Pittsfield Hosts a Green Panel Discussion

Come see what we have in store!  My hubby Chris, of Cesco Plumbing and Heating - the Biodiesel Specialist, myself and a couple of other Berkshire Greenies have been invited by Pittsfield's Green Committee to be panelists on Thursday afternoon at the Berkshire Museum.  I am excited to have an opportunity to talk about what we are doing at Alchemy Initiative and spread the message of scaling back our consumption.  Once I have my talk finished I will post my notes here.  

If you are local come by and participate!  After the discussion Pittsfield's Third Thursday festivities will be in full swing.  I will have a table in front of Dotties where you can stop by and buy my latest wares or just have a chat.

Also we are having a Summer Solstice Garden Party on Friday evening.  There will be live, old thyme, bluegrassy music and dancing beginning at 7:30pm.  Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn of our urban farmhouse!  $10 donation will pay the bands.

Wow - My head is spinning!

This is a picture of me and my sister Sofia. Good for grounding my current state of an extra full life!

Not a lot of time to post right now but did want to pop online to let you know I am still out here breathing air!

We are heading to Ireland for nearly three weeks in nearly three weeks. Biggie, the girls and I will be flying from JFK to Shannon with my parents' luggage. We will get there a week ahead of them and spend time getting their summer digs in order.

We have a 2 bedroom or 3 bedroom apartment available for rent in our Urban Farmhouse. Alchemy Initiative will be graced with new contributors which is exciting. Space available June 1st. (We will be out of the country.)

I am working on a new line of Sweatshirts! No, they are not wool! I am wearing the first of them in the picture above which was shot at Alchemy Initiative's Earthday kickoff event.

Looks like we are buying the convent across the street. It is a visual shambles on the outside ~ the inside is structurely sound. A boutique hostel is in the works for this property.

An internship program will get underway here this summer. Applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to me at crispinaffrench@gmail.com.

Chickens and Bees are coming soon! First week in May.

The girls are growing and so much fun to be with. Ben is a fine and healthy young man of 16.5 years. He just got his driver's permit and needs to practice driving.

Chris and I are good. Ireland will give us some time to share and relax.

The rest of the year's worth of workshops will be posted online soon! Stay tuned!

thanks for contributing to the general good of this planet! Seems to be commonly accepted as the way to behave these days. A refreshing new paradigm is unfolding.

Making

This is what I have been working on in the studio. The blanket on the table came back for a repair. It was a little hard to find what the customer was concerned about. The experience reminded me how cool that collection was. Makes me want to make more!

The top image is of the sign I am making for the Alchemy Initiative. In case you haven't heard, we are having an Earthday celebration - the WE of Alchemy Initiative is a group for four, myself, Jess Rufo, Jess Conzo, and Bridget Conry. Alchemy Initiative is bound to grow but for now we are the team making it happen. Join us 4/22 here at the Church from 6-10 pm. See Alchemy Initiative.org for all the deets.

This Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I am holding my Potholder Rug Making Workshop. There are a couple spaces open if you are interested.

Workshop Schedule Change

Greetings from EXTRA snowy Shire City (also known as Pittsfield, MA).
After a bunch of requests came in for more weekend time offered for workshops I have decided to try it out for my March plan. I am teaching Button Vests and Jackets - now offered on Saturday the 14 through Monday the 16. Come for all three days or just one. The cost is $150 per day. You will have a finished piece and a head full of knowledge and inspiration to continue when the day is done. If you plan to stay for more than one day the learning never ends!

I took a bunch of pictures today in the snow storm that continues to dump quiet softness all around. In front is a Button Vest. Restyled overcoat with recycled sweater trim - the style is from the vault but continues to be super popular! You can make a longer one or even a jacket like the one pictured behind the vest!

Pre-Registration is a must. Please call or email for more information. Crispinaffrench@gmail.com or 413-236-9600

Alchemy Initiative

So my husband and I bought the buildings shown in the top two pictures here in 2006. Shown first is the rectory to the church shown second. The rectory is 7000 sq ft, built 1905, it has a huge yard and is morphing into 6 separate living spaces.
We live on the top floor in the biggest unit, about 1400 sq ft with three bedrooms. On April 1 a third unit will be occupied so we are nearly half way there!

The church is truly exquisite. a nearly 6000 sq ft footprint. Full of amazing stained glass and details of 1895 craftsmanship not normally seen in today's construction. There are two floors now. The lower level where 400 patrons were seated at the weekly Bingo events for the church. We have been using this space since we made the purchase, most recently for workshops.

The upper level is still full of pews and the remnants of an altar etc. We envision a third level dividing the upper level space to make it possible to heat and accommodate our plan.

The third, photo is of the convent, built in the early 1900s for the Notre Dame property. It is unoccupied, has fallen into disrepair and is on the market for CHEAP. Chris put an extra low bid in for it yesterday. If we get it, it will not be torn down to give us a clear shot view of our 24 hr Stop and Rob across the way. It will become an integral part of the plan we are conjuring.



Alchemy Initiative is the name we are using and for our intention, there is a multi faceted business plan is coming together now. It includes, an urban farm garden, workshop space, a public reading room, commercial kitchen, music venue, coffee/tea house, and hotel/hostel all done with green renovations and systems. Rainwater catchment, alternative energy, native species plants, filter plants, organic food plants, and a seed bank are in the plans. My dream is to power the whole thing with a wind turbine on the steeple!

An intensive internship program is in development stages.

There is a blog devoted to the process depicting the journey of the project's development. There is not a lot to see right now but you can get more information about our plans at www.alchemyinitiative.blogspot.com. Check back in a week or two when there will be more to it. Events are coming together for April and June already!

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.

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

Harvest

This past weekend was a welcomed introduction to a circle of surreal magic that seemed to be on every corner. Route 9 from Pittsfield to Twist Fair in Northampton is not to be missed. Check out the eyecandy! This is just a sample!

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!

Good Green Living

this past weekend I did a hands-on workshop at The Green and Healthy Living Expo that was held at Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington. Eugenie Sills, of The Women's Times reknown, invited me to participate in there giant SPONSOR booth.
It was really very cool!
Foot traffic was quite light but when you are not trying to sell product that seems a whole lot less important! The exhibitor roster was impressive! Amazing things to learn and network opportunities abounded.
I had a really tight weekend FULL of activities that were not going to allow me any free time at the Expo. The magic of the weekend culminated when my Sweat Lodge sisters decided that the heat of the summer and lack of ability to gather opened my Sunday afternoon to freedom to explore the Expo. It was really lovely. Chris and the girls were there too. We were able to bask in the afternoon sun with all sorts of interesting and smart like-minded people. I hope to help market the event better next year. I felt that it wouldn't take much more work to get a lot more people to know about it.
While I wait for pics from the event to arrive to my inbox, I couldn't wait another day to tell you about it!
The workshop I did was on Flowers. We made a ton of them! There were kids and grannies and everyone in between. Friends and folks I had never met. It was fun and easy to learn, empowering and a great way to meet lots of people. Thanks for the opportunity Eugenie!