On 16 June, about 28 makers and supporters met via Zoom for the monthly meeting of Pueblo Makes, with three agenda items: commenting on the proposed zoning change in Pueblo to allow small-scale production, hearing from makers who use fabric, and and giving updates.
Alan Lamberg and Beritt Odom, senior planners with the Pueblo City Planning & Community Development Department, presented information on a possible zoning change. The proposal would allow small-scale production facilities in the Central Business (B-4), Historic Business (H-B), and Commercial Charter Neighborhood (CCN) Zone Districts as long as the facility meets certain conditions (including the containment of noise, odor, etc.; public interaction; mitigation of the impact of truck traffic; and certain restrictions on the façade). Please provide comments before July 24, 2020. See https://www.pueblo.us/2601 for more information and https://opendata-puebloco.hub.arcgis.com/app/cebc60d8bb04428a91cf10e8c7f303f4 for the zoning map.
We discussed the potential of this change for small-scale urban gardening, the effect of the change on established businesses, the types of public interaction, the change as a way to occupy vacant buildings in the B-4 areas, the interaction of production with other parts of a business (e.g. instruction), interaction with historic preservation, interaction with the Superfund sites (the areas do overlap), and zoning for makerspaces.
We then heard from makers who make with fabric. Holly Vigil is President of the Pride City Quilt Guild, founded in 1985; see https://pridecityquilters.org/. She talked about the history of quilt guilds, which exist to teach quilting. The Pride City Quilt Guild members quilt for various groups, participate in the State Fair, and meet monthly with speakers who teach techniques. An example of her quilt art was hanging on the wall behind her:
LaDoris Burton has owned Designs by LaDoris, Pueblo West, for about three years; see https://www.facebook.com/designsbyladoris/. She started with alterations, and is busiest with weddings and proms. She has been making face masks instead recently and is working on tapestry totes and an apparel line. She showed us her 4th of July face masks and some bags. She will be working with PDI in their new Project Inspire (see below for that announcement), including teaching classes there. She moved here from Buffalo to join her son and his family and she praised the Pueblo community for being so welcoming.
Kelly Mattson, owner of Kelly J’s Sewing Center and Quilt Shop in Colorado City, https://www.kellyjssewingcenter.com/ since 2018, moved here from Duluth, where she had a shop. She described the incredibly warm welcome she has gotten here. She teaches classes (she is exploring doing some on Zoom). She specializes in quilt-shop-only fabric, that is, fabric not available in stores like Joann’s or Hobby Lobby. She is involved in the Scrappy Ladies Quilt Guild and showed us their raffle quilt. She designs patterns, is a Bernina dealer, and services all makes of machines.
Taylor Blanchard owns Journeyman’s Upholstery located in TickTock; see https://www.facebook.com/Journeymans-Upholstery-168546867414064/. Taylor showed us a recent acquisition, a 1941 Singer sewing machine, “easily the best machine I have every worked on.” He is doing work for the barber shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as for residential customers, especially recovering antiques. He discussed working with vinyl fabrics and showed us some tufting he did recently. He also has plans to add a wood shop and do furniture building as well. He can incorporate 3D printing and laser engraving, such as engraved vinyl. Emily, owner of TickTock recommended Taylor as a teacher. Taylor offered wholesale prices for fabrics he is able to purchase through recent contracts he has arranged.
In updates, Master Gardener Deric talked about his videos on making masa and tortillas. See
Part 1 – https://www.facebook.com/PuebloArts/videos/3163142193706896/
Part 2 – https://www.facebook.com/PuebloArts/videos/658047994925597/
He also described edible landscape installations in Central Plaza and Sister City Plaza. All Pueblo Grows meets via Zoom the last Saturday of each month at 9:30am. On June 27 they will focus on fall gardening, which is possible in Pueblo. He got a grant for $700 from the Pueblo Food Project to have Russ Dewey, from the Pueblo Woodturners, make 10 more seed library boxes. He asked for people who would have a box on their property, as well as for organic and heirloom seeds.
Susan announced a grand opening for the Project Inspire Cooperative on July 24, 6-9 pm, 2828 Granada Blvd, with food trucks, music, and lots of fun. They are still looking for artisans. See www.projectinspire.community.
Joette described changes at Bistoro Restaurant (109 Central Plaza), which will include a grocery section with fresh produce and hot-and-ready meals, and a supper club. They will be doing events and productions.
Sharon announced that the library will be open soon for computer appointments, with 12 computers at 45 minute increments, from noon to 6 pm at the main location and other arrangements at the locations in the County.
Kelly announced that grant applications are being written on urban gardening and the Pueblo Food Project so we may be able to offer hands on education around horticulture and food.
Jane said she plan to continue having Pueblo Makes meetings focus on a particular type of making, such as metal arts, car customizing, and making with words.
The recording of this meeting will be available for one month at: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xO9EcYHr9E1IHtLEtX_hS5A9PJXpX6a82iQeq6YNmk4xJ7hlkHhFiNaTuAqq82kN with Access Password: 8g@#3+w*
The next meeting is Tuesday, 3:30-5 pm, July 21. Email janemfraserphd@gmail.com to be added to the email list to receive a Zoom invitation.