabrics. They tore them, as savvy sewers knew that cheaper fabrics WERE printed off-grain and matching them and keeping grainlines "true" was an exercise in futility. With the onset of polyester blends, this procedure fell out of practice. JoAnn's doesn't tear any fabric: the are all cut and it's somewhat amusing to me to see them struggle with aligning the fabric to a "true" cutting edge. Frankly, I'd rather buy an extra quarter yard of fabric and have them tear a cotton calico, gingham, or muslin, but the young things behind the counter just look blank if you mention that. Sigh. So, if it's a solid color, I buy an extra quarter yard or so, take it home, and put my drafting board, t-square and rotary cutter to work; if it's a print, I just won't purchase it. The remnant bits left after "truing" the solid colors are usually big enough to use in 18 inch doll clothes, or to use up with my 14 inch P-90 Toni doll, or even the other assorted dolls in my collection.
Hola, este enlace tiene patronces gratis para bebés recién nacidos y prematuros. Tiene instrucciones que te ayudarán a entender el patrón. www.smocking.org/weecare_program.php Si no te agrada, compré un patrón a Anna Fabó en etsy. Su patrón es hermoso. Hay varios buenos tutoriales en youtube, como el de Slovannah que te ayudarán a entender la composición. Me escribes si tienes dudas.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
hey everyone, here is my updated way of pleating a bishop - no seams!! ruclips.net/video/nKD8WhdKXcE/видео.html
And this is a playlist of videos with information about smocked bishops. ruclips.net/p/PL_UbtY5bDJ3nYLr0bvuMPMdGBbNdCPCBw
thanks!
Profesora por favor podria ud subtitular al español sus trabajos? Me encantaria aprender su tecnica paso a paso. Ud hace un trabajo espectacular!
I am a quilter and haven't sown any clothing in many years. I've recently decided to try my hand at a smocked dress for my youngest granddaughter. I love handwork, but the details of how to start with a smocked item eluded me. Your video is helpful, clear, and encouraging. I love your vintage dresses too!! :) Thank you so much....and wish me luck!!
Wow, I hope you realize what a wonderful gift you have...its really like watching haute couture sewing videos from Paris...this technique, skill and patience I'm envious of!
I've just found your videos. I've been sewing for over 50 years. (Yikes I'm getting old.) Anyway I find you a breath of fresh air as they say. You are as beautiful on the inside as the outside and you explain things wonderfully. I have never used pleating in my sewing adventures but I have always wanted to. I happened upon a brand new Amanda Jane at a second hand store just 2 weeks ago and got the deal of a lifetime. Box, paperwork and all for $15. The next day I found your videos. Thank you so very much for taking your valuable time to show my how to use it. PS, love your accent!
OMG! $15!! Seriously, amazing deal! And thanks so much for your kind words, you are the sweetest :-)
Beautiful. I have learned so much from you in the 4 videos I have watched. But now it’s 2:00 am and I have to go to sleep. Thank you so much.
I've yet to do such great French seams as you Sarah.
Oh Sarah! You are killing me with the hairdo, full makeup, pretty dresses and PEARLS!!! LOL Oh, how life changes, right? LOL But, you do look so pretty 😍 whether all dolled up or in a Tshirt & jeans, with some babies strapped to you!
Oh, what do you recommend for a good steam iron in the sewing room? I've had a couple of the Oliso that didn't last a year and currently have a super cheapo Hamilton Beach and it actually has NOT leaked...yet.
Thanks so much for an amazingly fine description of how to make your dresses - incredibly beautiful
Charming! I'm not even *thinking* of doing any hand smocking, but this video is lovely every step of the way. Good pace, details, narration - and the little dresses are just gorgeous! If only people knew how much time and trial and error goes into craftsmanship like this. Beautiful job! 💜💛💚💙💜💛💚💙
Superb and great job dear
Thank You! This was a wonderful video on smocked bishop tutorial!!!
