Stitiching a ray of sunshine

This hand stitiched embroidery is a real treat. The fine detail on the face – from cushiony pink cheeks to luscious lashes – really showcases the embroiderers skill. This exapample comes from a pillowslip and though the date of creation is unknown I’m guessing around 1950-60.

Smocking the Old Fashioned Way

I found this wonderful example of smocking at the Camberwell Market in Melbourne. A testament to the painstakingly slow process of hand smocking, this cotton frock was never finished. In this example, a wire weaves through the fabric to create hundreds of tiny pleats. The sewer then stitched a design on top.