How to Keep Kids Learning During Winter Break Winter in the Woodlands with IAIS

Winter break is exciting for kids. No school and lots of free time, but boredom can soon set in. This year, if you want to beat boredom, try an innovative way to keep kids busy and away from the TV, movies, and video games by signing up for Winter in the Woodlands! The Institute is offering this special educational program that will include games, crafts, and activities inspired by Native American culture on Thursday, December 28, and Friday, December 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on both days. 

The activities are planned for both indoors and outdoors on the grounds of the museum and will showcase the lifeways and lessons of local Native Americans. Each day the museum’s educational staff will offer an exciting roster of games, and craft projects. A special highlight is listening to Native American stories told by a professional storyteller. These stories share Native American history, customs, rituals, and legends through exciting narratives that have been passed down for generations. Often stories educate children about culture, morals, and values. 

Getting kids outside in the fresh air is a bonus to some of the traditional Native American games they will play like snow snake, snow boat and hoop and pole. The crafts that children will create indoors will be keepsakes that they can bring home. Just some of the crafts planned include making cornhusk dolls, buzzers, and beaded artwork. This two-day program is designed to teach children new skills and to ensure a smooth transition to going back to school. 

This two-day program is best suited for children age’s six to twelve. Parents are invited to stay and participate adding another dimension to family fun and quality time. The price of participation is $40 per day for non-members and $30 per day for members of the museum. 

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register click here 

https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14302 or email events@iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Full Moon Walk with Institute for American Indian Studies December 26 @ 6

 If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to walk off some of the holiday goodies you have been eating then join the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies for a Full Moon Walk on Tuesday, December 26 at 6 p.m. This year, even the moon is in a festive mood and will be fully illuminated on December 25th, 26th, and 27th. This full moon after the Winter Solstice takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. One of the names of the December full moon is “Long Night Moon” because it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk extra special.  

As participants walk along the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the museum under the glistening full moon they will learn what names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it meant to them. Participants will learn how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s corresponding signs to track the seasons.

A highlight of this experience is to witness and celebrate firsthand the beauty of December's full moon, as Native American communities have done for centuries.  For example, the most common name for the December Moon, attributed to the Mohawks, is the Cold Moon which perfectly describes the cold days and nights during this time of year. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants. 

Please dress appropriately for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy footwear. If there are weather-related concerns on the day of the program, please contact the museum at 860-868-0518. The price of participation is $5 for IAIS Members and $10 for Non-Members. To register click here  https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14300

 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Tina's Baskets & Woven Arts Offers A Creative Option for Holiday Shopping

 Are you ready for holiday shopping? It’s officially gift–giving season, and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art located in Studio #305 at Whiting Mills in Winsted is here to help. Admittedly gift giving can be kind of selfish… what’s better than that feeling of satisfaction knowing you have found something wonderful and unique for that special someone on your list? At Tina Puckett’s art studio, shoppers will find something unique and not mass–produced for your just as unique friends and family members at various price points.

Best of all, this shopping experience lets folks see and feel their choices in person while supporting Connecticut’s artists and the local community.

 

In an atmospheric studio, visitors will find Master Weaver, Tina Puckett, a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven arts and dimensional weaving creating phantasmagorical pieces that are as beautiful as they are useful. The studio is cheerfully decorated and is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in December. An added perk of shopping local is that shoppers will meet Tina and learn what inspires her sought-after woven pieces, making it a memorable experience this season. While shopping don't forget to enter the raffle for a festive handmade basket!

Finding the perfect present can be a tricky business - and yet a local artist Tina Puckett weaves baskets, bowls, wall hangers, and sculptures that are pieces of art. Tina's Baskets & Woven Art is sure to satisfy even the most discerning on your holiday list. Visiting her rustic art studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and loved for years to come.

