February 2023   It HAS BEEN AWHILE!

    Yes the Holly Berries are still a chapter in New Jersey.  YES we have been meeting , some zoom over covid, some outside in cool weather.  And some wandering around for meeting space. 

    We have had members leave for various reasons, but we are currently a pretty steady group of 9-10 as we go.  We have daytime meetings from 10am to 1pm.  Usually at the Medford NJ branch of the Burlington County Library System.  

    With February being National Smocking month we are meeting at a members house in Cherry Hill. The planned program is working on our service project for Weecare.  Creating gowns for Premies in the NICU along with memory items for those who do not go home.  

    So in a nutshell that is what Holly Berries is up to.  Contact information on the SAGA website is correct.  Come enjoy the fine art of hand needlework and the company of fellow sewing sisters. We look forward to seeing you soon.                                                                            

                                                                               SAGA


                 

Sewing Fun with Gail Doane

Fifteen ladies from as far south as Baltimore area and as far west as Indianapolis enjoyed some creative sewing in New Jersey!!

The Holly Berries chapter of SAGA [Smocking Arts Guild of America] hosted the delightful and talented Gail Doane. Gail hails from Utah but is known around the globe for her beautiful designs, smocking and sewing talent.  The project chosen for the three days was actually featured on the cover of Classic Sewing Magazine's second issue.

Starting with a quilter's 'Jelly Roll'...a package of 2.5 inch wide, by 45 inch long strips of co-ordinating fabrics, the ladies all created their own fabric designs for the front, back and sleeves of the jacket. Some design parts were decided on by Gail who packaged complete kits for us to work on.  Including the soft cotton pique dress which features hem and sleeve caps made from the same 'joined' strips of fabric.

The fun is seeing six same fabric jelly rolls worked in totally different configurations resulting in very cute and sweet jackets. But the lessons learned involved more than just putting strips together. Color watch, design watch, balance of all combinations, things that are not communicated in written directions but rather by example and explanation.  And Gail makes it all sound so easy...excellent tutor!!

Three days, 18 hours plus, and if the first photo is any indication..a good time was had by all. 

SAGA is a non profit organization dedicated to promoting the fine arts of sewing and all things needle and thread. 

Please visit HERE to see what SAGA has to offer!

The Holly Berries chapter meets at the Burlington County Library on the 

Third Wednesday of the month from 12pm-3pm.  

July and August are vacations. 

Find directions here to the Library which is in New Jersey. 

We meet at the Main Library in Westampton.

With this successful workshop completed...we look forward to another one in the coming year, 

Why I stalk the mail man

Yes it is true, I spend way WAY too much time on the computer!!

Often resulting in my own frustration at the lack of stitching, cooking, baking, cleaning not done.  But then there are days when I find fun stuff!! LIKE:

The next issue of saga news is in the mail...this is the cover:

I see/spy some great ideas, along with I know exactly who two of the designers will be!! lol  I will keep my opinions quiet until I see the credits. 

THEN there is this publication in the mail:

Classic Sewing Magazine.....be still by heart and soul.

According to Facebook, there are some in the 'southern' states who have received their copies already. Since it is mailed from Kentucky...my guess is the 'yankee' truck gets left to last.  [just kidding] I can hardly contain myself for wanting these magazines to arrive!!

The cover dress is a Gail Doane design. She will be here in NJ in May!!

 And then there is this to look forward to in September 2016...SAGA's national Convention in Hampton Virginia.  I do like this Logo...

Now I just realized I have this all written for the Holly Berries blog.  Well it will also appear on my Sewing snips blog...as it is all about the stitching....

November Meeting coming up!

The next Holly Berries meeting promises to be a fun one.  Needle Tatting is on the program list.  Amazing technique for creating some lovely edging, motifs, and for those who want, dollies, baby bonnets and more.

We meet the third Wednesday of the Month at the Burlington Library..Pioneer Blvd off of Woodlane Road in Westampton, New Jersey.  12pm to 3pm.
Come see what we are all about!!

NEW MEETING LOCATION YAHOO

BURLINGTON COUNTY LIBRARY

Headquarters!

5 Pioneer Boulevard

Westampton, NJ 08060

Phone: 609-267-9660

Whopp whoo hoo....can you tell we are excited!!