It's been years since I've smocked and just finished a smocked dress for my granddaughter. I wish had seen your video first, but Lord willing the next one will go smother now that I've seen your method!!! Thank you for sharing:)
+Eileen Redmon Hi Eileen, so glad you found the tutorial helpful. Smocked bishops can be a pain with some of the finishings, so many ways to put them together. But I love the look and really enjoy smocking them. Happy Sewing :-)
I have been sewing about 20 months which I know is a very short time and I'm enjoying myself. Now, that I've watched your videos, I feel like I can try this. Thank you for the videos, you have done amazing work!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😉
Welcome to the world of sewing 😁 it's quite addicting, as I'm sure you've discovered. Glad you're enjoying the videos, thank you 😄
Le hice a mis tres hijas vestidos bordados decilado gabiado panaliyo y esmok y los tengo desde ase 40 años
So Helpful.......when you are working alone and need a refresher. Thank you.
+Sharon Finch wonderful to hear, thank you 😊
So glad I found this channel, you have the most amazing collection of clothes! I wish I could make cute classic baby/toddler clothes!!
Welcome :-) Glad to have you here. And thank you, you're too kind.
Looking at what your wearing in this video looks like you also make your own dresses I'd love to see videos of you making those and which patterns. Your videos are super inspirational
hey there, thanks so much. yeah, I used to make almost all of my dresses before the kiddos. I have made some dresses since, but just a handful, and have tutorials on these two. ruclips.net/video/OzjKRPb4FI4/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/AUYAkp7dBOA/видео.html, thanks!
Very nice nd hard working .so beautiful
Absolutely beautiful!
Love love your stuff!
This great! I've been smocking for 16 years and you have the steps all making sense. Never tried the french seam on the sleeves, will do on my next bishop. I got a little bit lost on the back placket, need to go over this bit of the video, plackets are always a challenge.
Thanks so much, really appreciate that. Yes, plackets are a pain in the butt hahaa. Actually, lately I've been doing the placket without the bias strip, just using the existing fabric. I've been meaning to make an upated video. If you go to one of my latest videos, say CC Jamie, you'll see what I mean starting at 3:54 in the video. I have the video broken down into steps in the description box. Thanks again. Happy sewing.
Thanks! I watched the CC Jamie video, will try this mock placket version.
Lynette Marxuach
Lynette Marxuach
Sarah I want to ask you about the price of 6 month baby biship frock
Hi, from London, England and thank you for the tutorial. Your work is stunning and your experience really shows through. Yours must have been the best dressed baby for miles around. I’m an experienced sewer but I’ve never attempted smocking before. I’ve visited a few websites and read up via vintage books etc but your tutorials have given me every confidence I need to finally have a go. I’m starting by doing everything by hand but after a few trials at pleating I can really see the benefits of the mechanical pleater! I love that you also include your ‘hmms’ as well as your ‘wows’ which are so important on the learning ladder. May I also say that the dresses you are wearing in these videos are beautiful. Are these self-drafted patterns? Thank you for generosity in sharing your knowledge and experience, kind regards, May
Youre too sweet, thank you 😙 those dresses are before i had children ( and had more time to sew for myself) but the start with a pattern and i modify as i want, if that makes sense. I am starting to sew dresses for myself again, though, so look out for those vide os soon 👌. Yes you can definitely do this and if you run into bumps, just leave a question here or email me. Thanks again Miss May ❤
I am so grateful for your videos!!!! You have mentored me through almost two bishops. I'm wearing RUclips out:) I like your method of saving the hand sewing and smocking till the end. So I've finished my 2nd bishop and just have the hem, buttonholes and smocking left. I am still struggling with the pleater though...I've broken 6 needles. I trimmed those sleeve seams on the second one and still broke needles...and yes, your phrase "hot mess" describes that fiasco. Your work and teaching style is amazing...THANKS for helping me make my 2yr old granddaughter two bishops hand made by her GIGi
+Rachel Baldwin Welcome Gigi 😙 so lovely to hear all of this... Except the needles. Grrr that's so frustrating. How big are your side seams? What fabric are you using? And are all your needles the same? If they aren't the same curvature (generic vs name also needles that got bent somehow)?