Many things make Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts, unusual. Each piece is inspired by Tina’s imagination and the natural beauty of bittersweet vines that she weaves into the dynamic shapes with hand-dyed reeds that create a mélange of colors that will not be found anywhere else. What enhances the character of each piece is the addition of the bittersweet vine that is foraged by Tina in the woods near her studio in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. 

 

New this year and perfect for friends and family who love learning and creating works of art is a gift certificate to take one of Tina’s Basket Weaving Classes. The classes offer teens and adults of all abilities the opportunity to learn more about the timeless art of basket weaving from a master in the field.

Tina’s Baskets is also open by appointment and all woven art and baskets are available online at http://www.tinasbaskets.com.

 

 

About Tina's Baskets

Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in studio #305/ Tina's Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

 

BraeVal’s Scottish Roots Offers Holiday Gifts Inspired by Heritage

Admittedly gift giving can be kind of selfish… what’s better than that feeling of satisfaction knowing you have found something wonderful for that special someone on your list? At BraeVal, one of Connecticut’s treasures located in the heart of Litchfield, shoppers will find something that is unique and not mass–produced at a variety of price points. Best of all, this is a shopping experience where folks not only get to see and feel the quality of this upmarket brand in person, but they also get to meet the founder of the company and learn how his heritage inspired him.

The story of BraeVal goes way back in American and Scottish history. It all began when Gregor McCluskey’s Great Uncle, Big Jock McCluskey was caught poaching on the land of a great Scottish Lord, not once but twice! It was then that Big Jock decided to leave Scotland for America because he believed that he would be free to hunt, fish, and wander, without trespassing on any royal estates.

 

In America, Big Jock McCluskey became a bounty hunter, fur trader, and gold miner. It was as a fur trader with Native Americans where Big Jock stuck gold. He became famous for trading his red and black tartan plaid with many Native Americans who were amazed at its deep red color. Legend has it that Native Americans had never seen such cloth dyed a brighter red and believed it was made from the blood of McCluskey’s prey and enemies. Today, we know this fabric as Buffalo Plaid.

BraeVal, a Scottish word for Upland Rivers is a love affair between Gregor McCluskey’s American soul and his Scottish heritage. Today’s clothing conceptualized by Gregor, a relative of Big Jock, exemplifies this because each piece is not designed; rather each piece is engineered with features found nowhere else and accented with authentically made Buffalo Plaid. McCluskey often says he channels his Great Uncle’s love of the great outdoors and the many summers he spent in Scotland when creating something new for BraeVal.

There are many things that make BraeVal’s clothing distinctive. First off, it is engineered to be the best of the best because it is infused with the style and finish of European sporting fashion that has been time-tested in the field, out on the town, and then merged with American comfort. The shirts are made of proprietary Tierra fabric made of ring-spun Merino wool and long staple Egyptian cotton developed by McCluskey that results in an eco-friendly machine washable garment. The shirts are comfortable, durable, breathable, and a natural alternative to synthetics. All of BraeVal’s limited designed tartans and checks are an exclusive contemporary interpretation of historic patterns found nowhere else, ensuring that BraeVal’s customers stand out in the crowd. Best of all, and too many to mention, BraeVal’s garments offer many unique features – shirts for example, have a hidden bi-swing back, triple stitching, roll-up sleeve stays, below-the-waist pockets, and many more features.

 

BraeVal is located at 3 South Street in Litchfield and is open from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. through December. For online orders http://braeval.net.

 

About BRÃEVAL

BraeVal is a Scottish word for the Upland River Valleys that exist between the mountains and rugged brae of the Scottish highlands, where streams and rivers tumble to loch and sea. It is pronounced 'brave-all'. It is a land of arduous challenges in a place where sporting adventure is welcomed as part of a very robust lifestyle. The name was chosen because it symbolizes the special sense of outdoor adventure that excites all sportsmen and women. At BraeVal, they believe that this imagery holds the heart of every sporting adventurer who ever hiked beyond the view of the town. BraeVal is a lifestyle brand of clothing that has endured for generations. They are an original American design born of comfort that offers time-tested classics in the Scottish tradition. Located in Litchfield Connecticut.

