I finished my apron with honeycomb smocking at the top, learned this with help from Eowyn (in Caid). It is all sewed by hand. No machine stitching at all. I think it is too narrow at the top, for my preference. If I do another smocked apron, I will remember to make it wider to fit me. But, this was a nice little learning project to work on between my other embroidery projects, sort of taking a break in between projects. Aprons with smocking, pleats, blackwork and aprons in color can be found here http://www.larsdatter.com/aprons.htm

Today I started working on a smocked, linen apron, thanks to the help (and idea) of Eowyna. She made one and it gave me the idea of trying my hand at smocking again (my first attempt, many years ago, was not that great and I said I would never do smocking again).

With no directions for the initial beginning steps, I made a few small, trial pieces, but still had problems. Needless to say, I kept trying and I think I got the technique down pretty well now.

Here is a photo of the smocking closed and the gathering threads removed.



Here is a photo of the smocking open.

As if I do not have enough projects to keep me busy (if there were 10 of me, I still wonder if I could get everything completed), I have added a couple more projects on my over-flowing plate....

1) am going to make an apron with smocking at the top (thanks to Eowyna)
2) am going to make an apron with blackwork across the front
3) have now started planning Embroidery classes to be held at my home the 2nd Monday of each moth.