Irish Inspiration

This post is to inspire you - my readers to check out these pictures taken on my Irish travels, and join in the flower making fun on June 26-28 at my flower making workshop. I still have room on all three days -

This post if also for my friend Diane who takes AMAZING pictures of flowers, morphs them into art and helps me at the workshops.

The details on the workshops are:

• They are held in my studio in Pittsfield, MA.
• 10-4 each day
• $150 per day
• Come one, two or all three days
• One and two day students can come on any day/s that work/s.
  

Scroll down to see what the flowers I have made look like and email me at www.crispinaffrench@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to register.

Potholder Rugs

This week is going to be busy. Getting ready for my three day Potholder Rug making workshop and Alchemy Initiative's introduction to the community.
Workshop preparations are familiar and clear. I am excited to meet a nice group of women, some traveling from far away places to join in the learning and making scheduled to begin at 10am, Sunday April 19.
Every time I have a workshop I try to add something to the experience, my learning process. Looms to sell are the addition to this Potholder Rug making workshop. My friend Eric has made a couple of lovely samples for students to try and order if they are excited enough about the process to want to continue at home. Looms that make 2.5x3.5 ft rugs are available for $275 and smaller looms - that make rugs that measure 1.75x2.5ft are priced at $175. You can buy them at the studio or from my online shop, www.crispinaffrench.etsy.com

Alchemy Initiative is unfamiliar as it is so new and really exciting. We, the founding members are a group of 4 women all committed to urban farming, art making, urban center, community housing development and community in general. Our first event is planned for Wednesday April 22 - Earthday. There suddenly seems like there is so much to do! Yikes! Gotta get to bed so I can get up early and work before the girls are up.

Sweater Making

Today began my February Workshop. The focus this month is on sweater making. Here is my friend Diane wearing a truly amazing rendition of a workshop inspired cardigan. She made the buttons with Fimo. Diane was a workshop attendee at the first one I offered back in June 2008. She got hooked on the process and has made several LOVELY pieces.
Monday and Tuesday round out this month's workshop. The Third Sunday in March I start a new workshop on button vests, incoporating used wool overcoats that are woven and wool knits like sweaters. We will learn combination techniques and general structural know-how pointers will be discussed.

Making

I recently made a batch of New Flag Blankets. You can see one if you scroll down a way. Designed in my company's prior incarnation and we sold a BUNCH of them wholesale. I loved the design, especially in light of the times. Now is the first time I can remember not being ashamed by our flag. Barack Obama's election has allowed me pride in our national emblem.
While cutting material for the blankets the correlation Barack made in his inaugural speech to the country being a patchworked quilt was right in my hands. In the material I use there are many handknit sweaters from all sorts of places. Traditions tell tales of place and people. Hesitation struck me as I came upon this sweater. Certianly handknit on fine needles of experience and skill probably in Irealand. The country of my birth and heritage. I wanted to save it to look at and honor - for a second - until I realized that incorporating it into the mix would allow many that honor.

I hope Barack and Michelle like the blanket they inspired. They have inspired global HOPE, so with great gratitude I send them a humble gift of one of the batch - with bits of the Irish heritage sewn in.

Workshop Schedule for 2009

here it is - the thing people have been asking about. The full year of workshops I am offering in the studio. If you have difficulty reading the tiny type (which looked perfectly legible before I uploaded it!) let me know and I can email you an attachment that is bigger.

Soon my site at www.crispina.com will changed up to reflect what I am up to these days. Until then here is the calendar of events.
More to come . . like my book will be out in August! It is coming together and looking great!

Monday in the studio

This blanket came out really well. I love the color and weight of it! The Champagne colored velvet frames the circumference with lush yummy.

Lots of hand knits and soft lofty neutrals here. It is a 5x5ft throw and you can see it here for sale:
www.crispinaffrench.etsy.com

Blanket/Scarf Workshop

Every time a workshop happens in the studio I seem to learn as much as I teach! This past Sunday a great group of all ladies indulged in scarf and blanket learning and construction. Lovely things were conjured up with sweater alchemy techniques developed over the last 20 years in my work.
Super tasty lunch of braised chicken, mesculin salad, and blue cheese, toasted walnut, and sage biscuits was catered by my great friends David Rizzardi and Judy Merritt. We had home made biscotti and coffee for a afternoon break.