What were the two items used in angel sleeve bishop where to buy your
Instructions are so we'll presented and easy to understand. Better than sitting in a class because you are available anytime instructions are needed. I am really impressed at your talent. I envy you at your ability and you have such cute models
Aww you are too sweet, thank you! Here you go, bit.ly/2JShkHo
Sarah your dresses are beautiful! Like you, I believe in using heirloom techniques when making smocked dresses. I have a friend who has made hundreds of these dresses over the years, but for the last few years she started taking shortcuts......instead of french seams she simply using pinking shears. Her customers don't seem to mind and frankly probably don't know what the proper technique should be. I wanted to share with you what I started doing with my buttonholes. I saw this on a smocking tutorial that I think I purchased from Martha Pullen's store. I make my buttonholes before attaching the neckline. You just have to measure determine where that first one should go which in most cases would be right under the first row of cables at the neck. Give it a try and see how you like it.
Ahh yeah, I've thought about that idea but figured the fabric would shimmy out from underneath the pressure foot. I guess I should try it -- thanks for sharing that with me. And yes, no pinking shears here :-) I'm a traditionalist when it comes to sewing. Thanks again for sharing and your kind comments, Wanda. :-)
Wow! How name this machine do you use from making ruffles? Omg I need this!😍
Hola. Me encanta la perfección con la que trabajas. Te felicito. Gracias por compartir. Saludos desde Veracruz, Mexico.
Lots of ways to close back placket, but noticed your purchased use of bridal loops. I learned to hide the band inside the seam by picking out a stitch or two where the loop would come through, sewing back over the seam. Thus that loop band is hidden; all you see are the loops.
Ah, that's a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
I am new nd huge fan of ur work from Algeria could you plz help me with the pattern coz i couldnt cut my daughters dress to start working.....feeling so sad🥺🥺🥺
Thank you so much for your video, I loved it! It was very inspiring! I love sewing! Been sewing for many years, but I've never smocked. I have been reading & watching to learn as much as possible. I'm looking to invest in a pleater, but not sure which is best. What's the difference, besides size, in the 16 or 24 row pleater? Which do you have? I just was wandering what is each different sized pleater (16 verses 24) mostly used for? Thank you again! Love all your videos! You make it look so easy. God Bless.
Aww, thanks so much. Glad to hear that the video was helpful. I have the Amanda Jane pleater and I've been really happy with it. I bought it off craigslist back when I was in college -- funny, uh? I've loaded it all up only once or twice when pleating lots of rows to make dresses for myself. Otherwise I mainly use about 10 or so half spaces. Baby garments use "half" spaces instead of full spaces. That just refers to how far apart the pleating needles/threads are spaced. I'm not that knowledgeable on the different brands, though.
Awesome, seems so complicated but very beautiful!
I am curious, how you keep from sewing into the tied off pleater-thread end knots, when you are sewing so close to the first pleat, while attaching the placket?
That's a good question. So I pull the thread off to the side and try to avoid sewing over them. Sometimes I do sew over them, though and it's not a big deal since I can cut off the knotted end before I hand sew the placket edge. It's rare, but there have been times when my machine needle goes through the pleating threads, and in those cases, I trim close to the stitch and then the pleating thread comes lose. I hope that helps answer your question, let me know, thanks :-)
Hi Sarah, where I can buy the box from the threads? what you have under the smocking pleaters. Regards.
+Stefy Morales oh that's a plastic thread organizer that I punched holes thru with a soldering iron. I got it from Joann fabrics.
Sarah, Thank You very much for your video it is very helpfull. Can You pleas send me the information on where I can get the blocking board. Thank You
So glad you find it helpful :-) and yes, here you go. bit.ly/1hIAflp. It is a blocking board for smocked bishops on one side and a lace shaping board on the other.
