June 2025 Newsletter
Cam’s Corner
No. 12 June 2025
Hey y’all! Crazy weather we’ve been having, huh? A big sugar maple tree in my back yard lost a trunk in the last storm. It is currently suspended by cables I had installed a couple years ago. Good thing I did or my neighbor’s garage would have been crushed. As hard as I try to keep my trees, this one, unfortunately, can not be saved. But, on to more exciting happenings at the shop!
Beginning July 1st, the shop will have different hours for the month of July and August:
Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 - 3:00
Thursday 10:00 – 6:00
Saturday 10:00 – 4:00
Please note we will be closed the week of July 4th for vacation.
As always, please call before heading out, especially if you are coming from a distance, particularly if it is above 90 degrees. Sometimes life just happens and prevents us from being there but more importantly, the shop gets extremely warm in the summer. The a/c doesn’t always provide sufficient cooling and on very hot days we may close early. If we know you are coming, we are happy to stay so let us know.
Right after we sent last month’s newsletter, we decided to take the plunge and buy thread. We are currently awaiting arrival of a display containing 52 colors of 250 yards each. If this proves to be something popular we will eventually branch out and include more colors as we work our way to a larger collection.
We’re also branching out into natural lotions and lip balms as Christine and I both share a passion for them. We have started working on all sorts of formulations with a wide variety of fragrances and flavors. These will be small batch creations made with high quality ingredients. Interested in being a product tester? We’re looking for folks to try our lotions and lip balm --- we’ll send you some for free if you give us your honest feedback. If you’re interested, send us an email!
Sale
June 15th – 21st kits, roving and fabric will be 25% off. Excludes sale and clearance items, as well as frames, hooks, thread, linen and rug warp.
As a reminder, we area getting rid of wool bits (with the exception of hand dyes). Bits are now .65 cents per ounce. We’ve started putting together half pound (½ lb) bags for $5.00. That amounts to approximately ¾ yard to use for applique, stash building or anything else you think of. Pieces vary in size and colors. We are also moving out yarn for whipping rugs. Check out what we have left; they are selling for $1 a skein
Fairs
We attended the Mass Sheep and Wool Fair in Cummington over the Memorial Day weekend and it was cold, windy and wet! We were huddled with wool blankets (of course!) and heating pads trying to stay warm. As luck would have it, as we were packing up on Sunday the skies cleared, the sun came out and it turned into a gorgeous day. At least we didn’t get soaked trying to load everything up to take home. Our bags and sampler felting boxes were a hit! We have the bags in the shop, they are great for stuffing a lot of wool into!
Classes
Rug Hooking 101
Classes are two hours each and are limited to 6 students. I also do private classes that work around your schedule. Classes run for three weeks. Students will learn how to copy their design onto linen if you have not chosen a pattern. Please note: students are responsible for purchasing supplies so please call the shop to connect with me when you sign up as some supplies must be ordered before classes can begin. I don’t currently have any sessions lined up for the summer but if you are interested contact the shop and we can make arrangements. The shop gets hot in the summer so classes will be in the morning. Cost: $75
Rug Braiding 101
Each 2-hr class is on Wednesdays and runs for six (6) weeks. 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. Students will learn how to make a sore thumb, how to braid, lace and rat-tail. Please note: students are responsible for purchasing supplies so please call the shop to connect with me when you sign up. Like hooking, I also do private classes. Classes are limited to 6 students. Classes will be held in the morning for the summer. Cost: $125
Wool Applique 101
if you are interested in learning how to wool applique, contact the shop. Students will learn how to read a pattern, and copy the design using the freezer paper method. We start with a project that can be used as a small table runner or candle mat. Classes will be held in the morning for the summer. Classes will run for four (4) weeks. Cost: $75
Embroidery 101
If you are interested in traditional embroidery, contact the shop. Students will start with a cute raccoon sampler learning a dozen of the most used stitches. Classes will be held in the morning for the summer.
Classes will run for four (4) weeks. Cost: $75
Shows and Fairs
Applications have been submitted for shows and fairs we plan to vend at this year. Please note that the shop may be closed during these times
We have decided not to vend at the Cummington, Greenfield and Belchertown fairs but are still planning to attend the following fairs and shows:
July 11th - 13th the New England Weavers Guild seminar in Westfield
September 23rd - 24th – Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair in Pittsfield *still undecided
October 4th - 5th – Cheshire Quilters Guild in Keene, NH
October 11th – 12tth - Berkshire Botanical Harvest Fest in Stockbridge
Hope to see you soon!
cam
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