SAGA visits Paris

Well, actually, it was a SAGA member who visited Paris and took her SAGA tote bag with her.

Dian shared the photo with me while she was attending the SAGA Sewcation in Florida.

So, where will you be taking your smocking and maybe teaching? Take a photo and email it to saganews@smocking.org and let's see how many places we can cover as SAGA Smock's Across America  (and the world)!

Sewcation coming to and end...

Today will be the last day of the SAGA Sewcation.

Of course, last night being Saturday was banquet and the highlight of the event the raffle baskets!

The banquet meal was delicious and the dessert a picture-literally.

It has been a wonderful event and thank you to all who helped make it possible.

I hope that many of you are planning to attend one (or more) of the Sew Across America retreats planned for 2015- I might just see you at one (or more) of them!

SAGA Special Project

So, what was the Special Project that photos of members sewing rooms were requested for? Well I can now reveal at least one of the projects that some of the photos have been used for!

Six of the photos were used to make notecards that will be on sale at the SAGA convention.

The notecards will be sold in sets of 6 for $10, and the number of sets is limited.

Once they are gone, they are gone!

 

 

I wish to thank all of the ladies who submitted photos of their sewing rooms. It was fun to see where our members actually create their wonderful heirloom garments. If your photo isn’t on one of the notecards, don’t think it isn’t going to be used- there are a couple of other projects in the works, so visit the blog often as you may be surprised at what you see!

If the sale of these notecards is successful, we hope to have another exclusive set ready for sale at the first retreat in Las Vegas!

Destination Orlando!

WE ARE ALMOST THERE!

 

Since July, members of the SAGA Board and the SAGANews Editor have been sharing suggestions on the blog to break up your trip to Orlando….on the road: fabric stores, food, antique areas, and Wild and Wacky; by plane: some TSA requirements; and for all:  planning suggestions and reminders, and some features of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Hotel.

 

How would you like to be featured on SAGA’s blog and/or Facebook page? This is your opportunity to share your experiences as you travel to SEWCATION!

          What you need to do:

1.    Take a picture during your travel to Orlando that includes the SEWCATION logo (the logo can be on a phone or the back cover of any SAGANews issue or on a printed piece of paper held in the picture and clearly visible).   

a.    Include

·         Where and when it was taken (Review? Not necessary but may be fun!)

·         The name (names) of person (people) in the picture

2.    Email the information and picture to socialmedia@smocking.org for posting on SAGA’s blog and Facebook page. By sending your picture to the social media chair, you are granting SAGA permission to use this photo on SAGA related social media sites.

3.    Any questions? Contact Jane O’Brien, Region I Representative regionone@smocking.org

 

                                               Wishing you all a safe trip to Orlando!

 

It’s a SEWCATION!  ENJOY!

Flying to Orlando?

So you are flying to SAGA Sewcation in Orlando, Florida and want to know what the rules are regarding your precious sewing items and the airport/airplane security.

The TSA has a wonderful website www.tsa.gov  and on the site you can search under ‘Traveler Information’- ‘What to know before you go’- ‘Permitted and Prohibited Items’. The site lets you type in the item (such as ‘sewing machine’) and then it gives you the answer.

Please note:

It’s important to know that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

Here are just a few of the answers from the TSA website regarding some basic sewing items:

Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than 4 inches are allowed, but blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited.*

                  (*This means you need to pack these in your checked luggage).
 

   

Yes, these can go on the plane.

 

 

    No, these need to be in your checked luggage.

NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and Security Officers.

In general, you may place your knitting needles and needlepoint tools* in carry-on or checked baggage.

Circular thread cutters or any other cutter or needlepoint* tools that contain blades must be placed in checked baggage. You are permitted to keep scissors smaller than 4 inches in your carry-on baggage.

(*Note: This refers to any sewing needles and crochet hooks also).

Sewing Machines: You may transport this item in carry-on baggage or in checked baggage. For items you wish to carry-on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Will it fit under the seat or in the over head bin?

To help officers get a clear look at your bag and reduce the need for additional screening, we suggest you pack your bag in neat layers (layer of clothes, layer of electronics, layer of clothes, layer of shoes, etc.) and wrap cords tightly around electronics items.

Other Electronic Items: Please carefully pack your electronic items, making sure all cords are wrapped and any DVDs, CDs, or cassettes are removed from their devices. While you can pack expensive, fragile electronics items in checked or carry-on bags, we recommend packing them in your carry-on.

Carry this on.

 

Laptop computers, full-size video game consoles, CPAP machines, full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes must be removed from their carrying cases and submitted separately for x-ray screening. Small and portable electronic items (smart phones, tablets, portable games, etc.) do not need to be removed from their carrying cases or carryon bags.

For items you wish to carry-on, you should check with the airline to ensure that the item will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane.

Some other useful information to know before you go:

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

You are allowed to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per container. Consolidating these containers in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage enables TSA officers to screen them quickly.

3-1-1 for carry-ons. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. The bag limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.

Be prepared. Each time a TSA officer stops to physically screen a carry-on bag, it slows down the line. Practicing the 3-1-1 rule will facilitate the checkpoint experience.

 

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces, and they don’t have to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. TSA officers may need to open them for additional screening.

If in doubt, put your liquids, gels, creams and pastes in checked baggage.

And very importantly, do not forget to have a government issued photo ID with you so you can actually get on your flight! (see the TSA website for accepted forms of ID).

 

So hopefully this article has helped you to decide what you can carry on to the plane and what needs to be packed. Unfortunately you are on your own regarding what clothes and shoes you will need!

