Gathering Threads

SAGA 2014 Convention “Sewcation” in Orlando

Posted by on May 01 2014, in News, Smocking

Do you have May 1 circled on the calendar? If you love smocking, embroidery or heirloom clothing you definitely should have a big, red circle round the date because that’s when registration for the 2014 SAGA convention officially opens.

SEWcation_logo

Come to Sunny Florida, get away from it all and take a Sewcation! Pattern drafting, adding special details, handbag construction, silk ribbon embroidery, smocking galore, fun contests, and soaking up the sun with your friends – what could be better than attending the annual Smocking Arts Guild of America convention in Orlando, Florida from Sept 17 to 21 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress?  SAGA’s annual convention is filled with creative classes in smocking, embroidery, fine machine sewing and related needle arts.  Look at all the classes offered in this year’s brochure! Pardon me, it’s hard to type for the drool 🙂

This year is shaping up to be one of the best, with a slate of Debut Classes being presented by talented teachers on topics that include pattern drafting, adding smocking to an adult garment, a stunning silk ribbon smocked purse, and a lady’s Madeira nightgown – there is something for everyone. Registration for all these never-before offered programs opens May 1st – you can register online or by phone.

But not only will there be wonderful instructors like Judith Adams and Jeannie Baumeister, SAGA will also be welcoming Kenneth King and Liesl Gibson as special guest teachers.

Classics with a Twist 2014

Classics with a Twist 2014

Kenneth King, renowned for his exquisite couture techniques, will be teaching a handbag construction class and presenting a lecture entitled, “Evolution of an Evening Wrap” at the opening reception. Come hear about Kenneth’s design process and see a creation go from design concept to finished product. Bringing her fresh and youthful style, Liesl Gibson, the creator of Oliver + S patterns, will be offering a free lecture, open to the public, entitled “Many Looks, One Pattern.” She will also be teaching a series of classes designed for the novice stitcher, entitled “Classics with a Twist.” The classes will cover basic pattern alterations, details that make a difference, as well as a wallet construction class.

This year’s slate of classes, speakers and events is one of the best convention line ups I’ve seen in years (they’re always good, but this one is *especially* good!)  The organizing committee has been working gangbusters on another great event and they’re especially hoping to encourage new smockers, new sewers and new attendees to come out this year.  They’ve even put together a tutorial to help you register.  I want to encourage everyone to go.  It’s not about being a perfect sewer or a perfect smocker.  Everyone’s got something new to learn and everyone is happy to have you there.

Not able to join the fun in Orlando?  You can still be a part of SAGA.  Go to www.smocking.org to find a local chapter near you and make some new stitching friends, or connect online through the websmockers chapter and SAGA’s Facebook page. If you want to learn to smock, they have correspondence courses, a popular SAGA Stitches programs and through their chapters, a mentoring program. Members also receive our quarterly publication, SAGANews filled with interesting articles and projects. See you in Orlando!