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.