I have lots of fun and interesting things to share with you so I figured it was time for a studio update.
Turtle progress on Friday morning.
Turtle stack on Friday afternoon.
Last Tuesday I got an email from the props director of the television show, The Flash. She needed two toy turtles for a shoot the following Monday and asked if I could make them. This is the second time my toys have been in a movie (the props director of Day One bought a Humpty Dumpty for that movie in 2012). It was a short turnaround, but I enjoyed making the turtles. I overnighted them to Canada on Friday. These are made from my Scooter the Turtle pattern.
As soon as the turtle were out the door, a package of fabrics arrived from BariJ. Bari is launching her new fabric collection with Art Gallery Fabrics, Petal and Plume, next week at Quilt Market and asked if I would make a peacock for her booth. The concept for this collection began with Bari’s drawing of a peacock which is featured on the main print. I got five 1/4 yard cuts from her strike-offs as well as some white to make the peacock with.
Petal and Plume by BariJ for Art Gallery Fabrics ships to stores in December.
Some in progress shots taken with my phone. I used almost every scrap of fabric for this project.
Although there is a pattern for a peacock in my book, The Artful Bird, I wanted to show off Bari’s fabrics by creating flatter feathers (versus the ruffled method I use for most of the birds in the book). I decided to draft a totally new pattern for this project and I’m happy with how it came out. I still love to make birds.
Also this week I was a guest on Meighan O’Toole’s podcast, What’s Your Story. We had a great discussion about selling products online, using social media, and self-discipline. We also talked about a topic that I hope to write about soon: being unplugged. Popular opinion right now holds unplugging up as an ideal state, but I explain why that isn’t a state that I strive for. I love being plugged in. Tune in to the show and tell me what you think.
A few weeks ago I did a swap with Sharon of The Teacup Incident. I haven’t done a swap in so many years, but swapping used to be a big part of being a craft blogger for me. In 2006 and 2007 I participated in tons of swaps and mailed things all over the world. It was delightful to do it again. Sharon make charming softies. She sent me this little kitty! Her blog is a visual treat.
This week I got my first paid writing gig. I’ll be writing art-business articles for the Studio Art Quilt Associates print journal. I’m excited to be adding writing to my income stream and to my job description. This job came to me and it made me realize something really important about blogging. A blog allows you to do the work before you have a job. Once you’re producing things, you’re working in the field and then “real” work comes to you. It’s a good reminder to just continually pursue what you’re interested in. It does lead to good things over time.
Clockwise from the left: me, Betsy Greer, Meighan O’Toole, Leanne Prain, and Kim Werker.
Last night I went to the Institute of Contemporary Art here in Boston to hear Kim Werker, Leanne Prain, and Besty Greer talk about their new books. They are on a book tour right now and had a lovely panel discussion about activism, craft, creativity, and building community moderated by Meighan O’Toole. We all had dinner first and Caro Sheridan joined us. It was wonderful in every way. I truly feel so lucky to have become connected with these women.
And, finally, I’m working on the horse from Easy-to-Sew Toys, the 1944 pamphlet of sewing patterns that I shared as a free PDF download a few weeks ago. I’m excited to be reviving these vintage patterns and I’m hoping you might sew along with me. Members of my Facebook group, the While She Naps Softie Designers Forum, are doing a sew-along with these patterns. Join us! So far my horse has been fun to make. It’s kinda tiny. I think I might be able to hold it in the palm of my hand when it’s done.
So that’s what’s new here. Every day is a new adventure. I had a great Skype chat with Wendi Gratz yesterday to do some long-term planning for our businesses. I’m working on thinking big and far into the future. Where am I headed and what will this look like in five years time? That’s what I’m thinking about right now.
Wishing you a creative weekend!
Sara says
Fantastic peacock. – gorgeous feathers which really do show off the fabric. Am surprised that the horse is so small, it will be really cute! Congratulations on the writing job. You deserve it, I totally see you as an informer in the art and craft world. No surprise that someone has snapped you up.
Abby says
Thank you so much. I really feel flattered that you see me that way. I certainly strive to stay on top of what’s going on in the industry.
Stephanie says
That peacock is GORGEOUS! And, YES, I knew I liked you (ha!). I feel like being ‘unplugged’ is romanticized, fetishized, whateverelseized – especially for Moms, and I refuse to buy it. I unapologetically love being plugged in too, and it doesn’t mean I ignore my kid, my “real life” relationships, etc. I know you like Fast Company so maybe you’ve already read this, but I really liked it: http://www.fastcompany.com/3036428/fear-and-loathing-of-silicon-valley
Abby says
You’re right that it’s a mantra especially pushed onto moms. I’m mulling over what I want to say on this topic and will write about it sometime soon.
Kim says
Your turtles are adorable! What an awesome opportunity 🙂
I LOVE your peacock she’s beautiful what a fun project & her little eyelashes are so cute, you really make wonderful birds! And I love Sharon’s cats they are so freaking cute!
Abby says
That’s so nice. Thank you.
Sharon | the teacup incident says
What a beautiful peacock! Its a wonderful way to showcase BariJ’s fabrics and her booth is sure to get attention from it. Congratulations on both your products in another film and your writing gig. Last but not least, thank you for mentioning our swap – I’m glad you like my kitty and blog 🙂 Your adorable flower rattle from our swap sits above my sewing machine, beaming down happy creative energy. Enjoy your weekend!
Abby says
Thanks for swapping with me, Sharon!
Constança Cabral says
Abby, that peacock literally took my breath away! It’s stunning, congratulations. I loved listening to you in the What’s Your Story podcast and that part about the pressure to unplug really caught my attention. I love being offline sometimes but I want to do it in my own terms, not when others think I should. Im tired of being called obsessed and self-centred just because I like Instagram and blogging. I’m living a very isolated life overseas with a toddler, a baby and a husband who works full-time. Why shouldn’t I enjoy the connections I make online freely? Frankly, they keep me sane!
Caroline B says
What a busy week – did your feet touch the ground? Love the peacock – your birds are still my favourites out of all the things you make.
Caroline Stone says
Abby you are just beyond talented. The PEACOCK! It’s outstanding. Can I purchase one anywhere? My sewing skills are nil…
All my best and see you at school, Caroline 🙂
Abby says
Thanks, Caroline. I really only make birds now for fun. But thank you!
Sharon says
The peacock is striking Abby. Well done with the new work and I am sure much more will come your way.
Abby says
Thank you!
Linda Gillian says
Abby, you are so great! Thank you for all the great information and inspiration! Now, I am off to see if I have enough material on hand to make the halloween cuties!
Love your blog!
Linda Gillian
Abby says
Yay! Have fun sewing, Linda!
Tsoniki Crazy Bull says
I listened to the What’s Your Story podcast and I agree with wanting to be plugged in. I can’t imagine not being plugged in, especially now that I am living overseas. I’ve lived away from my close family since being married, but being overseas is so much more different than being a 14 hour drive away. I love my iphone, blogs, instagram, and facebook. I take my phone with me when I take my kids to the park, and I might have a hand sewing project with me but I also have a podcast playing. Being online helps me remember that even though I move frequently, there is that group of people that I can always stay connected with. Plus I can maybe meet someone in my new town only because I know them online.