Smocked Name Tag - April - Lesson 1 - Pleating

Our project for the next three months will be a Smocked Name Tag. 

This project is based on a SAGA Smock along program**.

If you’d prefer not to make a name tag, feel free to personalize your project with a different word such as Love, Hope, or even something seasonal like Ho, Ho, Ho.

April - Lesson 1: Pleating our fabric.

White fabric will be provided. If you’d like another color, see below for details.

Materials to Bring:

• lightweight woven fabric (3” x 27”) in your preferred color - this is only necessary if you don’t want to use the white fabric provided

• Pleater (if you have one), with 12 needles

• White thread OR thread to match your fabric (pleating threads will remain in the completed project)

• Basic sewing kit

No pleater? No problem! Pleaters and white thread will be available for those who don’t have their own.

Finishing Options
You’ll have several choices for finishing the edges of your piece:

• Rolled hem

• Scalloped edge using floss

• Lace edging - some will be provided (if you’d prefer to use your own, bring at least 54 inches)

A sewing machine will be available during the meeting, or you may choose to finish the edges at home.

You may also want to bring another project to work on if time allows.

**SAGA Smock alongs are educational programs provided by SAGA. Some programs are available for free, some require SAGA membership. 

April meeting details:

📅 Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
🕜 Time: 1:30–3:30 PM
📍 Location: New Berlin Public Library, 15105 W Library Lane, New Berlin, WI 53151

Beginner Smocking Class - March 28 at Cedarburg Public Library

Learn the Art of Smocking: Beginning Smocking Class – Votive Cover

Have you ever admired the delicate texture and timeless beauty of English smocking and wondered how it’s done? Here’s your chance to learn! Join us for a Beginning Smocking Class where you’ll create a charming cover for a small votive candle holder while learning the fundamentals of this traditional needlework technique. 🧵

This class is designed for beginners and anyone curious about smocking. During the session, participants will learn and practice four basic English smocking stitches, including the classic cable and wave stitches.

Your project will be a decorative cover for a small glass votive holder. While it can be used with a battery-powered tea light, it also makes a lovely container for small treasures such as pins, clips, or other sewing notions.

👉 Click HERE to register.

What’s Included

A project kit will be provided for a $5.00 fee, and includes everything needed to get started:

• Pleated fabric

• Two colors of embroidery floss

• Needle

• Glass votive holder

• Printed instructions for finishing the project at home

Participants can choose from two color combinations:

• Pink and green

• Red and green

What to Bring

Please bring the following items with you:

• Scissors for snipping threads

• Magnification, if needed for close stitching

Class Details

Date & Time:
Saturday, March 28
1:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Location:
Cedarburg Public Library
Community Room

Register for the Class

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot.

👉 Click HERE to register.

Whether you’re new to needlework or looking to try something different, this class is a wonderful way to learn a traditional craft and create a handmade piece you’ll enjoy. We hope to see you there! ✨🪡

March 8 - Open House at New Berlin Public Library

 

Milwaukee Chapter of SAGA March 8 - Open House Smocked Ribbon Flower Make-n-Take Please join the Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA for a Smocking Open House at the New Berlin Public Library on Sunday, March 8, from 1:30–3:30 PM! The Smocking Arts Guild of America (SAGA) is a national organization, and our group is one of many chapters across the United States.  Click HERE to learn more about SAGA and the benefits of membership. The Open House will be a fun and interactive afternoon where you can: ✔ Learn basic smocking stitches ✔ Learn how to use a pleater ✔ Get help with a smocking project ✔ Participate in our FREE make-n-take - a smocked ribbon flower, similar to the pictures below (all materials will be provided) 📍 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 8 ⏰ 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. The event is FREE, and no RSVP is required! We hope to see you there!

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!