Today is the launch of my new series, house wren studio sessions. How-to craft classes and make-alongs held right here in Irvington, our quaint little village just 40 minutes from Manhattan by train or car up the spectacular Hudson river.
For the first session, we'll be making these darling felt cottages from felted wool and other vintage fabrics. It will be a daylong class with a yummy catered lunch at Jane's house on Saturday, October 24.
Jane's beautiful home was recently featured on the Irvington Historic House Tour. Loved for summer porch parties and holiday bashes, it's an old shake-shingled Queen Anne with a big covered porch and comfy wicker chairs. Inside there is a double parlor with a cozy fireplace in case it's chilly that day. It's homey and welcoming and has plenty of room for us to work side by side.
My talented friend, Suzanne, is catering the event. Our favorite hostess and caterer, a former Vogue food editor and gourmet chef, she is working on the perfect autumn menu for lunch. I heard what she planned for dessert and I'm already counting the days.
So, we'll meet each other over coffee and scones on the porch (or fireside in the parlor) around 9, begin work on our felt cottages, breaking for lunch around noon and then work until 5 or so. All skill levels are welcome and although some simple sewing experience helps, the project is quite manageable for a beginning stitcher. I'll have my sewing machine, abundant stash of wool, fabrics and vintage laces to share as well as the step-by-step how-to. At day's end, you will go home with your own felt cottage. Perhaps a Halloween or holiday inspired house!
Pam's workbasket for my cottage class in Portland
There are several award winning restaurants right here on the river and in town. Eileen Fisher is just opening her new experimental lab store next to the station. Plenty of reasons to maybe think about staying overnight and exploring the picturesque villages the next day. Stone Barns is only 15 minutes away! At this time of year, the rivertowns are popping busy with wonderful autumn events. Check out this site for an idea of what's going on nearby.
Saturday, October 24. Irvington, NY.
If you would like to join us, please email me using the link in the top left sidebar. {chlyons9 (at) gmail (dot) com} The event is $145. which includes morning refreshments, a gourmet lunch, almost all the materials for the project, a six hour how-to class and some extra surprises. You only need to bring your sewing basket and the personal bits of decoration you want to add to your cottage. (I'll be sure to get you the list of those items.)
Should we save a seat for you?
It's going to be so much fun and a perfect fall escape! Hope to see you there. xoC