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Honeycomb Smocking Tutorial

But first let me announce that the Miss Violet pattern is in the SHOP!!!


(Lily wearing the Miss Violet dress)
(The real life Violet, andClaire, wearing Miss Violet dresses)
For those of you who thought that the honeycomb smocking may be too tricky, let me show you just how easy it really is. Watch this little video, ignore the thick southern accent (I really do hate to hear myself on video), and smock on friends! xo, Sam

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thejoyfulcottage said…
Oh Samantha, I love this pattern and am glad you made a video tutorial for those who've never done Honeycomb Smocking before. I'm SO sad though that the sound on the video is so low I can't really hear it. Is there any way you can fix it?

In His Service,
Ginny

~~~~But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

~~~~Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
September 1, 2011 at 5:41 PM
Emster said…
I found your site & blog through Soule Mama. Great patterns. My little sewing brain is a tickin' now. :~) THanks!
September 1, 2011 at 6:32 PM
Mindy said…
Oh! I have wanted to learn how to do this forever! I think it is the kind of smocking my mother did on my daughter's dresses when she was a little girl.

I understand, I hate my voice on recordings too, but yours is beautiful.
September 1, 2011 at 7:37 PM
BonnieN said…
I remember doing this with 1" gingham many years ago. You tutorial was very through and I know I can do it now,watching as I go along!!! The picture of the girls in their Violet dresses is precious!!! They all look so sweet! I have to round up some graph paper and I will begin! Thanks Sam, great job as usual. I will send my friends to your site. Now I have to find me a little gal small enough to gift this to.
September 1, 2011 at 8:21 PM
bonnie said…
Thanks so much for the tutorial, it helps so much! And I think your voice is lovely..
September 1, 2011 at 8:24 PM
BonnieN said…
How many strands of floss Samantha?
Sorry,I am not sure,I thought you said maybe 3? Cannot wait to do this!
September 1, 2011 at 8:32 PM
olivamarie said…
Wow, I have been so afraid of smocking or embroidery and you just make it look so easy... Now I can't wait for my 11 year old to get up tomorrow so we can try it together. Thanks so much for the inspiring tutorial... Heather in NJ
September 1, 2011 at 8:33 PM
BonnieN said…
Samantha, I linked you over to Craft Gossip site,they ahve a wonderful newsletter every day that I just love,your tutorial is perfect for that..and the HGTV message boards,quilting and needlework category
http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/5894011632

Another question, what fabric do you recommend using? Kona Snow maybe? Sorry,I am just excited!
September 1, 2011 at 9:25 PM
Ellie Inspired said…
This pattern is beautiful, Sam! I love honeycomb smocking. And your video tutorial is so clear and easy to understand. And you're so silly...your voice is so sweet. I love hearing your Southern accent! Did you take the pictures of the girls? They are beautiful. And little Claire is getting soooo big!! Such a pretty girl!
September 1, 2011 at 9:34 PM
ShirleyC said…
I'm glad to see this. I have been intrigued by honeycomb smocking and want to learn.
It amazes me how people can hand sew without a thimble. LOL
September 1, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Eileen said…
Thanks so much for doing this! Now that I see how easy it is I think I need to order the pattern:) Your voice was just beautiful and very soothing by the way. Now wonder Miss Claire is such a happy girl!
September 2, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Anonymous said…
Samantha I just downloaded the pattern and have a question. If I want to extend the smocking all the way across the front do I need to add extra fullness to the bodice?
September 2, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Samantha Caffee said…
Yep, three strands of floss. :)
September 2, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Lauren said…
This is a very clear tutorial, definitely a great accompaniment to your pattern :-) I'm from the south but have an odd hybrid accent of Midwest and Southern, so I envy your total Southern accent!

Bonnie mentioned using gingham for honeycomb smocking, I've also used tiny polka dot print fabric that worked really well.

Very cute pattern, and adorable pics!
September 3, 2011 at 8:26 PM
BonnieN said…
This is so interesting to me,I am making progress! Samantha, do we have a dot we don't use on every odd row along the top and bottom, with the position you were holding it? Also,the position you were holding it, do we use every dot going down on the first left row?
I used my light box to mark some sweet light printed calico fabric, you could also just tape it to a sunny window.How is everyone else doing?
September 4, 2011 at 10:11 PM
Robin Glass said…
Love Love Love this pattern.
Can't wait to make it for my GRANDs.
September 17, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Raju madhur said…
Those two babies in the dress are looking like Angels ! You really have done a great job with that ... Are you a professional in that or what ?
September 23, 2011 at 8:26 AM
Candace Feazell said…
My first actual pattern to sew! I did change it ever so slightly, lengthening it for a newborn and adding a ribbon in the bottom hem so Mommy can tie up the bottom like a little sac. It's super cute. My friend loved it!
October 21, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Anonymous said…
No way am I ignoring that fabulous accent -- I love it and you have a pretty voice. I hate my own Californian accent (like, fer sher!) though so I know how you feel.
May 17, 2012 at 9:54 PM
Sonja said…
Hello,
I'm looking for your Miss Violet pattern but I cannot find it in your shop. Please advice?
I love your smocked dress:)
August 22, 2013 at 1:11 AM
Lanetta said…
Thanks for this fabulous video tutorial! I included the link and video on today's blog post - perfect for celebrating National Sewing Month! http://lanettascreations.blogspot.com/2013/09/honeycomb-gusset.html#.Ukawuoashac
September 28, 2013 at 4:43 AM
Trina said…
Thank you so much! I have watched your video a few times and practiced. I am actually getting the hang of it! Trina
February 7, 2014 at 5:12 PM
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