Smock a name tag for yourself or a friend.  

Lessons will be posted weekly on September 10, 17 and 24.  Finish your nametag by October 18, and post a photo of the completed project in the Smock Along Facebook group, or send directly to Frances at  francesj4@aol.com, for two Artisan Points.

Direct link for making hotel reservations for 2024 Convention.

The link for hotel reservations for Convention 2024 is now live! You can click the below link to go straight to our room block page. Options include King Suites and Double Queen Suites. Accessible rooms are also available. If calling the hotel or the 800 booking line, please reference SGA room block to get our special rates.

NOTE: our room block is set from Tuesday, October 15, through departure on Sunday, October 20. We have very limited rooms available on Monday prior to PreDay, and on Sunday evening, October 20th, for departure on Monday the 21st. If you have trouble making reservations, please check to be sure you are within our room block dates. If you are coming in early or staying later, you may need to make a separate reservation for the days outside our room block.

We can't wait to see you in Hampton!

On www.smocking.org, in the header, click on "About" then "Join SAGA."  Here you will find descriptions of the several membership options. From this page, you can join online (via a secure PayPal link) or join by mail (printing the form and mailing with a check).

Find answers to some of the most common questions we hear!

"The purpose of the Smocking Arts Guild of America is to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations through education, service, communication and quality workmanship."

That's how it all started . . . The first meeting of the Smocking Arts Guild of America (SAGA) was held on April 27, 1979, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nine women interested in forming a guild for smocking and related handiwork attended the meeting. A constitution and by-laws were written, and the organization was duly registered in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The first seminar was held in Gatlinburg on October 5, 6, and 7, 1979. Eighty ladies, representing 18 states, were present. They held classes and elected their first slate of officers. Since then, conventions have been held yearly at various locations throughout the United States.

As SAGA grew, the need for membership representation became evident. In 1983, SAGA's Board of Directors recommended establishing regional representatives as part of the Board of Directors. SAGA members attending the 1983 Convention ratified the arrangement. Today there are five geographic-region representatives.

During SAGA's early expansion, a management company was hired, and in 1986 the headquarters was moved to Reston, Virginia. In 1989 the headquarters changed to Lansing, Michigan and later to Glenview, Illinois, where a new management company was located.

As the century turned, SAGA became a self-managed organization. The elected Board of Directors, all dedicated volunteers, now not only establishes policy but also directs operations. These hardworking officers and representatives, as well as the many supportive volunteers, have helped the Guild continue as a successful needlework organization.

In SAGA's early years it offered four to five issues of a newsletter each year. A magazine was begun in 1983 ‘Smocking Arts' but discontinued in 1988 because it was no longer financially sustaining. Later, in its place SAGA began publishing (and still publishes) SAGANews, a quarterly (with occasional special issues) geared to the specific interests of its membership.

SAGA has developed an Artisan Program through which members are encouraged to have their work evaluated. Since its inception the program has grown and now covers four areas, Smocking, Fine Hand Sewing, Fine Machine Sewing and Embroidery. Each year SAGA prepares two Trunk Shows that are available for chapter viewing. One contains garments and items made by members and the other contains just Wee Care items, again made by SAGA members. Each Convention has a Design Show in which all members of SAGA are eligible to participate.

Presently the Guild also has many quality programs (called SAGA Stitches) available for chapter use. The National organization also sponsors outstanding smocking and related needlework correspondence courses. These courses can all be taken individually and several can also be taken as group courses.

SAGA maintains an online web site, www.smocking.org though which the current and back issues of SAGANews are available through the ‘Members Only' section, as well as information on Wee Care, SAGA Stitches, Correspondence Courses, Artisan program and other related items.

Although the Guild is still formally known as the Smocking Arts Guild of America, its logo now sharpens its focus with the words The Association for Fine Needle Artists.

With an ever-growing membership of nearly 3,000, SAGA offers classes, guidance, and support to those interested in smocking, fine hand sewing, fine machine sewing, and/or fine embroidery techniques.

Today SAGA continues to maintain its original objectives, but they have been recast in words that read:

". . .to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations through education, communication, and quality workmanship."

For membership through December 31, 2021

We need the involvement of all of our members to make SAGA a success. Whether at the local or national level, there are volunteer opportunities for you that will build your skills, enhance your knowledge and allow you to become a part of the future of SAGA.

Advance your smocking sewing skills with SAGA online and in-person classes.

Learn about our signature philanthropy program and access downloadable patterns.

For membership through December 31, 2023.

Replacement Pins or Handbooks

Buy Replacement Handbook or Pin

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Artisan Program, please contact us.

artisan@smocking.org

Each level within each area of study requires its own enrollment fee.

Level I: Apprentice - - - - US resident - $35 non-US resident - $40(US)

Level II: Artisan - - - - US resident - $75 non-US resident - $85(US)

Level III: Master - - - - US resident - $100 non-US resident - $120(US)

Any member in good standing of SAGA may participate. Any lapse in SAGA membership for more than two years will negate enrollment and progress in the Artisan Program. Former participants may re-enroll in the program at any time by establishing current SAGA membership and paying the required Artisan Program enrollment fee again. The Artisan Handbook, which participants receive with the initial enrollment fee, explains in detail the methods used to accrue, record, and document points. Specifics regarding the required projects and their evaluation are also detailed. Replacement Handbooks are $15.00.

Click here to Enroll Online (you must be a member)  

This text will not show.  This item is only here to assign a header/hero photo for use on some of the utility pages within the Education section, such as Artisan signup and Corr Course signups.

Several of our members have received an email asking for donations to Veterans Hospice Palliative Care, asking for donations of Gift cards.  Please do not answer this email!  This is NOT true, please do not send any money or gift cards. These have been reported to the appropriate governing bodies.

Learn more about smocking through Smock Along lessons.

Learn more about smocking through these online tutorials!

In order to file the 990-N postcard, please click on the link below and it will take you to the IRS website. Once there, please follow the directions.  Your region rep is happy to help you with this.

http://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/annual-electronic-filing-requirement-for-small-exempt-organizations-form-990-N-e-postcard

Download SAGA Stitches Hemstitched Book Mark  .  On your Members Page, the link is under Tips and Techniques.
Enjoy!

Instructions to make an embroidered apron for your faborite 18 inch doll.

Teach a child to make a Smocked Friendship Bracelet she can wear or trade with her friends! This class teaches the wave stitch and should be able to be completed in class.

The Kids Can Stitch Program provides resources and materials to SAGA members for use in teaching children beginning needlework.  Our goal is to foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations.

Each Kids Can Stitch Program includes detailed teaching instructions, supply lists and kit suggestions, as well as certificates of completion to copy and present to the participants.  The programs can be used for individual instruction or group teaching. 

SAGA members will earn points for the Artisan Program by leading an approved Kids Can Stitch class.

Additional materials and resources to assist with teaching children can be found under the Forms and Documents / Kids Can Stitch section of this website.

Thank you for helping to foster the love of needlework by teaching the next generation!

For those who wish to go beyond membership to support SAGA, please consider an outright donation.  SAGA is a 501(c)(3) organization, and  your donations qualify for tax exemption.  Each donation helps accomplish SAGA's mission of preserving and fostering the art of smocking and related needle arts, as well as continue our charitable work though the Wee Care program.

Sylvia Fooshee, 1200 Cedar Place, Sand Springs, OK 74063, Phone 918-245-5998

Email: sylvia@delicatestitches.com

Delicate Stitches by Sylvia is a retail supplier of English Smocking and Heirloom sewing supplies for the sewing needle artist. Sylvia works at having the finest selection of fabrics, laces, patterns, books and more for the smocking and heirloom enthusiast. Whether you shop online or desire to come by and shop in person, she is willing to help you put together the components for stitching up a lasting heirloom. Sylvia’s shop & studio is in her home, so please call ahead. She is set up to offer classes one-on-one or for a small group in many areas of smocking & heirloom interest. Check the website for new products, newsletter subscription and special events. A 10% discount is available online to SAGA members just put SAGA in the discount code box at checkout.

SAGA is introducing a new Mentoring Program!  It is designed to make new members feel comfortable, give guidance, and inspire confidence while learning basic smocking stitches.  The 4 page packet includes everything you need to start the Mentoring Program in your chapter!

As we all can see, from the picture, they appear to be having much fun.  

The purpose of the Smocking Arts Guild of America is to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations through education, service, communication and quality workmanship.

• The SAGA Grants application can be filled in and submitted electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader 9.0 or above. The form works with most computers using Microsoft Internet Explorer.  There is a known issue when using the Firefox browser.  If you do not see the submit button on the form on your browser you should  download and print the form and fill in the blanks with a pen.  Then you can scan the forms and email them to vpoperations@smocking.org or mail by US Postal Service.

Downloadable products for sale

Downloadable booklets are strictly for individual use.  Printing multiple copies is expressly forbidden.

You can elect to receive email notifications when new content is posted in several areas of the SAGA website. 

From the Members page, click the Update My Notifications link.

You will see a variety of checkboxes.  You can select or unselect any of them by clicking the checkbox. 

Check the areas you are interested in being notified about.

When new content is added to the site, you will receive an email alert so you can keep up with the latest!

You can return to this page to disable your email alerts at any time.

To add photos or organize your photos, navigate through the Members Photo Gallery menu in the right column on the Members page.

You can create multiple albums to organize your photos, or place them all in one gallery.

CREATE A NEW GALLERY

To create a new gallery, click the corresponding link in the right menu. 

Complete the short form to create the gallery. 

You can choose whether or not other SAGA members can view your album. 

Enter a title for the gallery.  The description is optional.

You can change these settings at any time by clicking View My Albums, then edit.

UPLOAD A PHOTO

Click the Add/Upload Photo link to add new photos.

Select the gallery where you would like your photos to be displayed.

Enter a name or title for the photo.

Click the Browse button to locate the jpg file on your computer.

Click the ADD PHOTO button to begin upload.

Note:  You can edit the title or move the photo to a different gallery at any time by clicking the Edit link when viewing your album.

Here you will find products that you can purchase and download online.

Find contact information for teachers of SAGA Approved classes here.

Correspondence Course Questions?  Contact Kathleen Noltensmeyer , the Correspondence Course Chair.

SAGA members can download and view past issues of SAGANews here.

SAGANews Index | Wee Care Index

Find a class near you!  Join your SAGA friends and improve your stitching skills!

