Friday, April 25, 2008
hodge podge @ the brooklyn flea
thanks to kim of Keep It Moving for the photo above; you can see more pics from the flea and see what she scored on her blog. she totally bought the matta dress i coveted!
i think this is the linkiest post i've ever written...
Friday, April 11, 2008
erika somogyi art in benefit auction sunday!

Title: Misty Forest
Dimensions: 11" x 14"
Medium: Watercolor and gouache on paper
Date: 2007
Title: Falling
Dimensions: 11" x 14"
Medium: Watercolor and gouache on paper
Date: 2007
Hello Friends,
There will be a benefit auction at Exit Art this
Sunday. Please come to support the 1717 Troutman
Tenants Association. That's the building Evan and I
were vacated from without warning last October. I am
part of this association and we are raising money for
our lawyer fees. I have donated 2 watercolor
paintings and the bidding for my work starts at just
$100! There's a lot of other art too. You can see
some of it and the invitation here:
http://1717troutman.com/
1717 Troutman Association in association with Exit Art
invite you to a benefit and silent art auction.
Sunday April 13th, 6-9 pm
Exit Art
475 10th Ave
between 36th and 37th St
$20 suggested donation
includes drink tickets!
(no one will be turned away)
Auction until 9pm cash and carry
the visitor
hey folks,the above is a film still from the visitor, by writer/director thomas mccarthy (of the station agent). if you look closely you'll see a pile of raeburn ink tee shirts in this scene - they were used as props for the movie!!!! it opens today at the sunshine theater in manhattan, which very unfortunately is 3000 miles away from northern california, so please go and see it for me - i'm just dying with anticipation at my big screen debut!
xo
jen
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Friday, April 04, 2008
brooklyn flea grand opening
Come check out the Brooklyn Flea this weekend! I’ll be there selling in the Design*Sponge section. The Flea sounds like it’s shaping up to be a great weekend destination. Vendors will be selling vintage furniture & architectural salvage, antiques & vintage clothing, records, new clothing and home goods, art, jewelry, fabric, and local food. It’s a very well curated list!
Here’s a link to a New York Magazine article and slideshow of the Flea goods:
http://nymag.com/shopping/bestbets/45291/
The details:
brooklyn flea
sundays, 10:00am – 5:00pm
bishop laughlin school yard
lafayette ave, between clermont and vanderbilt in fort greene
map-- http://tinyurl.com/25l97j
rain or shine.
And here’s a peek at one of the new tote bag designs that I’ll be selling...
xoxo
Lena
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
treehouse in the Storque!
the always lovely GLOT (Gorgeous Ladies of Treehouse) are this week's featured buyers in The Storque, which if you don't know is the extensive online 'newspaper' of Etsy. check out their fresh picks, featuring hodge podge and lots of other fellow SAPLINGs...
Monday, March 24, 2008
SPECIMEN @ Brooklyn Flea
i am getting more and more excited about the upcoming opening weekend of the BROOKLYN FLEA in two weeks, and it seems every day i find out another person i know will be selling there! for example, my friend carrie will debut her new jewelry line, Specimen:
Hello friends!
Come kick off spring by checking out "specimen" at Ft. Greene's all
new Brooklyn Flea: happening in exactly 2 weeks! It's rumored to be
the hottest thing next to molten lava.
A quick specimen sample:
http://specimenjewelry.blogspot.com/
(Supposedly specimen will get a shout out in the NyMag that is
released tomorrow....)
SUNDAY, April 6th is the big kickoff of the Flea, located in Ft.
Greene at the corner of Lafayette & Vanderbilt. There will be plenty
of food, freaks and fun to last us through the summer.
Here's the official blog:
http://www.brownstoner.com/brooklynflea/
I will be sharing a space with the one & only Melody Baker:
http://melodysaddiction.wordpress.com/2008/03/
hope to see you there-under my new red tent. ride your bike!
*carrie
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Lola Staar's DREAMLAND Roller Rink


my friend and fellow local independent designer (i used to sell her t's in my shop, back in the day!), dianna carlin a.k.a. LOLA STAAR has miraculously persuaded one of the Coney Island developers to open a roller rink! the first incarnation is temporary, but if it proves successful it will hopefully become a permanent fixture in the 'new' Coney landscape. dianna has had a souvenir shop on the boardwalk for 8 years now; definitely check it out next time you're there! you can read her whole inspirational story in this NY Observer article.
the opening party for the skating rink is saturday from 6-9; the basic deets are in the flyer above (click to see it bigger) and the full-on scoop is here. it's totally FREE, but don't forget to RSVP! see you with skates on!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
embroidery @ treehouse this sunday!
