Bolt Neighborhood

Caldera, part 3

This is the final post showing off the beautiful work of the kids of Caldera, Bolt's featured organization for the month of February.  The first and second posts went up on the 10th and the 14th.  Take a look and marvel at their creativity and skill.  This Saturday, the 27th, all fabric rolled on tall tubes will be 25% off (this includes Liberty of London, knits, wools, coated cottons, some sweater knits and linens, heavy weight canvases, coated cotton and oilcloth).  At the end of the day, 10% of the total sales will be donated to Caldera.  Help us make that a very generous donation.

Caldera's Youth Program provides underserved Oregon children with year-round, long-term mentoring through arts and nature projects, beginning at age eleven and continuing through young adulthood. 
 
Caldera's adult program offers month-long residencies to professional artists: the gift of time & creative workspace at our blue lake facility in the Oregon cascade mountains.

 

The words printed on the Woods Alive quilt all came from our kids and staff…our personal mantras.

 

III. Woods alive without end: the work

It's not a coincidence that my work, and the many changes that are whirling around me are all commingled into a similar message.

This particular quilt "woods alive without end" is about the work.

It follows on the footprint of the dream (The Dreamtree),

 and intention (Tree of Intention).

The work is the next step in the progression of realizing equanimity.

The work our kids must do to realize their best selves,

and their best lives.

This is a solitary path, not interpersonal…

thus the singular dance of the one tree…

filled with growth, and inspiration and darkness,

and flight and all things that make us who we are.

Spirited, dimensional, affected by the wind.

a small part of us dying each winter,

and celebrating new growth each spring.

It can be a tough cycle of seasons,

but the one true thing that stands constant are

the great possibilities in our reach

Words can be a powerful force within us, or empty vessels.

These words  imprinted on the quilt

represent Caldera’s community life force.

Our truth.

Our wonder.

susan fischer

2008

 

Woods alive closeup: their words

 

 

 

Caldera, part 2

Another amazing quilt from the kids of Caldera.  Check out the post on the 10th to see the first quilt!  Help support Caldera through Bolt.  All fabric on tubes will be 25% off on Saturday, February 27th and at the end of the day, 10% of the day's total sales will be donated to the organization.

Caldera's Youth Program provides underserved Oregon children with year-round, long-term mentoring through arts and nature projects, beginning at age eleven and continuing through young adulthood. 
 
Caldera's adult program offers month-long residencies to professional artists: the gift of time & creative workspace at our blue lake facility in the Oregon cascade mountains.

Each made a bird for the Tree of Intention (the small papers you see are their intentions written on archive paper which were later hidden and stitched behind their bird). 

The Tree of Intention

There are so many lessons to metabolize at Caldera..

as it is the rainbow cloth of many of our new beginnings.

It is the initiator of our dreams,

and the touchstone of our intentions.

This is the sister quilt to The Dreamtree quilt

we made together last year..

the older, wiser sister

who understands that dreams are just what they are, 

unrealized, without the pointed dedicated focus

of all necessary steps. 

These quilts stitched in time, one after another.

I wish our children their dreams, 

but even more I wish our children a firm

and steadfast commitment to themselves. 

the will, and work ethic to move forward

along their path to the forest of true contentment.

We're here every step of the way..

foraging together towards these woods.

susan fischer

caldera 2007

 

Tree of Intention closeup: some of the amazing birds the kids made for this quilt

 

one of our summer classes...exquisite creative chaos!

  

 

 

Org of the Month: Caldera

Susan Fischer, our liason to Caldera, has sent this along for us all to see the amazing work they are doing.  I am going to space out the posts to be able to give space to each project.  Gorgeous!  Enjoy.

Caldera's Youth Program provides underserved Oregon children with year-round, long-term mentoring through arts and nature projects, beginning at age eleven and continuing through young adulthood. 
 
Caldera's adult program offers month-long residencies to professional artists: the gift of time & creative workspace at our blue lake facility in the Oregon cascade mountains.

 
These quilts were made over three summers at Caldera.  The kids took the photos which were printed on fabric for the Dream Tree Quilt.