Our first meeting of the 'new year' is 

Wednesday...September 16, 2015

12pm to 3pm 

AT THE LIBRARY!!

JOIN US!! Visitors always welcome...

and yes we hope you will join!!

The most recent issue of our Member magazine. Four times a year. This is probably my favorite issue as it deals with the Community service of Wee Care that SAGA is internationally [yes world wide] involved with.  In a quick summary...we construct, smock, embroider, knit etc baby gowns for premature or infant losses . As a former Maternity/OB nurse, this is close to my heart!!  And lucky for us! our National WeeCare chair is a Holly Berry Member!!

SAGA is also on Facebook with a Saga Smockalong page. OR Smock Across America page.  Currently, we are smocking ornaments for our Troops. 

Check out the website : SAGA and see what this smock a long is all about. You will find this photo which will link you to the directions!! 

On September 16th, there will be some supplies for this smock a long at our meeting. AT THE LIBRARY!! 

Besides smocking, we also do all different sewing or embroidery things. We are dedicated to keeping the fine art of needle work alive. 

"The purpose of the Smocking Arts Guild of America is to preserve and foster the art of smocking and related needlework for future generations through education, service, communication and quality workmanship."

Holly Berries meet the third Wednesday of the month from September to June. We are a daytime meeting from 12pm to 3pm. We also have informal and formal class meetings and programs at other times. 

For more information contact: 

Karin Eveland President at: 609-518-8986 

or Email: karine12253@gmail.com 

[please put Holly Berries in subject line].

A trip to NYC Fashion Fabric district

Some Holly Berries went to New York City on the Train!!

We walked uptown to 37th Street and found Mood!!

This is us going in!!

After 45 minutes...we moved on..There is much too much to look at in Mood...we will go back when we think we have some 'wants'.

We saw Grey Line Linens on West 39th St.  I think everyone bought some linen there...at $9/yd..who wouldn't. 

Two doors up is Weaver's Silk Fabrics [and more]

Wanda had her day in Weaver's. 

Sunny the owner was very helpful and Happy to see us! 

We did cross 39th to two more shops..

Wanda found a pinterest person there!!

I did not get his name. He loved Wanda's button embellished Jacket!! 

So do I.

THEN it was time for LUNCH

 We went back to 37th St. to 

STITCH cafe bar. 

See the sewing machine over the door behind us!!

Great food, it was good to rest our feet from walking the cement of NYC. 

Then we walked up to 40th and 7th Avenue to the two 

Fashion District icons. 

From here we walked back down 7th to the Train Station. 

A perfect day for sewistas in NYC!!

Now let's see what we do with our treasures!!

TWO YEARS LATER!

Just a quick note that this blog will be continued. 

 In just a few days some historical entries about the last two years..and some future notes for all!! 

Including a few photos. Hopefully others will find us interesting!!

See you on the flip side...not the wrong side...but the next page!!

HOLLY BERRIES 

A Chapter of 

SAGA

Meets on the THIRD Wednesday of the month 

September thru June

12 pm to 3pm 

Upstairs at

OLDE CITY QUILTS

in Burlington City, NJ.

Visitors are always welcome!!

Contact: Karin via email with any questions.

May Meeting Wednesday the 18th

Email news note coming tonight...meeting at Fran's house again. Hope you all will let her know who is coming or not.  WeeCare workshop...for summer projects!

I don't know if I will be there...will try...more news later...Karin

Happy Mother's Day

This free greeting personalized with Smilebox

Hollyberries Meeting April 20, 2011

We met at Fran's - items discussed were:

Karin asked for a change of officers citing the need to step away to take care of personal business.  She requested that we have nominees by our next meeting.  We also discussed the search for a new public meeting place - several suggestions -  RWJ in Hamilton, the libraries in Hamilton, Robbinsville, Lawrenceville.  The next two will be at Fran's.  Jackie will check with Mt. Zion Methodist Church to see if they have space we can use. 

We discussed the Wee Care program and the types of garments/items we would like to make.  Fran (Wee Care Chair) distributed little ready to smock gowns and tiny sacques to complete - Karin brought back some very sweet fleece Wee Care items from the Conestoga Stitchers group - demonstrated the construction and added them to our Wee Care collection - we need to procure some fine, light colored fleece.  Check your stash or pick some up on sale if you can.  Susie will make up a Children's Corner "Bunny's Knit Nightie" for preview and possible addition to the collection.

