catching our breath

Friday night was such a wonderful night. Thank you to all of you who came out in the rain, and especially to those who made the journey from far away! I was so touched by all of the kindness flowing around that room. Thank you. Unfortunately, I was so busy visiting and laughing and keeping my little ones from ingesting ALL of the 'pupcakes' that I have not a single photograph from the entire evening (did anyone else there get anything?). Above was right before the party started.

The show will stay up at Edith & Edna through April and May, and it consists of the small quilts, the embroidered hoops, and photography. As well as plenty of The Creative Family books, of course (did you know that Edith & Edna has the best stocked 'craft book' shelf in town? It's true). The photography I included was a selection of my favorites from the '30 days of the Everyday' set.  In addition to the prints, I also printed up some postcard sets (pictured above), and I've just added those to The Shop.

The quilts that are so near and dear to my heart sadly missed out on a good and proper photo shoot as well, though I did manage to snap this one only in my studio before they went to the gallery. May I introduce Lisa, 1971? The small quilts - all inspired by vintage sewing patterns, are made of entirely repurposed materials. I named each piece based on a young girl (in my head, entirely...that's okay, right?) of the era. They were such a joy for me to work on, and I grew quite attached to my six girls and their quilts. (When the show is over at Edith & Edna, I'll photograph them all better, and put any that are left in the online shop. Or on my walls. I'm not really sure yet!)

I had some small prints made of each of the quilts, and those, as well, are available in The Shop now. They're 5x5 prints - it was important to me to print something that's easy to find a standard size frame and mat for, so they could be as affordable as possible - framing can get so tricky (and expensive!), I've been learning.

Phew. I'm tired! Like that crazy feel-it-deep-in-your-bones kind of tired, you know? The next few days are the first real 'break' our little family has had in quite a stretch of time. At the end of the week, I'll have two more book events, and then I receive my second manuscript back for edits. Oh my. So we're going to soak up the next few days with lots of walks in the muddy woods, a celebration of my soon-to-be five year old's birthday, and as many naps as these three little ones will allow.

In the meantime, I must say thank you one more time for your continued words of support about the book - the emails, the contributions to the Flickr pool (I'm LOVING those!), the lovely reviews - all of it. I'm moved beyond words at your kindness and response to this little project that's now 'out there' in the world. It means so very much to me, and I'm so happy that it's finding a place in your family as well.

I'll return after just a little rest! Be well, friends!

 

Comments

[Geertrude]

Glad you had a good time! Have a nice break and I hope you'll get plenty of that well deserved rest!

[Carrie]

Sounds like the night was a success! I am thrilled to have my own copy of your book and learning more about what's next on your plate. Enjoy your family time!

[kosenrufu mama]

i wish to be there, but i live in italy... so a bit too faraway, but i'm happy to see where the night was... my compliments to you for your dreams coming real...
;)

[asti]

Wonderful, so glad it all went well. I've just been very naughty and impulse purchased some of your lovely things at the shop........:)

[Bluebirdbaby]

You know, I lugged my camera AND extra lenses with me that evening and the place was so packed that it was hard to get a good angle, so I never even took it out of my bag. I would have ended up with head shots. I wanted to take some lovely photos of the embroidery hoop wall (because it was just stunning) but there was always a group standing in front of it :)
Elisabeth loves the cover of your book. She immediately grabbed it out of my hands and pointed excitedly saying "babies!". (She's under the impression that anyone who is not an adult is a "baby"...)

Congrats again! You deserve much success!

[m]

I'm so glad (though not the least bit surprised) that your night went so well. Enjoy your mud-filled days with your sweet family!

[Hillary]

Amanda - I picked up your book today at Barnes and Nobel - (I've been lurking and reading your blog). What a wonderful book - congratulations on your lovely accomplishment - and thank you for bringing some inspiration and creativity to my family.

Hillary

[Qalballah]

Deep tiredness from brain frazzle - I get that after too much interaction with people - an introvert thing I think.

You sound deeply content; enjoy your rest Amanda.

Debbie
xx

[Carrie]

Yes,do enjoy your much deserved rest and family time! So far my favorite section of your book is the "parlor games" section,I can't wait to play "Whatever you do don't smile" with our family!

[elliebelle]

Congrats on a successful show! I wish I could have been there. The space looks absolutely lovely. Rest and play well - we will all wait patiently for your crafty return. Have a wonderful week!