 

  

Holiday Market Features Indigenous Artists & @ Institute for American Indian Studies November 25 & 26, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10

Once again this year, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington is hosting a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it offers both deeply traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions rooted in Native American cultural experience. Artists represented here are some of the finest working in the area today. It is a celebration of Native American diversity and inspiration.

Primitive Technologies 

The Holiday Market throughout the Institute’s impressive exhibition galleries takes place on Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26, and Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. The final weekend for the holiday market is on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10. The market is free and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This is one of the few Holiday Markets that showcases only Native American-inspired artwork. 

There are so many gifts to choose from including Native American jewelry, paintings, photography, apparel, and candles, to decorative gourds, pottery, rattles, flutes, and more at a variety of price points. The chance to talk with the artists who have created these one-of-a-kind objects and to learn about the culture that inspired them makes your gift purchase even more meaningful.

For music lovers, musicians, and collectors, the magical-sounding authentic Woodland Native American flutes handcrafted by Allen Madahbee are truly unique. Madahbee is an Anishinaabe, born on Manitoulin Island, and is a registered Native American in Canada and the United States. In addition to the one-of-a-kind flutes, Madahbee is offering handmade beaded moccasins, woodcarvings, rock sculptures, and original paintings inspired by his ancestors and experiences. 

Another vendor, Kim Lewis from Native Visions will be offering an astounding array of Native American Art from Oklahoma and the Southwest including a fine selection of original paintings and prints, Zuni Fetishes, silver jewelry, pottery by Mel Cornshucker, plus Hopi, and Navajo Kachinas. 

A long-time favorite of the Holiday Market is Primitive Technologies, a nationally known small business that has worked with everyone from filmmakers to museum curators to recreate the material culture of prehistoric Native American life. They offer exquisite wood-fired replica pottery, hand-constructed from local river clay, hand-carved flint arrowheads and flint animal necklaces, carved stone art, traditional stone tools, containers made out of natural materials, unusual jewelry, and decorative gourds. 

Jeanne Morningstar Kent, a recognized Abenaki artist and enrolled member of the Nulhegan Band, Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont will be offering her artfully crafted decorative gourds in all sizes. Kent’s work is housed in many museum collections including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian Studies, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Roger Williams University, Chimney Point Museum, and many more. What makes these gourds unusual is that they utilize traditional Abenaki and Wabanaki designs. 

Brandy Sawyer Emmans of Cherokee descent and owner of bthunder will once again be at the holiday market. Runway model for the Sky Eagle Collection, Native American educator, and advocate for MMIW (Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women), bthunder offers an evocative selection of contemporary Native American-inspired art, jewelry, apparel, candles, and accessories.

Not to be missed is Eva Newell, an enrolled citizen of the Pokanoket Tribe, Pokanoket Nation in Rhode Island. Eva is a multi-talented artist who offers a range of artwork including beadwork, coil baskets, paintings, and glass mosaic storyteller vases. When she is not vending, Eva is an exhibit artist and craft instructor who has worked with institutions throughout New England."Newell's beadwork and baskets are also extraordinary. Eva will be participating during the December 9th and 10^th market only.

The Museum's Gift Shop will be open and brimming with gifts large and small in many price ranges. Here you will find a distinctive collection of Native American jewelry, including wampum jewelry crafted by Annawon Weeden, Mashpee Wampanoag, and Pequot artist Dan Simonds, head of the Wampum Wear Collective. A highlight is the jewelry and gift items from Eighth Generation, owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe in Seattle, which partners with Native artists across the country. The result is some of the most beautiful and authentic items available. 

For foodies, there is a wonderful selection of traditional Native American food products from Sweet Grass Trading Company from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. And, in the spirit of the Metis culture, Pemmican Patty’s products offer a selection of bison berry-blended jerky that will connect you with Native foodways and nutrition. The gift shop also has a good selection of books and children’s items. 

