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
I can't imagine wanting to be anywhere else!
The wedding looked beautiful and your daughter is simply breathtaking.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | September 16, 2009 at 04:59 PM
What a wonderful day it will be - wish I could join you.
Lorrie
Posted by: Lorrie | September 16, 2009 at 07:37 PM
Hello Charlotte,
These craft sessions are going to be great! And your cottages are so darling!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | September 16, 2009 at 08:26 PM
The felt cottages are beautiful. I wish I could join you. Good luck with your class; I'm sure it will be a great success.
Posted by: Kristeena Crabb | September 16, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Oh my gosh, seriously? I have puppies coming the week before but if I can get someone to puppy-sit I will surely sign up! What a fun day.
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | September 16, 2009 at 10:43 PM
Sounds like the most wonderful day. A little too far from Oxfordshire, UK to Irvington, NY though!
Posted by: Fiona | September 17, 2009 at 03:20 AM
Oh my gosh. What a lovely day of crafting and creating you are making for everyone Charlotte! It's not just a class, it's an event, a happening!
Plus scones too. I love scones. :)
Can't wait to see everyone's houses. Wishing you all the most wonderful of times!
Posted by: Sally | September 17, 2009 at 03:32 PM
Charlotte what a fun time you girls will have. Maybe you need to come to Australia and do some for us.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | September 18, 2009 at 01:24 AM
OH! I couldn't be more jealous! Wish I could come - Florida is just a bit too far. It sounds fabulous - have a great time! Maybe you could clone yourself and move into my neighborhood? Just a thought.
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
Posted by: Doreen | September 20, 2009 at 12:56 AM
I was just checking in to see what was going on on your site- and find a photo of our old house in Irvington! We lived in Jane's house growing up in the 70's- it always was a crafty house!
Posted by: Lizbet | September 21, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Just catching up on your blog. What a lovely wedding! My sis got married too so we had a month of wedding stuff too and a move!
So glad to have a moment to click on all my blog roll links again and catch up on some inspiration.
best,
k
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry | September 21, 2009 at 07:51 PM
I just added you to my Follow blogs! I just found you and wish I would have known sooner to come! NY never has anything wonderful and here you are! Hopefully next event..Have fun! Grace
Posted by: Grace | October 07, 2009 at 01:45 PM
I had so planned to come, but now I'm taking The Teen to SVA for an open house.
Sigh.
Do it again in the spring!
Posted by: Loretta | October 07, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Many, many, many compliments!
Wow
Wow
Wow
!!!
elena fiore
Posted by: elena fiore | October 10, 2009 at 07:16 AM
Please save a seat for me! : )
Posted by: La Donna | October 10, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Oh my! Wish I could join you Charlotte. xo
Posted by: deb | October 11, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Oh i just found out about this event. Please please tell me there will soon be another one!
Posted by: Imene | October 26, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Hi Charlotte ~
Wish I could have been there, looks like such a wonderful day! I'll be seeing you (and I see from the pica, a few of the others at SB ~ soon!0
xo Heidi
Posted by: Heidi | October 27, 2009 at 11:02 AM