The next workshop is scheduled to begin on the third Sunday in February, the 15th and carry on for the 16th and 17th. The focus next month is on sweater construction. The cost is $150 per day with Wednesday the 18th being free for three day workshop attendees. People are free to register for one, two, or all three days and can begin on any one of the three days. Lunch, as well as tools and materials used in the studio are included in the price of the workshop beginning at 10am and finishing at 5pm daily.

Call or email your questions or to sign-up.
413-236-9600 or crispinaffrench@gmail.com

Thanks!

Special Offer

My new years resolution is to be on time. So far I have been doing pretty well with physically showing up promptly but the deadline issue is yet to be tackled. The reason I bring this to your attention is because I have left marketing my fast approaching January workshop late. I need to have at least 5 students to run the class for any given day. I am offering a buy one and get one for half price special. To take advantage of this offer you must sign up by January 10. If you can find the time in your days from January 18-20 to take a class in my studio I promise to engage you in a wholly satisfying experience that will leave you inspired. Everyone will finish the day with a finished blanket or scarf. The process is done by hand. There is no experience necessary. All tools, materials and lunch is provided for they day. Classes begin at 10 and run until 5pm and the charge is $150 per day. (Bring a friend for $75!)

Studio Workshops

The first round of studio workshops offered sporadically in 2008 were such a great success that I will be offering monthly 3-day workshops in my Pittsfield studio throughout 2009. Beginning the third Sunday of each month, I will teach a class in a specific subject. January's lessons on scarf and blanket making begin on the 19 and will carry over to the 20, and 21. Students can join in any day - or two or all three. Single day students will certainly finish a scarf and/or baby or lap blanket. People who stay for more than one day will have the opportunity to complete a larger, more intricate project and learn more involved techniques.
All materials and tools are included in the daily price of $150. If students are interested in staying for three days the fourth day (a Wednesday) is a free finish-up day.
Those with paid registration for the first workshop of 2009, by January 10th can bring a friend for half price.

There is no prior experience necessary although a strong desire to learn is a must.

Classes are limited to 10 people and run from 10-4pm. Barter, sliding scale fees and tuition assistance are available

Tools and materials are available for purchase if students are interested in continuing on with the technique after the class.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions or just leave a comment that I can respond to here so everyone can see.

Crispina and Friends Studio Sale

It was a huge success! I am talking about our recent studio sale.
23 of the Berkshire's finest - and funnest, gathered on the weekend of the 13 and 14 of December and sold lots of super cool stuff.
Enticing scents from the hot food and amazing baked goods from Judy Merrit and David Rizardi's Tutti Baking Co. filled the air. Music wafted through too from Steve Elling and his friend Christopher who played traditional Italian mandolin and acordian tunes as we opened on Saturday.
My new friend Shirley Edgerton and her AMAZING, eloquent, engaging, fine young group of steppers and drummers added their magic to festivities. They were raising money for competition uniforms and subsidizing a trip to the inauguration for a few of the group. In exchange for donations they were wrapping gifts in paper they had made and performing a few times each day.

This is certainly the tip of the iceberg but at the moment I have a little stenographer here helping me making this post one to be continued.

I hope I can get mention in here of my dear old friends Heather Cupo and Sean Kimball who came by with Louisa age 6. It was super fun to meet her for the first time and Heather had on a vest I had made prolly 10 years ago - and so did another customer I didn't know. They got to meet and I took their picture!

Sorry for the lack of well designed layout. I am a novice blogger and need help. Does anyone know how to move pictures around?

Cheers for now - check back soon!

December Studio Sale

After making several unsuccessful trouble shooting attempts to correct the problemo of VERY WEIRD color translation of the accompanying image, let me just say that:
On December 13 and 14 I will be hosting a brand new kind of studio sale! 23 of the Berkshires and surrounding area's finest makers will gather at my studio to sell their wares from 10-5 both days. Affordable gourmet lunch will be available on site as well as Holiday greenery, pottery, jewelry, mobiles, and more. Gift wrapping will be provided by donation by Melville Street's very own Youth Alive. There will be music and hooping and all manner of high jinx to be had as well as a lot of great gift ideas inclucing Dolphin Studio Calendars and John ffrench ceramics.

Laundry at My House

Finally got Chris to put up a clothesline for me. Sure beats burning fossil fuel on a dryer! Saves the three storey trip to the clothes yard too.

