Reception

It is with great delight that I announce the following:

This show is like a dream come true.  Thank you Alesa, Jackie & Liza for making this possible!!

Please check out Alesa's beautiful website and stop in at Jackie O's Coffeehouse in Galesville, WI on the square for a delicious bite to eat and something to drink! The coffee is heavenly, and I highly recommend a glass of 14 Hands wine.

Bliss

For those of you who know me, you know that I rarely sit idle.   But I have discovered bliss in the beauty of the sun.  I took a moment to close my eyes while I basked in the warmth while laying on the back steps.  Okay, so my mind shut down for a moment and my hands took a rest.  Although short-lived, it was refreshing none-the-less.  Perhaps the closest I have even gotten to a meditative state :)

Now I sit upon a polyester picnic quilt crafted by Chris's Grandma Marge....
as I contemplate my next project....
as Eli rides his bike around the block....
as Aamon vacuums out the van...
as Izza brings me spring treasures and a lowly flower ...

Perhaps the next time I find myself in the sunny state, I will attempt to plan a garden.... or more likely dream about my next project. 

I am attaching some of the items that I brought up to Jackie O's today.  ENJOY~

Grammy and Besta

My dear mother- in-law (Grammy)selected a purse done in Robert Kaufman metro black & white and chartreuse & white circles.

My mom, Besta, is shown here with the Blossom Bag done in Alexander Henry home dec fabric for a more structured look.  It was lined with a beautiful mustard fabric and filled with red pockets.

Minneapolis

I am a fan of Amy Butler, her designs and her fabrics.  After purchasing her latest book "Style Stitches", I knew that I wanted to make this adorable pleated clutch for my sister, Laura.  It lacks the capacity for cheerios, matchbox cars, and coloring books, but it is perfect for a night out in the city.  At least for someone who doesn't have to hire a babysitter. 

Oh Baby!

I have had the pleasure of being asked to make several custom diaper bags over the past year.  My sister, Emma, is modeling hers here with my nephew, Graham.  Some of my favorite projects have been baby gifts.... blankets, bears, balls.  Graham gave his overwhelming approval for my latest creation, a fabric ball.  I found the pattern at http://kathyhaynie.blogspot.com/2010/03/fabric-balls-craft-tutorial.html if you want to give one a try. 

Library

I have always enjoyed looking at and being in a home full of books.  As a child when I had to report to the class what our family collected, it was always books.  Now my husband, Chris, has an expansive library filled with "scholarly" books.  Our children have their own favorites.  But as much as I tried and try to enjoy reading, I would still much rather be doing..... sewing.  Here is a sneak peak at my precious collection of sewing books.  And I just added another one to my Amazon.com shopping cart: http://oliverands.com/book/.  I am dreaming about making the "red riding hood" for Izza and the "explorer vest" for Eli.... and sew much more! 

Fresh

To describe my home..... Scandinavian fresh.... or at least that is what I have aspired to achieve with the colors, furnishings, and feelings within and around it.  It is this freshness that excites me when selecting fabrics. 

I hope to reflect more of my Scandinavian heritage in my future work.  In the meantime it is apparent in my daughter, Izza Grace, and in the bold twist on Norwegian style that our home reflects.