a few of my favorite things.........

Yes, it's that time of year again.  Time to rejoice in all the good that has been bestowed upon us and to celebrate these blessings with family and friends.  That said, it is, unfortunately, one of the most hectic times of the year.  We are all trying our best to find ways to show our friends and family just how much we love and appreciate them.  Often this means running about like "madmen" trying to find that perfect thing whatever that may be....electronic gadgets, jewelry, bikes, dolls, spa treatment (yes please)....so, I am always in awe of those who take the extra time to make something themselves.  Even if it is just a card...or a simple gift that is specially wrapped.  I think when you have to stop and sit quietly to make something, you bring that person closer to you in the process.  You think about them, you feel joy that you are making something for them and this joy is absorbed into the gift.  I know, sounds a bit corny, but that is what the magic of the holiday season is about.

Fortunately for us here at the store, we get to see these special creative people every day.  So much is going on it's difficult to talk about any of it in detail, so I thought I'd share pics of a few of my favorites things (you know, the picture/thousand word thing..)  So, here it goes:

 New staff member Vicky just made the sweetest knitting needle case using a fabric from Melody Miller's "Ruby Star Rising", Amy Butler's "Sun Spots" for the lining and wrapping it all up with a sweet lacy cotton trim.  Love it!

The kids are very busy creating in our classes and workshops.  I'm always surprised how often their projects are gifts for someone special to them (brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends...)  And not just during the holidays.  Pretty amazing don't you think?  

The above photo is of two of Jennifer's workshop students who made fab pillowcases as gifts for family members.  Great job Paige and Erin!!!!

So many beautiful fabrics have rolled into the store. Here are a few of my faves:

   Amy Butler's latest collection: "Lark"

I think this is my favorite of all her collections thus far.

Great designs, beautiful colors!

Heather Ross's "far, far, away lll" very sweet.

The one above with the little owl stealing the underpants

is stealing everyone's hearts around here.

"Modernology" by Art Gallery Fabrics.  Fresh and fabulous!

For all of you who already LOVE Lotta Jansdotter,

she has a debut collection with Windham Fabrics.  Yippie!!! 

Can not resist posting this one again.

I absolutely adore this funny elephant-in-his-cups
print by Michael Miller

Nancy Keyes and Joan McAnulty have made all kinds of

uniquely beautiful handcrafted items which are for sale in the store.

Shibori scarves by Nancy Keyes.

Hand dyed and knit hat by Joan McAnulty

and many, many other fabulous hand crafted items.

I wish I could put everything on this one post...

all the great things that need to be shared....
There's more to come soon.

Don't forget...
if you are looking for a gift for someone creative
a gift certificate can be used towards anything in the store,
including classes.

Most of all...enjoy this holiday season.

And best wishes for the New Year!

Mary and Margaret

 

It's a wrap!

OK, I admit it. I am totally enamored with all things Japanese. Fabrics, books and now...
Furoshiki!
This ancient art of fabric folding is seeing a resurgence as part of the green movement in Japan. There's even a cute video on YouTube demonstrating stylish ways to use folded fabric. Check it out.

We've got lovely Japanese

books and fabrics in the store at the moment.

The quality of the cloth and the printing

is extraordinary. The books are filled with beautiful

images of whimsically creative, yet meticulously crafted items.

I've had a few people exclaim to me "but they're in Japanese!".

Not to worry, they are all precisely illustrated with easy to follow diagrams.


Last but not least I'd like to thank all who participated in our Handmade Holiday. It's always a scramble for me to put together these gigs, but with a little help from my friends, we were able to pull off a fantastically crafty event. Whew! Thanks all!!

Mary