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Thursday, March 06, 2008
Bazaar Bizarre at the Maker Faire in California
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Monday, February 25, 2008
DIY @ MAD with COC
Volunteer Opportunity!! Fun Craft Party!! FREE!!
If you came to the MAD Museum's Knit Night last year you know how much fun we had!!
This one promises to be even better...
The DIY Salon
with the Church of Craft
Thursday, March 6, 2008, 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Join MAD and the Church of Craft for a night of hands-on art-making, music and
refreshments in celebration of the Museum’s current exhibitions Pricked: Extreme
Embroidery and Cheers: A MAD Collection of Goblets. Local do-it-yourself artists
will demonstrate their personal skills and help guide you in creating your own
projects. Techniques will range from unconventional embroidery to button-making
to fiber text and many other contemporary twists on classic crafts. In addition to
do-it-yourself workshops, the Salon will offer a selection of craft beers,
hand-decorated snacks and live DJ. The DIY Salon is a free event, open to the public
with all materials provided. Guided tour of Pricked: Extreme Embroidery at 7:30 PM.
Participating artists include:
Cal Patch, Alison Shanik, Iviva Olenick, Mary Izet and others, who will each provide
instruction for the beginner to the advanced creator. DJ Brett Webb will spin all
night and Elaine Cohen of the Cupcake Caboose will serve up artistic treats.
*** Volunteers also needed to help set up, work with the craft stations, & break-down.
No embroidery experience necessary! You could volunteer for the whole time or from
6:30-8:30 or 8:30-10:30. Super fun!!! Email me to volunteer. Thank you!!!
I absolutely can't wait to see you.
Your Humble Servant
The Very Esteemed Callie Janoff
................................................................
for more about the Church of Craft, please visit
http://www.churchofcraft.org
Saturday, February 23, 2008
poem crown vote 2008 tote
Thank you!
Friday, February 22, 2008
BUST spring fling: call for vendors!
CALLING ALL CRAFTERS!
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Vendor applications due March 30 for BUST's Spring Fling Craftacular!
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BUST Magazine is excited to announce the first ever Spring Fling Craftacular set to take place on Sunday April 27, 2008 at The Warsaw in Brooklyn! After 3 years of enormously successful Holiday Craftaculars, BUST is ready to spring into step with our first ever Springtime craft fair and '90s themed dance! We're bringing the party back to Brooklyn with over 50 vendors, DJs, dancing, and drinks.
We are handpicking the most unique and talented crafters we can find from across the country to sell their wares from 11am until 9pm at the Warsaw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Not only will we have the best in DIY shopping in town, but our Craftacular DJs will be spinning your favorite jams from the '90s for a Spring Fling dance that is too cool for school!
If you would like to participate as a vendor, applications are now available! There are no exceptions as to who can apply, and we'll consider everything: hip handmades, accessories, housewares, vamped up vintage clothing, knitwear, silk-screened items, cosmetics, paper goods, handbags, cards, and whatever else your crafty canny brings to the table. Here's how to participate:
1. Fill out our online vendor application, which can be found at http://www.bust.com/craftacular/spring.fling.apply.html
Applications will only be accepted online and must be submitted by March 30, 2008.
2. Pay the required non-refundable $10 application and processing fee that is payable at the time you submit your application. Checks and money orders should be made payable to BUST Magazine (78 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10011, Attention: BUST Spring Fling Craftacular 2008) and must be postmarked by March 26, 2008 for your application to be considered. We will notify all applicants of their status on Tuesday April 1, 2008. If you are accepted as a vendor, your deposit will go towards the full booth fee of $225 due by April 11, 2008. All application and processing fees are non-refundable.
For a list of frequently asked questions, go to http://www.bust.com/craftacular/spring.fling.faq.html
Got questions? E-mail us at craftacular@bust.com.
Be a sweetheart and tell all your crafty pals about BUST's Spring Fling Craftacular by forwarding this email widely!
Saving the last dance for you,
Dawn Mauberret (your Craftacular coordinator)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
apply for renegade brooklyn

(the link doesn't work in the previous post, so here's a fresh one with the note from the renegade website):
Hi there!
We're happy to announce the 2008 dates for Brooklyn's 4th Annual RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR!! This year's event will be held June 14 + 15 from 11am - 7pm at the McCarren Park Pool!
If you're interested in participating as a vendor, the application will be available on our website from February 15 - April 4. Please read our FAQ, and then click here to apply!
Peace out for now!
