Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Renee's sewing journey

Sorry for the lapse in blogging, but I have been busy sewing, creating art, and networking for my business.  Of recent important news I am currently involved in a business course at Marist College through the Women's Enterprise Development Center.  This has been a very exciting step for me in helping to develop my business plans and goals.
I have also been creating landscape and art quilts for my portfolio.  I continue to sell at various art venues and museum gift shops.  A piece of my work was recently represented at FIT in Manhattan by the QuiltAlliance.org.   As a member of this organization I take part in their yearly Quilters Take Manhattan event.  This year I was honored to be in the same company and room with so many talented artists.  Hearing a lecture/talk by Hollis Chatelain and seeing her work in person is simply a visual joy that stirs emotions and feeds the soul.  Her work is divine like--and takes your breath away.
In other news on my journey --I will be a vendor the following venues:
The Community Friends Handcraft Artisan Show on Sarurday Oct. 26th 10:00. --4:00
Located at the East Fishkill Community Center, 890 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
Also on Saturday,  Nov. 9th I will be at the Mesier Homestead holiday fair in the village of  Wappingers Falls, N.Y. 10:00--4:00
I continue to evolve and grow with my business journey, and would love to have you join me on the ride!
I continue to enjoy sewing/quilting home decor items, baby quilts, and landscape/art quilts.
Sewing , quilting and creating art is my passion! I will continue to keep you posted on all the new adventures my journey takes me to.  My blog will always keep you up to date on my agenda, as well as connect you to other people, places and events art related!
Best Regards,
And as usual---Happy Stitchin'
Renee pasquale




Thursday, July 18, 2013

Sew sorry .......

Sorry for the delay in updating my postings, been busy with lots and lots stuff!  Currently, we are in the middle of a major heat wave, that frankly makes it difficult to feel very productive.  We are also in the middle of a major home renovation---thus explaining my posting delays-----
Just to catch everyone up---I attended the Country Living  fair in Rhinebeck, New York, in June.
What a FABULOUS event ---everything country,from furnishings to antiques to collectibles to craft items, sewing embellishments--you name it ---it was probably there!  Cari Cluksey from HGTV (Cash and Cari show) was a vendor and also gave a lecture on Re-purposing! I got to meet her and take a photo with her, she's real sweet and just the same as she is on TV.  Country Living Magazine sponsors this mega event in many cities around the U.S., but this was their first local show---based on the turnout ---they say they plan on doing it again next June.  it's held on the Dutchess Fairgroinds, I Rhinebeck New York, and it's truly not to be missed!  Yes I did buy lots of goodies and treasures , some purchases were justified as they were for my business---lovely antique linens to repurpose into pillows, fun vintage trimmings!   I even  purchased a fabulous old cradle to be used as a prop --when displaying my items at various shows I hope to be attending this fall.  Can't justify that old rocking chair pincushion as a business expense ---but couldn't resist it for my sewing room!  Be sure to attend next year!
Also in June was the wine and cheese reception for the opening of the Bleachery Exhibit at the Mesier Homestead.  We had a nice turn-out.  Beth Devine, Vice President of the Wappingers Falls Historical Society gave a lovely overview of the history of the Bleachery, other guest speakers were in attendance, although it rained very heavy that evening it did not dampen the excitement of the event!  This exhibit will continue to remain available for viewing, if you have not seen the exhibit ,do consider putting it on your calendar .  The Mesier Homestead will be open on the following dates:
Sunday August 11th   1-4
Sunday September 8th. 1-4
Tour guides will available to provide tours and history of the home as well as the Bleachery exhibit.
The gift shop will be open during these hours as well.  Please stop by to see a selection of charming and handmade items.  All proceeds benefit the preservation of Mesier Homestead.
Friends of Clermont museum in Rhinebeck N.Y.  Will soon be displaying many of my handcrafted items in their gift shop.  I will keep you posted on this.
In other exciting news to report.  My quilt called "Extra, Extra, Read All About It" was donated to the Quilt Alliance Organization.  This organization works to preserve, document, and share quilt information.  Check out their website: www.quiltalliance.org
My quilt will be traveling and on view at many venues across the country.  It will be on display at the Quilters Take Manhattan event Sept. 28th at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) @ 227 West 27th Street at 7th ave.  New York, New York
on Nov.8th my quilt will be auctioned on E-bay, with all proceeds benefiting the quilt alliance. I will be keeping everyone updated with details as they become available.
I will continue to update my show schedule, as of now I will be at the Mesier Homestead holiday craft show on Nov. 9th 2013.  This is a beautiful event , in such a lovely setting.  The home will be all dressed for the holidays, classic holiday tunes will fill the air, and some very special gourmet lunch items will be available for your dining pleasure!  Some of the areas finest local artisans and craft vendors will have unique and one of a kind treasures available for your holiday shopping.  Mark your calendars for this great festive event!  Check out the website:  www.wappingershistoricslsociety.org
hour,tours,and events are posted.
I am also continuing to grow my business with special orders and commission work.  If you envision a special item you would like to have made, perhaps a special baby quilt for that new born, or room decor, including nursery decor,vintage pillows---just e-mail me with your ideas, and I will see what I could do to help.  I'm hoping to have more items listed on my Etsy shop in the near future.
I am currently working on several landscape quilts which are always fun to create.  One will be entered in a contest for the Grand Central Terminals 100th -Anniversary.  Will keep you posted on this as more information becomes available.
As you can see Reneesews has been "sew busy" ---Well that's about it for now --will post again soon as more things develop.
Keep cool
be happy,
And as always may your life be stitched with joy!
Renee
Reneesews.blogspot.com
reneesews1@gmail.com
Reneeton@optonline.net


