Seamstress shop opens on Ashland Street in N. Adams

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Those looking for some custom-made clothing for children will find it at Hemming Way, a new seamstress shop in North Adams. Pam Langlois, the sole owner and employee of the store, opened her Ashland Street doors Aug. 1. She claims that her first work in sewing began 13 years ago, while working at a tailor shop. From there she moved on to a clothing store, where she worked for eight years doing retail sales and alterations. Her experiences led her to reach the conclusion that she was ready to explore some new possibilities. "I've always had a passion for sewing," she said. "I figured it was about time to venture on my own and try it." What Langlois' store specializes in is a variety of handcrafted children's clothing. These clothes are typically for young girls, as Langlois admits that most young boys wear jeans and tee shirts, anyway. She also offers some alteration work, although it is on a very minimal basis. "I offer light sewing ... [like] hemming [or] adjusting the waist," she explained. "I'm not advertising alterations because I'm not doing a full line of alterations." Langlois does not rule out the possibility of one day doing more alteration work, but with her business being so young she wants to focus on one thing at a time. "I'm not into that yet," she said. "I want to try the children's clothing and see how that goes." Of course, part of the reason that Langlois wishes to maintain focus is because she is the only seamstress on hand at the store, something that leaves her very busy, especially during back-to-school time. "I do all the sewing," she said. "[E]verything here in the store, as far as clothing, is something that I've made." On a small scale, there are other some other things for sale at Hemming Way. Langlois hopes to expand these "gifty" items in time for the Christmas season. For now, however, she is perfectly content to run her modestly-sized shop and offer quality children's clothing with a handcrafted, personal touch. "We've had a good reception," she said. "A lot of nice comments from customers coming in so far. ... That's all you can ask for at this point." Langlois invites people to see her storefront window, where passersby can see examples of her work. "A lot of it has been, 'You have a really nice window,' and 'We were walking by last night and saw your window,' " She said. "I think that's their No. 1 comment." Hemming Way is located on Ashland Street, next to Dilego's Jewelry Shop, and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.

Editor's Pick

Wild Acres Fishing Derby
Wild Acres, Pittsfield
Time: Saturday, 8 to noon

This free fishing derby is for youth 14 and older. Catch the biggest fish to get a reward. The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher. 

More information here.

Daffodil & Tulip Festival
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Time: Through Sunday
 
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site. 
 
More information and ticket purchase here

Multiple Days

'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.

The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.

More information and tickets here.

'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday

A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.

More information and tickets here.

Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10

A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.

Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.

Friday

Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more. 

More information and tickets here.

Dead Man's Waltz
Stationery Factory, Dalton
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy classic songs from bands like The Grateful Dead with a full bar. Bring your partner and dance and sing the night away.

More information and tickets here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Karaoke Night
Methuselah Bar & Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to midnight

Bring your friends and sing your favorite songs.

More information here.

Saturday 

Mass Kids Lit Fest 
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.

Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.

More information here.

'Williamstown in 1776'
Williamstown Historical Museum
Time: 11 a.m.
 
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road. 
 
More information here

Berkshire Carousel Opening Day
Berkshire Carousel, Pittsfield
Time: noon to 5 p.m.

The carousel on Center Street opens for the season with face painting and other activities.

More information here.

Mountain Mindfulness Yoga
Mount Greylock Visitor Center
Time: 1 to 2:15 p.m.

This free yoga class is open to all levels. Enjoy the mountain views and connect with nature.
More information here.

Rusted Chains
Zinky's Pub, Dalton
Time: 8 to 11 p.m.

Rusted Chains performs a tribute to the '90s.

More information here.

Sunday

50th Annual Mother's Day Women's 5K/Mile Walk
Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
Time: 8 a.m.

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