Pleater machine

[Teresagoodman]

I am new to smocking. I am left handed but I taught myself to smock using right hand technique. I would like to purchase a pleater but I need advice on which pleater would be the right one for a beginner smocker?

[LeapFrog Libby]

Teresa.
Welcome to the site. I cannot answer your question on type of pleater, but I do want you to hear a word of welcome. I am a lefty so I xan identify with the difficulty of acquiring new skills. I have taught myself a smattering of knitting and crocheting. I attempted tatting, but got nowhere with that. My sister used to do some smocking, but not any more. She suffers from R A and has to be careful with her hand usage. She knits for relaxation and exercise for her hands, and the prayer shawls she turns out are quite beautiful. She does not remember how she chose her pleater and she no longer has it. She loses interest in hobbies sometimes and smocking did not interest her very long. Martha Pullen might be the website to check to see what is offered in that line. She seems to be the specialist in that line today. I watch her on PBS every week, and get her newsletter on e=mail. Again welcome, and I hope someone here will give you some advice on pleaters.

[MartySews2]

Teresa, Martha Pullen has a book called "The Joy of Smocking" and a DVD on smocking. She even has a DVD on pleating. The Grandma's Hope Chest book has lots of patterns for embroidery, smocking and heirloom sewing. Some of the yahoo sewing sales groups have pleaters for sale. I've always heard that the 16 needle pleater was the best but some like the 24 needle. There are various makes and models available. I would do a google search. A lot of people like the Martha Pullen brand or the Amanda Jane pleater. I just pay someone a few dollars to pleat for me when I need it done. I would love to see pics of your work. Welcome to the forum. I think that you will enjoy everyone here.
Marty

[Teresagoodman]

Thanks for the great advice, I'll send pics as soon as I learn how to post them.

[Teresagoodman]

I will definitely visit Martha Pullen web site thanks a bunch.
Teresa

[MartySews2]

Teresa, there may be a Smocking Arts Guild of America chapter in your area (SAGA). They have teachers, events, classes, conventions, etc to help improve your smocking skills. I bet there are some lefties in the group too. The dues are only $35 a year (Jan-Dec) to belong to the national organization. I'm planning to join. Just had too many expenses in January to do it. I'll probably send them a check soon. It's just another resource. The meetings in Memphis are at night so I probably won't go that often but I do know there are free learn to smock classes on Wed mornings at one local church and probably others. I'm sure that there are the same in your area.
Marty

[Teresagoodman]

Marty thank you so much for this information.
Teresa