JUNE SHOW 'N SHARE

One of our members made this cute smocked headband for a new baby girl in her family, since bonnets are no longer "in style" up here in the north.

This sweet heart smocked Wee Care gown was submitted for donation to St. Joseph's Hospital in Milwaukee.

Notice the lovely detail of the smocking.

Another Wee Care gown submitted by one of our members.

You can see the detail of the trellis stitch design here. Very nice!

One member finished her sampler from March, when we learned a technique for adding beads to our smocking.  She then used it to created this lovely ornament.  So precious and delicate.

One member has been working on this organizer.  The embroidery is so summery!

The outside....

and the inside.  She will be using it soon.

Isn't this a fun idea for a creative child?!

The inside has its own chalkboard and supplies to spur on creativity.

A close-up. So cool!

And finally, a member made this patriotic themed table runner.  Here's the front...

And here is the back.  Made in the USA to honor the USA. Very neat!

May Show and Share

The Milwaukee Chapter of SAGA met in May, and enjoyed viewing, discussing and being inspired by the gowns included in the National Smocking Arts Guild traveling Wee Care trunk show.  There were so many gowns that gave us ideas for creating future gowns for donation to hospitals here in the Milwaukee area.  Expect to see some of these creations in the coming months!

In addition, several members brought in their own creations, recent and from the past, as well as other creative inspirations.  Enjoy!

A member made this blue smocked Wee Care gown.

The smocked detail is so well done!

A member made this wool baby blanket and bear a while back.

The embroidered bear is just so precious!

....And the detail of puffed embroidery is definitely something that I hope to learn how to do.  It is so sweet!

In the spirit of "Frozen", a member made this "Ana" dress for her niece....how elegant!

One of our members made this amazing quilt.  I am so impressed at what she accomplished!

A member brought in this cute leaf fairy embellished with embroidery.

See the details close-up.  More inspiration for unique gifts from the heart!  I just love how whimsical she is!

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!