The studio is open! The studio is open!

Folks who know me know that they can come to me and ask me how to do something, and if I know it, I'll be happy to tell, show, or teach them; if I don't know, I'll direct them to someone who likely does.  I've gained a lot of knowledge by asking, or traveling to shows and attending classes.  Everyone I've met has been generous with the knowledge, and it has helped me grow artistically.

Now it's my turn.  I am a part of a studio, Inspired ACTS, and I plan to use the studio to share the fiber arts and crafts I've learned over the years.  There'll be dyeing, surface design, traditional and art quilt techniques, wearables, accessories....who knows what else?  I'm learning new things every day!

The studio is located in Workspace Harlem, at 2340 Fifth Avenue between 141 and 142 Streets.  It's easily accessible by train or bus, and free parking is plentiful (by NYC standards).  The studio has ginormous windows providing natural light, plus great overhead lighting.  Our studio was once a science lab, and we have sinks in the room.  We have a large table, design wall, and ironing tables (you can't see the ironing tables from this angle).  On the design wall is a banner created by the three studio mates which will greet you as you enter the studio.  We're finalizing the class schedule, so please visit the site, and sign up for our email updates.

Weekly Tip: Tilting your Machine

I promise to post a photo over the weekend, but I think you'll get the gist of this tip without it.  Last week, at a workshop, one of the attendees chose to stand and sew because she could not see the top of her machine too well while sitting down.  You could purchase one of those tilt tables, which are great, but pricey, or you can use this trick that will cost you less than five dollars:  buy a couple of doorstops, and slide them under the back of the machine.   This will tilt your machine, and give you a better view of what you are sewing.

Studio Open House...You're Invited

On Saturday, October 31, Inspired ACTS will host an open house.  This artists' studio, housed in Workspace Harlem,  2340 Fifth Avenue between 141 and 142 Streets, is home to me, Teresa Vega, and Chandra Travis.  We are excited about our opening, and are looking forward to sharing our talents with other creative souls.  Our mission, as our name suggests, is to inspire our students to act creatively.  ACT also comprises our first initials--clever, aren't we?  We believe everyone, including us, can be more creative when in creative place, with other creative people.

At our open house, you'll get to see our studio, pictured above, and see some of the classes we'll be teaching.  In addition to classes, we'll be opening our studio space for people who need a place to get messy, such as Art Quilt and Dyeing playdates.  (Yes, adults need playdates too!)

What will we be teaching?  Surface Design, Hand Dyeing, Needlefelting, Fabric Collage, Altered Lace, Collographs, Adinkra & Taino Applique Quilt, Photo Transfer, Batik, Indigo, Discharging, Silkscreening, T-Shirt Quilts, Memory Quilts.  There will be some traditional quilting classes as well.  Classes have various skill levels.

Come join us on Halloween.  We'll have treats, no tricks!  Because of building security, you must RSVP, which you can do by clicking here, sending your name and email address.  We look forward to seeing all of our friends and fellow artists!