XO Sue
Friday, February 08, 2008
vendor call for brooklyn flea market
Howdy all.
As some of you know, for the last month or so I've been working toward launching the Brooklyn Flea, a new flea market in Fort Greene every Sunday, starting April 6. I'm doing it with the guy who does Brownstoner, a blog you might know.
The Flea is starting to take shape, and I'd love your help putting it over the top. If you know anyone who would want to be a vendor at the market, please send 'em my way. So far we have everything from vintage furniture and clothing dealers to cookie bakers and ricotta makers to record and bicycle sellers and jewelry designers. Plus, we'll have yummy food for marketeers to munch on. But we want more. And I bet you know someone who'd be perfect for the Flea.
There's some basic info at www.brooklynflea.com. (I'm also starting a blog there in the next few weeks.)
So rack your brains and scour your address books. That guy who built your coffee table or the gal you bought a handbag from on Prince Street once--I want to call them. Your uncle is an antiques dealer upstate--send me his info. You just met someone who bakes the most amazing granola and wants to start selling it--perfect! (I like odd people and generally get along with them, don't worry about that part.)
The other thing I ask of you (I've resolved to be more needy in '08) is that you try to visit the market one Sunday in April. A lot of the vendors are committing to one week or one month to "see how it goes," meaning no peeps=no vendors=no more Flea. This would mean a lot to me and this random/fun/unique new business I'm starting. Hopefully one of your friends will be there selling something, so you'll already be part of the Flea community.
There are lots of other cool components to the market that I'm working on but that aren't quite ready to reveal yet. So if you don't mind I might email you all again in a month or so to let you know how it's going. (Just tell me if you don't wanna hear all about it.)
In addition, I'd love any and all feedback or constructive criticism for how to make the Flea even better--fire at will.
Thanks in advance for listening,
Eric Demby
ericdemby AT yahoo.com
Thursday, February 07, 2008
plush class with jenny harada
| PLUSH CLASS Design and Sew Your Own Huggable Plush Creature Date: Saturday, March 1, 2008 Time: 1pm -5pm Location: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Create a loveable plush creature to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Learn lots of tips on working with faux fur and making plushie creatures. If you've always wanted to work with plush but were too intimidated, you will now see how easy it can be! Students will take home printed instructions and patterns to jump start plush making at home. There are only 8 spaces available in total so sign up quickly! Class fee is $35 + $15 materials fee. Jenny Harada has been making original plushies since she was ten years old. That's a quarter of a century. Wowzers. This will be her fourth plush workshop. Her patterns have been published in a handful of books including Plush You! Learn more about Jenny and the stuff she makes at jennyharada.com. Her Etsy shop is http://pomly.etsy.com |
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
love is in the trees!

cocktails, cupcakes, sales and more...get ready for a real love affair at treehouse this friday, february 8th. from 6-9pm. we'll be raising a glass to st. valentine with sales and sweets aplenty. need a gift for a special lovebird? get toasty in the trees while picking out that special somethin' for your little dumplin'...
warm hearts and cozy corners await!
and don't forget, fabulous crochet in a day with cal patch is this sunday, from 4-7 pm...there's still time to hook up your loved one with a handmade gift, made just for them..by you! sign up here.
cal's february classes
Beginner Sewing Class: design your own tote! at the Etsy Labs $120.00 Date: 3 week Tuesday Series: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 2008 Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm Location: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201 If you've been wanting to learn to sew, this introductory class is for you! You will learn how to operate a sewing machine and design and complete your own tote bag. We will cover various techniques such as pockets, straps, lining and trims, and you can choose which to incorporate into your first project. With these skills, you'll soon be stitching up whatever your heart desires... Materials: 1 yard of fabric for tote thread to match basic sewing kit: scissors, pins, pincushion, seam ripper, tape measure, tailor's chalk *** optional: 1 yard of lining fabric, scraps of contrast fabric or trims for decoration, pockets and/or straps click here to register!
