Pleating The Easter Dress

The fabric pleater is one of the best inventions in my sewing world. Years ago a stencil was ironed onto the fabric. You would then have rows of little dots and pick them up with a needle and thread to pleat the fabric before smocking. I am sure that there are still some people who pleat this way but the pleater has added ease to my life. It has needles that are threaded, the fabric is rolled up on a dowel to assist with control to keep the fabric straight. The next step is to place the fabric behind the roller and turn the handle on the right hand side and slowly send the fabric through the rollers, unto the needles, and then off onto the threads. When you get to the other side of the garment, you pull the threads through the needles and tie them off, block the size that you need and begin the pleasure of smocking the garment. Some sewers steam their pleats before smocking to make them stand up straight. I find this to be a good exercise and it takes no time at all.

Now to smock the little bishop dress and get it on it's way to the Easter Parade. I shall share the picture of the dress and bonnet when finished. I hope that you enjoy it.