Although entrance to the museum and the Holiday Market are free, donations are always appreciated. A tour of the museum for a nominal fee is a fun and insightful experience that compliments this unique shopping experience. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills: A Creative Extravaganza for the Whole Family December 2 and 3

 

The historic Whiting Mills at 100 Whiting Street in Winsted, Connecticut, invites friends from far and wide to join them for their Annual Holiday Open Studios event on December 2nd and 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This unique venue, which opened its doors in 2004, is a hub for artists, craftspeople, retail shops, and small manufacturing companies, and a center for the artistic community, and social events. Once again this year, visitors will find that the holiday spirit is alive and well at Whiting Mills!

The Whiting Mills' semi-annual Open Studio events have earned a stellar reputation, drawing visitors from near and far. It's a destination for the public to connect with our resident and guest artists, explore their creations, and immerse themselves in the vibrant local art scene. Attendees can expect a diverse range of artists showcasing their creations, making it the perfect opportunity to find exceptional holiday gifts. From exquisite greeting cards, handmade jewelry, and elegant pottery to scented candles, original paintings, evocative curiosities, and much more, there's something for everyone's holiday wish list. The first studio you will see when entering the Mill- #305 is Tina’s Baskets. Master weaver, Tina Puckett is a national and international award-winning artist known for her woven art, artful baskets, and dimensional weaving. Visiting her colorful studio is an adventure in itself, especially if you are on the hunt for something special that is sustainable, ready to be used time and time again, and cherished for years to come. When visiting Tina’s Baskets don’t forget to enter the drawing to win a free basket that is ideal for holiday merriment.

Whiting Mills has organized a thrilling scavenger hunt for the young ones on Sunday that will provide hours of entertainment for the kids. Additionally, Santa Claus himself will be available for photos on Sunday from noon to 3:00 p.m., ensuring magical memories for the entire family. And for the adults, they’re spicing up the event with an "Ugly Sweater Contest" on Saturday around 3:30 p.m. So don’t forget to put on your most outlandish holiday sweater and compete for the title of the merriest and ugliest! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. If you have worked up an appetite, no worries, there is plenty to eat and drink. To tantalize your taste buds, Whiting Mills is thrilled to have the Kraftwich Food Truck on-site. Kraftwich specializes in American comfort food, and its delicious offerings will be available for purchase. This event is made possible through collaboration with the Warner Theater in Torrington, CT, and we're excited to join forces to celebrate the arts and the holiday season. Best of all, admission to the Annual Holiday Open Studios at Whiting Mills is free, and we offer ample free parking for your convenience. Join us on December 2nd and 3rd for a weekend of art, entertainment, and holiday cheer. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with local artists and support their incredible work.

Tellabration! A Celebration of Oral Tradition November 18 in Washington Connecticut

Storytelling is how we communicate. We share experiences and knowledge through stories. Tellabration! was started by internationally acclaimed storyteller J.G.”Paw Paw” Pinkerton in Connecticut in 1988 as a means of building community through storytelling. The following year it expanded nationwide under the umbrella of the Storytelling Network, and by 1998, there was Tellabration! events in cities and towns around the world. 

Guests are invited to join the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, November 18 at 1 p.m. for a Tellabration! at the Washington Montessori School on 240 Litchfield Road in Washington, Connecticut. Guests will enjoy an amazing array of stories that are personal, traditional, humorous, historical, poetic, spiritual, and instructional. Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, and Education Director at IAIS) will make history come alive from the oral traditions of her indigenous ancestors that have been passed down and preserved from one generation to the next. Motoko, whose repertoire includes Asian folktales, Rakugo and Zen tales, and oral memoirs from her childhood in Osaka, Japan, will enchant audiences of every age. Drawing from her own travels, internationally known storyteller Valerie Tutson will bring to life an assortment of myths, folktales, and historical accounts from the African continent and African Diaspora. 