The Dream Tree

The most magical tree at Caldera is our DREAM TREE. This is a 40 foot tree that the kids climb up while attached by ropes, & harness and tie a ribbon on it’s upper branch to signify their dreams..then they jump.

I noticed when our kids came back to class after the jump, they were calmer…and more thoughtful. I decided to find out why. Now, I’m a girl from New York, and jumping out of trees was unimaginable to me.

After class one day, I decided to try. Julie (Sister Jrey), Tureya (Good Sis), and some of the kids followed me over to tree. It was tall, and I was freaked out so I climbed as fast as I could (being a courageous New Yorker I wasn’t going to lose face) and I got to the platform. Scared is not a big enough word for how I felt…but at this point there was no way to get down but jump.

 I tied my ribbon on an upper branch…and made a dream. A dream for all our children… my own children and the children of Caldera. The jump was frightening, exhilarating and wonderful all at once. You could hear me scream all the way to Manhattan. Mid way it was like aerial ballet…surreal. Once my feet hit the ground I was sobbing and laughing all at once. It was cathartic.

I was a changed woman.

This quilt is about the magic of Caldera. The magic of the Dream Tree.

Julie Keefe’s Immersion photography class took magnificent  photos of the trees of Caldera and we printed them onto fabric to be sewn into the quilt.

Our closing ceremony at camp included our dreams to be sewn into forever. Each and every ribbon on this quilt contains a dream of our children…

Caldera serves & helps implement their dreams, and for that I am grateful. Our kids deserve this.

Susan Fischer

2006

 

The Dream Tree closeup: includes all the ribbons, that the kids pinned to this quilt while proclaiming their dream to be stitched into forever

The quilts were auctioned at our fundraiser, and Dan Wieden, our founder and "Papa bear" as we refer to him, has purchased them all.  But what was so especially lovely were the ceremonies and process incurred with the kids over each lesson of each quilt.  First one must have a dream, then set intention, then do the work...one step can't be skipped over.  All children deserve to live their best life, to prosper in an environment of support. 

Caldera provides this for our children, and I am lucky to watch it's miracles, their hearts, unfold.

thank you for your support of this worthwhile organization.

 

You can help support Caldera through Bolt.  On Saturday, February 27th, all fabric on the tall tubes will be 25% off and 10% of the day's total sales will be donated to Caldera.

 

Call for Fashion Designers of all types!

Check out this great opportunity to show off your talents, have a great time, and raise some funds and awareness for worthy organizations.  Andrea, one of the organizers passed this on.  Bolt will be featuring all three organizations being supported by this event as our Organizations of the Month during the month of May.  And, one of the organizations--Caldera--is our Org of the month for February.   Stay tuned for more on that!

Modified Style: Inspiring social transformation through sustainable art & fashion

If you're interested in sewing, creativity, helping raise money for awesome Portland-area non-profits, or having a rockin' good time at a fashion show, then you may be interested in Modified Style: Transformed Fashion Show.
 
It's all for fun!
 
 
What is Modified Style?

Modified Style is an annual fashion show and benefit that began in Seattle in 2008. The co-chairs of Portland's Modified Style, Andrea Fretwell and Janessa Philemon-Kerp, brought it down to Portland in May 2009. We are committed to raising awareness of select local non-profit organizations by featuring unique and wearable fashion created using sustainable practices by participants of all skill levels.

Modified Style '09:

• Successfully raised almost $2,000 in the first year
•  Inspired creativity in 30 designers
• Inspired confidence in 30 models
• Stephanie Ortman from Fox12 News emceed
• Prizes and donations from BridgePort Brewpub, PGE Park, Portland Center Stage, Honest Tea, Nike, Scrap, Thai Massage Clinic, and many more.
• Silent Auction
• Raised awareness and funds for Farm Sanctuary, Sisters of the Road, and Junior Achievement.

 
If you wish to participate in Modified Style '10, email us at modifiedstyle@gmail.com. Please include your contact information as well as your model's contact information (once you decide on your model). The closing date for signing up as a designer is February 25th, 2010. We will try to get all donated scrap fabric out to the designers by March 15th, leaving you approximately 2 months to make a wearable creation for a model that you choose.  Your model will show your dress at the Transformed Fashion Show  in May 2010. The event will be judged, and the top picks will receive a small prize (it's mostly for fun). A silent auction of the dresses will enable us to donate proceeds to Sisters of the Road, Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuary, and Caldera.