Learn more about chapter workshops here.

SAGA Merchandise includes logo items and more.

SAGA Stitches are designed to share the resources of SAGA with members, by providing members at large and chapters with pre-planned programs that can be used individually or adapted for regular chapter meetings. Some SAGA Programs also earn points towards the Artisan Program.

Each SAGA program comes complete with detailed teaching instructions, supply lists and handouts to photocopy for each participant. The goal of each program is educational – process or project oriented, just for fun or for individual or chapter growth and development.

SAGA Signature Collection consists of ready-to-stitch kits designed by generous SAGA teachers. The teacher has donated her design, pattern and directions to SAGA to further the mission of quality education and preservation of the techniques for future generations. The members of the SAGA Sales Committee gather all supplies for you. Each kit is complete, ready to smock and/or embroider, with very detailed directions to allow you to finish a quality project.

Contact information for chapters and chapter leadership is provided to facilitate contacts from interested individual members or potential members to specific chapters. SAGA does NOT sell its email/address list to anyone, nor does it endorse any business that contacts a member or chapter. THESE CONTACTS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR MASS MAILINGS OF ANY KIND, POSTAL OR ELECTRONIC, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE SAGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

If there is not a local SAGA chapter in your area, the SAGA board encourages you to consider establishing a new chapter. An informational packet on how to start a new SAGA chapter is available by contacting the Chapter Coordinator at chapter@smocking.org . This packet will be sent to you via your email address. It only takes 3 people interested in smocking, needlework, and/or heirloom sewing to start a chapter. In compliance with SAGA bylaws, all members of a local chapter must belong to the national Smocking Arts Guild of America. 
 
There are many SAGA Members-At-Large (members who are not affiliated with a local chapter) throughout the world. There may be some members in your local area just waiting to get together and share their passion for needlework. The Chapter Coordinator will connect you to the Region Representative for your area and she will assist you in locating anyone in your area.

All information about finding a place to meet (local fabric shop, library, church), choosing a name, electing officers, etc. will be in the informational packet. There's a minimum of paperwork and the Chapter Coordinator is there to assist and answer your questions.

SAGA's national Board of Directors and committee members are dedicated to helping guide and direct the members and chapters. They are available to answer your questions and help your chapter grow. In addition, local chapters have the resources associated with a nationally recognized name in the field of smocking, needlework preservation and education, many of which can be found in the member-only section of this website.

Your new chapter will be listed on the SAGA website with contact and meeting information for anyone else who might be looking for a chapter in your area.

SAGA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

For more information, please contact: chapter@smocking.org

Purpose

The purpose of the artisan program is to recognize excellence in the field of smocking and related needle arts. It provides the participant with a personal challenge to learn and explore the chosen area of study, opportunity for personal achievement and enrichment, and recognition for knowledge gained and demonstrated proficiency.  

Areas of Study

The program is divided into four areas of study: smocking, fine hand sewing, fine machine sewing, and embroidery.  

Levels of Achievement

Each area of study has three levels of advancement: Apprentice Level I, Artisan Level II, and Master Level III. The levels must be completed consecutively. Each level of the Artisan Program requires the accumulation of points. Participants may accumulate the necessary points by such activities as attending classes of approved organizations, teaching approved courses, research, designing or writing for approved publications, etc. Any points received within the thirty day period prior to enrolling in the Artisan Program may be counted toward the required point total. There is no time limit for completion of any level of the program.  

Qualification Process

When the necessary number of points of a particular level have been validated by the Artisan Program Chairman, a required project or projects must be submitted to the Artisan Chairman. If the submitted projects demonstrate above average skill and proficiency in technique, construction, and design, a certificate for the level of completion will be awarded. Level completion is a highly regarded achievement and participants reaching this goal will be recognized at the next SAGA National Convention and in SAGANews.

SAGA members and chapters are organized by regions.  Contact info is available below by region.

SAGA Signature Collection consists of ready-to-stitch kits designed by generous SAGA teachers.  The teacher has donated her design, pattern and directions to SAGA to further the mission of quality education and preservation of the techniques for future generations. Members of the SAGA Sales Committee gather all supplies for you.  Each kit is complete, ready to smock and/or embroider, with very detailed directions to allow you to finish a quality project.

SAGA Stitches are designed to share the resources of SAGA with members, by providing members at large and chapters with pre-planned programs that can be used individually or adapted for regular chapter meetings.

Shop our SAGA Business Members who provide anything the stitcher could want or need. 

Sewing and heirloom businesses are vital to the mission of SAGA.  Without supplies, or classes, how could we preserve the art of smocking for future generations?  Many SAGA members first learned about smocking and heirloom sewing at a local shop.  Shops provide outreach to potential stitchers, eager embroiderers, and neophyte heirloom enthusiasts. 

As sewers, we need supplies.  We encourage you to shop at these businesses that have chosen to support SAGA.  Please thank them for their support.

If you own a business and would like to support SAGA, please contact our business member liaison, Billi Parus, sagabusiness@smocking.org.

The Smocking Arts Guild of America (SAGA) invites you to become a part of our informative and educational international organization for sewing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

SAGA is a non-profit organization that will provide you with exciting new ideas, expert instruction and a way of staying in touch with others in the world of smocking, heirloom sewing and the related needle arts. You will have an opportunity to attend Conventions, participate in Educational Programs and Courses, such as Artisan, Smock Alongs, and SAGA Stitches while learning effective tips & techniques to improve your skills.

You will also receive SAGANews, our quarterly magazine filled with designs, information, creative ideas, convention information, chapter news, and chapter activities with articles and projects designed to help you learn new smocking techniques or enhance your old ones.

The SAGA Board of Directors welcomes contact from members. The addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for Board members and committee chairs appear in each issue of SAGANews, available here for members. In addition, anyone can phone (817)350-4883  and a message will be forwarded promptly to the appropriate Board member or chair.

We look forward to hearing from you.

          Explore the different levels of membership, then scroll to the bottom of the page for the link to Join Now online.

SAGA members create a variety of simple gowns and donate them to local hospitals to clothe babies who die at birth or shortly after. Many groups also donate bonnets or caps that can be smocked, heirloom sewn, hand/machine embroidered, or a variety of other needle arts acceptable for babies.

For a parent holding a dying baby, sorrow is often overwhelming. Life isn't supposed to end before it's really had a chance to start. In those moments, even the strongest have their faith tested. What comfort there is often comes in simple acts - an arm wrapped around grieving shoulders, shared tears, the gentle touch of a hand. At many hospitals across the country, comfort also comes in the form of small gowns lovingly created individually by members of local smocking chapters. A social worker at one hospital stated, "We use them almost exclusively for babies that have died or are going to die.  Sometimes, the parents keep the gowns as a keepsake; sometimes, the babies are buried in them. I try to let the parents pick out which gown they want on their baby. Sometimes, it's the only parenting they get to do."

The idea for the SAGA Wee Care gowns came in 1986, from Rose Trellis Smockers chapter in Portland, Oregon. Members Chris Owings and Nancy Newell were looking for a distinctive public service project for chapter members that could be made quickly, would require inexpensive materials, would teach beginners new techniques, yet be worth the time of more experienced members. Owings, a registered nurse and childbirth educator, and Newell, a pattern designer, seemed chosen to discover the need for these gowns and determine a way to fill that need. The Wee Care project members sewed and smocked these gowns, bonnets, and embroidered blankets, and created beautiful garments to donate to local hospitals to clothe babies who died at birth or shortly after.

It did not take long for the SAGA Wee Care service program to be adopted by SAGA chapters across the United States, Canada, and Australia. It has even expanded further with chapters providing gowns to be used in hospital neo-natal units for preemie babies that survive and must have an extended hospital stay. Often, hospitals request these gowns in prints and brighter colors and use them on a daily basis.

The SAGA Wee Care projects seem to have opened many unexpected channels for communication and emotional healing, as women have noted that stitching the tiny gowns helps them to talk about their own losses. The project is a gratifying experience for many chapter members to participate in, especially when letters like the following are received:

"This note is to say thank you to the individual who donated their time to smock a small gown for our local hospital. My grandson was born on February 3rd. How excited we were until about four hours later when he became critically ill with a genetic disorder. We said good-by to him on February 5th. He was dressed in a white gown with blue smocking at the neckline and on the sleeves. We were grateful for the donation of this gown as we did not have knowledge that our time was to be so short with him. His parents have the gown as one of the few things actually used by their son. Again, we thank you for this gift of love."

Funds have been appropriated for 2021 SAGA Grants.

Chapters who applied for grants in 2020 and were forced to postpone or cancel their planned workshops may reapply in 2021.

The SAGA Grants program will continue to support chapters in presenting workshops with teachers of SAGA approved classes in the coming year.

The SAGA Grants program supports chapters which present workshops with teachers of SAGA approved classes.

• Two (2) $500 Chapter Education Grants will be awarded to each of the five (5) regions.
• Two (2) $500 Small Chapter Grants will be awarded to two chapters with 3-10 members.  These additional grants may be used for workshops to increase membership.
• Two (2) $500 Teacher Grants will be awarded to two chapters hosting a teacher who has not taught a SAGA approved class at SAGA national event in the previous 2 years. The class taught at the workshop must be SAGA approved.
• A chapter is eligible to apply for a grant every other year.

More information and application can be found .  Or contact vpoperations@smocking.org.

Consider a workshop for 2021 now. All interested chapters are encouraged to apply. SAGA Vice President, vpoperations@smocking.org will be available to answer any questions and guide you through the process.

SAGA Bibliographies have been compiled by the Board of Directors, teachers, and artisan achievers to assist members in finding resources as they strive to learn and grow as needleartists.  Please check our business members if you wish to buy any of the recommended publications.  You can discuss the books on our forum (coming soon). 

Smocking

Fine Machine Sewing

Fine Hand Sewing

Embroidery

Other Needlearts

SAGA is in the process of developing content for this page.  Please check back.

SAGA is in the process of developing content for this page.  Please check back.

Embroidery


Baumeister, Jeannie Downs.  Jeannie B’s Book of Heirloom Embroidery Designs and Stitches, Old Fashion Baby, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2008.

