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Today, my Dad, John ffrench, who was def in my top posse of best friends, would have been 95.

Tonight Berkshire Magazine hosts The Berkshire 25 awards reception at The Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA. It’s a really cool (and 2023 the 10th) annual event celebrating the 25 Most Dedicated, Most Creative, Most Influential members of Berkshire County Ma held at a gorgeous Berkshire event space each fall.

Having attended this sweet recognition ceremony in the past, it is especially lovely to let you know that THIS year I am honored to be included in The Berkshire 25.

(Does the tenth year milestone translate to me being one of the 250 most dedicated, creative, and influential peeps in the county? Whatevs – I am thankful!)

Happy birthday in heaven Dad! I got an award for you!

Here is the sitch.

I am stoked to be recognized within my local community full of the most prestigious, established innovative and renowned cultural organizations, educational institutions, artists, actors, musicians, entrepreneurs and authors. Since the notification of my inclusion this year, I have been looking forward to publicly sharing my gratitude for this community where I have spent my life developing a path of creative adventure. Place – is core to what makes me who I am and The Berkshires is my place. My home turf.

Two days ago was my 19th wedding anniversary.

19.

I think this is the dishwasher anniversary – right?

Or, maybe it is the pothole anniversary… ?

As I reflected back on the last year of my marriage (and life) I burst into tears. I was standing over the kitchen sink at 10pm finishing the last of the giant PILE of dirty dishes while my three house mates (aka family members) snoozed, tapped away on their phones, or giggled at an inaudible story private to their experience…

Lost in reflection, I realized that in the last 12 months, my husband has had Covid – twice AND gotten squished by a tree, while working on the Monday after Thanksgiving. It has been a fucking hard year. I mean, yeah, we could be mourning the loss of my husband or he could have been paralyzed or had a traumatic brain injury… an he doesn’t…. (huge shout out to the Universe – THANK YOU!)

But let me tell ya something, I am sick of the care taking, the worry AND the dishes. I guess what I am really sick of is the expectation, assumptions and disregard, or is it lack of awareness of, or maybe it is just the lack of feeling appreciation for, the concessions that come with all this ‘til death do us apart’ bullshit. I want recognition and compromise toward simplification..

Ready to circle back and tie all this together??

Chris and Violet are home right now, quarantined on one half of the house with Covid. Lucy was planning to be my date tonight, but we won’t be at The Berkshire 25 awards reception this evening.

I won’t share from that historical stage my gratitude for the community that has supported me and my small businesses for over 50 years. I don’t feel right being in an enclosed space with my community – even if Lucy and I have tested Covid Negative each day for the last week.

I am honored, and grateful, for the award given me and for this unmatchable place we call home. This community feeds me, they trust and honor and support me, and today, my community celebrates me. I am proud, proud of my accomplishments, proud to be a part of this circle of dedicated, creative, influencers that is The Berkshire 25. Proud to acknowledge the dedicated creative influence John and Primm ffrench shared with me and so many of their Monument Mountain Regional High School students over their decades teaching art. Thank you Berkshire Magazine, not just for recognizing my contribution to The Berkshires, but for inspiring this reflection.

Just for the record, I went to Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, not Boston College. The textiles I repurpose are generally collected from manufacturers and harvested from the thrift stream, not waterways…

You can catch me in person at the upcoming New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck NY October 21 & 22 or at The Holiday Shindy December 9 at Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield MA.

Oh, and a word of advise, wash your hands a lot and wear a mask even if you feel like a freak and thought Covid was in the rearview.

You’re invited to a Watch Party in Stitcherhood!

Join Crispina, Sondra, and the whole Stitcherhood gang at 4pm Eastern on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 for a (re)watch party of a favorite Summit presentation! This party is open to all Stitcherhood members, regardless of whether they attended the 2023 Summit in May. Members can even vote for a favorite presentation in this Stitcherhood poll to weigh in on watch party content selection!

Think of it as an opportunity to take in a teaser of the FULL-DAY 2023 Summit Recordings video collection, which is now available for purchase! You can download the entire 2023 Rags to Riches Textile Upcycling Summit video collection for the low price of $197 – this includes all 3 Summit days broken up into 3 videos each.

Stitcherhood Members who want to purchase a copy of the recordings – please enjoy 50% off with a special members-only code! This code can be found here when you log into your Stitcherhood account.

Not a member? Join now and you can add the recordings to your cart at the member discount pricing for one smooth and easy checkout!

Every textile has a journey and a story…just like every textile upcycling entrepreneur!

