I finished it!

Remember when I started my quilt squares?

Three years ago I took two classes at the SAGA Retreat in Las Vegas with Brenda Shade to learn how to make her Paper Doll Quilt Squares. The classes were two weeks after I fractured my right wrist, so I went with my red cast thinking I would not be able to stitch (yes, I am right handed) but at least I could listen! Well the first dress had five rows of cable smocking and I decided to try and do that. Well it took all day to do those five rows, but I did it! Of course I could not do anything else as

any fine hand sewing was out of the question, but that smocking was great therapy.

Once my cast was off and I could stitch again, I completed the two squares and went on to make 10 more. I love doing these little dresses! They are all done by hand and once you have cut the pieces out the project is very portable. I could have made many more of these, but decided to stop at 12  for my quilt.

And stop I did. Once the square were done they sat there and sat there. What was I waiting for? I was trying to think how I would join them together and I over thought it. I thought I would embroider the sashing pieces. Then I thought I would add shaped lace. Then I went back to the embroidery idea. And so the procrastination went on!

But no more! I decided a few weeks ago simple is best and just got on and completed the quilt. So here it is.

It just needs a label for the back. Now what do I write on my label..............?

Meet me in St. Louis!

Come and meet me in St. Louis!

Are you going to the SAGA St. Louis Retreat (October 12-15)?  There are still classes available and time to sign up!

Just visit the SAGA website www.smocking.org and follow the links!

See you there I hope!

Happy New Year!

                                                      January 1, 2017- a New Year.

Do you make resolutions? I actually make a 'To Do List' rather than a resolutions-they can be broken, a To Do List can be extended and is never a broken promise!

One thing on my 'To Do List' is, as it has been for several years, to not add to my stash of fabric and lace. I have been trying to make everything I want to make from what I have to hand. Okay, sometimes I do need to buy a spool of thread or skein of loss or a button, but there is no buying of more fabric. Okay, one exception to that is if I need fabric to make something I have been asked specially to make and I don't have something that will do the job in my stash.

Another thing on the list is to finish what I have started and that one has been working very well. I do not have many UFO's (Un-Finished Objects) and when I am looking for a project to work on I try and pick up a UFO instead of starting something new. Sometimes though, you just have to start a new project, especially as I have two special little girls to sew for and they are constantly growing!

One 'To Do' item is attend the SAGA Boston Retreat. I have registered for classes and booked my hotel so all I have 'To Do'  is get my class supplies together and attend!

On my list every year is the item Artisan and I do try to work on getting my next submission ready, but time does get away from me on that one! I can always find other things that I need to do. So for 2017 my goal for my Artisan submissions is to work on them as if they are a UFO (which they are really!) and have everything ready for submission in 2018-wish me luck with that one!

My biggest 'To Do' item is getting SAGANews printed every quarter and to have it continue to be a great membership magazine. That does take some help as I always need ideas, articles and designs from our members. So could you add writing something for SAGANews to your list of goals for 2017? 

So, what are your sewing related goals for 2017? email me at saganews@smocking.org and let me know!

Boston 2017 Registration Opens Tomorrow!

Registration opens for the Boston Retreat tomorrow, December 1, 2016 at 10:00 am Central Time.

Register on line at www.smocking.org or by phone 855-350-SAGA

Need to see the brochure? Visit www.smocking.org