Let's meet Susie Gay! (Part 1)

SAGA approved teacher Susie Gay is teaching at the SAGA National Convention in Winston-Salem and agreed to be interviewed for the SAGANews blog.  Susie answered all of the questions and so the interview will be in two blogs!

So let's learn a little about Susie!

1. Who taught you needlework skills and when did you first start learning?

My mother first taught me some basic embroidery stitches when I was in 1^st grade.  In 4^th or 5^th grade I learned what I call “American cross stitch”, those printed kits. I still have those samplers. Then she started teaching me machine skills, cutting out patterns, etc., when I was in junior high. She also tried to teach me to knit, and I did some, but basically didn’t really enjoy it. Much of the early needlework I did I taught myself to do from those booklets  and pre-printed pillow cases and hand towels you could get at Five and Dime stores. In school we had to take Home Economics classes, which we should still teach to school children. I ended up majoring in Home Ec and received a B.S. in Home Economics from Marymount College.

2. Favorite Form of Embroidery?

 I really enjoy Silk Ribbon Embroidery because you get a lot of ‘bang for the buck’ with little effort. Watching that ribbon curl and loop into beautiful shapes mesmerizes me. But I also enjoy whitework: the preciseness of it, the different techniques and stitches, are a challenge, and I like challenges.

3. When do you find time to embroider or sew?

I work on something, whether a design, instructions, sewing or needlework, every day, usually in the afternoon. If I don’t get to it I get grumpy. ‘Nuff said!

4. What inspired your designs?

Many different things inspire my designs: a technique, unusual trim treatment or design element on a vintage or antique garment. An article in a magazine can send me off into a creative stream of ideas. A trip to an art museum, or looking through my collection of needlework books can be very stimulating. Sometimes I develop a design from something that I find useful. Then, of course, there’s Pinterest…..

5. Do you attend classes and workshops as well as teach at them?

Absolutely! I had the great fortune to attend two whitework classes offered by the Royal School of Needlework in Williamsburg, taught by Jenny Adin-Christie, the preeminent whitework teacher in the world. That was one item checked off my bucket list! I am a member of EGA and take classes when possible. And of course, I’ve taken several workshops offered at Chadwick Heirlooms in Richmond, VA, since the store is only 1½ hours away from my home. And through the years I’ve taken classes from many of our wonderful, talented SAGA teachers. I believe it’s very important to keep learning and refining my skills, and to learn new ones.

Susie at the Royal School of Needlework

6. On average, how long would you say it takes for you to complete a piece, from design concept to the end?

It can take months, or a year or more, from designing a project in my head to actually putting it into needle, thread and fabric. After I work it out in my head, I draw it in my current design notebook in pencil, with several different views. I make notes, consider the construction techniques and steps, fabrics, etc. If it’s a christening gown (like my Elegance Christening Ensemble), I have to draft the pattern pieces and test them out in a toile. After refining that, then I move to the actual fabric and trims, researching resources and availability. As I sew it up, I work out and possibly change the design, trims, whatever is needed to get the final design I know I want. I’m also thinking about (if it will be a class) the easiest way to teach the class and present it to students. And at the same time I’m typing it all down in the computer to start the instructions, taking photos of the construction process, and listing all the kit and student supplies. It’s an involved, detail-oriented process.

7. Do you belong to a sewing guild of any kind?

I’m a past president of my local SAGA Chapter, the Colonial Cablers, and go to the meetings when I’m home. I am a member-at-large of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America (EGA).

8. Do you smock?

I love to smock. Currently I’m working on Wee-Care gowns and bonnets using a new thread I found: Valdani variegated #12 pearl cotton in lovely pastel shades (#M20). The pearl cotton works up quickly and easily.

9. Where is my favourite place to stitch?

My sewing room is perfect for me: small, organized and good lighting. But in the winter I love to drag my floor OttLite down to the living room and stitch in front of the blazing fireplace with a cup of tea, or a glass of wine next to me, especially if it’s snowing outside. I find that very relaxing, soothing and delightful.

