In the fall of 1984, a small group of stitchers interested in preserving and fostering the art of smocking and related needlework through educaion, communication and quality workmanship began proceedings to form a Guild.
An enthusiastic core from this meeting held a common vision, so papers were duly processed, the name suggested by Erla Wilson, and "The Grand Smockers Guild" was born. The first President was Mona Whitwell and the Secretary/Treasurer Sherry Biggar.
Shortly thereafter, Betsy McBurney designed a logo featuring a needle pullling thread, that becomes the Grand River. A fellow member, Wendy Copps, who also happened to be an artist, developed this design, which is still the Guild's logo today.
Membership expanded to encompass a 25-mile radius, extending from Dunnville, Cayuga and Caledonia to Hamilton. From Hamilton, the group gained another enthusiastic member, Michelle Franiks, who spearheaded a bonnet-producing project, where members smocked and sewed 17 bonnets, which were sold to a Hamilton shop. From the funds generated in this project, our library was established, which has grown to become an amazing resource of magazines, patterns, plates, and books.
In October 1986, the Guild began producing a bimonthly newsletter under the direction of Sherry Biggar. A contest was held to name the publication and was won by Michelle Franks, who submitted the name "Cablegram". The current editor is Glenna Marriage.
In 2001, Brenda Paine developed our website.
One of the Guild's major efforts to attempt to promote public awareness and encourage a high calibre of workmanship was to establish "Inspiration". This event began as "Inspiration '86" - a smocking competition and continued as such for many years. Then for several years, "Inspiration" was held in the form of a display. In 2002, a new committee was formed and "Inspiration" was revived as a competition.
Early meetings of the Guild were held in the homes of members until January 1987 when meetings were moved to the old Home Economics Room at the Cayuga High School. In September 1999, meetings were moved to the basement of the St. Patrick's Church in Caledonia. As of January 2005, our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, from September until June, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Cayuga Mutual Insurance Building, located at 23 King Street West in Cayuga.
An ongoing and important project of the Guild is the Weecare Program, started in 1988. These are tiny nightgowns lovingly smocked and sewn together by members and donated to the NICU at McMaster Medical Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, for those precious infants who do not make it home from the Hospital. It is our hope parents find some comfort holding their precious infant dressed in these gowns.
In the Spring of 1997, the Guild purchased a 24-row pleater for use by the Membership.
The Guild is always open to new members wishing to learn new needlework techniques. There are many extremely talented members, willing to share their craft with those less experienced. It is a great opportunity to develop a worthwhile hobby, and enjoy a relaxed camaraderie as well.