Bradford, Jenny.  Little Book of Wool and Silk Embroidery, New South Wales,Australia, 1999

Bauer, Margie.  A-Z of Bullions, South Australia, Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications

Causee, Linda.  An Encyclopedia of Crazy Quilt Stitches and Motifs, San Marcos, California,  American School of Needlework, Inc., 1997

Coss, Melinda, Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Embroidery, Reader’s Digest Association, Pleasantville, New York,
1996

De Dillmont, Therese.  Encyclopedia of Needlework, Mulhouse, France, DMC

Dobson, Judith.  Roses and Delicate Embroidery,  Denver, Colorado, Belles and Beaus

Golson, Julia.  Basic Embroidery, Atlanta, Georgia, ISA Printing and Graphics Services, 1991

Edwards, Lane.  Designs for Shadow Work Embroidery and Fine Embroidery, Books 1, 2, and 3,  Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 1994

Enthoven, Jacqueline.  The Stitches of Creative Embroidery, West Chester, Pennsyvania,  Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1987

Gardner, Sue.  A-Z of Embroidered Flowers, South Australia, Australia Country Bumpkin Publications, 2001

Gardner, Sue.  A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, South Australia, Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications, 1997

Gardner, Sue.  Beautiful Embroidered Quilts, Aurora, Ilinois, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2006

Gardner, Sue.  Embroidered Christening Gowns, Adelaide, Australia, Country Bumpkins Publications, 2005

Gardner, Sue.  World’s Most Beautiful Blankets, Adelaide, Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2004

Gostelow, Mary.  Embroidery, Traditional Designs, Techniques and Patterns From All Over the World, New York, New York, Arco Publishing, Inc., 1983

Harris, Christine.  Embroidered Initials, New South Wales, Australia, Sally Milner Publishing Pty. Ltd., 1991

Krezelak, Donna.  Designs for Shadow Work Embroidery and Fine Embroidery, McGaheysville, Virginia, Honeysuckle Company, 1990

Lampe, Diana.  The Little Book of Embroidered Garden Flowers, New South Wales, Australia, Sally Milner Publishing Pty. Ltd., 1999

Maison R. Malbranche.  Lecon de Broderie, Paris, France, Arts d’intrieurs-Armand Colin, 1998

Marsh, Gail.  Eighteenth Century Embroidery Techniques, Guild of Master Craftsman, East Essex, England 2006

Michler, J. Marsha.  The Magic of Crazy Quilting, A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting, Iola, Wisconsin, Krause Publications, 2003

Mooney, Michie’.  Heirloom Embroidery, Trinity, Alabama, Creations by Michie’, 2004

O’Connor, Susan, A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, South Australia, Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications,  2007.

O’Connor, Susan.  Embroidered Flowers for Elizabeth, South Australia, Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2010

Porthault, D.  Broderies en Couleurs, Paris, France, Le Temps Apprivoise, 2001

Porthault, D.  Broderie Blanche, Paris, France, Le Temps DMC, LTA Arts Du Fil, 2002

Saunders, Sally.  Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques, Batsford, Ltd., London, England, 1998.

Scott, Anna.   The Embroiderer’s Handbook Ultimate Guide to Thread Embroidery, South Australia, Ausstralia, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2004

Scott, Anna.  The Embroidered Quilt,  Aurora, Ilinois, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2006

Sully, Primrose.  Stunning Stitches with Original Patterns, London, England, Merehurst, 1990.

Search Press, Embroiderer’s Pattern Book, Kent, England, Search Press, 2004

Scott, Anna.  More Beautiful Embroidered Blankets, South Australia,  Australia, Country Bumpkin Publications, 2009.

Synge, Lanto.  Royal School of Needlework  Book of Needlework and Embroidery, London, England, Oregon House, 1986.

Whyte, Kathleen.  Design in Embroidery, Great Britain, Jarrold and Sons Limited, 1970.






 

Boyles, Margaret,  Pinafore Bibs, Heritage Collection, Margaret and Company, Dunwoody, Georgia, 1987.

Johnson, Elizabeth Travis, Sewing for Children,  Children’s Corner, Inc.,  USA, 1981.

Pierce, Margaret, Heirloom Sewing, Stitching Lessons from Creative Needle, Needle Publishing, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 1999.

Pierce, Margaret.  Heirloom Sewing, USA,  Revised 1992.

Pierce, Margaret.  Heirloom Sewing II,   USA,  Revised 1995.

Pierce, Margaret.  Heirloom Sewing III,  USA,  Revised 1992.

Pierce, Margaret.  Heirloom Sewing IV,  USA,  Revised 1993.

Scott, Anna.  A-Z of Heirloom Sewing, Bookbuilders, China, 2010.

Stone, Sarah Howard.  French Hand Sewing, Sarah Howard Stone, Montgomery, Alabama,  printing  2003.

Stone, Sarah Howard.  French Hand Sewing for Infants,  Sarah Howard Stone, Montgomery, Alabama,  printing 2003.

Unknown, “Handmades” for your Baby, USA, 1984.

Ahles, Carol.  Fine Machine Sewing, Taunton Press, Inc., Newtown, Connecticut, 1996.
Hillert, Gayle.  Heirloom Beginnings, Bernina of America, Inc., USA, 1997
Pontiff, Nona Shipman.  Fine Machine Sewing Basics, Pontiff, USA, 2004.
Thomason, Lezette.  Sewing Secrets,  Children’s Corner, USA,  2002.
Weeks, Lyn.  Precise and Professional, Lanier Professional Services, Oakbrook, Illinois, 2005.

Beginning Smocking

Andrew, Anne.   Embroidery, Skills, Smocking, London,  Merehurst Press, 1990.

Armes, Alice.   English Smocks, Dryad Press, Leicester, England, 1972.

Ballew, Lezette.  English Smocking, Children’s Corner, Inc.,  Nashville, Tennessee, 1981.

Bauer, Margie.  Best of Australian Smocking and Embroidery,     Country Bumpkin Publications, Norwood, Australia.

Bradford, Jenny.   Simply Smocking, New York, New York, Sterling Publishing Company. 1990 (first published in Australia, 1989)

Cave, Oenone.  Traditional Smocks and Smocking, Mills & Boon  Ltd., London, 1979.

Davies, Helen, editor. Beautiful Bishops, Country Bumpkin Publications, Malvern, Australia  2006.

Davies, Helen, editor.  Designer Smocking for Tots and Teens,  Country Bumpkin Publishers, Malvern, Australia, 2007.

Douglas, Sarah. The Pleater Manual, Heirloom Collection,  Orinda, California, 1993, 1994.

Durand, R. Dianne, “The Art of English Smocking”, Little Miss Muffet, Knoxville, Tennessee,  1978, 1982.

Durand, Dianne R.  Smocking Stitches and the Art of English Smocking.  Rainbow Hill, 1980’s.

Durand, Dianne R.   Smocking, Technique, Projects and Designs,  Dover, Publications, New York.

Gardner, Sue, ed.  A – Z of Smocking. Chicago: Quilters’ Resource, Inc.,   2003.

Hall, Maggie.  Smocks,  Shire Publications, Ltd.,   London, 1983, 1993.

Hodges, Jean.  Smocking Design, Dover Publications, Inc., New York,   1988.

Holland, Allyne S.  Treasury of Smocking Designs,  Dover  Publications, Inc., New York, 1985.

Hodges, Jean and Oenone Caves.   Smocking:  Traditional and Modern  Approaches.  London:  Batsford, 1984.

Keay, Diana.  The Book of Smocking, Arco Publishing, Inc., New York, 1985.

Johnson, Elizabeth Travis.  The Complete Book of Sewing for Children.   Huntsville:  Albright & Co., 1990.

Knott, Grace L.  English Smocking,  Grace L. Knott Smocking Supplies, Limited, Britannia Publishers, Canada, 1989.

Lohmann, Cheryl.  Classic Smocking, Needle Publishing, Inc.,  Lookout Mountain, Georgia, 1996.

Lomax, Nadine N. and Jane Mc Pherson.   The Smocked Bishop Dress,  McPherson,  Atlanta, Georgia. 1982.

MacDonald, Juliet.  Geometric Smocking, Pro-print, Durban, South Africa.

Malitz, Nancy Pattee. Advanced English Smocking.  Malitz. Malitz, Nancy Pattee. Beginning English Smocking, Malitz.

Malitz, Nancy Pattee. Smocked Laces and Designs , Malitz. Marshall, Beverley.  Smocks and Smocking, Alphabooks, Sherborne Dorset, England, 1980.

McCarn, Ellen. Ellen McCarn on English Smocking,  McCarn Enterprises, USA, 1986.

McCarn, Ellen.  One Stitch at a Time with Ellen McCarn, McCarn Enterprises, USA, 1988.

 McCarn, Ellen.  Picture Smocking with Ellen McCarn, McCarn Enterprises, USA, 1990.

O’Connor, Susan, editor.  A – Z of Sewing for Smockers, Country Bumpkin Publishers, Kent, Australia,  2004.

O’Connor, Susan, editor.   A – Z of Smocking, Country Bumpkin  Publications, Kent Town, Australia,  2000.

Pullen, Martha, Ph.D.   The Joy of Smocking, Martha Pullen Company, Brownsville, Alabama, 1993.

Rankin, Chris.   Creative Smocking, Contemporary Design, Traditional  Techniques, Lark Books, New York, 1997.

Sanders, Jennifer.  Australian Heritage Needlework:  surface Embroidery and Smocking.  Victoria:  Sandpiper Press, 1993.

Smocking Arts Guild of America.  Stitch Anatomy, Associated Litho,  Newton, New Jersey,  2000.

Thom, Margaret.   Smocking in Embroidery, Drake Publishers Inc.  New York, 1972.

Thompson, Laura Jenkins.  Lattice Smocking, Charleston, South Carolina, 1998.

Thompson, Laura Jenkins.  Perfecting Picture Smocking, Golden Rule  Printing, Inc.  Hunstville, Alabama, 1994.

Thornton, Chella.   Smocking Book, Whitcombe & Gilmour,  Montreal, Canada, 1951.

Timmins, Patricia Munoz.  Beginning Italian Smocking, Timmins South Africa,  2001.

Timmins, Patricia Munoz.  Advanced Italian Smocking, Timmins, South Africa,  .

Timmins, Patricia Munoz.  Let’s Smock It, Triple T Publishing c.c., South Africa, 1997.

Wolff, Colette Wolff.   The Art of Manipulating Fabric,  Krause Publications, Iola,  Wisconsin, 1996.