We’re back with another fresh new Rags to Riches Podcast episode featuring Marci Lebowitz – an incredible textile upcycling entrepreneur that recently joined us in Stitcherhood – Crispina’s Recycling Society. This is our online community of textile upcycling business owners where like-minded entrepreneurs who are committed to sustainable business practices spend time together learning, growing, and building each other up.

This podcast episode features Marci chatting with Crispina about her boutique, The Shooting Star Boutique, and her journey and mindset to the unique business model and Big Why that spark her creative flame.

Check out the Rags to Riches Podcast Episode 41 Show Notes for links and of course to access the podcast player so you can get your listen on!

Do you like what you hear? Never miss another podcast episode!

We have a special segment of our mailing list dedicated to sending notifications when a new podcast episode drops. New episodes release most Monday mornings at 8am (NYC time) – we’ll send you a quick email each week with a handy link to the Show Notes, where you can listen directly, download, or proceed to your favorite platform to enjoy the interview.

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TEXTILE UPCYCLING PODCAST WITH CRISPINA FFRENCH

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Textile Upcyclers aren’t like other creative entrepreneurs! In Stitcherhood, we value community over competition.

We’re back with another fresh new Rags to Riches Podcast episode about Stitcherhood – Crispina’s Recycling Society. This is our online community of textile upcycling business owners where like-minded entrepreneurs who are committed to sustainable business practices spend time together learning, growing, and building each other up.

This podcast episode features Sondra Primeaux chatting with Crispina about her upcoming Scarf Kimono Workshop this Thursday, August 17, 2023. And about our member-taught classes in general and why we are STOKED about them!!

Learn more about Stitcherhood and join us when you’re ready to set a solid intention to grow your textile upcycling business.

Check out the Rags to Riches Podcast Episode 40 Show Notes for links and of course to access the podcast player so you can get your listen on!

Do you like what you hear? Never miss another podcast episode!

We have a special segment of our mailing list dedicated to sending notifications when a new podcast episode drops. New episodes release most Monday mornings at 8am (NYC time) – we’ll send you a quick email each week with a handy link to the Show Notes, where you can listen directly, download, or proceed to your favorite platform to enjoy the interview.

Would you like to get in on that action? Subscribe below.

Subscribe below to be notified of new episode releases and important podcast news!

Rags to Riches

TEXTILE UPCYCLING PODCAST WITH CRISPINA FFRENCH

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default”,”value”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-0)”,”hsl”:{“h”:231,”s”:0.4125,”l”:0.3137,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“val”:”rgb(47, 138, 229)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.77,”l”:0.54,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ Please confirm my subscription to the Podcast Notifications email list: __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1},”f2bba”:{“name”:”Main Light 10″,”parent”:”30800″},”trewq”:{“name”:”Main Light 30″,”parent”:”30800″},”frty6″:{“name”:”Main Light 45″,”parent”:”30800″},”flktr”:{“name”:”Main Light 80″,”parent”:”30800″}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default”,”value”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-0)”,”hsl”:{“h”:231,”s”:0.4125,”l”:0.3137,”a”:1}},”f2bba”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”trewq”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”frty6″:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”flktr”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”rgb(59, 136, 253)”,”hsl”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61}},”f2bba”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.1)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.1}},”trewq”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.3)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.3}},”frty6″:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253,ntttt0.45)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.45}},”flktr”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.8)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.8}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ I consent to having my information processed in order to receive RAGS TO RICHES PODCAST RELATED marketing material via email or phone in accordance with the Privacy policy __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1},”f240f”:{“name”:”Accent Tone”,”parent”:”61651″,”lock”:{“saturation”:0,”lightness”:0}}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-3)”,”hsl”:{“h”:31,”s”:0.9474,”l”:0.6275}},”f240f”:{“val”:”rgb(237, 44, 137)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:331,”l”:0.55,”s”:0.84}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“val”:”rgb(19, 114, 211)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.83,”l”:0.45,”a”:1}},”f240f”:{“val”:”rgb(62, 183, 252)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:201,”s”:0.96,”l”:0.61,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ STAY UP TO DATE

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Stitcherhood is an Intentional Community of Motivated Textile Upcycling Entrepreneurs

We’re back with a fresh new Rags to Riches Podcast episode all about our own Stitcherhood Recycling Society – Crispina’s intentional community of textile upcycling business owners where we network, learn from, support, trade, talk shop, and grow with like-minded entrepreneurs who are committed to sustainable business practices.

