Hello crafty pals!
Greetings from the sunny Patchwork studio. We’ve settled in nicely over the last few months and have had the privilege of bringing lots of local (and traveling) students into the new space! Our monthly craft nights have been a hit and brought a variety of folks into the space working on all sorts of projects - from alterations, to collage, to knitting, to making sculptures with recycled materials. Come hang out and craft with us on the last Tuesday of the month.
I’ve also been working on my own freelance projects in the studio alongside summer classes, including some costumes for incredible local performers and patterns for New England based apparel brands. I love our new space more than I can express and have been so delighted to welcome you all into it!
Summer is in high gear and I figured what better a time to share our upcoming Fall class roster. We’re bringing back some old favorites, more single day workshops, and a few new offerings. Check them out below!
Fall Classes
Just in time for Back to School, were offering another session of our Clone Your Clothes class, starting Sept 4th on Thursday evenings. Come make a copy of your favorite item of clothing WITHOUT taking it apart! For a fun farewell to summer flowers, join us on September 28th for another round of Natural Dye: Ecoprinting. We’ll be capturing the last of the summer blooms on fabric and the results are stunning (see above).
If you’ve ever wanted to design your own fabric, you’re in luck! Our Block Printing on Fabric class is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in, no experience necessary. Bring your own beverages for an elevated Friday night sip and craft on October 3rd. If you’re keen on building your garment sewing skills, sign up for our Monday night Sew a Chore Coat class starting October 6th. You’ll sew a classic Fall jacket with giant pockets to fill with all sorts of important stuff 😉
A perennial favorite, we have another session of our popular Cyanotypes on Fabric class on October 18th at 10am. Come use sun magic to make beautiful prints on cotton! We’re also bringing back another favorite class, the Patchwork Vest, on Tuesday nights starting November 4th. Make yourself a unique quilted vest perfect for layering. This class is great for sewing newbies who want to learn about quilting as well as seasoned quilters who want to learn how to make clothes.
Introducing: Patchwork Patterns and Fabrication
Throughout my career, I’ve offered my services as a pattern maker, custom clothier, and design consultant alongside teaching classes. For the last few years, that took a backseat while I focused on building Patchwork. However, the freelance spirits are calling me again and I’m pleased to announce I am rebranding my freelance pattern making and fabrication services under the Patchwork header!
What I’m offering:
Design consultation services
Apparel design, pattern making and development, including production ready patterns with tech packs and samples
Bespoke costumes for drag performers and artists
Since I have a pretty limited freelance calendar between classes, established clients, and my own projects, I’ll only be taking on projects that fit in my interests and skillset. I will not be offering alterations, any kind of production beyond samples, bridal or athletic apparel work, or brands that aren’t commited to thoughtful design and sustainability. Hooray for staying in your lane 🙌
Interested in collaborating on a project or learning more? Visit my services page!
Design Week RI
Next month, Patchwork will be participating in Design Week RI, a celebration of design in Rhode Island featuring designers, creatives and entrepreneurs! We’ll be hosting an open studio event with class samples, snacks, and some fun activities. Join us from 2-6PM on Saturday September 13th and check out some of the other DXRI events and open studios all weekend.
Bits and Bob(bin)s
I’m still trying to figure out what the best name is for the part of the newsletter where I share stuff I find on the internet with you. If you have any ideas, let me know! 😄
The Sewcialsists blog is back in action after a 4 year hiatus for a summer series called Sewing Trans Joy featuring some fun and informative posts, including favorites from their archive!
Have you ever wanted to make your own rug? I sure have!! Providence based TuftxPVD is a Black, queer, and women owned studio that teaches classes on rug tufting. They’re currently booking classes and raising funds to keep their doors open as they face rising costs and the challenges of keeping a small business afloat! Help them out with a donation if you can or sign up for a class.
I’m very obsessed with these scissor earrings made by Coco Clem. There’s all sorts of types of scissors, including the classic stork embroidery scissors!
If you need a fun and whimsical project to use up your scraps, might I recommend this adorable Sardine Pillow from Woollypetals? As a general tinned fish fan, I might have to make these (and maybe the little tin the designer whipped up as well). It’s so cute I can barely stand it. 🐟
Seasonal Studio Playlist
Here’s a little late summer playlist without much of a theme besides blue. But it has a lot of songs that have been resonating with me lately and I hope you like it.
So happy you’re settling in so nicely to the new space! Can’t wait to visit you — hoping to make it this Autumn! 🍂