old-fashioned

The book has some useful tips, but the designs aren't really applicable to modern clothing.

A reference, an instruction book, a source of ideas

This book was published in 1982. In that sense, one might think that it is dated. Actually, it's not. Smocking is a traditional craft, it's still done today the way it was in the last century, nothing new has been invented and the designs, by the very nature of the craft, have the same overall look they have always had. Of course, the fashion of the dresses to which they are applied change and the colors you might currently choose to work with might currently might be different, but the process of smocking will be the same whether you use dots or a pleater or gingham.

So, keeping all this in mind, this book is an excellent source of ideas, instructions, and projects. These projects range from pillows, baby clothes, children's clothes, adult dresses and blouses, to Christmas ornaments. All the projects are lovely and timeless. The instructions are clear and appear in both American and metric measurements. The charts are clear, the photograps (regrettably) are almost all in black and white.

I am a beginner smocker and haven't gotten past the simplest of the geometric projects on gingham and, even those, with difficulty. Most of the projects are geometric with only a few forming images. The overview and general instructions are clear, but I'm finding smocking to be one of those skills you can't just jump into: you have to practice and practice and practice. I'm happy to have this book to give me the incentive to keep trying.

It's useful but outdated

If you are looking for smocking patterns this is not the book for you. It has useful information on technique but is very outdated on styles. I do use it but A to Z Smocking is much better for "how to" instructions.