Just what the heck is an intentional community, anyway? Well, we would like to invite you to come and find out by getting to know the highly motivated, curious, mutualistic, and supportive Stitchers that make up our society! Learn more about Stitcherhood and join us when you’re ready to set a solid intention to grow your textile upcycling business.

Check out the Rags to Riches Podcast Episode 39 Show Notes for links and of course to access the podcast player so you can get your listen on!

Dive into Episode 39 of the Rags to Riches Textile Upcycling Podcast with Crispina ffrench and get ready to feel inspired, energized and supported!!

Do you like what you hear? Never miss another podcast episode!

We have a special segment of our mailing list dedicated to sending notifications when a new podcast episode drops. New episodes release most Monday mornings at 8am (NYC time) – we’ll send you a quick email each week with a handy link to the Show Notes, where you can listen directly, download, or proceed to your favorite platform to enjoy the interview.

Would you like to get in on that action? Subscribe below.

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Rags to Riches

TEXTILE UPCYCLING PODCAST WITH CRISPINA FFRENCH

__CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default”,”value”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-0)”,”hsl”:{“h”:231,”s”:0.4125,”l”:0.3137,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“100c2”:{“val”:”rgb(47, 138, 229)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.77,”l”:0.54,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ Please confirm my subscription to the Podcast Notifications email list: __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1},”f2bba”:{“name”:”Main Light 10″,”parent”:”30800″},”trewq”:{“name”:”Main Light 30″,”parent”:”30800″},”frty6″:{“name”:”Main Light 45″,”parent”:”30800″},”flktr”:{“name”:”Main Light 80″,”parent”:”30800″}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default”,”value”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-0)”,”hsl”:{“h”:231,”s”:0.4125,”l”:0.3137,”a”:1}},”f2bba”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”trewq”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”frty6″:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}},”flktr”:{“val”:””,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:230,”l”:0.61,”s”:0.98}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”rgb(59, 136, 253)”,”hsl”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61}},”f2bba”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.1)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.1}},”trewq”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.3)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.3}},”frty6″:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253,ntttt0.45)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.45}},”flktr”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.8)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.8}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ I consent to having my information processed in order to receive RAGS TO RICHES PODCAST RELATED marketing material via email or phone in accordance with the Privacy policy Please also subscribe me to weekly video updates from Crispina! __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1},”f2bba”:{“name”:”Main Light 10″,”parent”:”30800″},”trewq”:{“name”:”Main Light 30″,”parent”:”30800″},”frty6″:{“name”:”Main Light 45″,”parent”:”30800″},”flktr”:{“name”:”Main Light 80″,”parent”:”30800″}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default”,”value”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”rgb(47, 56, 113)”,”hsl”:{“h”:231.8181818181818,”s”:0.4125,”l”:0.3137254901960784,”a”:1}},”f2bba”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 88, 253, 0.1)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:231.03092783505156,”s”:0.9797979797979799,”l”:0.611764705882353,”a”:0.1}},”trewq”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 88, 253, 0.3)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:231.03092783505156,”s”:0.9797979797979799,”l”:0.611764705882353,”a”:0.3}},”frty6″:{“val”:”rgba(59, 88, 253, 0.45)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:231.03092783505156,”s”:0.9797979797979799,”l”:0.611764705882353,”a”:0.45}},”flktr”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 88, 253, 0.8)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:231.03092783505156,”s”:0.9797979797979799,”l”:0.611764705882353,”a”:0.8}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“30800”:{“val”:”rgb(59, 136, 253)”,”hsl”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61}},”f2bba”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.1)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.1}},”trewq”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.3)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.3}},”frty6″:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.45)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.45}},”flktr”:{“val”:”rgba(59, 136, 253, 0.8)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:216,”s”:0.98,”l”:0.61,”a”:0.8}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ Add my email to the Main Email List as well, please! I want all the Crispina updates. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1},”f240f”:{“name”:”Accent Tone”,”parent”:”61651″,”lock”:{“saturation”:0,”lightness”:0}}},”gradients”:<>},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“val”:”var(–tcb-color-3)”,”hsl”:{“h”:31,”s”:0.9474,”l”:0.6275}},”f240f”:{“val”:”rgb(237, 44, 137)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:331,”l”:0.55,”s”:0.84}}},”gradients”:<>},”original”:{“colors”:{“61651”:{“val”:”rgb(19, 114, 211)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.83,”l”:0.45,”a”:1}},”f240f”:{“val”:”rgb(62, 183, 252)”,”hsl_parent_dependency”:{“h”:201,”s”:0.96,”l”:0.61,”a”:1}}},”gradients”:<]}}>}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ STAY UP TO DATE

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Stitcherhood Class: Scarf Kimono Workshop with Sondra

Date: August 17, 2023 (Thursday)Time: 4 – 7pm EDT (NYC time)Instructor: Sondra PrimeauxCost: $97 (50% off for Stitcherhood members! Join now to qualify.)