I found your video to be very informative, thank you
Wow you do beautiful work.
You wear a very nice dress that make think at woman dress wear in 1960??? Thanks for your pattern and teaching us how to do it!
Outstanding job. Loved the video and your hard work.
Thanks Greg :-) I love hearing that the videos are helpful.
Do you sell anything. I live on Long Island NY. and there are no smocking groups or stores anywhere around here. I buy everything online. Thanks again.
How do you finish the back of a bishop that has been cut all the way down the back rather than prepared for a continuous bound placket? Ordered a piece online and it came to me this way and I’m not sure how to finish it. Thank you!
Where can I buy a bishop board like yours? I cannot seem to find one online. I haven’t sewn in a while and want to start making bishop dresses for my little girl.
here you go, www.amazon.com/dp/B0018N28PS?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzsarah0fa-20&creativeASIN=B0018N28PS&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1Q90F5LMA5DFW&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin
and then I have a diy version if you'd rather make your own, sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/the-diy-smocking-blocking-board
hope that's helpful, thanks so much!
I would suggest putting on the neck band prior to seeing the back seam.
I like the dress you're wearing. What pattern is it??
thanks it's from the project runway line of simplicity 2444
احسنت
ياريت ترجمه
شغلك ابداع وفن ومهاره
اين تعلمتي هذا التطريز
I am back to smocking after about a 30year break. I am making the creative needle shoulder button bishop.
I have pleated the sleeves and the dress and am happy with the blocking. Now I cannot find anywhere how long the sleeves should be at the bottom of the sleeve. What am I missing. Please help.
Thank you for video. This is my first bishop dress and looking for video that covers the smocking of the sleeve. I haven't done my side seems yet. The pleate don't seem as tight on the sleeve as on the neck so I'm a little confused how to smock it.
So you'll pull out about an inch from each side of your sleeve before doing your side seam (this will give you some seam allowance). How much did you pull your pleating threads up for the sleeve? You can pull them up as tightly as you'd like since after you're done smocking and remove the pleating threads, the sleeve will be very elastic and will fit your child just fine. Maybe I should do a video on this? Explaining things through only words is difficult for me.
Also pause the video around 11:38... the pleats are roughly the same density as the neckline.
hallo, dein Kind ist wunderschön.
kannst du mir sagen wie berechnest du den Stof für verschidenen grossen.
do you offer slips with your bishop dresses... what do you do about the "SEE THRU" with the imperial batiste..specially the WHITE! no interested in seeing the BLUE LINE on the diapers showing thru!
Yes, I have put a petticoat under some dresses when the fabric is lightweight. Or I'll use bloomers. We do cloth diaper though, so those covers aren't as obnoxious.
Very helpful tutorial
I am in the process of finishing a bishop dress for a friend who's mother did the smocking about 25 years ago. I need to sew the sides and back together, hem the sleeves, not smocked, and the bias binding on the neck edge. Would you still recommend doing a French seam on sides and back? I do not have any extra fabric for the placket. I was thinking of using just a solid ecru color of fabric. How deep should I make the hem and is double folded?
Hey there, just answered your email but I'm going to put the response here in case it is helpful to others :-)
Thanks so much for your kind feedback :-)
Yes, I would definitely do french seams. They are so clean and secure. My favorite seam as long as the fabric isn't super thick.
You
could use a different fabric for the placket and no one would think anything of it since most people don't sew... or you could use this method. Look at this video at 4:20 ruclips.net/video/LQKuAavMDFM/видео.html
Does the dress have long sleeves? If so, you could finish it like this... ruclips.net/video/SZTwXEqbsiQ/видео.html If it has angle sleeves, then I would finish it with lace. If it has short-length sleeves, I would gather the sleeves (since the dress is already smocked, it would be difficult to smock those unless you pleated by dots) and then finish the raw edge with a bias band.
Not sure about the bottom of the dress -- how much fabric do you have to work with? I love the wide hem look, but if you don't have that much length, you could finish with lace or introduce another fabric -- all up to you. Not really a right or wrong, just personal preference :-)
Hope that helps. Good luck with your project.
