smocking pleater

A few weeks ago I bought a smocking pleater.  I know it doesn't seem to be the sort of thing I would be interested in but I am endlessly curious about all needlework techniques.

 In the past my friend Karyn  has pleated fabric for me to experiment with and I have enjoyed using the pleated fabric in my own way.

I was visiting one of my favourite op shops looking for doileys (as if I don't have enough already).  As my purchases were being added up I glanced at the window display and there it was.  An Amanda Jane pleater.  The price was unbelievable - I could never justify paying new price - and so I am the happy owner of this amazing contraption.

It has sat on the shelf for quite a while as I have been really preoccupied with other things.  

Today I decided to see if I could use it.  In a step that is unusual for me, I read all the instructions and some smocking books before I started.  

My first little piece of pleating has turned out just fine.  Now I  need to figure out how to tie it off and secure the threads.

I am not likely to be making any pretty dresses but I might make something interesting.

Any hints or advice would be most welcome.

You really have to laugh!

Yesterday I managed to lock myself in my sewing room/office.  This room is under the main part of our house and quite independent - no access from one to the other.  We have lived here for a while now but have never shut the screen door down here as it doesn't fit properly and there is no point. Well yesterday I pulled the door fully shut   -  as it turned out  -   fully locked.  As we don't use the door I don't have a key for it on my keyring, nor have I ever tried any of the many spare keys we were were given for the house.  I did however remember that there were keys "somewhere".  

After a few minutes of panic I decided to climb out one of the windows.  Fortunately they are close to the ground.  I went upstairs and looked around and then suddenly remembered that the spare keys are kept down in my office!!!!!!!!  Yes, I had to climb back in through the window, sort through the keys and unlock the door!!!!

So funny now.

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 I have made a little more progress on the piece of pleasted silk.  I am now in a quandary about its future.  I have decided it is too delicate to be a needlebook and my second idea of a journal cover might work but the piece is quite bulky.  Perhaps I'll just frame it and put it on the wall.  Any suggestions welcome.