No sewing experience is necessary, just a creative urge or a desire to learn!

Rules and Guidelines will be emailed to designers and models by March 15th.


Resources
Facebook Page
Andrea
Sandra
Vanessa
How to Sew
How to make a sewing form
Dress making 101
Sewing Book
 
 
Interested Participants RSVP to
modifiedstyle@gmail.com
by February 25th
 
We are requesting a $25 donation from each participant. This goes to cover the cost of the room, equipment rental, copies, and all other incidental costs related to the event.  Everyone is welcome to participate whether they can afford the donation or not.  All proceeds benefit:  Sisters of the Road Cafe,  Out to Pasture Farm Sanctuaryand Caldera.
 

****Donations of fabric are welcome as well.****

If you or someone you know would like model, please let us know!
 
Please mail monetary and fabric donations to:

Modified Style
PO Box 10624
Portland, Oregon
97296

by February 25th

--
in progress:  http://www.modifiedstyle.org/

P.E.O., featured local organization #1

 

Margi has sent in the following post about Philanthropic Educational Organization, or P.E.O.  It is Bolt's featured organization for January.  Remember, on January 30th, all books and patterns will be 20% off and 10% of the day's total will be donated to P.E.O.  Help us raise some funds and pick up some books you've been eyeing!  The photo above has nothing to do with P.E.O., it's just some new fabric that's in.

 

 

I am excited to have P.E.O (philanthropic educational organization) chosen as the first local organization featured at Bolt.  We are women helping women starting in 1869 with 7 members to nearly a quarter of a million members today.  Oregon has nearly 7700 members and Washington over 10,000 members.  Over 77,000 women have benefited from our organization’s educational grants, loans, awards, special projects and education at our own Cottey College www.cottey.edu where we have educated over 8,000 young women.

 

To provide funds for all our educational projects, each chapter of women has fundraisers.  Our chapter JH, in Vancouver, WA has designed and hand made, self-adjusting aprons for women, men and children.  One of these aprons is being featured in Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique during January.  The aprons sell for $14.00 plus $2.50 shipping.

I am proud to say, my mother, myself, and my daughter are all members of P.E.O.  I am a charter member of my chapter in Vancouver, WA serving as Vice President and then having the honor as serving as President.  I am currently the area contact for women interested in joining P.E.O. or current members moving into the area as well as chairing our fundraising committee.  I truly believe through P.E.O.’s efforts we make a difference in women’s lives.

I would be delighted to share more information about P.E.O. and the sale of our aprons.  You can contact me at margiroper@gmail.com and please visit our website at www.peointernational.org.  A special thank you to Gina for her efforts in promoting our organization and the sale of our aprons.  Margi Roper

New Liberty prints are here!

by Gina.

 
That's right.  We've just received eight Liberty of London prints and they are gorgeous, as expected.  There are a couple of repeat prints (the city map and the Cesar--peacock--print), in different colors than we've had in the past.  Other arrivals this past week include new Westminster prints (in pic below) from Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs, more recycled hemp/organic cotton woven, the ever popular organic cotton/ soybean knits, a sweet, playful line called Wild Thyme, and cutie pie owl prints on fleece from Valorie Wells.

If you haven't yet touched Anna Maria Horner's new line, Little Folks, you really should.  It is so silky soft.  There's a great post over at Craft about the designer if you want a peek inside the designing process.  There are also some great new fleece-y, sweatery pieces in and more gorgeous wool to get us through the winter months.

 
We are starting a new program at the store that features a different charitable community organization each month.  At some point in the month you'll see a write up about the organization here by someone involved with it, as well as a special sale day to raise funds.  I will announce the details of the special with a week or two notice and a portion of the day's total sales will go to the group.  In store you will see some sort of display along with a write up, so you can learn more about each organization and how to get involved if you'd like. 