We discussed the possibility of having a teacher in 2012 - or a small event - and how to run it.  IE - collaborate with the other local chapters - run a 3 day event?  This topic will probably be ongoing.

We had a lengthy discussion regarding new members - how to market ourselves and venues for that purpose.  This conversation brought up the subject of crafts fairs, quilt shows - etc.  Whether we want to have a display or have a table and sell some handmade items - as a source of revenue for the Hollyberries and a way to introduce ourselves to folks interested in fine hand/machine work.  Susie volunteered to head up this project - Publicity and Fundraising - Jackie volunteered to investigate the possibility of a table or booth at her husband's Methodist Church.  Fran volunteered to investigate St. Greg's for craft/table space.  Susie will look for other public venues - like the Cranberry Festival, Medford Craft Fair, local Wineries, etc. where we can gain exposure.  Potential items to sell include doll clothes (AG) small baby gift items - things that we could price reasonably and hopefully sell.  We discussed the option of donating all of our sales to the group OR splitting 50/50 with the maker of the item sold. 

Our project yesterday was a very cute ladybug pincushion - designed and kitted out by Wanda - surprisingly - no one left with it as a UFO :~)  Here's a picture of mine - 

Fran made the most delicious banana cake and has offered to share the recipe - we can't wait!!!

Our next meeting will be May 18th - At Fran's house.

Wonderfully submitted by Susan !! Thank you so much for all your help.
We should have bunched all our 'bugs' together in a photo...:-)

I like this venue...it will be great for communication!  Keep Stitching Karin
Check out the photo page now published!!!

Stitched with love

Stitched with love  

Click on the above!

Sharing this link about a fellow chapter. Congratulations Dogwood chapter in Charlotte North Carolina!

First Meeting...good times!

Yesterday was the first meeting for the 2010-11 year of Holly Berries.  We had a wonderful time...all five of us. Missed Wanda, Susan, Ginny, Jeanne.  But we did come up with a basic calendar for the first few months.  AND we agreed that the FIRST Wednesday of every month will be our Wee Care time.  Not always workshops, but just a day with some time to sit and work on wee care.  Sit n Stitch time!! 

Sew...soooo....Our first Wee Care sit n stitch will be:  October 6th at the shoppe. Bring any wee care you are working on, or come prepared to put some together!! And please don't forget that WeeCare is not just gowns...bonnets, hats, blankets and more.

See you real soon!!   

Meeting on Wednesday June 16th

Email out to all members about our next meeting. Visitors welcom...this meeting will be Wee Care gown work and collection for year end report.  This is also our last meeting for the year, July and August will have sit n stitch days, along with some work days for our convention project.  Hard to believe we are into summer!! Come grab a small gown for summer stitching. See you Wednesday!!

The hollyhocks are doing way super this year!

                                            And the daisies are there for the picking!!

Joe upstairs has a great vegetable garden going too! We will be enjoying lots of beans, tomatoes, squash later! Sugar Peas are sweet right now. and so is the romaine.  Shall we have salad at the meeting???

Mother's Day 2010

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL

Samantha is modeling a sweet bishop dress which is now on it's way to be included in a raffle.

The yellow roses are from my garden here at the shop. A favorite of mine, my sister and yes, Our mother.

Mother's day memories are many. But none so sweet as all the other ordinary, everyday Mother's Day...each day with our mother, or with our children, all are sweet. May today be one of many to come for the young.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Our Library Display

We are on display at the Pinelands Library in Medford NJ. Thanks to Dottie, Pam, Fran and Karin we have a great display.

We also had a display in February in Haddon Township at the Library. People have inquired about us!! Now we have a web page to go to!!

Information blog for the Holly Berries SAGA chapter

Welcome to the blog page for the Holly Berries Chapter of SAGA [Smocking Arts Guild of America].  We meet in Mount Holly New Jersey on the third [3rd] Wednesday of the month, September thru June.  July and August are informal sit and stitch gatherings.   Meetings start at 12:30 pm and go until we are done, usually 3pm. or so.  Visitors are welcome and joining is easy. 

Our next meeting is April 21st.  The planned program is a silk ribbon embroidery project /accent pillow .  For more information on SAGA  please visit http://www.smocking.org/.