April Show 'n Share

A member made this beautiful and comfortable night gown.

It was smocked to Perfection!

Another member made an intricately smocked ornament.  So pretty!

Our members continue to make precious Wee Care gowns for a local hospital.

Another lovely Wee Care gown for donation. 

A member made a reversible tree skirt over the holidays.  Side One...

...and Side Two.  Christmas 2015 will be here before we know it!

A member made a very functional, large tote bag.  Everyone could use one of these!

...And a member shared an example of Huck weaving that she found at a local thrift shop for inspiration.  The handwork certainly adds a brightness to the piece!

March Program and Show and Share

WELCOME BACK!

The March Program was working with beads in Smocking. We learned the "X" technique at the top of sampler in the photo below.

 The Sampler used as a reference in our class.

The work of a student in the class. Note that the beads in the original sampler are more consistent in size than the beads that the student used.  This is something to keep in mind when buying your beads. 

Below are some more ideas from the sampler for adding a little extra sparkle to your smocking:

....and here is a BONUS: adding ribbon in your smocking!

Here is everything together. Lots of great ideas all in one sampler!

MARCH MEMBER SHOW AND SHARE:

Who's been following the SAGA National Smock-along?  One of our member's created this adorable bib.  Notice the detail of the smocking below.  What a special gift for a new addition to the world!

...and it is a BEGINNER project that is inexpensive to make.  Such a great way to learn how easy smocking is! 

A sweet Wee Care gown....

See the bold yet delicate smocking detail...so lovely!

February Program and Show 'n Share

The Milwaukee Area Chapter of the Smocking Arts Guild met in February to share their ideas and creations.  We also learned tips to help us with picture smocking, including how to prepare and stitch, Some members tried their hand at creating there own design to coordinate with a purchased fabric swatch.

Here are two picture smocking samplers made by members as part of our program:

Here's a closer up view of one sample:

....and the other:

Previously, a member created this template based on a fabric she wanted to use for a garment her granddaughter requested for a special school performance of "Let it Go":

Here is the fabric made into a cape with the coordinated dress with a smocked inset using beads:

....and the garment in action:

Members learned that Picture Smocking is a great way to personalize an item.  I am sure we will see more picture smocked items in the very near future!

Chapter Show 'n Share

A member received these handwoven items as part of an Christmas exchange.  The white and Burgundy ones are great examples of Huck weaving. See the detail below:

Just beautiful!

WEE CARE GOWNS made by members for donation to a local hospital here in Milwaukee:

Gown 1 - See the detail below:

So precious!

Gown 2 - See the detail below:

Beautiful for spring!

Gown 3 - See the detail below:

Just lovely!

Gown 4 - See the detail below:

Beautiful white on white!

Show and Share - January 2015

The Milwaukee Area Chapter of the Smocking Arts Guild met on January 11, 2015 in the Community Room at Mayfair Mall.  We learned the Scallop Stitch, also known as Clam Shell smocking, in a program taught by Bonnie Patton.

Scallop Stitch (Clam Shell Smocking) Finished Sampler

We also had many members who brought creations that they had smocked recently, or in the past, along with some special sewn items. Enjoy!  

Such cute Baby Booties!

A beautiful smocked Bishop Dress....

and see the detail of the smocking!

Two smocked Wee Care gowns ....

using variegated floss.  Just lovely!

A smocked top for that special little one!

Notice the interest that a small amount of smocking adds!

Another smocked Wee Care gown...so precious!

This Winter Lace sampler is so interesting to look at!

A woman's blouse...

with smocking detail at the shoulders....

and at the bottom of the sleeves.  So pretty!

This "Fine Feathers" purse is so elegant!

Two festive ornaments that were created during the National SAGA Smock-a-long. What a great idea!

This Christmas table runner was sewn by a member and just shines with Christmas Spirit!

This doll dress was inspired by the movie Frozen. So Sweet!

A little girl's jacket was created from "ugly" fabric as part of an ugly fabric challenge that we held in 2013. A year later, it was completed.  Better late than never!

And one more holiday dress....

for all smiles on Christmas Eve!

We will be meeting again on February 8th at 6:00 p.m. Can't wait to see what everyone has been up to!  If you are in the Milwaukee area, join us!