January 7, oops its the 8 2009

This is the view out my early morning window today. It is so pretty - peaceful and the din of the city just revving up for the day.


Couple things:
1.
I have been getting tons of requests for product from all sorts of nice people all across the land. It feels really good to have the demand but a little overwhelming too.
Just so you know, production went from a 40 person crew until April 2008 . . . to me.
And Juan weaving rugs as fast as he can.
Sarah, the RISD intern turned amazing assistant just left for ENGLAND! Would you believe! She is moving there with her new, british hubby - off to seek their fortune. I will miss her spirit and amazing capacity around the house and studio! The adventures were many and mostly FUN.
2.
Since I have had a little time to spend with the development of my web presence, all manner of friendly tree hugging recyclers have been dropping by to check in. Thanks you guys! I feel like my circle of friends is back. It was really strange to go from attending major INTERNATIONAL tradeshows where I met and saw most of my oldest friends a couple times a year to being a semi-home based Pittsfield Girl. I mean I love the pace change - fo sho but I miss the rest of it.

Back to the subject of that LOVELY looking fresh snow.
Yesterday the view was the heavily drenched slush look. All gray, drippy, wet.

I got an appointment with the Dr. to check out little miss Violet's diaper rash and got not much else done. Took a L O N G time to get places in the weather and I was so glad they could take her right away. She had been commenting on how her bummy hurrt mommy.
Seems better already.

Back to the 'Couple Things':
Be patient peeps! New stuff will go up on Etsy soon! Sometimes bummies take presedence over pretty much all else.

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!)

Wow it is 2009

Last night we were in NYC at my cousin's annual house party. It was fun! The kids (3 female toddlers) ruled the roost. Wa HOoooo! A new year. My goal is to be on time this year. To allow enough time to do the things I select. Focus on the selection process is key.

OOOOoo00oPpppS - Wrong Dates!

so the calendar AND January flier I posted for the upcoming workshops have the WRONG dates! Workshops start on the third SUNDAY of each month. Once I have a chance to correct the error I will post a corrected version that you can print out and post ALL OVER!

Sorry!

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!

Fresh

It has been entirely too long since I have posted. Many cool and exciting things are happening that seem to rocket into the past at breakneck velocity. Today is Christmas and we had a great chill and enjoyable family day.
I will be posting on a daily basis for the next week so please do check back and see what's up.