My sister-in-law recently sent me yarn, a pattern, and a request to turn these things into a shawl/poncho for her. Enclosed in the package was this card:

"Hold tight, and pretend it's a plan."

It feels a little bit like behind the scenes here at Craftstitute.

Because we are not running classes at the moment, I wanted to steer fellow Craftstitutes to local businesses who are running classes, great classes, exciting classes where you make cool things. Without further commentary and in no particular order, check out the following makers:

Gourdlandia - Graham Otto is running some great classes this fall, one is alongside Emily Blair of the new A Place to Sew making Halloween Candy Containment items for parents and kids. She is also running a couple of adult classes - making a globe light and a gourd clock. Their space at Eco Village is serene and well worth the short trek up west hill.

A Space to Sew is a new entity in Eco Village, but open to all. They are filling the need for people with limited space who just need an hour here or there to use a machine. Emily and Aubrie, the women behind the operation, are also teaching classes for beginners and those feeling a little rusty in their skills. They also have a great list of "on demand" classes that offer all sorts of ideas for a group who would like to take a class together for a special occasion gift. Emily has taken several Craftstitute classes - she is a lovely person with a gentle demeanor, and their partnership with Graham offers a great space for classes and workshops.

The Ithaca Generator doesn't have any classes currently on the schedule, but they have a membership full of talented folks willing to teach a group anything that fits... well, anything. They have a 3D printer and I keep thinking about buttons for sewing...... There was also talk of laser cut earrings. Seriously, there are POSSIBILITIES. Check out their site.

Sarah Gotowka - It's kind of hard to keep up with Sarah, she's got a lot going on in her creative world. I suggest following her on Facebook for current dye workshops. She has opened a weaving studio in Trumansburg and is also teaching classes there. The tapestry class looks like a fun one. This medicinal dye workshop on Nov. 6th in Press Bay Alley should be fabulous as well.

Laura Rowley - Laura is part of Revival Book Arts in Trumansburg. She is a gifted book maker and binder and has taught classes for Craftstitute. Wonderful classes. While her website doesn't list any upcoming classes, I'd suggest emailing as I know she has been teaching a bit around town, there was a great workshop she did with Sarah this past summer.

The Clay School of Ithaca has a bunch of fantastic looking workshops - the Tile Making weekend workshop in December is especially appealing!

Knitting classes - I noted the other day that Homespun Boutique has a sign in the window offering beginning knitting classes with a phone number. Give Julie a call and find out what she's offering. :: (607) 277-0954 :: Sew Green has a bunch of classes listed. They never post the teacher's name, which is a pet peeve of mine, but maybe call and ask unless you don't care. Quilters' Corners has a huge list of classes, including a bunch that look to be gift driven.

Please let me know if you know of some classes to include on this list, if you would like to share an upcoming class you're teaching, or if you are looking for more local classes. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to learn, make, and create!

And connect!

-Robin

Hold Tight