Learn to Make a Kimono-Style Jacket from Scarves!

That’s right!! We have a brand-new online workshop coming up on August 17, sponsored by Stitcherhood…and taught by none other than Stitcherhood Community Manager, Rags to Riches Podcast Sponsor, and talented textile alchemist CEO of The Unruffled, Sondra Primeaux.

Sondra will be teaching students how to make a jacket-style kimono from 4-5 silk scarves. This is a 3-hour workshop with live instruction, feedback, assistance, and FUN for only $97 – and Stitcherhood members get 50% off!! If you are a member (or want to become a member in order to take advantage of the killer deal), you’ll find the discount code available in the community feed.

You can visit our Events Calendar to download the details to your calendar app, or head straight over to register for the class here. Don’t forget to grab your 50% off code from Stitcherhood first if you’re a member!

About Sondra and her Scarf Kimono Jacket

Sondra launched her first line of upcycled scarf tops in 2003 and has been creating new designs ever since. This scarf jacket emerged about eight years ago and in that time, and it’s been her most popular design by far. In this workshop, you will learn how to make a simple version of the jacket that she’s made and sold by the hundreds.

When you sign up, you will receive a PDF that will contain all of the supplies you will need. In this three hour class, she will take you through the making of the jacket step-by-step, including how to make a french seam. If you are a Stitcherhood member, you will have access to a space where you can ask questions and get feedback on your jacket. And if you can’t make it in person, no worries. Everyone will be able to access a recording of the class for 10 days after it is processed.

If you have a stash of scarves that you have been saving for just the right project, this is the class for you! All you need are 4-5 scarves and a few basic sewing skills and you will have a beautiful scarf jacket that will become one of your most favorite effortless pieces and a stylish addition to any wardrobe.

Made or Remade – Finding the Beauty and Potential in Reclaimed Materials

We’re back with a fresh new Rags to Riches Podcast episode with special guest Eliu Hernandez after two weeks of technical difficulties… HI!! How’s your summer going? Are you ready for a BLAST of creative denim-upcycling inspiration!? Let’s go!

Eliu, creative genius behind Made or Remade, is a denim upcycling *master.* And in true textile alchemist fashion, he’s not at all shy about sharing his techniques and ideas so that others can build (ahem…I mean STITCH) on what he’s doing. 🤩

Check out the Rags to Riches Podcast Episode 38 Show Notes to see more pics of his gorgeous makes… His signature quilting style pops up in baby blankets, bedspreads, table runners, and even American flags! His creative uses for small scraps are refreshing (see the wooden teethers for an example), and his unique thread harvesting technique is brilliant and so inspired!!

Dive into Episode 38 of the Rags to Riches Textile Upcycling Podcast with Crispina ffrench and get ready to feel inspired, energized and supported!!

Do you like what you hear? Never miss another podcast episode!

We have a special segment of our mailing list dedicated to sending notifications when a new podcast episode drops. New episodes release most Monday mornings at 8am (NYC time) – we’ll send you a quick email each week with a handy link to the Show Notes, where you can listen directly, download, or proceed to your favorite platform to enjoy the interview.

Would you like to get in on that action? Subscribe below.

Subscribe below to be notified of new episode releases and important podcast news!

Rags to Riches

TEXTILE UPCYCLING PODCAST WITH CRISPINA FFRENCH

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Want a thriving, financially stable textile upcycling business that allows you to share your message with a wide and engaged audience? Before you do anything else, like literally, stop what you are doing and ponder this question: What is your purpose? Not your method, your product, your mission or core values…. your PURPOSE. Everything else is secondary until you clarify your PURPOSE. In this short video, I’ll share why to identify your PURPOSE and how your PURPOSE serves all aspects of your business and personal life. d

My 2024 Summer Collection is heavy on lightweight blankets. Pictured above is a corduroy version, and in this post you will see other options made from upcycled denim jeans, and button-up shirts. My 2024 Summer Collection drops on Monday evening July 17, 2023 at 8pm EDT live on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

Are you more of a maker than a shopper?

