We live in a work-focused society. The American creed is to work harder, multi-task, & focus on success. This, as we all know, can be both exhilarating and draining. For the first time this year, aside from running my pattern business, I also designed two new fabric lines. The new lines, as well as the 2013 new pattern, were debuted at Spring Quilt Market in May. Unfortunately, that didn’t mean that the work for them was over, that was just the beginning! By the time July came around I was in need of a break.
Fortunately, I was able to head up to Michigan with my family. We visit Michigan every year, and I always look forward to it, knowing that I will finally be able to relax and rejuvenate. Boating with the kids, cherry picking and lying in the hammock are all things that clear my mind. One of my favorite Michigan activities is photography. It isn’t often that I get to work creatively just for myself, most of my creative ideas and activities go straight into the business. There is something about photography that really relaxes me. I’m just making art for myself, free to photograph whatever I love.
I think it is important for all creative people to take some time to make something for themselves. I know so many quilters who are constantly sewing for others, but never make a quilt just for themselves. The same with garment sewers. To take a moment for you is to encourage creative renewal. When you clear your mind, it leaves room for other brilliant ideas to pop in there!
One of the themes of the August chapter of Vintage Notions is travel. Again, it’s all about getting away from yourself for a while. Of course, one of the biggest questions leading up to a vacation is what to pack! Luckily, not only does The Department of Good Looks give us an in-depth vacation packing list this month, but the Magic Pattern for August is for an indispensable kimono. The comfort and style of a kimono make it perfect for travel. Throw it on over your PJ’s  for some morning coffee, or use it over your bathing suit in the afternoon during a break from the pool. And wouldn’t it be so lovely to wear in the evening, to protect from a cool breeze over cocktail hour?
Kimonos were so popular in the 1920’s, even children wore them! We have a great pattern for a child’s kimono in The Sew-It Book: Things to make with needle and thread and odds and ends. The Sew-It book is a reproduction of a 1929 book that we published in 2011. The child’s kimono is only one of 17 amazing vintage patterns. 
I’ve always like the idea of the vintage kimono, so much so that I designed an updated version, Indygo Junction’s Klassic Kimono!
Last week I shared with you images that I took in Michigan, and I have a few more that I would like to show you. To me, sunflowers are summer incarnate. They are happy and bright, but oh, so fleeting. At their peak, their smiling heads bob along, looking to the sun for warmth and cheering the heart of those who see them. I saw some beautiful sunflowers in Michigan, and want to share with you some photographs I took. Also, please enjoy this free Sunflower project label from The Vintage Workshop, just right click to save it to your desktop. If you print it out, it’s the perfect label for any handmade gift!
