Out of My Studio: A Walk in Woodstock

'A Walk in Woodstock' baby fabric book by SO Handmade

I have been busy in my studio developing, printing and making my new fabric baby book  'A Walk in Woodstock'. To mark its launch I thought an actual walk in Woodstock would be in order on this beautiful spring day.

Woodstock has many facets to which I pay homage in my book including its musical heritage, the famous Sunday drum circles, the Woodstock Windchimes and the peace movement. But in recent times many wonderful new stores and cafes have opened to appeal to visitors and locals alike.

A Walk in Woodstock

New eatery Shindig is situated right in the heart of the village and offers 'an open door, a warm seat, and a much needed sip and nibble'. Organic, local and seasonal ingredients are lovingly prepared by Chef Page Moll into heartwarming comfort food just like your Mom used to make.

Shindig

Amongst the exciting new stores is a little gem called 'Shop little House'. Owner JoJo Ans has a wonderful eye for combining fine vintage with modern Americana with artisan made gifts and homewares including those of our own HVEtsy team member Hudson Naturals.

Shop Little House

Woodstock Music Shop

 Two wonderful stores in Woodstock will be carrying my book The Golden Notebook and Illuminated Baby so call in and have a look!



"Woodstock had a tremendous impact on artistic American life"  P.J. O'Rourke

Hope to see you in Woodstock soon!

Good Luck and Good Making!

Sarah

SO Handmade

Out Of My Studio: At Fiber Flame

Recently on this blog we read about a visit by fellow Hudson Valley Etsy Team blogger

Lark Practical to the Rhinebeck Arts Festival. She reviewed the booth provided by Fiber Flame and the wonderful time her son had spent painting a lizard. I decided this month to visit the mother ship- the original Fiber Flame studio located on route 212 between Woodstock and Saugerties. I say mother ship because recently Fiber Flame have also opened a studio in Rhinebeck and can be found at many local events, festivals and fairs.

Mother ship can also be used to describe the inspiring futuristic construction of the Fiber Flame building. Upon entering you are immediately welcomed by a beautifully curated gift shop, combining wares made from local crafts people to fair trade goods sourced from all over the world. This area is truly inspiring for any would be maker to get their creative juices flowing.

Gift shop at Fiber Flame

The space is then given over to numerous crafting tables where visitors are able to get making themselves. Shelves are jam packed with projects for children and adults alike to decorate and assemble. The walk in studio offers visitors the ability to come in whenever fits their busy schedules; Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday 10am-5pm and Friday and Saturday 10am -6pm.

Some Halloween 'blanks' ready for decorating

Visitors first choose a 'blank' on which to work. This could be anything from a onesie to a wooden car, a piece of pottery to glaze or a canvas tote to decorate. Each 'blank' has varying prices from $1 upwards. You also pay a studio fee of $10, for this fee all the studio materials are included in your two hour session; from buttons, beads, fabrics, papers, embellishments, a rainbow of glazes and also help from one of the friendly assistants if you need it.

Embellishments

Fiber Flame also offers a wide variety of classes for children and adults including its monthly Dirty Girls Night Out; offering women the chance to have a night out, make a mess,  try something new, meet and chat with fellow like minded people and get creative.  Previous nights have included embroidery, needle felting, indigo dyeing, jewelry making and pottery.

The studio also throws wonderful children's birthday parties and is open to private bookings including film showings on its huge movie screen. Kids Nights Out are held regularly whereby the youngsters can create, eat dinner and watch a movie while their parents enjoy a night out.



Dirty Girls Night- Indigo Dyeing Workshop



Main area- crafting tables

It is truly a remarkable and creative place well worth a visit -to fill some time on a rainy day, learn a new skill or to make Christmas gifts for the whole family.

"Fiber Flame is our effort to honor and feed the ancient human need to adorn ourselves, our loved ones, and our environment with handmade beauty. In a mass-produced world, it feels good, essential even, to make, have, give and receive one-of-a-kind, imperfectly-rendered objects." Shea and Christina


For more information about classes and events:

Fiber Flame

1776 Route 212

Saugerties

845 679 6132

make@fiberflamestudio.com

www.fiberflamestudio.com

or visit the new studio at 18b East Market St Rhinebeck

Sarah Omura - So Handmade

In My Studio: Sew Woodstock

In the center of Woodstock a new sewing studio has recently opened its doors. The studio called Sew Woodstock offers many great ways for visitors to explore their own creativity. In a gorgeous light and airy space patrons can make use of the sewing machines, cutting tables, mannequins and ironing boards to make their own creations, bringing their own fabrics or buying from the colorful shelves.

The studio offers clients the ability to pay for a one-off day pass or join the co-op enabling them to come anytime during the studios regular opening hours. It is a great way for people without the room and equipment at their own homes to make use of the comfortable and well-equipped space whilst also providing a way for like minded sewers to sew, improve their skills, share ideas and develop friendships. The well stocked supplies shelves reminded me of old fashioned haberdashers store, brimming with wonderfully packaged sewing provisions.

Sew Woodstock also offers different classes in all aspects of sewing crafts including embroidery, dressmaking, crochet and beginners sewing machine classes. Up to date class schedules can be found on the website: www.sewwoodstock.com

Sew Woodstock has come to life through the determination of Sally Russ and Molly Farley.

Sally, Sew Woodstock’s proprietor, was taught to sew as a child by her mother. Sally has many fond memories of shopping with her mom for fabric and looking through pattern books together. For about three decades, sewing was put on the back burner, and she made her living as a photographer. Her interest in sewing resurfaced about four years ago when she started a weekly sewing group. The great success of that group, and the general surge in interest in made-by-hand, gave her the idea of creating a sewing shop and co-op available to the public, and Sew Woodstock was born.

Molly is Sew Woodstock's resident alterations expert, teacher and vintage reconstructionist. She has been sewing for most of her life, initially learning from her mom in Minnesota who was a sewing teacher. The past seven years were spent working in the costume department at the Fisher Center Theatre at Bard College working with students and the Summerscape Opera Seasons. Molly's love of recycling and reusing clothing and textiles fits right in with the Sew Woodstock philosophy of repurposing.

Sew Woodstock is a wonderful addition to village of Woodstock, bringing together many of the community's attributes with today's new domesticity. I truly hope that with our patronage and support it will flourish and other communities will follow in its success.

SEW WOODSTOCK

15 ROCK CITY ROAD

WOODSTOCK, NY  12498

www.sewwoodstock.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Sew-Woodstock

Tel: 845 684 5564

"Sewing mends the soul"  Anonymous


Good Luck and Good Making!