P.E.O. is our group for January.  They are women promoting educational opportunities for women.  We will have a post from Margi--our P.E.O. connection--next week.  In the meantime, check out their website for more information and mark your calendars for a sale on Saturday, January 30th.  All books and patterns will be 20% off and at the end of the day, 10% of the day's sales will be donated to P.E.O.  So come by, pick up some new patterns and books and help out a great organization!

If you're not making your own....

buy from someone who did.  Here's a list of some (really, not meant to be comprehensive, just a starter) Portland area handmade sales.  Please add to the list!  Send us a comment with the sale you're planning on going to or selling at if it's not on the list.  Be sure to include the when and where and a link if there's more info on-line. 

Secret Society Sale: http://www.secretsocietysale.com/ 11/29 11a-5p at the Secret Society Ballroom

Black Friday Handmade Holiday pop-up show with Diskgrunt and Curious Doodles 

WHERE: Tribute Gallery

328 NW Broadway #117 (Corner of Braodway & Flanders)

WHEN: Nov. 27th, 28th, & 29th 10-7pm

 

Oregon College of Art and Craft Holiday Sale: http://www.ocac.edu/#/events/calendar/2009-nov27-annual-ocac-student-and-alumni-holiday-sale/ 11/27-11/29 10a-5p on the 28th, 10a-4p on the 29th

 

Kenton Firehouse Art Sale: http://historickenton.com/?page_id=123 12/5 11a-6p at 8105 N Brandon

 

Handmade NW www.handmadenw.com  12/6 11a-6p at The Chelsea Ballroom, SE 9th and Hawthorne

Handmade Bazaar: http://www.handmadebazaar.org/   12/12 11a-4p at Mississippi Studios

Crafty Wonderland: http://www.craftywonderland.com/  12/13 11a-7p at Oregon Convention Center

So, that's a start.  Thanks and happy crafting everyone!

gina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Karol Book Signing this Thursday!

Amy Karol, local author and so much more, will be holding a book signing and all in all fun time at the store on Thursday, the 5th.  Check it out!

 

 

hey you all!

I really really hope you guys can come to my book singing for Bend the Rules with Fabric at Bolt! I will have some stories, examples from the book to show, answers for your questions, some donut holes (I'm serious) and little iron-on transfers to give away if you bring a book for me to sign (or you can buy one at Bolt!). 

AND, when you come, you will get a chance to win a lovely tote bag filled with a copy of my newest book, Bend the Rules with Fabric, a box of Bend the Rules Gift Labels, chocolate, and some supplies to make a few projects in my book, how lovely!!

Please come, I'd love to see you all. I will be having a little talk starting at 7:00, and then it's just a party after that. Sweet!

So, it's 7:00 pm, Thursday November 5th at Bolt.

See you Thursday,

Amy (angry chicken)

Wow, thank you!

 
by Gina.

That was one huge sale!  Thank you very much for coming out for it.  The lines were often long and you all were so lovely and gracious as we worked as quickly as we could.  Thanks for your patience, and thanks to Melissa for having such amazing timing to show up just when we needed some help getting those bolts back out on the floor.  Our crew was a bit small due to illness and travel, but Amy and Hannah worked so hard all three days, and we were all pretty worn out toward the end.  Thanks again!

We actually have some empty shelves in the store now.  Crazy.  For those of you still looking for a great deal, we are loaded with remnants and the two cabinets below the window are full of fabric marked down 40%. 

This sale marked our fourth birthday.  I feel so grateful to be able to say that.  Thank you all so much for the ongoing support.  I am well aware that we are only here because you keep us here.  Thank you. Hope to see you soon.  Gina

Life is happening, eat some waffles

by Gina.

 
Those regular visitors out there may have noticed a bit of a slow down over here at Bolt Neighborhood.  We're sorry about that.  Between taking care of ailing little ones and preparing for the store's big mega-sale (this weekend, scroll down to see details), we haven't had much time.  We'll be back in action more next week.  So enjoy the little break, take some pictures of your latest projects, post them to the Flickr page, come by the sale and eat some waffles?  Yep.  This Saturday is the grand opening of the Solar Waffle Works cart on NE Alberta and 23rd, just one block east of Bolt.  It's a great project--solar powered food cart--created by the folks at Soltrekker.  Check it out and we'll see you soon.