Magazines

“Australian Smocking and Embroidery”

           County Bumpkin Publications, Malvern, Australia.

“Creative Needle” (no longer published)

           Creative Needle, Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

“Inspirations”

           Country Bumpkin Publications, Malvern, Australia.

“Sew Beautiful”

           Martha Pullen, Birmingham Alabama.

SAGA also encompasses other needlearts, including pulled thread work, fagoting and lace-making, to name a few. Our needlework is not limited to garments; hours of meticulous stitching may go into a small item for holding pins or scissors. The needlework may be dimensional as well, as in the framed piece shown above. 

SAGA provides classes at its annual convention on multiple types of needlearts. There are tutorial videos on youtube, linked from this website, and a variety of SAGA Stitches programs are available for purchase and download. Correspondence courses and chapter programs are another option for those interested in furthering their needlearts skills.

Sewing construction in its simplest form means putting together a garment or other project with needle(s) and thread. But true artisans hold themselves to a higher standard, using classic construction techniques to produce a garment that is as neat on the inside as on the outside.  Characteristics of good construction include french or bound seams, tiny corded piping, evenly distributed gathers, ripple-free bias bindings, full or partial linings, and good basting practices to help ensure accuracy. Machine-worked buttonholes are generally acceptable, but hand-worked and bound buttonholes should also be learned, along with thread-shank button attachment. Hand-picked or pin-stitched hems are essential techniques to know, and hand-worked thread loops for buttons or sashes add just the right finishing touch. Good pressing technique is also required during construction in order to produce a quality product. Garments constructed in this way are sturdy and wear well, making them ideal for anything from play clothes to special occasion clothing to be passed to future generations.

A wide variety of good tools are available available to aid in every aspect of construction so that professional results are easily attained.

SAGA provides construction classes at its annual convention.  In addition, SAGA Stitches programs are available, as well as correspondence courses and chapter programs for those interested in learning various types of construction.

Embroidery is defined as the embellishment of a surface with a threaded needle, and we generally narrow that definition to mean using a hand-held needle and thread to decorate fabric. That still leaves a broad spectrum of techniques and styles for embroidery, such as basic stitches (chain, feather, cross-stitch, etc.), whitework, drawn-thread and pulled thread, raised or padded embroidery, Jacobean, couching, and silk shading to name a few.

Many types of embroidery were developed in specific areas of the world, including Hardanger (Norway), Schwalm (Germany), Colbert (France), and Ayrshire (Scotland).  Some techniques such as blackwork, candlewicking, goldwork, and stumpwork have fallen out of general use but have been revived in recent years. 

Fiber choices vary from stranded cotton to pure silk and even metals that have been stranded.  There are new synthetic fibers to experiment with today, as well as various cotton, linen, silk, wool and synthetic fabrics upon which to work. Some embroiderers prefer to duplicate traditional fibers and styles as much as possible, while others delight in combining different techniques, fibers and styles, to create a very personalized art form.

SAGA provides classes at its annual convention in many types of embroidery.  In addition, SAGA Stitches programs are available, as well as correspondence courses and chapter programs for those interested in learning various types of embroidery.

SAGA provides fine hand sewing classes at its annual convention.  In addition, SAGA Stitches programs are available, as well as correspondence courses and chapter programs for those interested in learning the art of fine hand sewing.

Fine Machine Sewing is also called Heirloom sewing or French hand sewing by machine.  It is the art of producing the look and feel of fine heirloom garments and other pieces with a sewing machine.  In today's world, many garments are a combination of excellent construction by machine combined with fine details and embellishments produced either by hand or machine.           

SAGA provides fine machine sewing classes at its annual convention.  In addition, SAGA Stitches programs are available, as well as correspondence courses and chapter programs for those interested in learning fine machine sewing.

Smocking is a centuries-old form of needlework consisting of surface embroidery stitches worked over gathered fabric. The smocking stitches serve a dual purpose: first as a decorative element, executed in simple or complex combinations. Second, they perform a specific function, holding each pleat in place, yet allowing elasticity of the gathered area. This elasticity is the result of the unique formation sequence of smocking stitches. It is this characteristic which sets smocking apart from any other type of embroidery.

There are two main categories of smocking; English smocking and direct smocking.   English smocking consists of traditional smocking stitches executed over fabric which has been closely and evenly pre-pleated. The smocking designs are referred to as either Geometric, consisting of lines, waves and diamonds, or Stacked Cable, figural designs formed by closely packed cable stitches.

Other variations come under the very general term of direct smocking, so named because the fabric is drawn up and the stitches are applied simultaneously. Included in this category are American, Counterchange, Italian smocking, and various forms of fabric manipulation which have a different look from traditional English Smocking. Although these techniques do not have the same amount of elasticity, in fact some have none, they produce stunning textural effects.

True smocking stitches are done only by hand. Currently, the pleating is most often done by a machine designed specifically for the purpose. But before the pleater was invented in the 1940's, all pleating was done by hand. Although most smocking is used on clothing, contemporary applications are also possible in the form of home decor items, holiday decorations, accessories, soft sculpture and abstract fiber art. SAGA provides smocking classes at its annual convention. In addition, SAGA Stitches programs are available, as well as correspondence courses and chapter programs for those interested in learning to smock.

Here it is, ladies! Everything you need to know to get signed up for our 2024 Convention in Hampton, Virginia!

Click on the link and download the complete brochure for the 2024 Stitching Serenity SAGA National Convention, to be held on October 16 through October 20, with pre-day on October 15, 2024. Make your lists, get your rooms reserved, and get ready to log on and sign up starting at 10:00 am Central Time on Monday, June 17.

Here is the Intro and Lessons 1-3 of the current Stitch-A-Long!

Vaune Pierce lives with her husband, John, in Moorpark, California.  Although trained as an engineer, she started smocking over 25 years ago, for her 4 children.  She has attended classes at the Imperial Bordados Embroidery Factory in Madeira, Portugal.  A nationally known teacher/designer for not only smocking, but Heirloom sewing, embroidery and construction, she teaches for groups, guilds, and at seminars and workshops around the country.  Vaune has had articles and designs published in Threads Magazine, Classic Sewing , Sew Beautiful, and Creative Smocking magazines.   She is the owner/designer of the Classic Couture Pattern line, as well as Vaune, which carries fine fabrics, laces and Swiss embroideries.  Contact her at (805) 529-5005,  vaune@vaune.com , or www.vaune.com .  Follow her at www.vaunessewingroom.blogspot.com  !

At the 2012 convention, the Board of Directors issued a challenge to chapters to grow their membership.  For each 10% increase a chapter achieves, it will receive a free download of a SAGA Stitches program.  At the 2013 convention in Frisco, Texas, the chapter that has the most growth will be recognized and receive a very special prize commemorating its success.  Chapters may contact region reps for more information.

The SAGA National Board invites you to apply for one of fourteen grants for this calendar year. Grants were established as a way to provide educational opportunities beyond the National Conventions and/or Regional Retreats. They are awarded to chapters to help offset the cost of hosting a workshop which, in turn, contributes to furthering the educational goals of SAGA. The downloadable letter below goes over the grants available, the deadlines for application, and the eligibility requirements.  

The SAGA Board has announced that there are 14 grants available for this year. Applications will be taken between September 1 and June 1 annually for workshops to be held between January 1 and December 31. Additional information and requirements, as well as application forms, are contained in the downloadable file below.

Apply for your grant now, before they are gone for the year!

Here is the 6th Clue!

Here is the 5th clue! Happy Stitching!

Smocking fundamentally is the manipulation of fabric using needle and thread. In its simplest form, smocking is decorative needlework stitched over pleats to embellish the item. However this does not define its limits. Smocking can be used to create texture, design or flexibility in fabrics. When a more sophisticated technique is employed the color and weight of the fabric can be influenced and the folds of the fabric become the focus rather than the embroidered stitches. SAGA is your resource to over 20 different forms of smocking

Simply put, an elevator speech is a 30 second answer to a question, such as one might be able to give when asked on an elevator.  Are you never ready when someone asks what the handwork is you are doing when you are smocking?  Has someone seen your SAGA tee shirt, water bottle, or pin and asked, "What is SAGA?"  Would you like to have a ready answer? 

With this short group exercise, designed by SAGA past president Liz Perch, you will never be tongue tied again!  Develop an answer that is personal to you and your chapter, with input from your group.

Chapters considering using the Writing a SAGA Elevator Speech program may have one or more facilitators participate in a conference call training.  The training is very helpful to conducting the exercise but is not required. 

Trainings will be scheduled as needed, by dial in conference call with internet access preferred.  Our conference call system requires a long distance dial in, that is, each participant will pay for her own phone call.  The calls will last about 30 to 45 minutes.  Contact pastpresident@smocking.org or call 817-350-4883 for more information.

On www.smocking.org, click on the MEMBERS box on the upper left of the screen. Enter your SAGA ID or username.  There's a link to help if you have forgotten your ID or Password. Then click on LOGIN. You will see the choices for renewal. (Note: after the convention, when you login you will see a reminder that it is time to renew!)

From this page, you can renew online via a secure PayPal link, or by printing the form and mailing with a check. Note that checks take up to 6 weeks to clear and be processed.

Alternately, you can pay by credit card with a phone call to the registrar who is available M-F, 10-5 Eastern time. Call 1-817-350-4883, ext.1.

Here is Clue 4. Please remember this Smock-Along is for members only. Happy Stitching!

Here is the Clue 3! Please remember that this is for members only and all material is copyrighted! For previous clues, click on "View All Tips and Techniques". Happy Stitching!

We are over 1900 followers strong and growing! We would like to add a Member’s Showcase Board to give you some wonderful inspiration, as well as show off the amazing talents of our membership. If you have a cute dress or outfit that you have made and that showcases your stitching abilities, we would love to see it, especially if it is modeled on an adorable little person (bigger persons as well if you have added smocking to an adult design)! So send a picture of your creations to Lori Popelka, regionthree@smocking.org along with any basic information, such as pattern or smocking plate used and she will add it to our Pinterest board! Please realize that by mailing us the picture you are giving us permission to post the picture and promising that you have the rights to use the picture.

Here is the second clue! Please remember that Barbara developed this for members only - please feel free to share your progress on the facebook page, and to make copies of the clue to share with fellow members, but please do not post the clue online or share with non-SAGA members. All materials are copyrighted. 