Hi, you make an amazing job, but is there some machine to make this embroidery?
there is something that claims to be "smocking" on a sewing machine, but it's not the same. Hand smocking only goes thru the top portion of the pleats, which keeps the entire thing elastic meanwhile machine "smocking" goes thru all the layers, which locks everything down. Cant compare the two. Plus hand smocking looks so much better 😘
How much cloth is needed for the eight inches is smoking pattern.?
Beautiful tutorial!!!
+Kay Reddy thank you 😙
Muito obrigada, tenho aprendido mito com vc. Excelente o seu tutorial, gostaria de saber em que momento fazer a costura e como proceder.
+Rachel De Barros Barros Thank you. I translated your comment using google translate, and I think you have a question, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. I do all my sewing first and then I smock, but I know ladies who pleat their bishop, smock, and then add the neck binding and continue sewing. Maybe that answers your question, I hope. Thanks again.
how to make that in wrinkles in cloth which thread you are using ppplz tell me. 🤔🤔
Where did you get the blocking board?
does the width of fabric change once the pleating threads are removed after smocking?
yes, it'll relax some anywhere that isn't sewn down (so underneath the neck won't move on a bishop since the bias band is holding it in place on that neckline), but around the chest/shoulders will increase some.
Very cute
wow I love it! thank you . Would love to watch more videos from you. Great work
+mariela chavez Thanks so much, Mariela. I've been meaning to get back to sewing videos -- house renovations have taken my time lately. Take care, Sarah.
lol. who would ever choose machine over hand sewn?! God-bless you
What do you do if you don't have one of those blocking boards? Or, can I make one for myself?
Your pattern should have an outline of the neck curve included. You can trace that onto some computer paper (since it's sturdier than tissue paper) and pin that onto your ironing board. Then you can pin your dress onto the ironing board, same kind of idea.
Beautiful...I loved it...🤗
SOS!!!!! Hey Sarah....i have an emergency question for you. I have a granddaughter born the same week as your Henry. She is big-and im having a heck of a time finding a bishop pattern that is big enough for her in the underarm to shoulder area. She is 7 mo and in the 95% in height and weight, and every bishop i have made is practically too small in that area. The rest of the dress fits fine with lots of grow room. Wasnt Audrey a big baby? Any pattern brand suggestions? Fitting tips? How to pick up the correct size?
Thanks!! Janie
Hey there Janie :-) Sounds like you have a little chunkier on your hands
Sarah Classic Sewing thanks! Good things to consider! It’s not the armband circumfrence. She fills out the shoulder/smocking area so much that it raises the underarm area up too much. It fits her perfectly now...but i made it out of a knock off liberty in a summer fabric. I just completed 3...so i have 3 dresses that will get no use. She will outgrow them for sure by spring time. I was just hoping you had an opinion on which bishop patterns are generous. This is a michie . Her pattern drafting is fine....in just having trouble finding good sizing for a bigger baby. I used a 12 mo pattern. Yes, you are right about a too roomy underarm area can impede movement.
The irony in all this is she cant wear any of the dresses i made for my daughter ( her mother) !!!! 😩. They all have arm bands that swallowed my daughter but cuts the circulation off my granddaughter! She lives 3 hours away so i dont have easy access to her for fittings.
One thing i have learned from this experience is i will do more smocked sleeves! They are more forgiving than an arm band, if you want to pass it down to a baby that may be bigger.
Anyhoo....thanks for your advice and being so prompt and willing to help! Ill try cc next time!!
boingoc nguyen
1 second ago
Hello Sarah, you do such beautiful work! I was wondering if you make and sell dresses like these in size S in adults? If so, may I please order them in patches of 25 in various styles? Thank you!
hey there, thanks so much. I can do that, but it's not very time or cost-effective. email me if you are still interested, sarahclassicsewing at gmail.com
Perfect work! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you :-) You're too kind.
