SAGA 2012 Convention is just around the corner!

Okay, so no blogging for a while, but life happens, sorry!

Just in case you had forgotten, SAGA National Convention 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia is just around the corner so I thought I would reuse the reminder lists from previous years which are good for First Time Attendees but also help many returning attendees. There is always something you forget.......

So I look forward to seeing everyone in Atlanta and here are your reminders:

1.       Let’s be ‘green’ and reuse a name tag that you received at a previous Convention or alternatively make one to suit your needs (Robin Hart has created and donated a great pattern and it is available on the SAGA website www.smocking.org)

2.       You might also want to bring a tote bag to carry everything in or a favourite sewing bag or even a bag on wheels (especially good for all those supplies you will be buying at market).

3.       Wheels for your sewing machine are a good thing too- they are heavy to carry from your room to a classroom. If you are bringing machine, please remember to pack the power cord and foot pedal as well as spare needles and your presser feet!

4.       A couple of other items that make life easier are a power extension cord and magnification to use when sewing. Maybe a spare pair of reading glasses if you use them?

5.       Bring address labels for all the raffle tickets you will buy-this saves so much time not having to write your name on them all, plus makes it easier for Cheryl Cox, our Raffle Basket Announcer to read (remember if you use ones with your husbands name on, that is the name Cheryl will call).

6.       Talking of raffle baskets, don’t forget your chapter basket –it can’t be won if you forget to bring it (or arrange to have it mailed ahead of time).

7.       Consider making a folder and having some plastic page protectors in it. You can use these to keep the class handouts, Artisan card, small kits, kit fee envelopes and other items you want to keep safe, but handy.

8.       Have your kit fees in an envelope, one for each class, labeled with the class name, teachers name and your name. This helps as you will not need to receive change or have to use cash from your purse and also helps the Teachers Angel, as she will have the correct money and know who it is from. Most teachers accept checks( made out to them), which you can also have ready and in your kit fee envelope if you prefer that method to pay for your kits.

9.       A very important item if you are already enrolled in the Artisan Program is your Artisan card. Of course you can get the teacher to sign and date each class handout, but it is far better to have them sign your actual Artisan card. If you are not in the Artisan Program, you will have the chance to sign up while you are at Convention and you will find temporary cards in each classroom to use until you receive your official card. (For more information on the Artisan Program and to sign up in advance of attending Convention, please visit the SAGA website www.smocking.org).

1 10.   Make sure you have your Basic Sewing Supplies as well as any special class supplies required for each class (check the Convention Brochure) collected together. You may need to special order something required, so best not to leave to until the last minute. You might also get to buy something you need on sale if you have made a list ahead of time and take it with you when visiting a local sewing store or on-line site. Any money saved is a good thing-more to spend at Market!

1 1.   Also especially helpful is to check if any of your classes require some pre-class preparation, like pleating a piece of fabric with 24 rows and back smocking all of them before class!

12.   Plan on making a Wee Care gown, cap, bonnet or blanket for donation to the collection at Convention. You get a special ticket to put into the drawing for the Wee Care basket and only tickets received for Wee Care donations can be entered into that drawing. The more Wee Care donations you make, the more special tickets you receive (which can also be used in the regular raffle baskets if you wish).

Last, but not least remember we are going to have great time and you don’t want to miss out! If you really can’t make it to Convention this year, SAGANewsBlogs will try and keep you posted as to the events as soon as it can-provided I am not having way too much fun!