My new book, Love You to Pieces: A Gift of Friendship, began, quite simply, because I’m a collector. A passionate one. Vintage quilts, handmade cloth dolls, sewing notions, and books that celebrate textile-making . . . hunting for these treasures brings me joy. For years, I’ve scoured flea markets, antique shows, and estate sales, always searching for these stitched stories that speak to the heart.
This impulse to collect—and to reimagine vintage treasures—first came to life through my pattern company, Indygo Junction, where I reintroduced timeless techniques and design elements in modern sewing patterns and books. Later, I channeled that same spirit into my book Vintage Notions: An Inspirational Guide to Cooking, Sewing, Fashion and Fun, inspired by the work of Mary Brooks Picken, a pioneering 20th-century expert in the domestic arts and a passionate advocate for women’s education and entrepreneurship.
As I built Indygo Junction and wrote Vintage Notions, my quilt and doll collections quietly grew alongside my desire to share them in a more personal way. Then, about a year ago, I sat down with my longtime friend Jean Lowe—an experienced editor and product development expert who helped bring Vintage Notions to life—and told her I was finally ready. I had a vision for a poetic, visual book that could showcase these beloved pieces not just as textiles, but as storytellers.
Jean suggested we center the book around the theme of friendship, and present it in a gift-book format. Her idea clicked instantly. From that moment, everything began falling into place—like pieces of a patchwork quilt. As I curated dolls and quilts from my archive, magical pairings began to emerge. A doll’s faded ribbon echoed the fabric in an old quilt block. A stuffed bear’s striped coat matched the pattern of a double wedding ring quilt made by my great-grandmother. It was as if these quilts and characters had always belonged together. Like when I found this Asian doll outfitted in a gorgeous green kimono style outfit, I remembered a velvet crazy quilt pillow I had bought. It was so unique and the jewel tones were gorgeous. I was thrilled and knew these two were a perfect match!
Along with longtime collaborator and graphic designer Delsie Chambon, I began crafting a simple, heartfelt narrative about the comfort of friendship—and a visual language to match.
Meet my friend and Love You To Pieces Graphic Designer, Delsie Chambon!
At its heart, Love You to Pieces is a celebration—of the stories that textiles hold, and of friendship in all its forms: magical, messy, and enduring. It’s a book for our besties, for mothers and daughters, for sisters, makers, collectors, and kindred spirits everywhere.
Take a look at my post to preview some of the online bonus content that comes with Love You to Pieces and Meet Sunshine Polly!
