With Hands Event: Troy / After much ado!

After much ado, I have finally scheduled a date for the first official With Hands event. The focus of the event will be embroidering, because that is where I'm starting. I would really love to talk to anyone who has ideas and would like to be a part of With Hands; if you make or do anything with your hands please come chat. If you are just interested, want to learn, want to observe, then this is for you too.

Ok, the details:

Wednesday, October 14th, 6pm
Troy Public Library, 100 Second St, Troy

This will be a "drop-in" event. It does not matter that you show up when we get started, but I believe the library closes at 8....so you'll want to be there before then.

With Hands: Schenectady, Profile: Staci Elaan

My name is Staci Jane Elaan, I'm 31, and I'm an alternative energy engineer by trade. By day, I design generators and power inverters for wind and gas turbines, fuel cells, and solar panels. As long as I can remember I've been a gadgeteer. Even when I was little I would entheusatically tear parts out of discarded electronics and appliances to make all types of little inventions. I've always been driven to make things. I believe that when you make something and give it away, you're giving a part of you with it. Sharing something that special is so deeply rewarding that I couldn't imagine a life without doing it. I enjoy working with all mediums, but most of all mixing them all together - but the two that that I love most are big metal and electronics

With Hands: Troy / Physical Photos

Yes, I am still eager to receive any Troy photos or suggestions you might have. (Schenectady and Albany as well.)

Learned to Embroider (Event: Troy / Embroidery Recap)

If you missed learning to embroider with me last night, fear not. I will certainly teach you, especially if you are willing to embroider a quilt square for me. Just contact me (info on right side panel). Here are some shots of successful embroidery students (that is, 100% of those who wanted to learn, and showed up, did learn):






Beautiful things were made. With hands.

Businesses you should patronize

Recently, due to a lack of submissions, I walked around Troy in search of Trojans who do or make things with their hands. Who is more clearly labeled as such than employees and owners of certain businesses?

I have not yet printed the photos, but here is a glimpse at the negatives:



Yes, you are very perceptive...that is slide film. (oops!)

Alright, here all the businesses you should patronize, as their owners or employees were warm, friendly and helpful.

All Brands - Vacuum Cleaners Sewing Machines Sales and Service, (New and Used) 385 4th St, Troy 271-7534

Segel Violins & A Place For Art, Sales & Repair, Gallery & Jewelry, 44 3rd St, Troy 266-9732

Troy Quick Shoe Repair, Est 1908, 81 3rd St, Troy 274-2431

The Paper Sparrow, Handmade goodies for you and yours, 288 River St, Troy 272-7227

Broken Mold Studio, "Where we teach and we throw and we pot," 284 River St, Troy 273-6041

Also, I'm still accepting submissions! Please do contact me!

Event: Troy / Embroidery

Come Learn To Embroider!

When: Tuesday, April 7th, from 6pm-9:30pm

Where: My apartment in Troy (e-mail WithHandsTroy@gmail.com for address or directions)

What: Learn to Embroider, be a part of the construction of With Hands, and eat some delicious snacks (can I entice anyone with Banana Cookies?)

Feel free to bring embroidery hoops or thread if you have any, but if you don't -- I've got plenty.
Come with no experience, come with plenty of experience. You should be able to embroider within 20-40 minutes, I'd say.

How to make Yogurt