Pleater

I went to a flea market on Friday morning. I discovered it last year and made sure I remembered about it this year.

The find of the day for me was this smocking pleater. It's a Read 16-row pleater with a board to hold the pleater and spools of thread. It came with lots of thread and a few extra needles.

These books were included. I looked them up online and the books range in price from $12.99-19.99 each.

And some vintage, yet timeless, smocking patterns.

And a binder of information, including patterns and techniques.

Two and a half years ago (while I was on bedrest during my pregnancy with Sawyer) my friend, Christy started to teach me how to smock. I worked on it a little, but when my bedrest turned into couch-sitting (when Joe had to return to work after the first week), I had very little time with Jackson, Mason, and Spenser still at home to do "busy" work. I tried to pick it up a few months ago, and was completely lost. This is as far as I got...

When I saw the pleater, I couldn't believe my eyes. They are expensive. I have often bid on them on eBay, but am always, always outbid. This one was affordable. He was asking $35 and, without my even asking, said he'd take $30 for it. I think once he noticed I knew what it was, he just wanted to get rid of it. And, I didn't even buy it right away, I walked around and pondered it a little longer, knowing that it would take up most of my remaining money for the day. And then I went in like a vulture and scooped it up. Very happily.

Comments

Bonus Mom said…
What a great find! I can't wait to see all of the smocked goodness you create with it :)
Katie Jean said…
what a cool find. I can't wait to see all the cute things you dream up for Spenser!
christy said…
that is awesome! i paid like 200 for mine and full price for my books. i hope you put it to good use. i'm wondering where you could possibly store anymore old dishes.:)
Anonymous said…
wow! i didn't even know those things existed. great find! lucky lucky you - well, lucky lucky spenser!
Brenda said…
I would love to do smocking. Always wanted to know how. Can't wait to see Spenser in a new smocked frock.
Jo-Anne said…
That's a great find! Little Spenser will have some beautiful smocked dresses very soon, I am sure!
(Also, fun stuff from the thrift store!!)
Karyn said…
Super deal!!!! What will you find NEXT year????
nikko said…
So jealous! They are so expensive. The few things I've smocked I just hand-pleated. Of course, the hand pleating takes as long as the embroidery does.

Awesome!
Kat said…
That is a great find! I really couln't find alot of things this year. Nick did find the mouse so it was a fruitful day.
Kris said…
Nice buy!
Amanda Jean said…
what a GREAT deal!!! how fun that he knocked $5 off it without you even asking! sweet.
misschris said…
How exciting for you. I can't wait to see what you do with it. Is there anything sweeter than smocking? Because I don't think so.

Woohoo!
So neat! I have zero comprehension of how that might work and can't wait to see your projects in progress. Have fun with your new toy!
Lori B said…
Wow, that's awesome! I had no idea how smocking was done, I just know I like it. Looks like you are adding a new branch to your talents!
Anonymous said…
Yep, I want to see a work in progress, too. Sounds like a great find! I have a little hand pleating tool that I love almost as much as my dog.
Liz said…
Wow! You are so lucky! I can't wait to see what you make!
hooli said…
Congratulations. I can't wait to see what you create with it.
lisa said…
There is an award waiting for you at my blog!
utmommy said…
You find the best things!
Anonymous said…
Well done Lera! I didn't even know such things existed. What a bargain!
Emily said…
Wow lucky gurl you!

Gonna wait patiently for the great smocking works of art from you.... soon!
diana said…
I love to smock!!! I have already made three things and have pleated three more dresses. i plan on posting pictures once i get my act together. happy smocking!!!
V and Co. said…
i officially hate you! just kidding what i meant to say is what an AWESOME find!!!
melissa said…
What a lucky lucky find! I've always wanted one of those!
Karen said…
Sounds like you got a great deal on your pleater. I've had mine forever and can't remember how much I paid, but whatever it was it's been worth every penny.
Anonymous said…
I used to have a read pleater. I got so busy with my children that I sold it in a garage sale. Hope you can find time to use yours. There are always the grandchildren.....
Julie

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