Your check is sent to a P.O. Box and manually picked up by a SAGA member. These are then mailed to our treasurer. Depending upon the USPS, this process can take up to 6 weeks for the checks to be deposited and processed.

Here is the First Clue if you don't have it already!

Great News – SAGA is now on Pinterest! Check out our site for your one stop source for the best smocking and construction tutorials, everything Wee Care, free smocking plates, heirloom and embroidery “how to’s” as well as quick sewing gifts!

We have just begun to build the site in the last month or so, so be sure to “follow” us so you can see each pin as it is added. Never checked out Pinterest?  – now is the time! Pinterest is an online bulletin board full of pictures. If you see something you like, just click on it – you will get a bigger picture of the item. Click on it again and it will take you to the site where the picture, tutorial, or smocking plate lives on the web. Best of all, if you are unsure about this whole Pinterest thing, unlike Facebook, there is no need to sign up. You can go to any site on Pinterest, just browse and click.  You only have to sign up for a Pinterst account if you want to be able to save the “pins” to your own boards.

Take your time to check out our boards!  Remember, start following us so you can keep up with all the latest inspiration!

Members are the most important part of SAGA, and we all need to work for its success.  We share our passions about the sewing and needlearts and we are all intent on preserving these arts for future generations to enjoy.   The SAGA Board of Directors would like every member to think about how she might volunteer to help SAGA thrive.  It might be in your local chapter.  But volunteering for SAGA national is a terrific opportunity for members to make a valuable contribution to the mission of the organization. You will meet new people, gain experience in managing an organization, and maybe get some insider insights.

Like many of her fellow SAGA members Lyn has had a passion for sewing since being exposed to fine needlework as a child. Not until the birth of her daughter, however, did a long and varied career with smocking, heirloom sewing, embroidery and teaching become a focal point. Throughout the early years and with two young children, hundreds of hours were spent designing and producing special hand-worked baby and children’s garments for boutiques around Australia. In 1989 all that was to change when the opportunity arose to be part of Country Bumpkin’s, and Australia’s, first Smocking and Sewing Convention, held in the tiny South Australian town of Keith. Little was known about what to expect at Australia’s first, and somewhat overwhelming, national convention. With a smocked garment that won Best in Show, Lyn’s love of sewing was soon to take a new direction towards teaching. After a prolonged period of working and living in the Midwest, where further opportunities arose for teaching on a national level with classes approved by the Smocking Arts Guild of America, a Fashion and Design qualification, the production of over a dozen garment patterns and a book on fine machine sewing.

Lyn has now returned to live in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, close enough to participate in the enjoyment of four small grandchildren. Settling back into a more constant family life has been a joy over the past couple of years. The four grandchildren, who love to visit their ‘Mutti’ (a loving nickname bestowed by her own children a generation ago) to share the adventures of feeding the neighboring horses, discover the visiting wildlife in her Australian native garden and run and play in the country air – Lyn now spends many hours with adoring ‘little ones’. These ‘real life’ models are sometimes the focus of a photo shoot to promote the latest garment design. For granddaughter Madeleine’s recent third birthday, Lyn designed and constructed two rainbow dresses for Madeleine and cousin Emily to wear as a highlight for the rainbow theme party. Much proud ‘twirling’ was done as the two girls showed off their colorful outfits.

Lyn’s passion is still the aim for perfection in her own and class participant’s work, having once been told by a well known smocking personality, that “sewing special clothes for the ones we love is a lasting reminder of those memorable people and times in our lives” – sometimes it’s a dress comprising an inordinate amount of work for one of the granddaughters and sometimes it’s just a simple pair of lined corduroy pants, but each and every project gives enjoyment.

Now in the process of re-establishing her business arrangements based in her homeland, but with an international focus, Lyn’s driving theme ‘From Antique to Designer’ continues to be the basis reflected in the emerging new Web Site www.lynweeks.com.

Lyn’s collection of over 80 antique Christening gowns, baby and children’s garments provide the inspiration for coordinating fine fabrics, laces and trims. It is now more than twenty years from that first Beating Around the Bush and Lyn claims to be just as excited about the future opportunities as in those very early years of a rapidly developing Australian smocking culture. Lyn’s future focus will complement her design work through availability of US and Australian based workshops in heirloom and couture sewing to support the growth of construction expertise in our broader Needlework Industry. Lyn’s approach to her profession is summed up in this quote from Lyn; “We have so much to learn from old garments of any period in time, and the tools and skills to make improvements in just about every aspect. It is a pure delight to help class participants produce a garment that is their very best effort”.

Gail Doane was born, raised and educated in Canada, and currently lives just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.  She’s quite sure she was born with a needle in her hand and has no recollection of ever not sewing.  Mostly self-taught, but a natural book learner, her style is detail oriented, but quite open to breaking the ‘rules’. 

Gail's work began appearing in Creative Needle and Sew Beautiful magazines in the early 1990’s and continues in current issues.  Her first project published in Australian Smocking and Embroidery was in 2002.  Country Bumpkin published her first book titled 'Cute As A Button', a collection of smocked dresses and coordinating embroidered jackets, in 2009.  The book was also released by an American publisher under the name 'Sew Cute Couture'.  She has a good eye and great appreciation for quality fabrics, and has a personal motto of “keep working on it till you get it right”. 

A self-described complete heirloom sewing addict, Gail brings to the classroom 30 years of hands-on, real life experience, dressing seven children, and now an ever expanding crew of grandchildren in beautiful heirloom clothing.

Design Show offers seven specialty awards, including

Avant-garde: The Sarah Douglas Award
Best Use of Color: The Nellie Durand Award
Construction: The Elizabeth Travis Johnson Award
Embroidery: The Laura Jenkins Thompson Award
Fine Hand Sewing: The Margaret Pierce Award
Fine Machine Sewing: The Carol Laflin Ahles Award
Smocking: The Florence Roberson Award

You can read all about these special ladies and the awards in their honor in the attached downloadable pdf.

While stitching by grandma's knee at age 4, I developed a lifelong passion for needlework.  I pursued it through my college career, volunteered at a number of historic museums, wrote magazine articles, delivered lectures, and have traveled and taught over 30 years.  Specializing in "vintage" fine hand sewing techniques, with particular interest in costuming and embellishment, it remains a passion.

My teaching philosophy is one that endeavors to enlighten students to a variety of materials and techniques, encouraging them to add to their own personal “bag of tricks”.  I like to teach technique as well as educate the eye to recognize both past uses and future possibilities of such materials and techniques.  My personal affinity is for the "past", reflecting a period style, but I do, however, appreciate and encourage each person’s own vision of needlework and thoroughly enjoy each individual creative process.

To learn more about "Bobbi", visit her website: www.Embellishmentsone.com

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A great Wee Care design for your Wee Care Group!

Trisha Smith is a designer of children’s clothes and has her own pattern line, “Trisha’s Treasures”.  She has taught children’s sewing for over 23 years and is known for her sweetness and patience in the classroom.  She travels and teaches throughout the US for various specialty shops and saga groups.  She has taught at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion since 1997 and her designs have been featured regularly in Sew Beautiful magazine.  Trisha’s desire is to share her love of sewing with her students and teach them how to make timeless garments for the special child in their life.  She enjoys helping them feel the satisfaction that comes from seeing their child in a garment made with love “just for them”.    She says it is those little details that make the difference between a garment being just ok or something really special.

Adorable Heirlooms

Florinka L. Brock, Owner, 6245 Golfview Drive, Burton, MI 48509

Tel. 810-743-5729, Fax 810-743-6974

Email: info@adorableheirlooms.com

Adorable Heirlooms is your connection to the finest quality fabrics and trims!  Our fabric lines are ideal for all sewing projects, but our Swiss and English pima cottons and lawns are perfect for smocking or heirloom sewing.  Plus, we carry Imperial Batiste and Broadcloth at the lowest non-bolt prices!  Browse our selection of Swiss embroideries and French laces but don’t forget to take a look at our mother-of-pearl buttons ~ it’s the largest selection ever!  We have great low prices, premium products and I’m dedicated to giving you the highest standard of customer service.  Visit my web site, and while you’re there sign up for the free newsletter to take advantage of special on-line sales and to receive new merchandise news.  Join us on Facebook for contests, prizes, sew alongs, free tips and free projects! Dozens of stitchers are having fun right now!  Want to have fun, too?  “Like” our Facebook page and you can! 

Don’t automatically start on Row 1 when beginning a new smocking project, especially if it is all cable stitch.  A row of cables is difficult enough to stitch smoothly and uniformly.  Since the pleats on Row 1 are unstable, without control of other stitches, stitching is even more difficult.  I like to start with a row made up of trellis waves, or similar combination, mid-way down on the design.  Not only can I usually set the design repeat with this row, but the travelling stitches don’t require stable pleats.  Rows of cables are the last that I stitch.

Carol Laflin Ahles has been a Threads Magazine author for 20 years and is also recognized for her 22 years of writing for Creative Needle Magazine.  She is known for her clear writing and teaching st yle that emphasizes getting the best results from any sewing machine.  Carol has taught thousands of students simple ways to understand and perfect seemingly difficult techniques, such as narrow hemming and machine tension adjustment.  Her specialties include classy, tailored applications for handsewn-looking details such as hemstitching, fagoting, pin tucks, and shadow work.
 
Carol has contributed to several books, but her best-selling Fine Machine Sewing (Taunton Press, revised hardcover 2001, updated soft cover 2003), is described as "the bible of heirloom sewing techniques" and “an essential purchase” by the Library Journal.
 
She travels extensively to teach for American Sewing Guild (ASG) and Smocking Arts Guild (SAGA) National Conventions, the International Quilt Festivals (Houston), Martha Pullen Schools, Australian Needle Arts Schools, the Sewing and Stitchery Expos (Puyallup, WA), the AQS Quilt Show (Paducah), Sewing at the Beach (SATB), as well as for many machine company conventions.
A lifelong sewer and former shop owner, Carol has judged wearables for both the AQS Paducah Quilt Show and the Houston Quilt Festival “Stitch in Time Fashion Show.”  Carol has been a SAGA member since 1981, a teacher of SAGA-approved classes since 1986, and a member of the Arti san Committee since 1987.
 
Her popular Carol Ahles Fine Heirloom Tools are Victorian-style chatelaine necklaces with scissors, needle case necklaces, pewter pincushions, etc. made in England.
 
