Shirring or Smocking

Attempt number one at shirring or smocking was not a total failure but not super great either. I practiced with tension before starting my project but after a few rows the regular thread really tightened the fabric to where the elastic thread couldn't stretch at all. I don't know if the current project I am working on will actually look like I want it to, but it was a great place to start. I will try my hand a t a different shirring piece soon. I used a few different websites for info on what to do. I started at Made (pattern one and two), which led me to creative heart, which lead me here.

(Just an example of what shirring is from Made)

Looks like it is back to the blogs for me to figure this out.