Customer Reviews

A-Z of Smocking

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the book I should have had when I learned to smock six years ago. This is also a book I can use and learn from for many years to come.

Published by Country Bumpkin (of Inspirations and AS&E Magazines), A-Z of Smocking is a true reference manual for all levels of smocking. IT features a spiral-bound format - something rare but highly appreciated by anyone who actually attempts to use how-to books. The subjects covered include fabrics, preparation, pleating, needles, threads and over 50 stitches; issues like backsmocking, inserting, color choices, buttonholes in pleats, smocking on knits, picture smocking, geometric smocking, counterchange techniques, freeform smocking...and much more than I can mention in a short book review. There are frequently Hint boxes accompanying each subject. Everything is presented in clear, step-by-step layouts that leave little room for misinterpretation.

Unlike most reference manuals, it is gorgeous. A-Z of Smocking also features quality photos and whimsical artwork on nearly every page: in fact, the same photographs from AS&E Magazine's past issues. This book is everything you might expect from the makers of that attractive publication.

I would suggest getting one for yourself regardless of your level of smocking expertise. You never know when you'll have one of those distracted moments when you forget a stitch or technique. And if you are ever inspired to give a pleater as a gift to a beginner, it would make the ideal companion gift!
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

This is a visually lovely book . The photos are clear and the individual concepts they present are easily comprehended. I was a little disappointed in the lack of continuity in the presentation of stitches and techniques, however, which makes it an average "how-to" book.

The text is quite literally from A to Z, a short encyclopedia of smocking art with different subjects discussed alphabetically. I had hoped that specific patterns and designs for projects might be included; an introductory project followed by more complex works to carry the beginner figuratively from "A to Z." As it is, one has to hop from section to section to put together the information you need to do your own project. Some of the information, particularly about machine pleaters, is almost mid-way through the book. For a beginner, which I am, this is not quite as convenient as one could hope.

I suspect however, that the book is much too simple for the advanced worker; most of the techniques and information will probably be known to them from other sources including instructors. Nor is the encyclopedic format really lived up to, because I suspect that the advanced smocker would not find the exotic bits and pieces of information they really would like to have in this short and simple a volume.

The book is useful, especially for the types of stitches, but I think I'll need another to actually get started with a project.

This is the only book I found that taught me the very basics of smocking. Most other books and magazines expect you to already be an expert (Creative Needle magazine is the exception, but their stuff stays very basic and doesn't venture into more advanced stuff).

I absolutely recommend this book to a beginner smocker, and I think there is also lots of helpful information for a more advanced smocker. The pictures and instructions are very clear.

This book is a wonderful place to begin smocking and to improve your techniques. I read through it once, made a dress, and find myself referring to it over and over with each smocking project. It is even more useful when paired with A to Z of sewing for smockers. A definite A+.

Just started smocking and got the CADILLAC book of instructions. So helpful with beautiful sample pictures!! You'll love it!!

This book is just what I needed. As a beginning smocker I needed clear instructions and plenty of pictures. This book provided both.

This book was out of stock and back ordered in most bookstores. Shipped and received quickly. Would definitely buy from this company again.

This book enables me to look at the patterns, practice the new template and stitches, and then do my project. Excellent for beginners as well as advanced.

I found this book very helpful. The directions were plain and understandable and I will use this book for my first reference when needed. I did purchase the book through Amazon and it arrived in a short time in good condition.

This is an excellent book for smockers. It's clear and concise and beautifully illustrated -- a great resource.