Opps!

The sock monkey graph in the latest issue didn't show his little hat! The corrected version can be found on the SAGA website or email saganews@smocking.org for a corrected PDF.

SAGANews Volume 32 #1

Has this photo on the cover. So now you know what you are looking for in the mail when it arrives!

And you know what is in the centre section? Yes, the SAGA 2011 Convention brochure.

So get ready, they have left the printer and should have left the Post Office and will be arriving very soon!

It’s nearly time…..

Don’t start stalking the mail person just yet, but yes, another issue of SAGANews is almost ready to be printed and this issue, being the first of the year, will contain the 2011 Convention Brochure.


So, start to think about saving your money and planning a trip to Anaheim, California-what could be better than a little California fun in the sun? (I could use some southern California weather right now as I have not seen my garden since December 26 and doubt I will much before spring).

Besides the Convention brochure, SAGANews has a cheeky picture smocking project and a new feature to keep you healthy and happy while smocking and sewing. You can also catch up on other chapters around the country and see what everyone has been up to. There is also a great article on the SAGA Design Show. It’s never too early to start planning that entry so the 2011 Design Show is the best one ever!

Has your chapter planned an event for National Smocking Month? There’s still time as it is only just the first day of the month.

Appearing in a mailbox near you soon

Yes, the next issue of SAGANews will soon be in your mailbox. It would have been there a little sooner but for a glitch at the Post Office. Someone decided to check the mail permit address with the address on file and wouldn't you know it, they didn't match. Well after a chat with the nice man at the office in St. Louis all is resolved and so SAGANews is in the mail. Now how long it will take to reach your mail box is another matter…..

This issue is full of Convention roundups, winners and reports. It also features a great winter smocking plate with lots of smocking to keep anyone busy in the colder winter months.

I am all ready working on the next issue which will contain the brochure for next years Convention in Anaheim, California. Convention will be a little later in 2011, mid-October, but still packed with fun things to do, see and great classes to take. If you live on the west coast, this is a great opportunity for you to attend and enjoy a week with SAGA friends.

Don't forget that if you have a project or article to share let me know. Now back to that next issue…….

How Many Days?!

So, only a week before the SAGA National Convention pre-day classes begin! Are you anywhere near ready?

Yes, I know you have tons more things to get done before you even start to think about packing but I hope you have checked your class supplies, completed your Design Show and contest entries (only joking-you can work on those a few hours more) and are actually aware that it is only a week away?

Okay, so you are planning the family's meals for the week you are gone and doing the laundry and everything else you have to do to make sure that your husband and children survive without you, but believe me, they will survive. Maybe they will appreciate you a little more when you return (well for the first few days at least).

Whether you are a First Time attendee or have been many times to Convention you will have a great time. You will meet and make new friends and renew old friendships. You will be tired and mind numb after several days of classes and events. You may even wonder if you will ever finish the class project, but hopefully you will enjoy yourself enough to want to attend another Convention-they can be addictive!

Just to help you when you are putting your Convention items together, remember:

1. Basic sewing supplies
   
2. Special class supplies
   
3. Wee Care items
   
4. Name labels for the raffle tickets
   
5. Something to write with and on
   
6. Your kit fees
   
7. Money for market
   
8. Design Show and/ or Contest entries
   
9. Show and Share entries
   
10. Your chapter basket
    
11. Camera
    
12. A few changes of clothes
    
13. Maybe some underwear
    
14. Maybe some makeup
    
15. Definitely yourself!
    

So see you in Norfolk in seven (7) days time!

Another issue is in the mail!

Yes, the next issue of SAGANews (Volume 31 #3) is leaving the printers for a mailbox near you. Now when exactly it will reach that mailbox I can't predict as it is now in the hands of the US Postal Service. You can get a preview of the issue in the Members Only area of the SAGA web site (www.smocking.org). Give it time to upload as it is a big file.

This issue contains the call to the Annual General Meeting at National Convention in Norfolk, VA and also a Proxy form. If you are unable to attend National Convention, please copy the form and mail it to the SAGA Texas address before September 7. Why not make copies and have chapter members complete the form and return them in one envelope? If you have a chapter member attending National Convention, she may carry your proxies to the meeting and give them to a board member. The forms are only completed by members not attending Convention. Please note that you must check only one name (or add the name of someone who is attending) and sign the form for it to be valid. This form will be used if a vote is required on an item at the meeting. The proxy form insures we have a quorum. (The form is not your vote for the new board-that you received earlier this year by a separate mailing and it should have been returned already).

Also it's not too late to register for Convention-come and join the fun!

How long before Convention?!

How long before SAGA National Convention 2010 in Norfolk, Virginia? Let me tell you-eight weeks-yes 8 weeks and are you ready?

• Registered for classes?
  
• Hotel room booked?
  
• Travel arrangements finalized?
  
• Class requirements located?
  
• Lists for things you need to take made?
  
• Lists for those staying home made?
  
• Design Show entry form submitted?
  
• Sewing machine rental reserved?
  
• Raffle basket donation finalized?
  
• Getting excited?
  

Okay, so you have eight weeks, but what with getting the children ready to go back to school and the young adults to get back to college and all the other things that life throws your way, that eight weeks will soon be up. So perhaps it is a good thing I blogged this timely reminder? Maybe you can start to get things in order and be ready for the start of another SAGA Convention.

So, if you are entering Design Show, your entry form must be postmarked no later than August 1 and sent to the SAGA P.O. Box (address on website and in SAGANews).

If you want to rent a sewing machine, please call Nancy's Calico Patch in Newport News, Virginia (767-596-7397) before September 10.

Reserve your hotel room at the Marriott Norfolk Waterside before August 18 to receive the guaranteed SAGA room rate (800-874-0264).

You will find the requirements for your classes listed in the Convention brochure and don't forget the all important basic sewing supplies.

If you are sending a raffle basket, please use UPS or FedEx only and send it to Sharon Whitfield (address in Convention brochure and on page 3 of SAGANews) before September 10.

As I said before are you getting excited? I hope so and I look forward to seeing you soon (well in eight weeks)!