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I have a rather old pillow that my great-aunt in Europe made at least forty years ago that I would like to duplicate. It is made of crushed velvet, but the surface is drawn up into a basket-like pattern. Does anyone know what it is called? How does one make it? I have sketched a schematic below, hopefully that will help. I have seen similar cushions recently selling in stores for just under gulp $200.
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OMG, my MIL had one of those in gold satin. The technique is called lattice smocking and it is worked by pulling together dots that are placed on the wrong side of the fabric. You might check with a vintage pattern site. I think there were several available .. Simplicity maybe? Years and years ago. Good luck with it.
*There are also instructions for this technique in several sewing books; one that comes to mind is "Creative Smocking Techniques". Also the "Art of Manipulating Fabric" has a bit about this as well.Lattice smocking is also used by Kenneth King on some of his spectacular designs.
*Thanks very much for the info! I was able to find "The Art of Manipulating Fabric" on my local library system but could not find a book called "Creative Smocking Techniques." Would you happen to know the author's name or better yet, its ISBN number?
*Karen,It is "Creative Smocking: Contemporary Design, Traditional Techniques" by Chris Rankin, published by Lark Books. ISBN number is 1-887374-32-9. The article in question is on pages 50-51. HTH!Shannon
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