This summer I’m working on a series of fun projects that I want to share with you. First, though, I have to tell you about a most amazing gift that I received from a blog reader. A few months ago my friend, book agent Kate McKean, reached out to me asking if I knew anyone who might be interested in illustrating a Jewish coloring book. I referred her to Vicky Katzman, an artist whose blog I’ve been reading for a while now.
I’m not sure if the coloring book thing is actually going to happen, but Vicky was really happy to be referred to Kate. Out of the blue last week she sent me this incredible handmade challah cover. This design is available as a panel in Vicky’s Spoonflower shop. What a wonderful gift! My family was so touched and we’ve already used it. Thank you so much, Vicky!
Okay, onto the projects. I mentioned a month or so ago that I’m working on creating a print pattern for the Patchwork Elephant. I designed a baby quilt to coordinate and sent everything to my friend, Caro Sheridan, who is an amazing photographer of all things crafty.
These are the photos that will go on the front and back cover of the pattern.
Right now I’m making a second elephant and quilt sample, this time with a jellyroll of Vintage Picnic by Bonnie & Camille, so that I can fine tune everything in the pattern. Today I’m going to cut up this patchwork to make the elephant’s body. I’m aiming to have this pattern in quilt shops for Christmas.
And finally, the most exciting project: enamel pins! I’ve become fairly obsessed with enamel pins lately and have spent far too many hours building this enamel pin Pinterest board of all of my favorites. There are very few pins out there designed for people who love to sew so I decided to jump in and see what I could come up with.
I’m so excited to be offering one of my own. It’s the sewist pin!
I love the word sewist because to me it defines the modern sewing movement. Sewer + artist = sewist. The self-expression and empowerment that we get through sewing is summed up in this one word. I collaboratd withe my friend, illustrator Nicole Stevenson, to come up with the design. She’s amazing and I love what we created.
I’m super excited about these! I just put one on my jean jacket and one on the tote I bring with me when I teach workshops.
These are hard enamel pins so the quality is amazing and they come with a rubber back that holds them in place so nicely. I have these in my shop now for pre-order and they will ship on August 9.
I’m so happy to see that the connection to Vicky’s Spoonflower shop led to some other projects!
Abby I’m a loyal listener and I love both the pin (just ordered!) and the elephant project. You are an inspiration and I love hearing behind the scenes with creative entrepreneurs! You’ve introduced me to several makers and sewists and I really appreciate what you do! Right now I work a full time job (that I love) but I look forward to a time when I can be more creative (ie. quilting/fabric design/jewelry) and I hope your podcast and blog are around to teach me how to do that! I just realized every sentence ends with an exclamation- I’m not normally that excitable but it seems warranted here!!!
I absolutely love the pin! Such a great idea Abby.
I love the combining of the words sewer and artist into -sewist. That’s how I look at what I do – I’m a sewing artist.
I’ll definitely have to get myself a couple of these.
LOVE THE PIN, and your elephant and quilt are darling!! Love your blog and newsletter, thank you for offering so much encouragement and knowledge!!
Thank you so much!
Love the quilt and elephant – Caro took wonderfully appealing shots of both. The “sewist” pin and handmade challa cover are also adorable and make fun conversation starters.
Thank you, Sharon!