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Renee Continues on Her Historical Journey with a Modern Twist

Hi everyone
Hope you are enjoying some beautiful weather and getting ready for a relaxing summer.  My busy journey continues with several exciting things----first,  in the next few weeks my work will be displayed for sale in the gift shop at the Friends Of Clermont Historical Site and Museum.   The museum, historical site, and mansion are located in beautiful Germantown , minutes from Rhinebeck,New York.  You can spend the day strolling the mansion and enjoying the grounds and breathtaking views.


For more information visit their website:    www.friendsofclermont.org

I will post info when my items are available in the shop!

I am continuing my involvement with the Wappingers historical Society as well---working at the gift shop---and happy to report my items have had much positive response, and are producing nice sales for the museum.  I am also continuing to research their quilt, textile, sewing items .  The fabulous "Bleachery Exhibit" official opening will take place on Friday June 7th 2013 @ 7pm.
Again, this exhibit provides an historic timeline of how the small village of wappingers falls played such a significant role in textile history.

I am also a member of the Quilt Alliance---a wonderful organization whose mission is to document and preserve the history of  quilts, and their makers both historical and modern day.  I am happy to report I have donated a quilt for their 20th anniversary quilt contest.  I am really pleased with my creation!  It will travel and be displayed at several venues including the Sewing and Quilt Expo, and at the Fashion Institute of Technology--"Quilters Take Manhattan" event in Sept 2013.  All the contest quilts will then be auctioned on E-Bay. All proceeds made from the auction will go directly to the Quilt Alliance to fund their mission many wonderful events and projects. I will post more info on this as the time gets closer.
visit their website: QuiltAlliance.org
I love sewing and creating my art for museums and historical sites,  and also love the modern twist to many of my items.  Will soon be listing more interesting venues where you can find "reneesews" creations!  Don't forget to save the date Saturday November 9th 2013 I will be at Mesier Homestead
Craft Show from 9-4.  A variety of wonderful artisans will be available for your holiday/gift shopping--the home will be decorated, holiday music will fill the air, and delicious lunch items will be available for purchase ----please join us!
well as you can see reneesews has been a busy beaver, and continues to thrive and enjoy her journey!
Check back often for more updates, and remember to contact me with any artistic creation you would like to have commissioned by me.   Fabulous tooth fairy pillows, throw pillows made from antique/vintage fabric, as well as baby quilts, and shadow box art are in the works ----stayed tuned!
Happy Sewing
Renee

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Victorian Tea

Sunday May 5th was the 5th annual Victorian Tea @ the wappingers falls historical society, Mesier Homestead.  What a divine day!  Weather cooperated and all the ladies came dressed in their finest and looked absolutely gorgeous!  Thanks to all of my friends who came out to join in the fun!
Funds raised will be used for preservation of the homestead and preservation of local history.
Please go to the website for more info.  www.wappingershistoricalsociety.org.   The Mesier
Homestead is open for tours one Sunday a month--check the schedule---private tours can be arranged
Please consider visiting the Homestead which dates back to 1741.  The current exhibit "Dutchess Bleachery Exhibit"---traces the time-line of how a small village played such a significant role in textile history.  The homestead/museum displays several examples of  cloth,textiles,quilts,sewing notions, and historical fashion of a bygone era.  In the gift shop you will find many of my handmade items reflecting the era of the home--from tea mats to tea cup pincushions, to quilted wall hangings and shadow box art, you are sure to find a special treasure for yourself or a unique gift for that special someone!  Join us at the homestead to re-live history, and ensure its preservation for the future!
www.wappingershistoricalsociety.org

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Victorian tea

Hi Everyone,
Hope all shared wonderful Passover and Easter holidays with those they love and cherish!   After what seemed like a long winter, I wish all a renewed, refreshed, and inspiring spring!

