In a somewhat spur of the moment decision on Friday night, I started pulling fabrics for a new batch of camera straps. It's been a very long time since I've made any, mostly because I was busy writing a book and then recuperating from writing said book. And so now seemed like as good of a time as any to jump back in. The girls are back in school. I am finished traveling for a couple of months. I don't have a big project on my plate at the moment. So, there you have it: camera straps coming soon.

I've chosen fabrics for four colorways and am thinking of adding a fifth one. Any requests for color combinations? I'm all ears.

In other news, a large box of books arrived here this week! I cannot tell you how surreal it is to know that QuiltEssential is out in the world. I am thrilled with how QuiltEssential came together and hope you will enjoy it, too. I'll be adding those to the shop soon as well and will be happy to sign them however you want me to - for you, for someone else, whatever you desire. There should be some scrap bags and some bundles of destashed fabrics for sale in the near future, too. I don't think there will be one huge shop restock, but rather, I'll add things as I finish them. At least, that's my plan. Regardless, I will let you know before anything I list anything. Sound good?

Crazy, but so good, right?

School starts in just a few days and we have been busy soaking up the last of summer between back to school errands. We're enjoying local produce, cooking and baking, organizing the studio, savoring the mild weather, spending time together. Before I know it, we'll be knee deep in backpacks, homework and sports (those have already started!) so I'm going to continue to enjoy what is left of summer.

That said, I am craving a routine. And studio time!

I met my friend Suzanne when her daughter and Jane were in the same 3 year old preschool class. That was over 10 years ago. Our girls were fast friends (still are) and their friendship, like many between small people, led to a friendship between the big people. One day, when picking Jane up from a playdate, Suzanne was filling bags with different crafts. When I asked what she was doing, she chimed in with, "Are you crafty?" Yes, I am. That's how I joined the craft swap.

Joining the craft swap was just the beginning. Our kids played, we hung out together at the pool during the summer, Fatty rode bikes with Suzanne and her husband, we met for coffee, had birthday lunches and swapped lots of different crafts. We shared knitting patterns, Suzanne taught herself to sew. Our kids even swapped crafts a few times. I have a lot of different things made by Suzanne and when I see them around my house, I smile.

Suzanne and her family just moved across the country. I thought it would be appropriate to make one more thing for her. A little souvenir, so to speak - something that will remind her of the place they called home for many years.

Godspeed, friend. I'll miss you.

(Pillow details - linen ground with machine appliqued Kentucky and matching binding in a Liberty of London Lifestyle print, from the Bloomsbury Garden collection. Hand embroidered by me).