Hi, I am making a bubble romper from the Michie pattern. If I gather the sleeves with the pleating threads to the length on the pattern, the pleats are too loose to smock correctly but if I pull them tighter, I worry the sleeves will be too tight after I smock them. Do u have a solution for this? Does that make sense?
Hey there, send me a picture and im sure we can make it work, sarahclassicsewing@gmail.com, thanks!
Thank you so much Sarah! I have sent you an email with pictures.
i have sm confusions. watched this video 6 times n dieing to sew frock like this but although i dont have mechine n ll smock by hand..my question is do u have one piece of fabric for front n back in two pieces and firstly u joined the shoulders n then made smocking
You can have either two pieces for the back or one solid piece for the back and then cut a slit for the placket. if you do the one solid piece for the back (as opposed to what has been shown in this video), you won't have a seam down the back, which is a cleaner look.
Very Beautiful
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing
I want a bloking bord where i buy?
thank you very helpful video
Wonderful
What is the purple dress you’re wearing in the second half of the video?
I think it's either simplicity or butterwick... it was listed as a maternity option.
your work is beautiful!
Where did you buy your smocking board? I know you say in your video, but I can't understand. Thanks.
Hey, here is the smocking board bit.ly/1hIAflp. Also, you may find this video helpful - it's an updated way of putting together a smocked bishop. ruclips.net/video/nKD8WhdKXcE/видео.html. Thanks :-)
Sarah Classic Sewing Thank you. I have three new great, great grand daughters. I watch our video making a smocked bishop every day, sometimes twice. I am so glad I found your site.
my second question is how much more fabric is needed than regular frock.means if chest is 14 inches for normal plain body how much ll be required for smocked frock
Generally smocking requires about three times the width depending on personal preference and pattern. Picture smocking is more like four times, but most English smocking is around three times.
I want to buy the blocking board please tell me where
here you go bit.ly/3iisbrr
Where can I find the machine to make the pleats for stocking. ? It makes mocking so easy.
Yes, it's very easy with the machine, so much faster. Farmhouse is selling them bit.ly/2trcQhT.
Wow,it's amazing!please tell me in Urdu,it's difficult for me to understand the full English ,and plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz give me your smoking machine ,I want to sew a dress for my daughter like you .please don't denay me,it's my request,so plz accept my request plz........................
Can I order a dress love your dresses will love to have one made for my daughter let me know if you can make me one for a fee
do u sale baby garments if i want this one for age 4 how much will it cost. thanks for video it is very helpful getting know ... but i dont have bushop
Hi there, no I don't sell them any more. Glad you found the video helpful :-)
This was SO helpful. Thank you so much.
So glad to hear that, thank you :-)
Do u sew for the people. I love to smock but I don't like to construct.
there are a lot of ready-made smocked garments out there... all done except the smocking. I would search etsy.
@@sarahclassicsewing kindly tell me the wigth of 2 years baby frock cloth
Do you know where I can learn how to graph my own designs to smock? I'm having a hard time finding info on this. Help!
You want to do geometric smocking? If so, I'd suggest looking through designs via pinterest or whatever and you'll get a sense of how to put together your own designs. I just make mine up as I go. But if you want to graph, or if you're doing picture-smocking (kinda necessary to graph imo), then there are some blog post out there with free blank graphing files. I think Laurie Anderson has one - google and it should pop up. Hope that helps :-)
thanku so v much for repling now i m ready to sew this frock love u
Beautiful!!
Thank you :-)
Pena que não intendo sua língua.quero as medidas 😭😭😭😭😭
the strip which we take for placket should be bias or normal
Straight grain is fine.
Hey! what sewing machine is the one you are using? I am in the market!
Hey there, I have the bernina artista 640. I love bernina, but my next machine will be one that only sews. This one has an embroidery unit. Plus I'd like a bigger model for piecing quilts and such. Good luck :-) If you decide to get a fancy one, make sure the dealer has good customer service for yearly servicing and such.
