Happy Friday, friends! I'm guessing that most Secret Valentine Exchange folks are following #2018sve on Instagram and are probably not checking ye olde blog posts much, but thought I'd do a little update. This year my partner lives in the US, so that gives me a little extra time to work on her gift. I've been poring over my fabric stash, trying to find something that feels just right. Above are a few contenders. So pretty aren't they? Are you playing or following along with the SVE ... Read more
2018 SVE Underway!
Hello my friends! Final tally of Secret Valentine Exchange participants came out to 576. 576!!!!!!!!! Ute and I are, as always, bowled over by the enthusiasm of all involved and this is an extra special year because after 5 years, we finally have not one but THREE gents joining in the festivities. Welcome, guys! We love how the diversity of the group keeps expanding for this global swap. A few housekeeping notes: If you included an instagram handle but have a private account, please ... Read more
Happy New Year + 2018 Secret Valentine Exchange!! {CLOSED}
UPDATE: Sign-ups are now closed. We have 576 participants!!!!! WOW. Ute and I are busily getting all the partner information together and will send out emails by January 16th. If you signed up but didn't receive a confirmation email from Google Forms, please contact us at secret.valentine.exchange[at]gmail.com and we will trouble-shoot! Happy 2018, my friends! I'm having a hard time believing that we are now launching our 5th annual Secret Valentine Exchange!! Ute and I are teaming up as ... Read more
Merry + Bright
It's Christmas Eve and our house is quiet. My mom is drawing in the kitchen, K is off with a friend on a last-minute shopping expedition, M is also out and about -- probably hunting for gifts as well. I am sitting by our tree, candles aglow, marveling at the snow that is drifting gently outside. It's been quite a year, my friends. I launched one book, completed another (out next September!). I had so many adventures near and far. There were ups and downs, joy and sadness, ebullience and ... Read more
Holiday Sewing Happiness Book Giveaway! [CLOSED]
And the giveaway goodness continues! Sasquatch Books and I are teaming up again this week to offer up two copies of Sewing Happiness as an end-of-the-year hurrah! It's hard to believe that over a year has passed since its publication. I've met SO many amazing people through the book and it was a labor of true, true love in collaboration with magical folks. I'm keeping this post short and sweet since we've all got holiday festivities and preparations to attend to, yes? On top of a ... Read more