A few months ago I told my friend Penny that I was thinking of taking some SAGA Correspondence Courses to earn some Artisan points. She recommended I take the Beginning English Smocking course because she had heard it was wonderful. I taught myself to smock when Emily was 1 year old. I've continued to smock for 10 years now....but I'm always wondering if what I am doing is correct. I mean it looks ok...but am I missing any critical information? So I thought taking this correspondence course would be the perfect way to learn how to do things the right way.
The smocking course consists of 5 lessons....the first 3 will start and complete the above sampler. The final 2 lessons start and complete a bishop dress. I have loved the course so far. I have realized that I really do know how to smock...even though I kind of taught myself along the way. But I will tell you the course has some wonderful little tips and tidbits that I have found to be very helpful and well worth the cost of the course. The literature that comes with this course is the best smocking information I have ever seen!!! Plus I can work on the course in the privacy of my home (with 4 little ones) and on my own time schedule (like at 1 am). However, I should mention that you have to finish the course in one year from the time you receive it.
I have finished the above sampler except for some backsmocking. When I finish that I will send it and my bishop fabric back to the instructor and she will critique my sampler as well as send me the bishop directions and smocking plate to use. I find the whole process fascinating and liberating!!!
These courses are just another reason why it is great to be a SAGA member!!! If you are interested in becoming a SAGA member you can go here. If you already are a SAGA member and would like to check out the Correspondence Course offerings, you can go here. And remember these courses count towards your Artisan Program too.
9 comments:
That is just gorgeous!
Thanks Kimberlee....smocking is so relaxing to me!!! The fact that it is pretty is a bonus!!!
Very nice! I hope to gather up all my points and submit this year. Get that monkey off my back. I am thinking I have enough points to do a trifecta, smocking, embroidery and machine sewing.
Oh, Cindy, that is beautiful smocking. Hmm....may have to join up myself.
Cindy, the stitches look perfect, and what beautiful colors! Thanks for sharing!
I think your smocking turned out beautiful! I'm my own worst critic and everyone else is my best supporter. One of these days I will end up doing the artisan program. I'm wanting to save money to attend next years convention in Anaheim. Hope I can attend. Good luck with the program.
I'm taking a correspondence course from SAGA myself right now and I'm loving it, too. I love your sampler. Those are great colours.
Robin...thanks. That's great you have so many points. You have been busy!!!
Erin..thanks!!!
gmaofthree....thanks!!!
Jan....Thanks!!! You should do the Artisan program sometime. I've really enjoyed it!!
Claire...Thanks!! I'd love to hear about your correspondence course sometime. I'm glad you are enjoying it. The colors I am using are the colors that were included with the course. At first I wasn't sure about them...but now I really like them. They have a calmness about them!!!
I love smocking and that is so lovely! Your Emily is really growing up to be an accomplished needlewoman!
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