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We’re moving up in the world (literally)

I have some great news. Well, at least it’s great for us. CP World Headquarters is moving into a larger studio!

We love our current space, with its great view and incredible natural light, but it has become far too cramped and incredibly cluttered. There is very little workspace, and things have been tending to pile up more and more. I find myself sitting on the floor more than I’d like, just so I can spread things out as I work. We’ll miss our little starter space, but it’s time to move on.

But we’re not going far, just from the second floor to the third! Our new studio is more than twice the size, and affords us plenty of room for all of our equipment, plus more tables, work areas, and storage. We’re planning to set up a little photo studio area, a break area (no more eating lunch at the sewing table!), a kitchenette, and there’s even a back office for quiet work and to house our printers and whatnot.

I’m also thinking that with this new, large space we may be able to offer the occasional workshop. I think it would be fun to host not just sewing classes, but all sorts of little creative workshops. Portland has so many creative people who could teach various skills. What do you think?

But mostly I’m just really excited about moving and decorating this new space! We’re going to share some of our workspace inspiration and organizing ideas as we start to plan and get settled in.

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Marie

December 22, 2011 #

This is so exciting and very well-deserved! I like the sound of your plans for this space, especially the offering classes part…even if I do live across the pond!

louise

December 22, 2011 #

ooh congratulations, i was wondering what the announcement would be after yesterdays post. The space looks great as a shell – so exciting to make it your own…
Hosting workshops is a great idea, but unfortunately i’m not in Portland, not even the right continent!

Mandy

December 22, 2011 #

Many congratulations. Like Louise and Marie, I don’t live in the USA and so wouldn’t be able to take advantage of any courses/classes you may develop. However, I do wish you well. Your plans sound really exciting.

Diane

December 22, 2011 #

Great space … congratulations!

Maria

December 22, 2011 #

How exciting! A perfect way to begin the new year :)

Congratulations,

Maria

colleen

December 22, 2011 #

I love those windows. If you offer workshops, boy, I’d want to live in Portland!

Lou

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations on your success and the new premises!!! I hope there is room for some more of your new books….. :) I was so disappointed …. I logged on to purchase one for my birthday to find they were all sold out…..:( Also fantastic for you!!! So hope they will be in again soon! For my Birthday and Christmas- they both come all together at the same time of year…
I also wish I lived close enough to attend your workshops…. But think the airfare from Aus might make it a touch too expensive…. LOL!!! Definitely envious of the local ladies though!!!
Your blog is always so inspiring! Thankyou….. And so helpful too! I don’t always comment but always enjoy reading every post…. I am also embarrassed to confess that although I have had a couple of your patterns for quite some time.. And on my ” to do ” list…. I am finally making my first Colette Garment… And am very impressed with the pattern…. Kicking myself for waiting so long….. You have also inspired to do my own little version of the “fall challenge”…..
So wishing You and Yours a very Happy Christmas and a Wonderful and Successful New Year!!! And lots more fabulous patterns… And tips… :)
Thanks so much for sharing your talent and expertise! Lou xxxx

Nicole

December 22, 2011 #

Have you checked local sewing shops? I came home for Christmas to Kansas City, and two of my local sewing shops have had copies of the book.

Kenn

December 22, 2011 #

Lou, the Colette Sewing Handbook is back in the shop as of yesterday. Happy holidays!

Sarah

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations! What a lovely new space! The windows are little back room are lovely.

How I wish I was close to Portland – I’d sign up for a workshop immediately! Go for it!

Lisa S.

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations! It looks like a great space.

Rachel

December 22, 2011 #

Congrats!!! The space looks great and like it will provide room for even more growth!
If you start doing workshops I may have to go with the husband on work trips so I can attend them. :)

Seraphinalina

December 22, 2011 #

That’s a big step up – and it sounds lovely. I’m sure you’ll be more productive with a little more elbow room and less time on the floor. Hearing about workshops just makes me jealous that I live too far away!

Lou

December 22, 2011 #

Oh Sari.. so excited I see you have more books in-store again! So don’t worry about the last message regarding missing out…. that was yesterday!!!! Now it is Yay! Cant wait!
Just trying to checkout but your site must be very busy or else there is a problem??? I cant check my order out at present… just thought I would let you know….
Lou x

Kenn

December 22, 2011 #

Yes, we had a web site problem earlier this morning but things are running smoothly again now. Sorry about that.

Chris Howard

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations on your transition! A great year to CP!

Vicki Kate

December 22, 2011 #

What a wonderful space! I hope the view is even better and the light flooding in is amazing!

Gaidig

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations!