After the storytellers have concluded their performances, there will be an open mic opportunity for up-and-coming storytellers to share their stories with a live audience. 

One of the many important takeaways from this event is that the audience will learn that the art of storytelling is not just reading from a book. It’s a performance that captures the essence of what a book or folktale wants to convey and brings people together. Storytelling is one of the most important ways in which we come to understand our world. 

 Participants are asked to pre-register for this event by visiting https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/13983 The price of participation is $15 for the general public and $10 for members of the Institute. This program is supported by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities in partnership with the CT. Storytelling Center.

 About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Torrington Historical Society to Offer Cemetery Tours October 27th

The Torrington Historical Society is excited to once again offer guided tours of Center Cemetery on Friday evening, October 27th . The tours are being presented in conjunction with the Halloween Hoopla event in downtown Torrington, scheduled for the same evening. In the event of rain, the tours and the Halloween Hoopla event will be held on Saturday, October 28th. Admission is $10 per person and registration is required. Proceeds from the tour will benefit educational programming at the Torrington Historical Society. 

Center Cemetery is the only remaining burial ground in Downtown Torrington. The Society’s 2023 tour will feature interesting information about the cemetery as well as some of the past residents buried within its boundaries. Tour guides carrying lanterns will take groups to seven gravesites where actors portraying former Torrington residents will bring these individuals to life. Jack-o-lanterns will line the route throughout the cemetery. 

The tours are a fun way for attendees to discover the history of Center Cemetery and learn some of the fascinating tales of Torrington residents. Tours will begin at the Torrington Historical Society where they will enter from a gate on the Society’s property. Each tour will end at the main entrance to Center Cemetery, located behind City Hall. 

Attendees are asked to be at the Society at least five minutes prior to their scheduled tour and are encouraged to bring flashlights or lanterns. Six tours will be offered, each limited to 20 people. Tours will begin promptly at the following times: 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, 7:00, 7:20 and 7:40 pm. To register, visit: www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Friday the 13th - What Could Go Wrong?

The Bristol Historical Society spends a lot of time celebrating things that have gone well: firsts, inventions, and successes. In the spirit of this month's Friday the 13th, however, they're going to focus on some things that...haven't gone as well. From the seedy to the sinister to the strange, they'll run through a few highlights (low points?) of Bristol 50, 75, and 100 years ago, to see how themes that played out across the country have turned up in some of our city's less successful news stories.

Join the Bristol Historical Society for a cider, donuts, and largely light-hearted tour through these moments, on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Bristol Historical Society, 98 Summer Street. This program is free for members with a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. Doors open at 6:30 and additional parking can be found in the rear of the building. 

FINDING YOUR BEARINGS OCTOBER 15 @ INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.                                                 

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

BraeVal New Fall Collection and the History of Houndstooth!

BraeVal located in the center of Litchfield Connecticut is one of the most unique stores in New England offering a superlative collection of distinctive clothing for men and women who love the great outdoors as well as a night out on the town.

Over the past 25-plus years BraeVal's collection of apparel has been thoughtfully curated by owner and designer Gregor McCluskey whose uncle, Big Jock McCluskey brought Scotland's Rob Roy MacGregor tartan to America in the 1800s. Part of BraeVal's new Fall 2023 collection includes shirts for men and women made out of houndstooth, named because this pattern resembles the uneven outline of a hound dog's tooth, hence its namesake.

Houndstooth originated sometime around 360 AD in the Scottish Lowlands near the Anglo-Saxon border, which is why it's also called Border Tartan. That said, Houndstooth is one of the most iconic patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. Although many tartans are associated with a clan, Houndstooth is thought to have been created by a non-clansman. This pattern was first worn by shepherds as camouflage because it made them look as though they were far away in the distance. Eventually, Houndstooth became a popular pattern of the upper-class society of the United Kingdom and is said to be a favorite of King Charles III. By the 1950s, it became a favorite of Christian Dior's designs, and many other designers followed suit. Houndstooth gained international fame in the 1960s, because of the optical illusion art movement. From 2010 onward this pattern has become a staple for ready-made and designer clothes, proving its iconic appeal.