November Workshops

I am not sure why there is an underline on my text here and honestly I am too tired to figure it out at the moment. Sorry it must be a little difficult to read!

Wanted to let you know that there are a flurry of workshops coming up in November. There are open slots each day but not many so sign up soon!

Attached is a cute color poster for anyone who wants to print it out and hang it in a high crafter-traffic area that would be GREAT! For the rest of you, here is the information that is most useful...

There are a flurry of workshops being offered in the studio this month. I am holding them all back to back to acomadate some out of town guests coming all the way from Texas.

Sooo
As the weather gets colder and we begin to think about the traditional gift giving time of year, consider taking a class in making things that are wonderful to give as gifts.

Here is the Schedule
Sunday, November 16 – learn to make Crispina style sweaters collaged from used sweaters in a shape and color of your desire
Monday, November 17 – choose between Rug weaving and Ornament Workshop including our notable wreathes and bobbles
Tuesday, November 18 – Scarves, Blankets, and Pillows or Ragamuffins - your choice.

Each day is $150. Sign up for all three days and have a free workday in the studio on November 19 to finish nearly completed projects.
The class fee covers all tools and materials as well as lunch. Sweater making workshop students should bring a garment to use for a pattern.
Open studio hours available every Wednesday to prior workshop students at $10 hourly or $45 for the day. Materials are available to take home at $5 a pound.

Feel free to leave a comment with any questions. To sign-up I just need you to send a check with a note in the memo line telling me which day you would like to join. Hope to see some of you soon!

Workshop Coming Up!

Violet says, the mornings are chilly, heating fuel is expensive. Come to my mom's sweater making workshop on October 19 in her studio in Pittsfield and learn how to stay warm this winter!

Details:
Sunday Oct 19, 2008 10-4pm, $150 everything included, sign up now before it is too late!
To sign up, call the studio at 413-236-9600 and leave a message. I'll call you back to cofirm.

Tech Help and Tidbits - GO OBAMA

Hi There,

Sorry for the long silence. I have been in edit mode DEEP. Working on the teaching book I have in the works. This week I am illustrating which is fun and time consuming so not alot of time to catch up here. I am wondering if anyone can help me figure out how to put my google account on my blogger account? It is sometimes very hard to update my blog because I set it up ages ago using a different email address than the gmail address I now have. Every time I go into blogger it tells me that I need to update my account with a google account. When I try to do that, it tells me that it is not possible to use a gmail account as the primary email address for the blog. - I thought that is what blogger was asking me for - my google account - which I think - is my gmail account. Blogger help is a bit of misnomer in this situation. Does anyone have advice for me? Sorry to be so needy in the tech dept but this has me confused.
I would love to stay in better touch and I think help in this area would be a great first step.

Tidbits for the last 2 weeks:
We went to Sarah Humphrey and Gary Rowe's wedding on a super RAINY day at the end of September. It was in Norwell, MA in a LOVELY spot! We stayed with my dear friend Filis Warren in Stoneham. The girls were all dressed up in their best dresses and new shoes. We all had a BLAST dancing and playing and giving all our best love vibes to the newly weds.

Sweater Making workshop coming up on October 19. Need to fill a few more spots for the all day 10-4 event. All materials and tools are included for $150 - which includes lunch too. Join in the fun and spread the word!

I postponed my fall Studio Sale and Giant Studio Tag Sale until November - still need to pick a date so stay tuned on that.

If you live in Massachusetts, the deadline to register to vote is October 15. Please vote for change and fair representation. GO OBAMA!


Thanks!

Workshops

Due to popular demand the October workshop has been changed to a Sweater Making lesson. Details are:
October 19 10-4 at my studio in the former Notre Dame church (40 Melville Street) right in the heart of Pittsfield. Come join the fun and learn how to make Crispina style sweaters from 100% recycled wool sweaters.
The class costs $150 and includes the use of all tools and materials as well as lunch.
Please contact me via email to confirm your place as class size is limited to 10. Thanks, crispinaffrench@gmail.com

Put Me Behind a Sewing Machine!