You may have met Carol’s husband Ron (college sweetheart) at seminars.  Carol says, “He has always been supportive, but started helping at the last minute for a major seminar/market almost 10 yrs. ago when the doctor ordered me not to lift anything heavier than a purse.  We were surprised at how much we both enjoyed it and Ron (a banker by trade) has now become a quilter.  I get such a kick out of hearing him answer sewing questions in ‘our’ booth just the way I would!”
 
Carol and Ron live in Houston, TX.  Their greatest joy now is spending time with their four grandkids - also in Houston!  Some of you may remember that Carol flew home during the 2006 Anaheim Convention for grandson Grant’s birth and flew back the next day to finish teaching.  Grant, now 4, has two sisters (ages 27 mos. and 11 mos.) and a 16 month old cousin, Sydney.  Yes, that’s three girls age 2 and under for whom to sew! 
 
CAROL  LAFLIN  AHLES
3110 Ashlock Dr.
Houston, TX 77082
 
P. O. Box 820152
Houston, TX  77282-0152
(281) 558-1497
carolahles@sbcglobal.net             
www.carolahles.com
 

Jeannie Downs Baumeister is a designer, needle arts teacher and the author of the book Jeannie B’s Book of  Heirloom Embroidery Designs & Stitches.    Her popular pattern line “The Old Fashioned Baby” is sold worldwide.   Jeannie’s patterns reflect her interest in vintage infants and children’s clothing, as do her classes, many of which include techniques and embellishments used from the late 1800’s to the 1920’s.   Jeannie is the author of the former Creative Needle column The old Fashioned Baby and currently writes for Sew Beautiful Magazine.   Jeannie’s teaching assignments include Australian Workshops, Needlework Guilds, Threads of Love Conventions, Shops, SAGA, and the Martha Pullen School in Huntsville.  She will be teaching at this year’s SAGA Convention in Atlanta.

Often sewing is a legacy passed from one generation to another and, for Phyllis, it started when she was a young girl sewing under the influence of her mother and grandmother. Not able to afford the beautiful smocked clothes she saw hanging in the store windows, Phyllis learned to smock in the hope some day to have children to wear the special garments she made. This love led her to discover other forms of embroidery such as drawn thread work, intricate Madeira embroidery and white work. For her, creating beautiful things and taking pleasure in every stitch became a passion.

Searching to learn more about the embroidery she loves, Phyllis found a local SAGA guild where she has been a member since 1983 and has served that group in several capacities. She is also a member of EGA and has turned into a workshop junkie! You will find her attending as many workshops and SAGA conventions as she can fit into her schedule. Her interests have expanded her travels to several cities across the United States and to the beautiful Island of Madeira where she was able to study at the Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute.

She has passed the SAGA apprentice level in smocking and embroidery and hopes to some day earn her artisan master’s level in these areas. She is also working to complete her 10 phases of certification in Japanese embroidery. Phyllis had the honor of winning the 2012 Wee Care Challenge at the national convention held in Anaheim, CA. She is a SAGA approved teacher and has taught several workshops around the country, for SAGA’s National Convention and Sewing At The Beach. Her goal is to continue to educate herself and help each student easily master the techniques she presents them.

Phyllis lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband Doug, Evinrude, her cat, and her newest family member, Parker, a Great Pyrenees puppy. She has two grown daughters, Erin, who works in Washington, DC and attends American University Washington College of Law and Kimberly, a senior at N C State University in Raleigh, NC studying civil engineering.

JUDITH ADAMS is a former high school Maths teacher who lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband Ross, an Orthodontist. She has a son Steven (33 computer programmer/ systems analyst), daughter Catherine, (28, Operating Suite RN), positively delightful granddaughter Claire (born May 2010), and wonderful dog Ixie (Australian Kelpie).

Smocking since 1984, she calls it her "portable passion" and fits travelling, teaching, retailing at craft shows and designing around Steven’s busy ice and inline hockey schedules, Catherine and her netball games – a game a little like basketball, and most importantly, around Claire. Claire at 2 ½ is already learning to throw a netball and ice skate so finding time for smocking and designing may get even harder, especially as Catherine and Claire ( and beagle “Maxine”) have just moved into the house next door. The first renovation was the addition of the gate between the two back yards! We managed to get Claire to help pack kits for 2012 Convention, excellent at opening the plastic bags, so hope she thinks it will be fun  again for Frisco 2013 and then we can progress to pleating. 

Judith loves smocking on embroidered English netting, and using beads wherever possible and also teaches Limerick, Carrickmacross, and Princess Lace, and Heirloom sewing.

She has had articles published in Australian Smocking and Embroidery, Embroidery and Cross Stitch, Sew Beautiful, Creative Needle, and wrote the soft-cover book Step by Step Smocking.

Her mail order business ( www.statusthimble.com) supplies embroidered English nettings, French laces, Swiss embroideries and needlework notions.

Judith Adams, 11 Leatherwood Court Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 Australia, phone/fax  +61  2  9686 8108. Email: judith@statusthimble.com

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  As a young child, my grandmother taught me to cross stitch on gingham.  I was always fascinated by all of her sewing projects.  Years later I was stitching for my dolls. At the age of 12, my mother sent me to sewing classes and it was under the tutelage of a wonderful woman that my passion for sewing began.  From that point on, I began making many of my own clothes.  After the birth of our second daughter in 1982, I discovered smocking and heirloom sewing.  I was hooked.  This quickly became my favorite type of clothing for our children, and all 4 of them were dressed in classic, smocked and heirloom clothes.  As our children outgrew smocked clothing, I continued to sew for clients for many years.  During this time, I enjoyed the privilege of having numerous designs published in Australian Smocking and Embroidery magazine as well as Sew Beautiful magazine.

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Judith grew up on a dairy farm in southern Ontario and began dressing dolls from her mother’s fabric scrap bag long before she was allowed near her mother’s precious sewing machine. Her mother and grandmother had sewn all their lives so it seemed a natural thing for Judith to want to sew as well. But Judith wanted more; somehow she knew from the beginning that she wanted to be a ‘designer’. In Grade 3, she got caught sketching dresses for her cut-out dolls during story time. Out she was sent to stand in the hall and contemplate her misbehaviour. But this didn’t deter her dreams and desires. With her mother’s encouragement she began making her own clothes by the age of 9.

When it came to choosing a career path, Judith knew exactly where she wanted to go – Ryerson, the only school at the time in Canada that offered a course in fashion design. Upon graduation, Judith worked in many facets of the fashion business from being an assistant buyer for a large chain of lingerie stores, to working in the sewing machines business, to managing two fashion departments, to selling fabric, patterns, laces and Swiss trims as a wholesale rep and teaching the stores’ customers how to use these products.

As stay-at- home mom, she took up painting as a release for her creative urges but also did custom dressmaking for a small clientele, copying garments from Bazaar and other fashion magazines. Two of her favourite designers were Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass. It was only after her daughter was born that she learned to smock, becoming a founding member of the first Canadian SAGA chapter and later attending her first SAGA convention. She registered her business in 1983 after being asked to teach smocking at a local cross stitch shop and never looked back.

In her association with Grace L. Knott she went from being a sales rep to VP and Designer. She updated most of their patterns but also began her own line, “Amberlane & Amberpetites”, preferring a different, more user-friendly pattern format. The tables turned and Grace Knott became Judith’s distributor as her pattern line grew. Finally she was designing – not the evening gowns she dreamed about in the past but real people clothing! Now you can order directly from Judith through her web site, www.amberlane.ca.

One of Judith’s greatest joys is teaching others and seeing the ‘lights go on’ in understanding. Let Judith inspire you to create beautiful things.

Claudia Newton is from Huntsville, Alabama. Having sewn and embroidered since age 10, she is primarily self-taught but has completed formal classes at the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion, Japanese Embroidery Center, and Royal School of Needlework. She was employed by Martha Pullen Company for several years, most notably as editor of Fancywork magazine, and as embroidery/smocking editor for Sew Beautiful magazine. Claudia has been teaching since 1990 and has taught at SAGA National Conventions since 2005. Her primary areas of interest are fine hand embroidery and heirloom garment construction, with a special love for whitework and drawn-thread techniques.

1979, a good friend introduced me to smocking one afternoon and it changed the direction of my life!  We ordered a pleater from South Africa, I designed two Christmas ornament kits, and my company, Little Stitches, became a reality. The inspiration for most of my designs was a new technique I created for weaving ribbon through the smocking stitches.  To simplify this technique, I developed the Ribbonweaver,™ a flexible bodkin which minimizes twisting. 

Designing led to teaching, and I became a member of the national faculty of SAGA.  A member since 1980, I have taught at numerous national conventions and regional seminars since 1983.  I also conducted workshops for local guilds and shops in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and have taught classes at several local shops in Atlanta. My focus is on smocking techniques, including ribbonweaving, patchwork pleating, calico smocking, miniature smocking, and more.

I am a charter member of the Atlanta Smocking Guild, actively participating since it began in 1980.  I’ve held practically every office over the years, but my real dedication is to our service project, the Wee Care Program.  For many years, I have organized our annual Grady Gown workshop and have overseen the distribution of thousands of gowns to two local hospitals.  I try to stitch 100 gowns a year myself, plus patchwork quilts, diaper shirts, and isolette covers—I am somewhat crazed! When presenting gowns to Grady Hospital back in 1994, I became interested in the volunteer program in the Special Care Nursery and have been rocking and feeding preemie babies weekly ever since. I won an 11 Alive Community Service Award for my volunteer work and for developing the instructions for the Grady Gown, a preemie pattern used by ASG and available nationally through SAGA (Wee Care Program #5).  I also served SAGA as national Wee Care Chair for several years, and organized three Wee Care Trunk Shows for chapter viewing.

I grew up in Washington D.C. but I’ve lived in Atlanta since 1972 with my husband David, an attorney.  My children, Aaron and Amanda, have each produced a granddaughter in the last two years, so there are wonderful new distractions in my life.  A challenge too, as I try to adapt my interest in classic smocking styles to the modern tastes of my daughter and daughter-in-law!

After login, in the header click on "Chapters." You have a choice of Find Your Chapter, Chapters by Region, and Starting a Chapter. Choose Find Your Chapter to search by State.