Four 2-hour classes Materials: Session C: Tues 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 2/19, 26, 3/4, 11 click here for more info or call 718-237-7753 to register Sewing 102 (Beginner/Intermediate): Tote Bag at Brooklyn General $150 Four 2-hour classes. Step up your stitching skills with this very practical “All-Day Tote” bag from Lotta Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing. You'll learn how to do pockets, linings, topstitching and straps, and become much more confident with your sewing. Beginner sewing skills required. Materials: 1 yard medium- to heavy-weight fabric for bag 1 yard medium-weight fabric for lining 1/2 yard of twill tape (1" wide) thread to match optional: quick-release metal key clip basic sewing supplies (scissors, pins, pincushion, ruler or tape measure, tailor's chalk, seam ripper) Session A: Wed 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 2/6, 13, 20, 27 Session B: Tues 6:30 to 8:30 pm, 3/18, 25, 4/1, 8 click here for more info or call 718-237-7753 to register |
Saturday, February 02, 2008
beds and quilts @ greenjeans
UNDER-COVER:A group show of small quilts with new sculpture by Jane Kaufmann
February 7 – March 20, 2008
Opening Reception: February 6, 6-8pm
This winter, Greenjeans is presenting “Under-Cover,” a juried group show of small quilts with a new sculpture series by Jane Kaufmann.
Celebrated clay artist Jane Kaufmann of Durham, New Hampshire, created a brand new sculpture series around the theme of beds for this exhibition. Each of the 20 “beds” (most of them raku-fired) features a figure cheerfully emerging from under a narrative blanket. The “Flower Bed” (shown left) is festooned with yellow roses, and the “Feather Bed” plumes with real feathers. The “Day Bed” incorporates her classic Sunman figure.
The other half of “Under-Cover” features small quilts (all under 14-inches square) ranging from the experimental to the traditional, handmade by quiltmakers from around the country. Selected with Brooklyn quiltmaker Erin Wilson following a national call for entries, the group of quilts offers a taste of what quiltmaking is today.
All works in “Under-Cover” will be available to view and purchase from Greenjeans Online. The complete quilt submissions will also be on www.greenjeansbrooklyn.com.
Greenjeans
'Handmade for Conscientious Living'
449 Seventh Avenue (btw 15th & 16th Sts.)
Brooklyn, NY 11215
F train to 7th Ave. stop in Brooklyn
Thursday, January 31, 2008
KnitKnit on NPR

Hi friends,
Here's a link to the 8 minute on-air interview I did with NPR this morning, on my book and on knitting: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18567507
There's also a slideshow (with pre-recorded audio, pictures, and captions/credits- if you want to see those, click "show captions" before you hit 'play') http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/bpp_slideshows/knitting/publish_to_web/index.html
If you want to email the interview around, go here, click "Knitting Guerrillas Rock the Yarn," and then hit "email." It would be great to get the story into their "top emailed" list! http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18567507
All best, Sabrina
Sabrina Gschwandtner
KnitKnit
www.knitknit.net
**note added by cal: the lovely felted and studded crest of arms above was made by our own SAPLING elyse allen for KK issue #7
Monday, January 28, 2008
fun february classes at the Etsy Labs!
January 22, 2008Hello, my long lost loves, After a long silence, the Etsy Labs mailing list is back in action! The frigid winter is upon us here in Brooklyn, and what better time to stay inside and learn a new skill? We have an array of upcoming classes at the Etsy Labs, including Patternmaking, Beginning Jewelry, Beginning Sewing, and Embroidery. Sign up soon as space is limited! Learn more details about all of our classes Here. Sign Up Here. Date: Fridays 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22 (4 weekly classes) Time: 6:00-8:00 pm each class Description: If you love to sew, but are frustrated by the patterns you find in stores, this is the class for you. Here you will learn the basic principles of flat patternmaking, and start having fun designing the clothes you picture in your mind! You will draft patterns for a t-shirt and an A-line skirt (like those in the photos above) based on your own measurements. Then we will manipulate these patterns into other style variations. We will also cover how to rub off a pattern from a pre-existing garment. Basic sewing experience is helpful to benefit from this class. Taught by Cal Patch of HodgePodgeFarm. Class: BEGINNING SEWING: Design Your Own Totebag Date: 3 week Tuesday Series: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 2008 Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm Sign Up Here. Description: If you've been wanting to learn to sew, this introductory class is for you! You will learn how to operate a sewing machine and design and complete your own tote bag. We will cover various techniques such as pockets, straps, lining and trims, and you can choose which to incorporate into your first project. With these skills, you'll soon be stitching up whatever your heart desires... Also taught by by Cal Patch. Class: BEGINNER JEWELRY Workshop Date: Sunday February 3rd, 2008 Time: 11:00am-6:00pm Sign Up Here. Description: Learn the basics to jewelry making with Daniellexo (aka PreciousPups). This class will cover a range of basics needed to get started creating great designs in metal. Some basics you will learn: working with an acetylene torch, forming, soldering, basic wire work. If you are unsure about tools, techniques and materials this is a great way to get started! We'll also talk about creating jewelry that will fly off the virtual shelves of your Etsy shop. Class: EMBROIDERY: Incorporating Embroidery into Art, Design, and Craft Projects Date: Saturday, February 2, 2008 Time: 1pm-3:30pm Sign Up Here. Description: This is a workshop class for students interested in incorporating embroidery into their craft, design, and art projects. Students will learn basic hand sewing and embroidery stitches, as well as several techniques for developing full-scale embroidered drawings. Techniques covered include how to interpret a photograph as a line drawing/embroidery, and how to transform graphic images and drawings into embroideries. The instructor will also demonstrate how to transfer images onto fabric. Taught by Iviva Olenick. Don’t forget, every Monday night from 4-8pm is Craft Night at the Labs. This is the perfect time to work on a project in the company of fellow crafters, use our equipment and supplies free of charge, get a tour, and see the space. Just stop on by! If you’re a little rusty or confused about the Etsy Labs and everything it entails, be sure to read this Storque article that answers all your questions about the Etsy Labs. Warm Wishes, Julie & the Etsy Labs | ||
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
Smetmool Shoppy
Good news! Tom and I have opened an etsy store. The address is:
http://www.smetmool.etsy.com
At the Smetmool shoppy you can purchase BOBBI clothes from past seasons and knitted wonders by Tom Hohmann.