It feels really great to have a more hands on daily routine. I have been working on some really cool one-of-a-kind blankets in the studio. Rugs are forth coming as well. The website will be up with all the changes in place in the next few weeks. You will be able to shop online www.crispina.com and from my atelier on Melville Street in Pittsfield - retail only - only select FEW old friend wholesale customers to be served on a fill in the blanks basis. Right now I am booked through the middle of August so if you are thinking of any gift giving for later this year allow plenty of time. Order soon - and don't be disappointed! You don't have to wait for the site to be finished. If you know what you want just call or email for pricing and delivery dates.
You can reach the workroom at 413-236-9600 or email me. crispinaff@crispina.com
thanks for your support and business!

Recycled Textile Garment Construction

My first email blast announcing the recycling/hand sewing workshops scheduled for Saturdays in June went out over the weekend. There was lots of interesting feedback from many of you - for which I am always most grateful! Your input feeds my learning and it is really helpful.

Many of you had similar questions that I have done my best to answer here:

At four sessions - one every Saturday in June, students will be constructing a project from recycled wool sweaters.
At the first workshop, people will learn how to make an adult sized sweater pieced from discarded wool sweaters. Students should bring a sweater or sweatshirt they like the size and shape of - the fit will be duplicated and used for their project. While we will focus on the construction of a particular garment, students will have learned the basics in general garment construction using simple sewing, cutting and piecing techniques by the end of the day. The skills learned each week can be translated easily.
Workshops are limited to 10 students and cost $125.
The only equipment needed to produce the items taught are scissors and a needle and yarn. (Not low-tech but really no-tech.) We will provide all tools and materials, along with a delicious lunch. The only thing required is a garment as mentioned above, an eager willingness to learn, and patience. A decent sense of humor is a helpful tool to bring as well and certainly never goes to waste.

If you would like to get on my email newletter list just email me here.
Oh, and the new name for my business is Sanctuary.

I hope this all makes sense. I worked on getting our new digs at the rectory cleaned and painted today. More on that tomorrow. It is time for me to get some rest!

Workshops on Melville Street

I want to let you know about a series of workshops I will be offering in my Pittsfield studio at 40 Melville Street. Every Saturday beginning the first week of June, I will be teaching a project using recycled wool sweaters, yarn, hand sewing needles, and good sharp scissors. Students will end the day with a finished (or nearly finished) project, written instructions, and a materials list. All tools, and materials, and a healthy lunch will be provided.
Workshops will be held from 10-5pm. No prior experience is necessary although a love of handwork makes the learning process so much fun! The cost is $125 and classes are limited to 10 people.
Please also note that my contact information is changing.
Here are all the new digits:
Sanctuary
Crispina ffrench
40 Melville Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Cell: 413-441-9766
http://www.crispinaffrench.blogspot.com
AND – just so you know, we live right next door at 50 Melville for personal mail or visits.

Crafting a Business

Hey! Did you see the new book out from Country Living editor Kathie Fitzgerald? The title is Crafting a Business – Making Money Doing What You Love. It is a collection of 28 fine ladies who have innovatively created jobs they love. I am featured on page 80.

Funny that I find myself crafting a new business, - one with a solid plan and preparation and milestones to check along the path. It feels completely fresh to be formulating such a thing. The company I founded and have been associated with for the last 21 years morphed from my college senior-project into a company with 40 employees within 2 years. Many wonderful lessons, people, challenges and successes were all important parts of the mix. The resounding issue in my memory is that there was never time to plan – now I have that! Wow!

May 1, 2008 is my first official day of lay-off. The thought of free time is sooo exciting to me!
Once I have a chance to delve into that time, of no work, the vision of my ideal job will become clear. It will be my mission to formulate a plan to achieve the goals set forth in my next few weeks. It is exciting to think about time to do just that. . . think.

Can you tell how excited I am? The last time I had a summer off I was thirteen years old!

In the meantime collecting unemployment is completely new to me. I wonder how that all works?? One thing is certain, and that is, that I won’t be bringing in the income I am accustomed too and will need to supplement.

Anyone out there interested in signing up for some hands-on learning workshops? I am setting aside Saturdays in June to teach – here in the studio. Class size is limited to 6. Each week will focus on a different project. Here is the tentative schedule:

June 7 – Adult size zipper hoodie cardigan

June 14 – Kids size zipper hoodie cardigan

June 21 – Big Wreaths

June 28 – Flowers

Workshops will be held from 10-4. A healthy lunch will be served. The cost is $200 – all materials included.

Email me to sign up. Also let me know if there are other things you would like to learn.