Amanda

December 22, 2011 #

Wow, congratulations! That’s an amazing start to the new year! It looks spacious and bright, a perfect place for a studio :)

Christine

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations! That’s so exciting! Can’t wait for more details as you get settled and looking forward to potential workshops. I would totally fly up there for them!

Amber

December 22, 2011 #

Ooh, I love blank canvases, can’t wait to see what you do with the place, and with CP in the coming year. Hosting workshops is a fantastic idea, I hope you will do it!!!

Anna | Mormor hade stil

December 22, 2011 #

I wish I lived in Portland.

Lisa

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations!! As a local, I would LOVE it if you started having workshops.

Renee

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations on the move-up! Well deserved! I love the idea of classes on a variety of subjects.

Robyn

December 22, 2011 #

What a fantastic space! And I wish I lived in Portland so I could attend your (possible) future workshops.

coffeeaddict

December 22, 2011 #

Congrats! I can’t think of a better Christmas present. You deserve it :-)

Miss Crayola Creepy

December 22, 2011 #

That’s so exciting! The best part about moving is the decorating, I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!

Tyler

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations! It’s been a good year for you guys. Nice work.

Dana

December 22, 2011 #

I love the new space. I would most certainly make a trip to Portland for some little creative workshops in that space!

Pam

December 22, 2011 #

Wow! A well-deserved move up. I just purchased your new book and am really enjoying reading all the great information. I also have a couple of your patterns and I just sewed the Ginger skirt and will wear it on Christmas Eve. Great pattern. I think workshops would be a terrific addition to your business. Unfortunately for me I do not live near Portland.

CheesePirate

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations!

Margie

December 22, 2011 #

How exciting …. the space looks huge!

Carla

December 22, 2011 #

Oh this is so exciting!!! Congrats! =D Gosh, I wish I was in Portland right now ; o;

SabineC

December 22, 2011 #

Wow; I am so excited for you guys!
Right now I feel like coming right over and experience the marvel of this new work space in person. I’d even help you paint (if you plan any painting, that is ;-) )
The idea of workshops is a great one – I’m sure that would be a huge hit!

What a fun outlook for the new year! Congratulations :-)

Rose in SV

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations on your new space! you have had a wonderful year, and I wish you the best for 2012!

Melissa

December 22, 2011 #

Congratulations! What an exciting move! The new space sounds wonderful and the workshops are a great idea. Now I want to move to Portland and work for you :-)

Carolyn

December 22, 2011 #

ooh exciting! it’s a pity I don’t live in Portland or even America…

I was looking at my local library’s website (all the way in Sydney, Australia) and noticed the Colette Patterns handbook in their digital download (ebook catalogue) section! How awesome is that! I would definately take advantage of it — only I’ve got my own copy on the way anyway.

Best wishes.

Alessa

December 23, 2011 #

Aw, how exciting, congratulations! Too bad Portland is so far away, I’d love to visit for a sewing class or a creative workshop!

Debi

December 23, 2011 #

Such exciting news!!!

Melanie

December 23, 2011 #

What a beautiful space! I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

Brenda Marks

December 26, 2011 #

Yes! Workshops in your new space sounds like a fabulous idea. I will certainly be interested in all kinds of crafty workshops.

Saskia

December 26, 2011 #

CONGRATS!!! You really deserve to move up :o)
Especially after seeing your book … my dearest hubby ordered it on amazon france and I got it just in time for christmas !!!!
It is absolutely awesome and the best gift I got this year :o)

I am hoping for many more new things to come from your new studio!!!

Melissa

December 27, 2011 #

Congrats on the move! I think hosting workshops and special classes is a great idea that lots of locals would take advantage of.

Louella

December 27, 2011 #

Congratulations on your new office! Holding sewing classes/workshops are very helpful, especially for a growing interest in sewing/fashion design. I have two Colette patterns that I am looking forward to try. Have a very happy and prosperous new year!

Shannan

December 27, 2011 #

Oh Please Please start some sewing classes. I just figured out that you are based in Portland – I had no idea. I’m a novice sewer, but love your patterns and I would love to be among such creative and neat people!

Lisa Anne

December 27, 2011 #

Yay! Very exciting… holler if you need a hand with moving and schlepping and whatnot!

Marah

December 27, 2011 #

The space looks great! I can only imagine how much better it will look once everything is in place. I’m excited you might do some classes and workshops-I had no idea you were so close! I live in the Corvallis area so you aren’t too far away :D and I could actually come and participate! Yay! *Happy Dance*
Marah

Jill

January 16, 2012 #

I just discovered your website and just bought your book. I love your patterns, your book is fabulous. I have sewn for a long time and most recently have been quilting. Your book I love because it addresses the creative side of sewing first and the the techniqual side. I think you are very talented and look forward to following your
blog and more books down the road.