Hello everyone!
I hope you are all saying safe and warm – I know many of you have been in the midst of some snow and icy weather!  A perfect time to do some stitching, as long as the power holds up!

I know some of you have signed up for my Clara Dress class that SAGA (Smocking Arts Guild of America) is offering in March.  I am so excited to see you there!  Once the registration closes in the next week or 2, I will be contacting you all for your dress color choice (blue, pink, or white).  The Liberty of London accent fabric is the same for all colorways.  I will add the picture at the end, so you can see where the Liberty accent fabric is added.  If you are thinking about joining me, now is the time to register, through the SAGA website.  This is a Members Only class.  If you are not a member and want to join, there is a link under the About menu.

In the mean time, I am also teaching Simply Perfect Smocking, (a technique class) on Saturday, February 26, from 9am til noon, Pacific time.

I want my smocking stitches to have even tension, smooth untangled threads, and correct placement.

This 3 hour class takes a deep dive into the the techniques that I use to perfect my smocking stitches for stunning results.  *A note – this class is not a Learn How to Smock class (3 hours is not long enough for that).  You should have a working knowledge of how to do the cable and trellis stitches.
You will need a pleated doodle cloth (it can be a practice cloth from another project), 2-3 colors of stranded floss, and your favorite smocking needle (I like 7 or 8 Embroidery/Crewel or 7 Sharps).

I will be recording the class so that you can rewatch (or of you want to take the class and you are unable to make the live class) and will post it in the private facebook group that I will create for the class members.  The fb group will last for 4 weeks – you will have access to the class recording and I will monitor for any questions during that time, as well as looking at any pictures you want to post.  That way you will have some feedback after you have had some time to practice.
If you have any questions, just email me at vaune@vaune.com and I will be happy to answer your queries!

You can register here for the class.
Kits are available here if you do not have a pleated piece (or do not have time to find it 🙂  )

 

Coming soon – I will be reviewing pinking shears!  I have these 6 pair, plus a pair from Gingher and a pair from DOVO (although this pair will be a side bar, as they are no longer available).

 

Gucci, Gucci
I am happy to be able to tell you that the FIDM Museum has started exhibiting again!  I was able to make it to the House of Gucci (movie) display that was open for a brief stint in December.

 

The exhibit did not have as many garments as they usually do, but it was wonderful all of the same.  Above are the front and back view of the wedding dress that Lady Gaga wore as Patrizia Reggiani.  Here is an article in the Metro with Janty Yates, the costume designer, where she talks about where they got the outfits.

I will share more pictures next time!  The next exhibit will open in March, and will be costumes.  I will share more details as soon as they are posted!

I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I hope to see you in person in the near future!

                                                                                              Clara

Happy Stitching,

Vaune