 

Sewcation Timely Tips

 

So, we are at the end of August and tomorrow will be September 1 and before we know it SAGA National Convention –Sewcation will be here-are you ready?

I just thought I would put some timely reminders and helpful hints your way in case you are a First Time Attendee or even a returning attendee. We all need reminders sometimes, right?

Hopefully you have registered for Sewcation, booked your hotel room and made travel plans? If you are flying then you won’t be able to find some of the places that our guest bloggers, SAGA Board members, have suggested, but if you are driving then I hope you have fun on the way!

Now some little reminders to make life easier while you are at Convention:

1.      Name tag holders. You can bring one you have received from a previous convention or you can make one using the pattern from Barbara Scappaticci featured on this blog (see the post on May 28 2014).

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 your own machine, please remember to pack the power cord and foot pedal as well as spare needles and your presser feet as well as your machine manual! Better yet, why not rent a machine? (See the SAGA web site www.smocking.org for more information).

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!
 

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. See SAGANews Volume 35 #3 for the address to mail it to).

7.   Printed name labels to put onto your kits and their contents. Remember, everyone in your class has the same kit  that contains the same pattern pieces, instructions etc. as yours. Maybe you just want to label yours so you don't lose anything?

8.       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.

9.       Have your kit fees in an envelope, one for each class, labeled with the class name, teachers name and your name. This helps you 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, which you can also have ready and in your kit fee envelope if you prefer that method to pay for your kits.

10.       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).

11.   Make sure you have your Basic Sewing Supplies
as well as any special class supplies required for each class
(check the list at the bottom of this blog)
collected together. You may need to special order
something required, so best not to leave that to
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!

12.   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!

13.   Don’t forget your Wee Care™ Contest entry(s)! The Grand Prize is the silk ribbon embroidered hussif.

14.   Also 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™ baskets 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 and the more chances you have to win one of the two special baskets! 

15. Don't forget to bring any proxies from your fellow chapter members who are unable to attend Sewcation. You can find the Proxy form on page 17 of SAGANews Volume 35 Issue 2. Copies of this form are acceptable. Please pass these on to Debbi Harris (SAGA secretary) or any SAGA board member before the Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 18.

16. If you are attending with fellow chapter friends, you might want to make a list of the classes you are all taking and swap cell phone numbers to allow you to keep in touch, but remember that cell phones should be turned off in all SAGA Convention classes and meetings!

For more information on SAGA Sewcation in Orlando, Florida, see the SAGA website, www.smocking.org
 

Last, but not least remember we are going to have great time and you don’t want to miss out!

 

Basic Sewing Supplies – needed in most classes

·         Scissors: fabric, embroidery and paper

·         Glass head or fine silk pins

·         Fine line and ultra fine line water soluble marking pens

·         #2 pencil and sharpener

·         Tape Measure

·         White sewing thread

·         Assorted needles

·         Pen for taking notes

·         Task lighting and magnification with extension cord and power strip

 

The Hyatt Grand Cypress Hotel

Our next guest blogger is Executive Director, Cyndi Cavanaugh.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress will offer our SAGA Convention Attendees so much more than a comfortable place to rest at the end of your busy stitching and smocking day.

Need to catch up on email or check-in with family members? High speed wireless internet is included in your resort fee. For your convenience, you room also includes a “cool box” to store beverages or snacks during your stay.

And, when you’re ready for sleep, A Good Night from YogaAway, a complimentary 11-minute yoga class accessible on your TV, is designed to relax your body and mind as you prepare to rest.

There are some awesome included recreational opportunities to take advantage of before or after classes or during scheduled free time.

An enhanced lagoon pool, located along the 1,000 feet of white sandy beach of private Lake Windsong, features 12 waterfalls, heated and non-heated pools, two whirlpools, new Water Slide Tower Pavilion, new Water Jet Splash Zone, new children’s Rock Climbing Stations, rope bridge, walking paths, and expansive, wrap-around sundecks. On the Rocks, the pool and beach bar, is right there to ensure you are well-hydrated!

You can get a feel for Florida’s natural environment by taking a spin around the lovely 1,500 acre property on one of the complimentary beach cruiser bicycles. Or, take a ride with the whole family or some friends on one of the old-fashioned, canopied surrey bikes. If jogging or walking is your sport, there are three varying trails, ranging from 1.3 to 4.7 miles, perfect for an invigorating workout.

But the options don’t stop there! Consider taking a leisurely ride in a paddleboat or relax in a kayak (also included in your resort fee).  The hotel also offers hydro bikes, canoes, aqua cycles and sailboats. 

Is golf your game? (Perhaps this can be an incentive to bring your husband along.) You can play 18 holes on any of four championship Jack Nicklaus-designed courses on the property. The new 18-hole course brings Scottish Links to Florida, complete with 12-foot pot bunkers, stone walls, and more. Greens of Lake Windsong will test your short game on an Executive 9 hole, Par 3 course. The Hyatt will supply the clubs, tees, scorecards, and a complimentary golf ball. (Golf fees apply and reservations are required for all courses.) For the more casually inclined, there’s also a nine-hole pitch ‘n’ putt course.

There is also an expansive fitness center (included in your resort service fee), accessible 24 hour a day, as well as tennis, racketball, and basketball courts.

The Hotel also offers a spa and salon if you want to pamper and treat yourself to a mani-pedi or facial!

Dining options also abound. Seven restaurants and bars offer everything from coffee and cocktails to island fair, including steak and seafood, as well as casual dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

So whether you want some quiet, relaxing downtime or are looking for an invigorating workout Florida-style, you’ll find an abundance of options to make your stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress during this year’s Convention the best ever!