Erla Wilson: Smocking Designer

SmockersErla Wilson is an avid stitcher and founding member of the Grand Smockers Guild. Erla, her husband and daughter Sarah live on a quiet dead end street near the Grand River in Cayuga. Her daughter Laura, Son-in-law David and granddaughters Olivia and Abbey are nearby in Hamilton.

Erla started her business, Country Garden in 1986 when she decided to remain at home with her two young children instead of returning to a nursing career. She now enjoys gardening, sharing her skills as a stitcher and being a Grandma and states, “Grandmothers are just “antique” little girls.”

The next issue of A Needle Pulling Thread (ANPT) will feature Erla’s smocked sundress modeled by granddaughter Olivia. Come see the dresses at the ANPT booth at the Creativ Festival show this spring. Erla will be demonstrating how to pleat these kind of garments “in the round” before smocking them. It is easy once you see how!

3 Thoughts on “Erla Wilson: Smocking Designer

  1. Debra Bunting on April 24, 2012 at 5:11 pm said:

    Erla is truly an inspiration to all of us “antique little girls”
    Thanks for all the wonderful needle skills, but mostly for
    sharing your enthusiasum and love of the craft. Debra

  2. Rosemarie Menassas on April 24, 2012 at 6:43 pm said:

    Oh goodie! another blog to visit! Thanks for the inspiration!

  3. Lynda Campbell on November 5, 2013 at 9:26 am said:

    So enjoyed!!!!! The smocking class at the festival. Your an amazing person. I’m not as confused lol as I was.

    Thank you so much

Post Navigation