January 2026 Program and Membership Renewal

 

Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA Smocked Snowflake Program January 2026

This month, we will be completing the smocked snowflakes that we started at the November meeting.  Please bring a basic sewing kit.  We will meet at the New Berlin Public Library. Membership Renewal: Local membership fees are now due!   Local membership is $10, and membership in the national organization is required for local membership.  You may join/renew your national membership at smocking.org. Local membership may be paid at the January meeting via cash or check payable to “Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA”.  You may also pay me via Venmo - see your email for Venmo information.  January meeting: 📅 Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026 🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Location: New Berlin Public Library    15105 W Library Lane    New Berlin, WI 53151

November Program

 

Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA Smocked Snowflake Program November November's program will be a smocked snowflake (sorry, no photo).  Please bring a basic sewing kit.   This will be our last meeting of 2025.  Watch for details about our 2026 programs in January! November meeting: 📅 Date: Sunday, November 9, 2025 🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Location: New Berlin Public Library    15105 W Library Lane    New Berlin, WI 53151

Mini Smocked Pumpkin Continues - September and October

 

Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA Smocked Pumpkin Program (September, October)

We will continue working on our smocked pumpkins over the next two months. September – Continue smocking October – Stuff and shape the pumpkin Meetings will be held a the following locations.  See Meeting Locations tab for more info. September meeting: 📅 Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025 🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Location: New Berlin Public Library, Community Room     15105 W Library Lane     New Berlin, WI 53151 October meeting: 📅 Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025 🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Location: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church    W196N9525 Cross View Way     Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

 

Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA Smocked Pumpkin Program (July, September, October)

We’re excited to announce our upcoming program, taking place over three months: July, September, and October. We’ll be creating a charming, scaled-down version of the large smocked pumpkin featured in the Autumn 2023 issue of Classic Sewing (now out of print), according to the following schedule.   July – Begin smocking September – Continue smocking October – Stuff and shape the pumpkin The photo shows samples of what your finished pumpkin may look like — your result may vary, depending on the fabric and floss provided.  You’ll receive: A copy of the original large pumpkin pattern Materials and instructions to make a smaller, 3-inch tall pumpkin Hands-on guidance during each session 🧵 What to bring: Basic sewing kit with scissors, sewing needles, and magnification (if needed) All other supplies will be provided. July meeting details: 📅 Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025 🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM 📍 Location: Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 5901 Westway, Greendale, WI 53129 Enter through main doors Turn right and take elevator or stairs to lower level We look forward to kicking off this festive fall project with you!

 

Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA June Program

Our June program will be a Part 2 - Smocked Topper for an “Altoid” tin.   Joy will lead us through the next steps required to attach the smocked piece to the top of our tin. ⏰ When: Sunday, June 8, 2025 1:30-3:30 PM 🧵 What to Bring: Your program kit that was handed out last month Scissors Magnification (if needed) In-process or completed items to share with the group during Show-and-Share 📍 Location: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church W196N9525 Cross View Way Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 (see Meeting Locations tab for a map and room directions)

Hop Into Spring with Our April Program: Smocked Carrot Drawstring Bag! 🥕

Spring has officially arrived, and we’re celebrating with a sweet, seasonal smocking project! Join us this April to make an adorable Smocked Carrot Drawstring Bag—a cheerful, fully constructed 10" tall bag that’s perfect for Easter goodies, spring décor, or simply adding a handmade touch to your season.

No smocking experience? No problem! This project is beginner-friendly, and the smocking can be completed in less than an hour.

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📅 Program Details

📍 Location:
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
W196N9525 Cross View Way
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

📆 Date: Sunday, April 13
⏰ Time: 1:30–3:30 PM
💰 Cost: Free!

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✂️ What to Bring

• Scissors
• An embroidery needle
• Magnification (if needed)

If you don’t have everything, no worries—guests can share scissors and needles! All other supplies will be provided.

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💡 Why You’ll Love This Project

✔️ The carrot bag is fully constructed and ready to smock—no machine sewing needed
✔️ Smocking is simple, meditative, and quick to learn
✔️ Great for beginners and experienced stitchers alike
✔️ Makes a perfect gift or seasonal accent
✔️ You’ll go home with a completed piece (and a new skill!)

Come enjoy an afternoon of stitching, socializing, and spring fun. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌷

You're Invited...

...to a Smocking Open House at the New Berlin Public Library on Sunday, March 9, from 1:30–3:30 PM!

Join the Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA (Smocking Arts Guild of America) for a fun and interactive afternoon where you can:

✔ Learn basic smocking stitches
✔ Learn how to use a pleater
✔ Enjoy refreshments and friendly conversation
✔ Watch a video presentation of the 2024 State Fair Fashion Show, featuring beautiful smocked and sewn items made by members of our group and the Milwaukee ASG (American Sewing Guild) chapter

📍 Location: New Berlin Public Library – Community Room (Turn left after entering the main doors)
📌 Address: 15105 W Library Ln, New Berlin, WI 53151
📅 Date: Sunday, March 9
⏰ Time: 1:30–3:30 PM

Whether you're new to smocking or looking to refine your skills, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and enjoy the craft in a welcoming environment. Bring a friend and drop in anytime—no RSVP required!

We hope to see you there!