If you don't see anything that grabs your heart make sure to check back again because I am constantly adding items.
The most current BOBBI creations can be found at the stores listed below.
* Lingo located at 257 West 19th Street, New York, NY
* Treehouse located at 430 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
* SodaFine located at 119 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
* HaNNa (Hpgrp) located in Tokyo, Japan
Monday, January 21, 2008
patternmaking class @ etsy labs in february

we've added a new session of patternmaking at the Etsy Labs. if you've been wanting to learn to make your own sewing patterns, here's your chance:
date: Fridays in February 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, & 2/22 (4 weekly classes)
time: 6:00-8:00 each class
location: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
if you love to sew, but are frustrated by the patterns you find in stores, this is the class for you. here you will learn the basic principles of flat patternmaking, and start having fun designing the clothes you picture in your mind! you will draft patterns for a t-shirt and an A-line skirt based on your own measurements. then we will manipulate these patterns into other style variations. we will also cover how to 'rub off' a pattern from a pre-existing garment. basic sewing experience is helpful to benefit from this class.
students are required to bring the following materials to the class:
* a roll or pad of newsprint, drawing paper or patternmaking paper, at least 14" wide
* see-through 18" ruler
* tape measure
* pencil and sharpener (or mechanical pencil)
* eraser
* scissors (for paper)
* 1 yard of muslin or similar inexpensive woven fabric
* 1 and a 1/2 yds of t-shirt jersey or similar knit
class fee is $180.00.
this class will be led by Cal Patch. she has been a clothing designer in NYC for 16 years. she designed the Free People label for Urban Outfitters, and owned PATCH 155, an indie boutique on the lower east side. her line of one-off handmade clothes and accessories, hodge podge, can be found in shops in Brooklyn and Manhattan. check out her work at http://www.hodgepodgefarm.etsy.com
Friday, January 18, 2008
'crafting protest' panel discussion
Panel Discussion & Craft Reception
Crafting Protest
Saturday, January 26, 2008, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The New School, Theresa Lang Community and Student Center
55 West 13th Street, 2nd floor
New York City
Suggested Admission: $8, free for all students as well as New School
faculty, staff and alumni with valid ID
Many contemporary artists are using craft as a largely unregulated
place of protest where diverse and timely political statements are
being made. This panel is presented as part of a series of talks on
"Agency" and proposes that crafting, because it is so often social and
communal, plays a vital role in the public sphere. The speakers
examine the role of craft in forming national identities, especially
in times of political turmoil or war; notions of patriotism; feminism
and the domestic sphere; and economic models that circumvent
conventional market models. The four artists will present projects and
discuss their work under the broad rubric of "Crafting Protest." By
linking the actual act of production and handmaking in the public
realm to political expression, participants will ask: how can art
foster political agency?
This program is presented concurrently with the release of the
February issue of Modern Painters magazine, within which a roundtable
discussion by the panelists is featured. Participants of this program
have also collaborated on a large-scale knit banner to be unveiled at
the event. Following the panel discussion, audience members are
invited to an informal craft reception in which panelists will present
tactile examples of the materials, machinery, and processes they use
in their work.
Moderator:
Julia Bryan-Wilson, art historian and critic, University of California at Irvine
Panelists:
Liz Collins, artist/designer
Sabrina Gschwandtner, artist
Cat Mazza, artist/activist
Allison Smith, artist