As I have mentioned in the past, I have become involved with my local historical society:  Wappingers Historical Society- in Wapppingers Falls, NY
The society is dedicated to preserving our local history, which includes Mesier Park and Homestead Museum located in the village of Wappingers falls, New York.
I have become involved on several levels:  Sewing draperies/curtains for the Homestead Museum, and attending training for educational tours.
I am also pleased to announce that several of my handmade items will be represented for sale in the museum gift shop.  Items for sale have historical significance to the history of the homestead and surrounding communities.  Also for sale are wonderful prints And books, many by local artists/authors.
opening day for the season will be April 14th 2013---- be sure to mark your calendars!
The new museum Exhibit: The History Of The Dutchess Bleachery ---- is a fascinating historical time-line of how the small village of Wappingers Falls, played such an important role in textile history and manufacturing.
Please check out the website: www.Wappingershistoricalsociety.org

Friday, March 15, 2013

Reneesews and sews and sews and sews!!!

hi everyone --------Well, I guess from the title you figured out what I've been up to----yes I've been stitchin'!!!  Here's what I've accomplished-----made another pair of  curtains for the historical society, just a few more to complete and the whole first floor will be done!
Completed  my red and pink sweet baby quilt--looks really charming---love those embroidery stitches!   Hope to have it up on Etsy real soon!
Shipped off a baby quilt that I completed for a charity for children in need at St. Luke's Hospital.  This charity drive is being run by Victoria Findlay Wolfe of BumbleBeans.com .   She is a wonderful quilter, with amazing free spirit.  She produces very happy quilts with powerful use of color and design.  Plus she pays it forward with many acts of kindness and charity.  Check her out on the web.
Well gotta get back to sewing,and sewing, and still more sewing!
Will post soon, with more sewing adventures, until then, and as always
Laugh(even at yourself), be happy, and keep stitchin'
Warmest Regards,
Renee

Friday, March 1, 2013

Quilt show adventure

hi everyone----yesterday I ventured off to New Jersey for the quiltfest in somerset.  Lots of inspiration,and a fun trip---okay so here's the low-down:  Some masterful works and really special talent in the exhibit hall.  I particularly fell in love with an Asian beauty---fabulous creative design, beautiful workmanship.  It was also nice to see some modern work displayed as well.  A beautiful exhibit from the Hoffman challenge of handmade dolls.  Great to see some embellished and amazing art quilts as well.  Vendor mall could make one take a second mortgage!!!   The temptation to purchase treasures calls to you in every direction!!!  Okay, so what did I cave into: First, just so you know, I absolutely melt fot antique/vintage textiles and trims.  With that said, several vendors were selling just that!  I purchased beautiful old trims for pillows dolls and who knows where else they will be lucky enough to land on.  The vendor explained these trims were salvaged from old ,beyond repair quilts and other textile items.  I LOVE it when something so beautiful is salvaged,and will have an opportunity for "new life".    Continuing on---yep, you guessed more purchases included an old lace doily , an old linen/embroidered dresser set ----oh so sweet with bubble gum pink beautifully embroidered stitches!  Something that could not be passed up was a beautiful ,finely stitched quilt block from around 1870.  How special is that!  Old wooden thread spools from fabric/sewing mills that are no longer in business, and reproduction charming 1930's fabric rounded out my days shopping!!!   Lucky I had to leave to make my bus to travel back home, otherwise I would have really gone broke!  Actually a few hours more would have been nice to explore the exhibits and maybe attend more demo's /lectures----ya know ---renee never gets enough!!!    Soon I will be preparing for my annual Vermont festival trip----can't wait
hope all had a happy day,
As always,
Let out your inner creative being, be happy, and keep stitchin'
Renee

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

What's new at Reneesews ?

Hi everyone, welcome to my creative world----hope all had an inspirational day!
Working on several things at once---as usual.  Sewing and finishing up more baby quilts.  Working on a baby quilt for a charitable organization .  Need to work quickly on this one ----there is a deadline--- since the quilts are needed for babies in crisis situations.  Nothing like using creative talents and making something hand-made for someone in need.  I'm trying to design something really happy, cheerful, and comforting!!!    Next on the agenda -----I' m excited about attending the New Jersey Quilt festival tomorrow.  I think I attended several years ago???   In any case I've heard really nice things about this event.  Some wonderful exhibits for inspiration, and a large vendors mall to purchase sewing/quilting goodies.  Sounds like fun to me---I will let you know how the show went, what was motivating, and what special purchases I made on treasures that I could not resist!!!
As always,
Wishing you a life of  happy stitches!
Renee









