Atel--- what?

Sometimes I get lost in minutiae. Probably more often than I care to admit.

When I was planning my business I got lost in one of those…. Should I call my place a studio or an atelier? What is the difference? Is there a difference? So down the rabbit hole I went.

Oftentimes I hear the words ‘atelier’ and ‘studio’ used interchangeably. I discovered they are slightly different. A “studio” is an artist's or photographer's workshop, the room in which they work. An “atelier” is a workshop especially designed for an artist, designer or fashion house. Technically I was designing an “atelier” so I picked that word… plus, it was exotic, sounded fancy, and I wanted to be different than other local studios.

I succeeded in being different. And, I discovered that the word ‘atelier’ is not as popular as I thought. Mom was right all along, I should stay away from exotic sounding words, they only serve to confuse people and make me look like a snob. So from now on we will call the space what everyone knows it as, a ‘studio’.

Coming back to front and center...

Starting in February, Exploring Textiles will offer Open Studio Sessions. The initial Open Studio Sessions are for sewing and garment construction. Within the next few months we will add studio sessions for other Fiber Arts mediums.

There are four types of Open Studios. Beginner Open Studio, for those who recently started sewing and may need extra help. These studios are limited to 4 students. Advanced Open Studios, for those who have sewn with me or have been sewing for a while and can be fairly independent. These studios are limited to 6 students. Combined Open Studios will be on Saturdays, and both beginner and advanced students are welcome. These studios are limited to 4-6 students, depending on who signs up. Finally, FAC Open Studios (Wine and Sew) on Fridays is open to everyone and has no student limit. FAC Open Studios is more of a social activity in which you can work on your projects and unwind before the weekend. There will be a nominal fee for this program to purchase snacks and drinks. I will not offer fitting or pattern work during FAC Open Studios but you are welcome to use our 4’x8’ height adjustable cutting table and our sewing machines.

Since February is my birthday month, and I love to celebrate my birthday, I decided to make the Open Studio Sessions free until my birthday, the 24th. I’m inviting everyone who has signed up on my website and liked my Facebook Page to sew with me for free during the month of February. All I ask is that you register on the website so that I can keep the 4-6 student limit.

In closing, I’ve updated the website to include new classes, there is a new “Learn to Sew Series” starting February 18th, and four “Additional Sewing Skills” classes starting on February 7th. These structured classes are not part of the “free sewing” offer. Thank you for your continued support and I hope to see you soon.

With gratitude,

Monique

---