10. Are you married? Children? Pets?

I’ve been married for 46 years (in Jun ’18) to my wonderful husband, Mark, whom I met when I was a senior in high school and he was a Plebe (freshman) at USMA (West Point). Our two children, Chris and Gretchyn, are both married to great spouses. We have three wonderful grandchildren; Jillian (11), and Vivian, (9), and Zachary, (5). Mark and I enjoy our 100lb Golden Retriever, Barley (he keeps us on the go) and our tuxedo cat, Bojangles, who wakes us up every night begging for treats (which I call Kitty Crack).

11. What is your most favorite sewing tool?

Of course, my sewing machines (three Pfaffs) are at the top of the list, including my Featherweight and my Singer 99K (that I found at a thrift store and made in 1951, the year I was born). Next to those are my embroidery floor stand and sit-upon, both Elbesee ones, that I was introduced to at the RSN classes and now sell online.

 

12. What sewing tool do you carry everywhere and why?

My scissors….got to have scissors! I have several pair (and who doesn’t?) from my favorite Dovos to Ginghers. I keep them in black velvet lined jewelry trays so they stay safe, neat and organized. And they do look like jewelry against the velvet. 

Kathy Awender

Today we interview Kathy Awender. Kathy will be teaching at the SAGA National Convention in Hampton Virginia. Registration has opened but you can still sign up for classes! Visit www.smocking.org for more information on the hotel, classes and more!

Who taught you needlework skills and when did you first start learning?

My mother, aunt & grandmother all taught me different things. My mother always sewed for all 5 of her daughters, and I was very excited when she finally taught me how to use the sewing machine just before seventh grade. That is when I started making my own clothes. My grandmother taught me to embroider and an aunt taught me to knit and crochet.

What is your favourite form of embroidery?

I don’t have a single consistent favorite. I just enjoy stitching, and being able to do a variety of different things with needle and thread means my favorite technique keeps changing.

Kathy teaching at SAGA 2014 Convention, Orlando, Florida

When do you find time to embroider/sew?

I make the time to do all of the creative things that I love. If I didn’t I would be a very unhappy person. I do a lot of handwork at night while listening to the TV, and when I have a day to myself with no interruptions (which is very rare!) I try to take full advantage and use it for stitching. I am also very lucky to have a great group of sewing friends who get together regularly for “sew days”.

What inspires your designs?

So many things! I have been inspired by advertisements, color combinations, and of course by fabric that begs to made into something special. I also have collections of antique magazines, patterns, clothing, hankies and other textiles and I often look to them for inspiration.

Do you attend classes and workshops as well as teach at them? 

I do. I love teaching, but being a student is fun and relaxing. There is so much to learn, and I am lucky to belong to two SAGA chapters that regularly invite teachers to share their expertise.

 

Garden Fresh- class available in Hampton

On average, how long would you say it takes for you to complete a piece, from design concept to end?

Some things I can finish fairly quickly - a small embroidery piece may just take a few days - but some of the larger projects that I design can take years from the first idea to the finished project. I may have the partial idea floating around for a while before I do anything with it, and then I have to make some decisions before I can start (colors, stitches, etc.). And there are usually adjustments to make when something doesn’t work out as I imagined.

Do you belong to a sewing guild of any kind?

I am a member of two SAGA chapters (Pacific Waves and Sandcastle), and also two quilt guilds.

Do you smock?

I do – I started when my youngest daughter was 2 years old, and have not been too far away from smocking since that time. (she is now 33!)

Where is your favourite place to stitch?

My comfy sofa in front of the TV.

Are you married? Children? Pets?

I have been married for almost 44 years, and am blessed with three children and six grandchildren who all live close enough that I can see them often.

 

Kathy with a student, SAGA 2014 Convention, Orlando, Florida

What is your most favourite sewing tool?

I love my Dovo embroidery scissors. And for other reasons, after all these years of sewing the most important tools are my magnifying glasses and bright lighting.