Do you want to learn to make your own Summer Blanket? All you need is:

• a sewing machine that zig-zags
• a good sharp pair of scissors.
• 6-12 button-up shirts (blouses and dresses work well too)OR
• 8-16 pairs of jeans (work pants, corduroys, etc.)
• some extra wide bias binding or 2″ twill tape for edging (more on that in my next post)

If you are a member of Stitcherhood, our online community for textile upcyclers, you get 50% off tuition for this kick-off event and our entire educational series taught by Stitcherhood members. Additionally, members have access to an exclusive Summer Blanket Workshop Space that will stay open for a week following the workshop where students can gather, ask questions, share feedback, and complete their first Summer Blanket with the support of the group. If that all sounds AMAZING to you, let me say this: it is super easy to become a Stitcherhood member. Membership costs $17/month or $170 a year with no obligation. You can opt out at any time (although we don’t issue refunds). Stitcherhood is a warm and welcoming community of creative textile-centric upcyclers where connection, encouragement, support, unending inspiration and honest conversation are the norm. Benefits include weekly livestreams with Yours Truly, monthly themes and book reccommendations, weekly stitch hours, accountability sessions and intermittent creative textile upcycling challenges with super cool prizes. You can learn all the Stitcherhood deets at the link in our top navigation. Whether or not Stitcherhood is right for you, Summer Blankets are completely upcycled. They are not difficult to construct with basic sewing machine experience. The finished blankets are pretty awesome. They stand up to the test of time, are super easy care (machine wash and dry) and can be used in many settings.

Notes:

• Creative textile upcycling is wonderfully rewarding
• Selling your upcycled textile makes adds confidence and contentment, adds income, reduces waste and sparks creativity
• Making Summer Blankets from meaningful clothing memorializes, connects, reminds and comforts.
• Creative textile upcycling is – well – creative! it is easy, fun and allows for experimentation and joyful learning.

If you have been following me these last few weeks you know that I really needed to feel rewarded, confident and content. I needed to tap into my creative expression, to memorialize, connect and be comforted. Getting back in my studio certainly has be joyful. I can’t wait to show you this process so you can share in all the feels. If you have a question, leave it in the comments so we can respond where everyone can learn the answer. It is amazing to realize how many people have the same questions… and how we all learn from each other.

Want a thriving, financially stable textile upcycling business that allows you to share your message with a wide and engaged audience? Clarify your textile upcycling business identify the integral components of your business, firmly plug them into your plan and prioritize profit so that your company can thrive. In this short video, I’ll share how assessing all aspects of my business allowed me to settle on what is integral for me. Having a clear focus on these integral aspects is helping me gain financial stability. What is integral to your business?

Want support, encouragement and fresh inspiration in your textile upcycling biz? Build your textile upcycling business with a posse of like-minded business pros to celebrate your wins, remove obstacles and surpass challenges. In this short video, I'll share the value of connections and how they play a role in your success. (You definitely don't have to be part of the 'in-crowd' to make super valuable connections, peeps!) Mentor, be mentored and, when you are ready to REALLY move your business forward, you GOTTA get yourself in a Mastermind. The results of focused group brainpower troubleshooting your obstacles might just knock your socks off!

You can find me back in my sewing studio dreaming up new designs and construction techniques combined with the tried-and-true picnic blankets that have been a summer staple from me for a couple decades. People just love ‘em (myself included!).

It is lovely to be making with my hands and in flowstate – sure has been a while.

Did someone say she gonna stop making product to sell?? Ha! Musta been my evil twin.

My sewing machine is calling to me, but before I dash, just wanted to let you know how to get ahold of one of these 100% upcycled beauties.

This year’s collection of summer blankets will be for sale online on Monday evening July 17th at 8pm EST.

Come hang out with me livestreaming from my studio, bring a frosty drink and be the first to see what is coming together in the sewing studio. You can join me via livestream on my YouTube, Instagram and Facebook feeds. If you are on my email list you will get a reminder.

Time-tested CRISPINA picnic blankets made from upcycled work pants (a Berkshire summer staple); Experimental and new style summer bed size coverlets, AND if I get to it, there is a surprise in the works (soon to be your FAVORITE summer garment….)

Ready to ship pieces as well as made-for-you options will be available for purchase. If you are more of a maker than a shopper, sign up for my online Summer Blanket Class on July 20th 4-6pm EDT. Both the shop drop on the 13th and the workshop on the 20th can be downloaded to your personal calendar directly from our new Events Calendar!

Oh, and while I gotcha, could you let me know in the comments what size bed you’d buy a coverlet for?Thanks!!