That said, Houndstooth is one of the most timeless patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. This fall's new BraeVal shirts, vests, and JacShirt releases feature this striking pattern. "We are really excited about this collection because it is a perennial fall and winter favorite," says company Founder, Gregor McCluskey, . "Our new collection features several different styles of shirts and vests for men and women," McCluskey added. BraeVal has even included the Scottish traditional black-and-white and maroon and grey patterns in the new collection.

Houndstooth is one of the most unique patterns in the plaid family that can be differentiated from other types of plaid by the shape of its woven pattern, which follows uniform, straight-lined checks in an almost geometric block. It is characterized by a two-toned plaid made up of four bands, two of which are light colored and two are dark colored, in both the warp and weft weave. The result is a stunning contrast of the classic check and block shape that is Houndstooth.

Today Houndstooth is a very versatile pattern in terms of color and contrast, size, shapes, and scale. It has been adopted by many designers from McQueen to Vuitton, Chanel to BraeVal. This pattern has continued to evolve in many colors - bright or neutral and dark contrasting colorways and at BraeVal we get that and we embrace it with a BraeVal style. So get ready to experience Houndstooth like never before and to wear what you want to be. For BraeVal and Houndstooth information http://braeval.net

Spooktacular Time @ Whiting Mills Artist Studios October 7

On Saturday, October 7th, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists' Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters!

One studio not to be missed is Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts which has been expertly decorated with the help of certified balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, owner of Cuz We Can Balloons. Shelley has been creating spectacular and in this case spooktacular balloon art for more than 22 years throughout the country.

Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting her studio don't miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a festively colored Halloween basket, full of goodies that is clutched by an artfully shaped balloon cat replete with iridescent green eyes created by Shelly!

If you can't make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 7th, no worries, Tina's studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay

 

Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites. 

On this farm stay, Husky Meadows is honoring our staff’s amazing labor-intensive work on our certified organic farm by treating guests to an unforgettable weekend that includes farm-to-table food, cooking classes, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the landscape - artfully painted in fire colors by Mother Nature. Many guests enjoy the short walk on one of Husky Meadows's many trails. A favorite is the walk to Wood Creek Pond, where guests find the canoe, compliments of Husky Meadows, and wildlife provided by Wood Creek Pond. 

The Harvest Celebration Farm Stay at Husky Meadows means so much more than just a few colorful gourds! There are real health benefits of working and enjoying the great outdoors and, when combined with cooking classes celebrating the certified organic produce of the season, the experience becomes a time of regeneration with the joy of doing things together - with friends, old and new. 

Guests will have a sneak peek at Husky Farm’s root cellar which is brimming with tasty root vegetables along with a guided walk through the garden to learn how we harvest winter squash, onions, garlic, and hardy winter vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, and chicories. A highlight will be visiting the greenhouses and helping to plant next season’s garlic crop. And, this weekend’s cooking classes, using veggies from the harvest will show guests how to eat farm to table, at home, during the cold New England winter. 

Farm stays include two nights lodging in one of four elegantly appointed and very private guest suites. A favorite among guests is the Pergola Apartment because it has two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and even a balcony. This totally separate guesthouse is perfect to book with four friends or family members. Another favorite guesthouse is called The Coop, which is the most private of all the rooms. It has a cozy loft bedroom and a large sitting room replete with a rustic stone fireplace. 

All meals with beverages and cocktails are included in the farm stay package. Highlights of the package include a Friday night welcome dinner around a communal table, light breakfast, and lunch, a Saturday evening cooking class dinner, and a sumptuous and healthy Sunday brunch. 

To book your stay visit https://huskymeadowsfarm.com 

About Husky Meadows Farm 

Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May - October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.