After the HOT HUMID summer we look forward to some relief with pleasant autumn weather as we envision a multitude of potential stitching projects.

The Grand Smockers will begin their season on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 with a Victorian smocking project suitable for all skill levels- a "Tussie Mussie". This project will span Sept and Oct. For those looking for a more challenging project a sampler is offered and participants will work on it over the upcoming months with assistance and guidance as needed. This Fall our evening "Stitch Outs" will focus on a pillow featuring 4 different Italian Smocking stitches.

In the new year we will work on our needle tatting skills in an effort to accomplish yardage to use for trim on our precious smocked and heirloom garments and projects.

A variety of different smocking and embroidery stitches will be featured as the stitch of the month over the course of the year.

The third Tuesday of each month we reserve for the day time "Smock In" - a great opportunity to share skills, get assistance and brainstorm new ideas. The location varies as a different member hosts the group each month.

We are looking forward to workshops this year featuring Heirloom techniques, smocking stitches, an Heirloom organizer as well as the Summer Breeze nightgown by our guest instructor Judith Marquis.

We hope to also touch on a variety of other topics including curved appliqué, Sharks teeth, a sewing machine cover, Brazilian embroidery, rick-rack flowers and a new needle book for those of us who never have enough places to keep our needles stored safely from the rest of the family, including pets!