Judith Marquis, 67 London Road, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6A3, Canada, Phone: 905-898-1761

Email: jamarquis@sympatico.ca

In 1998 Judith launched her own line of patterns, Amberlane & Amberpetites, with the “Grace Knott Dolls Clothes Collection” and hasn’t looked back since. Her patterns for adults, children, infants and dolls offer a good size range, multiple views, most with applications for smocking and/or heirloom sewing. Visit the web site to view them all and print out an order form. Amberlane & Amberpetites is now the official distributor of "A Garden of Smocking Designs" by Kathleen Copeland Nyberg. We also manufacture and sell the "ComPleater Box" to accompany most brands of pleaters as well as four styles of "Pleater Rods". Be sure to check these out!

Judith, a teacher of SAGA approved classes, is available to teach for guilds and shops throughout the United States and Canada.

Keep a small tin for your pleater needles that is specific to each brand of machine. I have a tin for Sally Stanley another tin for Amanda Jane and a third tin for Read.  Don't mix different needles from different sources ( eg REAL Amanda Jane with Generic AJ.) either in the tin or in the pleater. If you have a broken needle or are adding more needles for more rows, replace or add the same type needle that you already have in your pleater.  If replacing a "real" needle with the thicker and longer generic General purpose needles (mix and match) you will often just continue to break needles.

BIGGEST tip is to pleat all full space rows with one colour ( like forest green) and all half space rows with another colour ( say yellow or orange). When you need to smock on Row 11 you just move to the 11th dark green thread. So simple but makes life so much easier with fewer mistakes.

Having learned to sew before I started school, I can’t remember a time when needlework was not a part of my life. My grandmother supported her family by sewing during the Depression and my mother made most of my clothes when I was a child, so I have been fortunate to inherit a love of needlework. Over the years, I have tried just about every kind of needlework – whatever happened to be the popular (or not-so-popular) fad of the moment. To this day, whenever I hear about a new technique, I have to try it.

I have been an active member of the Greater New Orleans Chapter of SAGA for nearly 30 years. I have served on the SAGA National Board of Directors as region representative and on various committees as well as serving as president of our local guild for multiple terms. I achieved the apprentice level in Embroidery in 2006, the artisan level in Embroidery in 2008, and the apprentice of Fine Machine Sewing in 2009. I submitted my first Saga classes in 2007 and have continued to develop new classes and teach locally and for SAGA chapters nationally.

Although my formal education is in computer science and business, I “retired” from the business world when my second son was born and stayed home to raise my four boys. During this time I taught silk ribbon embroidery at a local shop and have worked for Wendy Schoen Design since 2003. I love to attend seminars and classes and have studied with just about every SAGA teacher on the list. Although I enjoy almost any form of needlework, my all-time favorite is drawn thread embroidery. I have studied with Puerto Rican masters, Mirella Arroyo and Gloria Rivera Cladellas, and of course Wendy Schoen. Now I would like to do my part to help others appreciate and enjoy this technique. However, recognizing that not everyone has the eyesight, time, or patience for drawn thread, I also teach more “finish friendly” stitches. In particular silk ribbon embroidery is a favorite that works up quickly. I am an avid collector of antique baby clothes, linens, books, and patterns and have decided that it is time to reproduce these designs and share the needlework techniques they showcase. The needlearts have enriched my life, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my love of needlework and embroidery skills with others. However, as much as I enjoy the stitching, it is the wonderful people that I have met along the way that have brought me the greatest joy.

Jane Briscoe
jane@janebriscoeheirlooms.com
63 Oak Alley Blvd Marrero, LA 70072
504 453 3427

Growing up in a Southern family life with unique characters and creative tradition, Cindy Foose comes by her talents for telling a good story, stitching a fine seam, and designing with needle and thread quite naturally.  Her introduction to rudimentary embroidery stitches at age six by a much-loved aunt set in motion a lifelong, bordering-on-obsessive, quest to study, master, and perfect a myriad of sewing skills.  For more than three decades this dedication has been evident in her classes where the instruction is always served up in a fun and entertaining manner.  

A former secondary school teacher, Cindy happily combines her two favorite passions - teaching and sewing.  Since 1988, she has participated on the faculties of The Smocking Arts Guild of America's National Conventions and Retreats.  Weekends often find her traversing the country conducting seminars for sewing guilds, retail shops, private groups, sewing schools and festivals.  Scattered across her schedule are engagements promoting the pleasures of stitching at a variety of venues from international sewing events to volunteering with charitable organizations teaching marketable stitching skills to women and girls.  

Cindy often likens her teaching career to a butterfly pollinating from flower to flower as she gathers new perspectives on a particular stitch or technique from one group and carries it along with her to share with the next group whether they be nearby or half way around the world.

For almost 20 years, Cindy was a regular fixture in the pages of Creative Needle Magazine with columns, patterns, designs, and editorial responsibilities.  In addition to her previously published patterns and booklets, she is excited about the launch of "a Wink and a Nod", a new pattern publishing partnership with Sally Whinghter.  Ever vigilant to develop new design ideas, Cindy can be found prowling around in fabric and antique shops for inspiriation, with her nose pressed to the glass of museum displays contemplating a vintage textile, or simply watching the movements of children as they play to better understand the functionality needs of their clothing.  As a proud mother and grandmother, she revels in the unique ways her children continue the family traditions of creative expression.

On www.smocking.org, click on "About", then "News and Events." Under "SAGANews," click on "Get Details." Here you will see options of a general index of past issues and a Wee Care specific index.

After login, you will see your member page. You will see an "Events" area to the right.  Once registration is open for any scheduled event, there will be a link to register, and links to view the events for which you have already registered.

For more information on an event, click on "About" in the header, then "News and Events" then "National Events" or "Chapter Events." Click on Get Details to access the event information or downloadable flyer or brochure.

Sheila Nicol, 288 Hedden St., Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-247-5063 fax 404-255-4834

email: bearthreadsltd@bellsouth.net

Bear Threads, Ltd., founded in 1983 is the largest importer of Swiss natural fiber fabrics in North America.  Exclusively a wholesaler, all of our products are produced to our specifications.  All of our Swiss Embroidery designs are registered exclusives to Bear Threads, Ltd.  Many French lace designs are exclusive to Bear Threads, Ltd., as well.  Due to our close working relationship with our European factories, you are assured that we offer only superior quality.  In addition, we are an in-stock company.  Our career record boasts 99% of all orders shipped complete within 24 hours.

It’s difficult to get into small, embroidered areas to press on the wrong side, so I use my sleeve pressing board.  Of course, to correctly press the embroidery it has to be put right side down against either a needle board or a fluffy terrycloth towel.  The surface area of the sleeve board is great and perfectly sized for small areas but in order to press embroidery right side down against the board I use an old athletic sock of my son’s (definitely large enough!) and slide it onto the board to press.  The sock has to be cotton (or as much cotton as possible) and have a “terry cloth” or looped interior.  Turn the sock wrong side out and pull onto the sleeve board.  When it gets matted down, just is throw it in the wash and then put back on to use again. 

If you are interested in making a something for the doll, please check out the size chart below.  Use the sizing for Madame Alexander Girlz, keeping in mind that any 18” doll pattern will probably be fine as long as it isn’t very tightly fitted!

On www.smocking.org, click on "SAGA Wee Care" where all of the available patterns are listed. You must be logged in to access the patterns that are only available to members.

Join us as we explore Evelyn Philip's Plaid Smocking course.

Includes the Directions and pattern sizes Tiny through Large

If there is a change to your contact information, you can update your profile online at any time. 

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When smocking outline or stem stitches, keep your “stitch bite” rather shallow.  We are usually taught to insert the needle at about 1/3 the depth of the pleat. But when forming outline/stem stitches, just grab the top of the pleat. In doing so, you will find it easier to keep the stitches looking even and consistent in size.

Jan Williams of the Great Lakes chapter cuts the selvage of quilting cotton with the color ways (the series of dots showing the colors in the fabric) and uses it to choose floss colors. With each color separated, it is easy to see what is a good match. Her insert, with the dots basted to the edge, is from the new SAGA Stitches program, Smocking Sampler by Kristi Elkner.

Download the zip file for the pattern, directions, and embroidery files.

Pleating silk can sometimes be a bit tricky. Bubbles, split pleats and disappearing pleats are all things that can occur when pleating. A trick that I use is to steam the pleats while they are still on the pleater needles. When you start to pleat, let the needles fill with pleats. Once the needles are full, take a good steam iron and steam the pleats right on the needles. Let them dry, strip them off, and then pleat until the needles are full again. Steam, let dry, repeat. This takes a while - I usually pleat while I am doing something else and every time I pass the pleater I strip, pleat, and steam then go off and do something else. Once you are finished and have the fabric removed from the pleater, it looks wonderful, and even better, you don’t lose the pleats!

Sustaining Membership is a new opportunity for those who wish to increase their commitment to SAGA’s future.  Sustaining Members express an increased loyalty to SAGA.  The added revenue will support new and enhanced programs, particularly educational opportunities available to more members in more affordable ways.


A Sustaining Member will receive a special additional membership pin, and a bar will be added for each year the member continues at the Sustaining Membership level.  In addition one Sustaining Member will be selected by a random drawing each year to register early for convention.  Furthermore, $30 of your sustaining membership fee is tax deductible in the United States.



Sustaining Members will be available for new members and with existing member renewal for 2012, at $65.  Sustaining Membership for those outside the US is $70.  Renewal notices will be emailed (or sent by postal mail for those without email) in November.


The Hampton, VA, Market will feature some of our wonderful SAGA business partners and vendors! 

If you'd like an application for booth space, contact Billi Paris at sagabusiness@smocking.org for more information.

2020

Smocking I – Apprentice

Patty Shawley

Christine Gray

Smocking II - Artisan

Claire Meldrum

Julie Stillwell

Fine Hand Sewing I - Apprentice

Betsy Culotta

2021

Smocking I - Apprentice

Elizabeth Connor-Stewart

Virginia Goodwin-Gray

Fine Machine Sewing I - Apprentice

Helen Owen

Susie Gay, Owner, 110 Goose Hill Way, Smithfield, VA 23430, Phone: 757-357-7553, 757-303-5810

Fax: 757-357-5701

Email: sgay@berryhillheirlooms.com

Susie Gay is the owner of Berryhill Heirlooms, a unique web store and pattern line.  The web store carries patterns, kits, notions, needle threaders, books, hand made sewing accessories, antique and vintage linens, laces and needlework tools along with current class descriptions.  She also sells heirloom and crazy quilting supplies from her home by appointment to include heirloom fabrics, emery powder, silk and Swiss ribbons, mother of pearl buttons, Madeira and DMC threads, paper stabilizer, laces, trims along with the web store offerings.  Phone and mail orders are accepted for all merchandise, and fast, personal service is a hallmark of this unique store. A contributor to Creative Needle Magazine, she has also written for Sew Beautiful Magazine and our own SAGA News. Susie is a SAGA teacher who believes in lots of personal attention and travels anywhere to teach for chapters, guilds and organizations. The list of approved classes is listed on the website and contact her via email or phone for rates and availability.