What sewing tool do you carry everywhere and why?

I always try to keep a measuring tape in with me. It has come in handy so many times for so many reasons.

What other hobbies/interests do you have?

I enjoy hiking and traveling and I love to read. I can let a good book get in the way of just about anything else I should be doing.

 

Dimity Dreams- a class available in Hampton

How often do you travel to teach?

Usually just a few times a year.

Have you a favourite location where you most enjoy teaching?

The best place to teach is anywhere there is good lighting and enough space. As far as location, every time I travel to teach I get to visit someplace new and meet new people, and it becomes my new favorite place.

Where can we get to see your projects (magazines, stores etc.)?

Nothing current, but in the past I have had designs published in Sew Beautiful and Fancywork magazines and in the books Ann’s Glory Box and Silk Ribbon Treasures.

What do you do with your completed projects-frame and keep, give away, etc.?

Most of what I have stitched in the last several years has been for class models, which I need to keep, or for my grandchildren.

Do you have a favourite colour(s) that you tend to use more than others?

Not one favorite, but I do tend to work in pastels more than anything. I’m trying to branch out to brighter colors, especially in my quilting.

 

Kathy helping a student, SAGA 2014 Convention, Orlando, Florida

Have you had another type of career other than in the sewing area?

No

How do you see the future of your sewing career?

I hope to continue designing and teaching for as long as I am able.

What do you do to recharge your creative spark?

Two things. The first is a leisurely shopping trip (mostly window shopping), especially some place I haven’t been before with unique shops to browse. And I don’t do it very often, but taking a real vacation is always a good refresher for me.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Of course I am most proud of all three of my wonderful children. I am also very fortunate to be invited to teach at various SAGA and other stitching events.

What is the biggest enemy to your creativity?

Time. There are so many things I want to stitch, and I keep adding to the list, but I never seem to have enough time to catch up!

Lullaby Pillowcase -a class for 2016 in Hampton

A Wonderful Collection!

The Ashmolean Museum, in Oxford, England recently held an exhibition of a needlework collection they received as a gift. The gift consists of one of the word’s finest collections of historic English embroideries and was given by collectors, Michéal and Elizabeth Feller. In all 61 pieces comprise the collection which spans the seventeenth century. The exhibition, The Eye of the Needle, ran until 12 October.

Donor, Elizabeth Feller says that it is thanks to her mother’s influence, sewing and embroidery has been a meaningful activity throughout her life. The collection began with pieces worked by other people and consisted of small household items such as needlepoint cushions and went on to include samplers, panels and other items. All are steeped in English history and stories of the people who embroidered them.

Michéal and Elizabeth Feller are long term residents of Oxford and own a butcher’s shop in the City’s covered market.

The following description of the embroideries is from the museum website (www.ashmolean.org)

The pieces which have been given to the Museum are seventeenth-century embroideries which include dramatic pictorial panels, samplers, domestic items and costume pieces. These embroideries were made during one of the most turbulent centuries in English history, when religious and political conflict split families and the country. Beyond the opportunity for demonstrating technical ability, the embroideries illustrate the themes and concerns which occupied the minds of the young women making them. They often depict biblical stories at a time when religious issues, including the use of images, aroused great controversy. Similarly, during a period of increasing urbanization the pictorial pieces show idyllic country scenes with imaginary creatures and flowers.

Exquisite objects in their own right made with colourful silks, pearls, and semi-precious stones, the embroideries also reflect the religious, political and social concerns of the English Civil War period.

 

Besides telling a story and history of the period, looking at some of these pieces I wonder how they were created with such fine work and wonderful colours when the embroiderer had none of the modern equipment we today take for granted. Not for them the luxury of a daylight lamp right at hand or a magnifier. No super sharp steel needles; tiny needle threaders or set of Dovo scissors. These needle workers used crude tools and worked in poor light. Think what they could have achieved with the benefit of todays tools and lighting!

The following site has a link to two books showing these works in detail www.needleprint.blogspot.com