A fascinating video on fabric pleating (in French): https://invidious.fdn.fr/watch?v=9jklE9XdkG4

They sandwich fabric inside folded cardboard forms, and then steam it to make it keep the pleats.

The cardboard forms are very reminiscent of origami tessellations.

#pleating #smocking #origami #tessellation

I have just put the finishing touches to my hand stitched traditional english working smock. Based on a 19th century #norfolk example, but made floor length with added pockets. It is made from an old thick cotton sheet dyed blue. There is nothing like trying to make something you admire to teach you how much time and effort are required to achieve it. It gives you much more respect for the pre machine age workers skills. #handmade #needlework #costume #traditional #smocking #embroidery

Details of the construction of the arm of my reconstruction of a traditional hand sewn Norfolk workers smock. This shows the square gusset under the arm that gives a good range of movement to the arm. The full arm is gathered in at the wrist so it does not get in the way while working. These practical elements have been developed into decorative features. #needlwork #textiles #embroidery #Norfolk #smocking #costume #handmade

Discovering my regional #costume heritage by creating a traditional #Norfolk workers smock of #18thcentury #19thcentury lengthen to floor length to combat cold drafty house. The design is based on an example in the #V&A from the #Diss area. It is not an exact replica but an exploration of the methods and the time it takes to hand stitch the whole garment. It looks a simple garment but it has taken many many more hours than I expected. The gathering for the #smocking #embroidery particularly.