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! 

Saga Milwaukee Pinterest Page

It is finally here!

We have a Pinterest page.  You will find inspiration, ideas and tips on Smocking, Embroidery, and other Needle Arts.  We will also be adding boards for Heirloom Sewing, Shadow Embroidery, Lace Making, Tatting, and many other creative outlets that our members have learned and enjoy.  Come check it out today!

We are back!

The Milwaukee Chapter of SAGA (The Smocking Arts Guild of America) is back online! We will be adding to our blog in order to better serve our members, and to find other smocking and needle arts enthusiasts out there.  We are passionate about keeping these special art forms alive, so please comment and share with us your inspirations, techniques, tips and creations, as well as any questions or challenges you experience creating special items using these techniques.

And remember...

KEEP IT FRESH, KEEP IT SPECIAL, BUT KEEP A TOUCH OF THE PAST.
HAPPY CREATING!  :)

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog for the Milwaukee Area Chapter of SAGA!  

Our group's primary focus is smocking, however many members share a love of most fine needle arts.  We welcome new members and visitors!

Check out the other pages for meeting times, program schedule, and workshop info.