It's almost time to pack for the Convention

Patricia Goldman, 12501 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226, Phone: 804-285-3355 Fax: 804-285-5973

Email: pat@chadwickheirlooms.com

Central Virginia’s largest selection of heirloom sewing and smocking supplies, fabrics and smocking plates, including laces, eyelet, ribbons, embroideries, batiste, linen, organdy, patterns, books and buttons. We have unique embroidered linens, delicate lingerie, and smocked and embroidered children’s wear. Also available: antique furniture, decorative accessories, gifts, and interior design services.

Join SAGA on Facebook! go to www.facebook.com, log in (you can get a free facebook account) and search for Smocking Arts Guild of America, and join! See you there!

The purpose of the Smocking Arts Guild of America is to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations through education, service, communication and quality workmanship.

Smocking fundamentally is the manipulation of fabric using needle and thread. In its simplest form, smocking is decorative needlework stitched over pleats to embellish the item. However this does not define its limitlessness. Smocking can be used to create texture, design or flexibility in fabrics. When a more sophisticated technique is employed the color and weight of the fabric can be influenced and the folds of the fabric become the focus rather than the embroidered stitches. SAGA is your resource to over 20 different forms of smocking.

Sally Whinghter, 270 Church Rd, Beech Island, SC 29842, Toll Free@ 1-888-827-1801

Email: info@farmhousefabrics.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Farmhouse Fabrics

FARMHOUSE FABRICS is your one stop for all things heirloom. We carry a very wide selection of high quality fabrics, trims, ribbons, buttons, lace, patterns, books, magazines, sewing notions, and much more. Check out the online gallery pictures for fun and exciting sewing ideas. Try a ready made kit or a beautifully matched product combo. Come shop our warehouse on the first Friday of each month or browse the online store. Online ordering is easy and fun, or call us toll free and receive extra friendly customer service. Join our email newsletter and be in the loop with special discounts and new products. We now offer sewing classes with nationally acclaimed teachers. We welcome SAGA groups for special class bookings.

Luc Smiers, Deken Fritsenstraat 84, 5243 VR Rosmalen, The Netherlands, Phone/Fax: 01131 735215075

Email: Luc.Lace@Hetnet.NL

(Free Shipping!)

Fine French Laces was started 25 years ago by Pety Smiers in The Netherlands, selling old materials. After 10 years, she decided to change to newer materials like beautiful Val Lace, Cotton Tulle Embroideries, and Swiss Embroideries, among other things. At that time her son, Luc Smiers joined the company and started touring the world doing Doll, Ceramic, Craft, Quilting and Sewing shows. Today we have customers located in many countries: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Japan. We tour these countries frequently, and we also sell by mail order. If you are interested in obtaining a catalog, please contact us at the above-mentioned address.

Kathy Awender, 26421 Arbor Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-1102, Phone: 949-364-5408

Email: kawender@cox.net

Kathy carries Artemis hand-dyed bias silk ribbon, YLI silk ribbon, French ribbons, French laces and Swiss embroi­deries. Some of the fabrics she carries are handkerchief linen, Swiss batiste, dotted Swiss, satin batiste, piqué and various “special purchase” fabrics. Kathy’s patterns include Isabella Christening Gown, Smocker’s Project Tote and Square Dance Purse. She also stocks a wonderful selection of mother-of-pearl buttons and sterling silver charms representing needlework stitches and tools, including the “smocked heart” charm.  

Debbie Glenn, 14 Cherry Hills Drive, Aiken, SC 29803, Phone: 803-642-1852

Email: debbie@loveandstitches.com

Debbie Glenn travels internationally teaching seminars for small groups, shops and SAGA Chapters, she also holds a 4 day Making Machine Magic School in her hometown of Aiken, SC twice a year. Debbie is the designer behind Love and Stitches patterns for women, boys, babies, girls and their dolls. Most patterns include a mini-technique lesson, as well as smocking plates, appliqué, or embroidery designs. Her first book, Victorian Treasures: Nostalgic Needlework Projects features 30 full sized projects recreating hand padded satin stitch work using a conventional zig­zag sewing machine. Debbie carries kits for the Sew Beautiful garments featured in her articles, German interfacing (100% cotton batiste fusible in 3 colors), as well as supplies for heirloom sewing (pastel Japanese lawn and Irish linen, satin batiste, Italian organdy, Schmetz needles, Mettler 30 wt for featherstitching, 80 wt Madeira Cotona, YLI 100 wt, and 130 wt threads), smocking (long darners, mini-piping cord, Create a Plate stacked cable graph paper, and Smocked Miniatures I-IV plates for babies/dolls), appliqué (Teflon sheets, Solu-Web, Super Solvy, and Totally Stable), and fine embroidery by machine (gimp, DMC 50 wt threads, and YLI wash away paper).  

Martha Bailey, 306 West Main Street, Mason, Ohio 45040, Phone: 513-229-7340 or 888-277-6432

Email: heirlooms@fuse.net

The latest in everything for smocking, heirloom sewing, and silk ribbon embroidery. Imported laces, Swiss trims, tatting and netting laces. Specialty threads: Floche, Madeira silk floss, YLI silk ribbon and Appleton wool floss. Books: AS&E and Inspirations (back issues stocked), silk ribbon, heirloom sewing, smocking and embroidery. Fabrics: Imperial broadcloth and batiste, pima cotton pique, tartans, Verona prints, featherwale corduroy, Nelona, fine cottons and wool blanketing. Smocking plates, pleaters, mini-piping and specialty notions. Online catalog, reasonable shipping and fast service. Sign up for e-mail notification of monthly specials and new merchandise at above address.

Jeannie Downs Baumeister

20 Jennifer Drive
Mandeville, LA  70448
Phone: (985) 231-7361

Email:  jeanniebaumeister@gmail.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/The Old Fashioned Baby Company

Website:  http://www.oldfashionedbaby.com

Blog:  http://oldfashionedbaby.blogspot.com

     Patterns by The Old Fashioned Baby show the charm and daintiness that belong to every baby.  The Old Fashioned Baby patterns feature lovely old fashioned designs for infants through toddlers.  Come visit us in our Online Heirloom Shop and experience a wonderful treat as you discover shelves brimming with fabrics, lace, antique buttons and an abundance of wonderful sewing supplies, as well as The Old Fashioned Baby Designs and Kits.  We are always open and welcome phone orders too.  MC/VISA welcome. 

Anna Marie Phelps, 3300 Old Shell Road, Mobile, Alabama 36607, Phone: 251­479­8811  orders only: 877­709­0817

Email: pbjk@peanutbutter­n­jellykids.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Peanut Butter-n-Jelly Kids

Peanut Butter­-n­-Jelly Kids heirloom sewing, smocking, and embroidery shop, Mobile, Alabama. Shop online for imported fabrics & lace, sewing supplies, patterns, French hand sewing, smocking templates, sewing books, maga­zines and more. Visa/MC accepted.

10% to all SAGA members, must include SAGA membership number in your online order or mention while placing call in order.

Judith Adams, 11 Leatherwood Court, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153, Australia

Phone and Fax: 61 2 9686 8108

Email: judith@statusthimble.com

Judith travels to the USA regularly to teach seminars for shops and SAGA chapters, so email for the class list and photo CD, and fees. Specializing in embroidered English netting, she carries numerous edgings and insertions from .5" to 30" wide, plus a range of French laces and Swiss Embroideries all at very attractive prices. Shipping usually takes 5 to 10 days airmail for nets and laces. Also available are Cascade stranded silk embroidery thread, Australian wool blanketing and Australian Dr Flannel (100% wool). Payment can be made by credit card or US cheque.

Jane Bell, Linda Bowlby, 1501 Macon Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211, Phone: 501-227-0288

Email: stitchin.post@sbcglobal.net

We moved at the beginning of 2013 to a beautiful new and larger location! We offer a wide selection of fine fabrics, laces, patterns, and supplies for creating heirloom garments, as well as trendy fabrics for boutique children’s clothing and all of your wonderful quilting projects.  Our calendar is filled with classes for both new and experienced stitchers.  We are also an authorized Husqvarna Viking sewing machine dealer. Our brick and mortar store offers a beautiful layout of fabrics with lots of sample garments, quilts, and accessories to inspire you.  We welcome you to visit us in person whenever you can.  Our online store offers many items from our inventory; however, if you don’t find what you’re looking for, just call or e-mail us and we will be happy to help you find what you need.

Tess Ellenwood. 20 Llewelyn Ln, Huntingtown, MD  20639, Phone: 301-343-5137

Email: tessheirlooms@chesapeake.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TessHeirloomNeedlework

Tess’ Heirloom Needlework offers unique smocking plates, patterns, kits, and classes. 

Vaune Pierce, 11998 Bubbling Brook, Moorpark, CA 93021-3147, Phone: 805-529-5005

Email: vaune@vaune.com

Vaune carries a wide variety of fine fabrics, laces, and embroideries from around the world! Ulster linen from Ireland, Swiss batiste, voile, organdy, piqué, baby flannel and batiste and Sea Island Cotton are some of our selec­tions. Vaune’s Fabric Closet has fine quality end run fabric from LA’s garment district, at bargain prices. We also carry French laces and Swiss embroideries--edgings and inser­tions. Floche, the wonderfully soft embroidery thread from France, is one of our most popular threads, along with 182 colors of Coton á Broder #25, which is used for the exqui­site French Monograms. Our new pattern line, Classic Couture by Vaune, has patterns for both children and adults. We also carry European leather infant baby shoes, perfect for a baptism, christening, blessing or to wear with any smocked heirloom outfit! We are the supplier of Bonnet Boxes, to store your favorite baby bonnet and we have added children’s tea sets for the perfect tea party! We have everything to make your heirloom dream a reality!