Thursday, February 21, 2013

Frustration

Hi everyone!  Well, you read the title of this post "Frustration"' Yep---every sewer has days like this--so let me tell ya about mine---okay so I'm sitting by my sewing machine last evening, all ready and motivated to finish this wonderful baby quilt---guess what?  A quilters nightmare----my sewing machine JAMS---eeeeech!  Not exactly what I said , but can't print that.  Attempted to repair it for several hours last night --no luck.  Again tried this morning----Machine still not working.  Amazing how supportive my family was.  Daughter Darlene, woke up to check on my machine repairing progress,and my son James', called when I was at the repair shop.  Kids know me well, Renee without her sewing machine,makes one mean mom!
How did this sewing nightmare end?  Turns out machine worked perfectly in the shop---took it home and working just fine tonight.  Still do not know what caused it to jam up,or how it magically repaired itself.  Maybe it knows me well----like my kids,and didn't want to deal with my mean side!

Well this delay has put me behind schedule, back to my wee hour sewing---lots to catch up on
Wishing all---
Happy(not frustrated) sewing
Renee







Monday, February 18, 2013

Today's Agenda

Hi e everyone,hope all had a great day!
Okay,so what was on my agenda for today?  Treasure hunting at a local antique shop,and lunch with my best pal and sweet daughter.  Had a great time.  Treasure hunting was not as successful as intended.  I was hoping to find more old vintage linen/lace and general sewing stuff.  No great bargains today.  I often seek out these journeys as I love to re-purpose old stuff into new fabulous creations----especially using old linen and vintage fabrics.  I have an extensive collection, and often create wonderful goodies with them.  I hope to be listing some real soon on my esty shop: reneesews, over the next coming months. Some of my latest vintage offerings have included tooth fairy pillows, and lovely throw pillows that work so well with that shabby chic look.  Lunch was great---always good to share fun days with those you love the most.  Also on my agenda for this evening is finishing my red and pink baby quilt.  It's coming out so cute---can't wait to complete this gem!  Will keep you posted as to my progress, and other adventures of interest I become involved with,-----(and trust me Renee always has an adventure or two to talk about). ----so check back soon-----
As always,
Happy stitchin',
Renee

Sunday, February 17, 2013

My accomplishments

Hi it's Renee here, just posting this morning to shout out how proud I am of myself!!!  Yep yesterday I stuck to my goal of CLEANING and organizing!  What a difference ----- my studio is almost to nice to mess up!  I also started working on quilting my red and pink baby quilt.  So far it's coming out looking really sweet,which is the intention for a baby quilt.  I'm actually quilting it with machine decorative stitching.  Yep, you read correctly, it's something a lot of quilter's don't do, But I'm game for experimenting,and I'm loving the results.  Why limit yourself  to using free motion quilting,(which definitely has a learning curve)---great stitches are built into many of today's machines----use them, and explore the fun possibilities----just a thought
Bye for now,and as always,
Happy stitchin'
renee



Saturday, February 16, 2013

accomplishments at the historical society

Made, and hung several more curtains/draperies this week at the historical society.  Continuing to work toward completing all the windows before house is opened to the public for tours in April.
Will be looking for more appropriate textiles to finish other projects in the home.  So exciting to learn the rich history of the Mesier Homestead, and to take an active role in restoring it.  
Today I need to CLEAN,and reorganize  my sewing studio, and craft studio.  Lots of projects that need to be made, or completed.  Will keep you posted as to my progress.  I have recently purchased a bunch of  fabulous fabric for my stash----getting ready for spring with some wonderful,yummy, fresh colors, and great designs.
Have a happy day
Renee



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Welcome to my new blog: reneesews

Hi, it's Renee here.  Please read "About me"on my face page.  This is my first entry.  I'm presently working on several things at once.  typical for me!  Let me tell you about some of my ongoing projects.  Starting with my esty shop,I will be uploading lots of items In the next coming months,so be sure to check into etsy---my shop is reneesews.  I am presently working on some really special baby quilts,one in particular is a favorite,let me tell ya about it.  First off it's bursting with great colors----red,pink,some greens and hints of blue.  It has a vintage/retro feel,with that pop of a modern twist.  I've incorporated some muslin blocks to keep it with an organic feel.  On these muslin blocks I've added machine embroidered words of endearment, including sweet,baby,joy,giggle---etc....
I'm just loving this quilt.  Needs some finishing touchs ,like machine quilting it!  I also made a charming pillow to match!
project number two--- After doing a craft/art fair for my local historical society.  I became real interested in volunteering for this really wonderful group who work hard to preserve our local history.   At present I am working on making curtains and draperies for the historic Meiser Homestead.  I'm also interested researching the textile history of my community.  I will keep you posted, as I acquire information that I believe would interest  visitors to my blog.
Happy stitching,
Renee