Slowvannah Sewing I love Brothers. And Bernina! I have a brother embroidery machine which I love! Recently decided to upgrade my sewing machine and sold it! Do you recommend any see only machines? I've looked at the brothers cs6000 and it's the one that comes up with the best reviews but the motor isn't heavy. I'd like one for quilting, and the baby clothes I make along with only garments.
Yeah, I have some friends who are a fan of brothers, baby locks, and husqvarna. Wait you have a ten needle brother?? I have a friend who has that *drool*. hahaa but honestly, I can't recommend a particular model, I'm pretty out of the loop on sewing machine models. And they (bernina) keeps coming out with new models -- I can't keep up lol.
Where do I get a pattern for bishops dress?
here you go, thanks! sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/kit-bits-and-other-closeout-items/products/childrens-corner-lilah-pattern-6-mos-size-8
I'm watching your videos over n over again and never get bored... I want all these dresses ewwww
hahaa :-) thank youuuu
Really nice! Thank you for this video!
Onde comprar
i got it u joined one piece of back then sleeve then front then sleeve then back am i right
Yupp :-)
Where'd you get your smocking machine?
It's the Amanda Jane model and I got it off craigslist back in college oddly enough. It's a great pleater.
Where can I buy this machine in uk
Not sure about second hand options over there, I got mine through craigslist. But farmhouse sells them and ships worldwide bit.ly/2trcQhT
Please show measurements and how joint hands, I request you reply soon
Wow! I think I love you, will you marry me? Lol! I'm just playing. But I can't think of enough ways to compliment you! You are so poised, and skilled, and at ease in your teaching skills, as well as your lovely handwork! Great job, and BEAUTIFUL doll dress embroidery! Lovely! (PS I'm a way older grandmother, and #13 grand will arrive this year!). Beautiful work! Thanks for your time, energy, and education!
+Jeanne Marie hahaa I'm blushing 😄 thank you, thank you. I hope to get to be in your shoes one day. I'd love a bunch of children to sew for. That's again -- you're too kind. 😚
Wow i love it so much !b
When I was learning to sew (1950s), fabric shops didn't cut printed cotton fabrics. They tore them, as savvy sewers knew that cheaper fabrics WERE printed off-grain and matching them and keeping grainlines "true" was an exercise in futility. With the onset of polyester blends, this procedure fell out of practice. JoAnn's doesn't tear any fabric: the are all cut and it's somewhat amusing to me to see them struggle with aligning the fabric to a "true" cutting edge. Frankly, I'd rather buy an extra quarter yard of fabric and have them tear a cotton calico, gingham, or muslin, but the young things behind the counter just look blank if you mention that. Sigh. So, if it's a solid color, I buy an extra quarter yard or so, take it home, and put my drafting board, t-square and rotary cutter to work; if it's a print, I just won't purchase it. The remnant bits left after "truing" the solid colors are usually big enough to use in 18 inch doll clothes, or to use up with my 14 inch P-90 Toni doll, or even the other assorted dolls in my collection.
Me gustaria que pueda traducirlo al español
where can I get the patterns?
ok see it duh hahha
;-)
como es el patrón de la batita como es el corte
Thanks for watching, I don't speak spanish though and google wasn't able to translate into something that made sense.
maria eugenia guevara de lopez hola, ¿qué quieres saber del patrón?
+Slowvannah Sewing gracias como es el patrón tengo la tela como la corto para elaborar la batía gracias mi correo es mariaeugeniadelopez9@gmail.com
Hola, este enlace tiene patronces gratis para bebés recién nacidos y prematuros. Tiene instrucciones que te ayudarán a entender el patrón. www.smocking.org/weecare_program.php
Si no te agrada, compré un patrón a Anna Fabó en etsy. Su patrón es hermoso. Hay varios buenos tutoriales en youtube, como el de Slovannah que te ayudarán a entender la composición. Me escribes si tienes dudas.
+Lynette Marxuach te agradezco tu fina atención buenas noches