All Smocked (Punk)

Punk smocking is a thing I invented based on other things, specifically shepherds' smocks, little girls' party dresses, the incredible work of artists at Nui Project, Japan, and, of course, 1970s punk. This orange number was commissioned by Winterthur Museum when I rashly said I'd do one that was "more thread than shirt" then had to actually deliver. As you see, halfway through it was boring and I hated it, which only goes to prove that mending is improved by more mending. I've taught this at Tatter so I know how much people love doing this extemporary stitchery that distorts and smallens: it is pure menditation. Try it!

Techniques and Materials

Boring shirt

Miles of thread

Hours