March 2025 Newsletter
Hi all.. Christine here. I need to jump into the newsletter for a short bit.
I just wanted to let you know that we are also feeling the bite of this lovely tariff mess. Almost everything we have in the shop is imported; either by our suppliers or by us directly. We are getting hit across the board with price increases effective April 1st. I am trying my absolute best to try and absorb as much of the price increases as I can but there will be increases in the coming year. If you know me at all, you know that I loathe raising prices but the whole industry is in the same boat.
We're truly hoping this tariff war doesn't count us a casualty and force us to close the shop. As you will read in Cam's portion of the newsletter, we are planning on attending a slew of shows/fairs this year in the hope that the extra income will offset the decline in sales we expect from the tariff induced price increases.
Lastly, it's come to my attention that there's a misconception of the shop's relationship to the Hill Institute. The shop absolutely does not have a relationship with the Hill Institute. I love to refer folks to their amazing creative arts classes, and I did offer a discount to students in Cam's classes but that's it. We heard some absolutely outrageous claims about the shop's relationship with the Hill Institute over the weekend and as a result, the student discount is discontinued until further notice.
Now that the yucky stuff has been said... on to Cam's March Newsletter!
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Cam’s Corner
No. 9 March 2025
Happy Spring!! Warmer weather is on its way!
It’s been a crazy month and time has gotten away from me. My mother, who lives in South Carolina, went into a nursing home a few weeks ago and it has been a flurry of phone calls, texts and emails. She’s finally settled giving me a chance to catch up.
Update on Cushing's Dyes: Christine ordered some dyes, but they have yet to arrive. We suspect there may be a snafu and are hoping they will arrive soon. In the meantime, all we can do is wait.
We have been moving things around again after ordering 50+ pounds of roving. We ordered another 70 pounds so we will soon have a lot of colors and selections in the crayon box for you to choose from. Come and check them out!
Felting Classes
We had our first felting classes this past Saturday. Due to demand, Tracy agreed to do a second wren class on April 5th. There are currently six slots left if you are interested in taking the class (5 in the morning 9:00-12:00 and 1 in the afternoon). Slots go quickly so check out the website to sign up. Christine and I both took her class, and it was a lot of fun. I’m beginning to see how felting can be addictive! I don’t think I can find time for another hobby! On April 24th, Tracy will teach us how to make a chickadee. Christine will be advertising that class soon so check the website for sign up info.
Felting classes will be held on April 5th, April 24th, May 17th and June 27th. Each day will have classes in the morning (9:00-12:00) and afternoon (1:00-4:00). Classes are limited to eight (8) participants.
Rug Hooking 101
I will be doing another session on Fridays from April 4th – 18th. Students will make a 12” x 12” design of their choice and will learn how to put the design on linen, how to hook and the various ways to finish the project. Please note: students are responsible for purchasing supplies; a supply list will be provided when you sign up. Classes will be two hours each and are limited to 8 students. See the website for sign up details.
Rug Braiding 101
I will be doing second session of traditional rug braiding. Each 2-hr class will run on Wednesdays from March 5th – April 9th. We will be making a little oval rug that is a perfect trivet for a 9” x 13” pan...or use it to put a lamp on or as a kitty bed. The options are endless. Students will learn how to make a sore thumb, how to braid, lace and rat-tail. Please note: students are responsible for purchasing supplies; a supply list will be provided when you sign up. Classes are limited to 6 students. See the website for details.
Also, I will be doing a wool applique class on Thursdays from April 3rd – 17th. Classes will be held in the afternoon only from 1:00-3:00. Class will include a kit. Check the website for sign up details.
With the exception of July and August, we hope to have on-going classes. If you prefer to do individual classes in rug braiding, rug hooking, embroidery or wool applique call the shop. Individual classes can be scheduled to fit your schedule.
We have been completing applications for shows. May is going to be a busy month. We have a show on May 4th in Stockbridge, we’re expecting a bus tour to visit on May 14th and the annual MA Sheep and Wool Show is May 24th – 25th.
Events:
Vintage Sewing Machine (VSM) meeting – Saturday, February 19th from 2:30-4:30 at Hill Institute. Please note the shop is not affiliated with Hill Institute. If you have questions about this meeting, please contact me at the shop.
Back to Basics: Color with Cut Loose Collage Workshops – Thursday, April 3rd at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst
Berkshire Botanical Gardens Spring Fest, Stockbridge on May 4th from 10:00 – 5:00
Paradise City Arts Festival at the Three County Fair Grounds, in Northampton. May 24th - 26th
We hope to see you in the shop or at one of the events where we will be vending.
cam
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