Several years ago, I joined an endeavor called “Trust Heart, Venture Forth,” which was led by the fabulous Cathy Hay. It was a short coaching program geared for creative business owners. It was a fabulous experience, and I’ve kept in touch with most of my group, many of whom live in England. Cathy has hosted… Continue reading A Visit To Chatsworth House
The end of July is always a busy time in my business, and often I don’t slow down enough to celebrate. This year I made time for a casual party with a few friends, cocktails, and croquet. It might be my most laid-back party ever. We didn’t dress up, and the house wasn’t spotless. We grilled… Continue reading Birthday Cocktails and Croquet
I fell in love with English Paper Piecing a couple of years ago, and in particular with hexies. I started a number of projects (as I do.. ) but finished a few pincushions using little hexies in a variety of bright prints. They’re my favorite pincushions in my studio, and several have been gifted to new… Continue reading Little Hexies Pincushion PDF Pattern
When I started planning my new sewing studio, I envisioned an bright, open, airy space that was well-organized and had a great cutting table. To be honest, this is the same vision I had for my previous studio, which had everything except the perfect table. Since my new space was a little smaller and I… Continue reading Gateleg Pattern Table DIY Details
Ever since I read The Toss of a Lemon* for the first time a few years ago, I’ve been eager to have some people to discuss it with. Not surprisingly, I’ve suggested to the book club a few times, and I was happy to learn it was this month’s selection. The book deals with complex themes… Continue reading Book Club – The Toss of a Lemon
My daughter acquired a cedar chest while she was in college, and after a few moves it ended up being stored in the garage. Eventually, she offered it to me, and I wasn’t about to turn down a Lane cedar chest. While it was pretty beaten up on the outside, covered in old packing tape, and… Continue reading Cedar Chest Makeover
Easter is one of my favorite holidays. For me, it’s not about chocolate bunnies or egg hunts or even church, but about family. It’s the one time of year you can count on me making Greek food: the food my mother taught me how to cook, and that I’ve taught in turn to my daughter;… Continue reading A Greek Easter Feast
I moved last summer, and almost everything from my studio has been in boxes since then. Part of this was just being busy with family life and the holidays, and part of it was because we needed to renovate and swap around several rooms before the eventual studio space was free. In February we finally cleared out the… Continue reading New Sewing Studio, part 1
For several years in a row I hosted a Spooky Cocktail Party for Halloween, complete with a full assortment of creepy yet elegant Halloween cocktails. A short but sweet menu is key to keeping guests from feeling overwhelmed by too many choices, and also makes the bartender’s job much easier. This was a great party to… Continue reading Getting into the Halloween Spirit
Canning and Preserving Journals 2010 2009 2008
