A Shower of April News

If you’ve recently subscribed to my newsletter…welcome! If you’re a returning friend, welcome back. I hope this note gives you a bit of inspiration to sprinkle into your creative life…and perhaps a feeling of connection as we share our travels around the sun.

It’s beyond words how much has happened in the world since my last note in January. As the horrific invasion of Ukraine has unfolded, we’ve seen videos and images of innocent people being torn from their homes, communities and country, or worse. Like many of you, I’ve felt the urgent need to help in some way— despite feeling a bit overwhelmed and helpless.

Sunflowers Everywhere

Over the past month, many of us have learned of the centuries’ old association between sunflowers and the people of Ukraine, for nourishment, for the economy, and as a national symbol of strength, peace and renewal.

These ideas resonated with me and connected me to something meaningful and familiar — my own love of growing sunflowers in my garden. From the towering glory of their sturdy elegance and sunny faces to the plenitude of pollinators they host. So I began to draw sunflowers … from my heart, while keeping the people of Ukraine in mind. Drawing gives me a way to focus, search, and reflect. What helps you tune out to tune in?

One summer morning, I took this photo of a sunflower in our garden. Those are native Longhorned bees. The males sleep overnight in groups like this known as “bachelor parties”. Our friends at the Xerces Society offer great pointers on helping bees and pollinators where you are.

Sunflowers In My Heart

Chef José Andrés and his colleagues at World Central Kitchen have been doing selfless and important relief work in the U.S. and around the world for many years. When we learned they were on the front lines in Ukraine and neighboring countries we decided to make them the focus of our fundraising efforts.

When I finally completed my sunflower graphic, I put together this small collection and will continue to donate a portion of the profits for each of these items to WCK indefinitely. We are continually inspired by their humanity and the way they deliver love … in the form of food.

Thanks to so many of YOU!! In our first month of offering our “Sunflowers in My Heart” tshirts, we’ve raised $7,500 for World Central Kitchen. Let’s keep it going! If you would like to donate directly to this amazing organization, please visit WCK’s website. Visit the WCK Facebook page to see videos and keep updated on their daily work in cities throughout Ukraine.

Join us in coming together to fill our social media feeds with a giant bouquet of human sunflowers showing love and solidarity for Ukraine. Just post a picture wearing your shirt, hat, and/or patch, and use the hashtag #SunflowersInMyHeart #StandWithUkriane #FoodIsLove #FoodIsLife #SlavaUkraini

We are grateful for your generous support.

Thank you all!

Using Your Talents to Help

There are many ways that our creative community has come together to help support Ukraine. Here are a couple inspiring places to channel your talents for good causes.

Join my friend Bonnie Quiltville Hunter’s “Hearts of Hope” sew-along (in progress). If you know Bonnie, her positivity and exuberant spirit are as inspiring as her talents. I always learn something from her sewing techniques. I bet you will too.

Look at that warm smile! My dear friend Pat Sloan has an enormous heart and her passion for the sewing community comes through in everything she does. She designed a free quilt block pattern and in this video she shares ideas about what you can do with it to help.

Watch Now

Catch of the Day

I absolutely LOVE to see what you make either with my fabrics or quilt patterns! Please never hesitate to reach out and zip me a note. Beware though … if you live close by, like my good friend Jessica, I might have to kidnap your quilt for a photo of my own! Jessica made this eye-catching version of my Harbor Sweets quilt pattern and was kind enough to loan it to me for a snow day photo shoot at Captain’s Cove Seaport here in Bridgeport, CT.

Don’t tell Jessica but I might not give it back (kidding, sort of)!

Look how Jessica cleverly made that one block in a different shade. I love how it lifts off, like a kite catching the wind.

This cute blue building drew my eye to it and immediately connected the subject and surroundings. Pitter patter …

Just for you: 15% off
Harbor Sweets Quilt Pattern
checkout code: SWEET15

Good through April 15th

I made this “Exploding Heart” quilt — designed by Laura at Slice of Pi Quilts — last year using the blues and purples from my “Confection Batiks” fabric collection for Moda. Recently, this photo resurfaced and I was asked a few times about where to find the fabrics. Though not exactly the same, a very similar bundle is available in our shop. All you need is background fabric and you’re ready to cut, sew and go!

Exploding Heart Batiks Bundle

$60.00

Shop

Learning by Making

Have you ever participated in a block-of-the-week or block-of-the-month sew-along? I never have, until now. Moda Blockheads 4 is underway and I’m going to try to keep up. Read more, join the fun (and keep me on track)!

Moda Blockheads 4

You might remember my Blizzard quilt photos from my last newsletter. Well, it’s all finished, washed and being loved! Wow, did I learn A LOT! Click below to read more about sewing with linens and if I didn’t cover anything you’re wondering about, drop a question in the comments and I’ll see if I can help. Pattern can be found here.

What I Learned About Sewing With Essex Linens

Having a Plan…or Not

These blocks are on my sewing table at the moment. The colors are brightening and uplifting my spirits. They’re kind of a hybrid of having a plan … and not. The overall measurements and construction are the same as my Blizzard quilt blocks, but within that, I’m trying to push myself to experiment a bit more than usual. Are you pushing yourself to try new things these days?

Original quilt block design by Kate Spain

I find that it’s often in the midst of not knowing where things will lead, when I’m immersed in moment-by-moment creative decisions and “what if I did this” that a spark of discovery lights the way to something new. We’ll see where it goes from here … but not actually knowing where that might be is a place I’ve grown comfortable with. Have you been here before too?

Carving woodblocks is a perfect example. Even though I sketch out my “plan” and do what I can to follow my drawn lines, the nature of carving is itself unpredictable. Our hands wobble, if we lean in the carved groove is deeper, if the pressure of your tool is too light, the groove is shallower and ink will likely blob up and fill in the line you had intended to make. To me, these visible elements of imperfection are joyous connections that unite us in our humanity. I love that.

After printing the woodblock I carved, I used the image to create this Meadowsweet tshirt design. My next “plan” is to add some color as the spring finally settles in and the flowers begin to bloom.

Finally…a Poem by Mary Oliver

Praying

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch
a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway
into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

Thank you so much for spending part of your day here with me. I look forward to hearing from you, seeing what you’re making and learning + growing together.

XO,

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