[Anneke]

After all the work you've done I think you do not only deserve rest, but also a little award... You're welcome to come over to my blog and see my little surprise for you! (And: I haven't read your book yet, but tried to do some drawing with the family; it really was fun. I don't know how I forgot all of this; it's funny how you sometimes get so messed up in your head, you forget to follow your heart... Well, thanks to you for your amazing and inspiring blog: I found it again! I'm back on the path I was following!)

[melissa s.]

congrats to you and do enjoy your quiet time with your family. I'm almost done with the book, we did some parlor games last night with the kids and they loved it! thank you!!

[Lola]

I am glad everyone enjoyed the night, as it seems. It is weird but I happyly found myself on friday night thinking about what was going on thousand miles away from me, and then, kept checking the blog in case you posted the "review" from the venue. Modern life has some good things.
Congratulations! Once more...

[Lisa Z]

If you had "Lisa 1970", it would have to be mine because that'd be me! Alas, one year off...I do love turquoise gingham though, too!

Lisa in Minnesota

[Elena]

Unfortunately I couldn't come to party with you ... the distant is a bit long (Sweden). However last Friday I went to the post office to pick up my piece of the creative family and it's really great reading! Look forward to sharing it with my kids (2 and 3.5) too soon. Thanks for making this great book!

[nikki]

I just wanted to say thanks for being an inspirational mother, homeschooling too. I'm right along with you. I have three small ones and a great hubby. We're creative, but I need all the help I can get with others around me who are not really plugged into creativity. So many others I know don't even try, afraid of the mess or that they aren't creative themselves.

Anyway, thanks again. I'm so loving the book. - - Nikki in Texas

[Ana F.]

Everything looks so beautiful. Congratulations. I'm really happy for you.

[mckay]

Oh sister... it looks like a dream. Well, BEFORE anyway. Wink. If I didn't live on the opposite coast, I'd hop in the car and take a weekend trip up to see it. Enjoy your well deserved rest... HUGS.

[Carly]

grab a cuppa and put your feet up for a little nanna nap! you totally deserve it, my copy of your book arrives in Australia next week apparently (via pre-order at Amazon) I can not wait! Somedays I think about chucking in all my running around (running business') so that I can spend more time with Lily.. but I never do..very, very sad.. I know that your book will be an inspiration for all the "running around" mums (as I like to call them/me) who are craving for more family connection...and finding that
balance.

[Berlinswhimsy]

Oh my, I bet it has been a frenzy of goodness around there! I hope you all take advantage of your little bit of rest.

Those quilts are so lovely and make me smile. Alas, I wish I lived closer so I could see them in real life... I'm one Portland too far away! ;-)

[Berlinswhimsy]

PS. I just noticed you have a book in your sidebar that I've been waiting to come out (A Fine Fleece: Knitting with Handspun Yarns). I wondered if you spin? If not, something tells me that you'd really enjoy it... ;-)

[AmyDe]

So glad it all went well. Everything looks so lovely.

[Dee]

Congratulations - its sounds like you had a wonderfully fulfilling weekend - enjoy your little rest with your family - and congratulations again!!

[Rachel Ward]

I have never commented before but have read this blog for a few months now and like most who read it I absolutely fell in love from the first time I came here!
I want to tell you how pleased I am with the book, it's a real value in a world filled with sub-par books. I know that this book will be an integral part of our daily lives with our new little daughter.
Thank you for making something of true value both in your blog and in this fantastic book, it really strikes a cord near and dear to my heart!
I wish you much success with this indeavor :)

[susaninfrance]

I'm so excited I got two of your small quilt prints--susan, 1967--that's me! so pleased to finally have some of your work--besides the book, which i've just come home to find today. It's not what I expected and it's much better, not so projecty but a real book to read. i can't wait to go to bed tonight and read it!
I so wish I could have come to the show...I think those little quilts are so beautiful. big congratulatory hug.

[Emily]

Congratulations! Enjoy your rest. :-)

If I may ask, who do you use to print your postcards? I'm in need of a good printer. Thanks!

Congratulations, again. We were with you in spirit.

[barbara]

i usually don't leave comments(guess i'm a lurker, hee hee), but i have to say that i love your book. i have 4 children and we are a very creative family already, but i think this book will be very helpful for all of those non-creative mamas and papas out there.
glad to hear your show went well. those quilts are beautiful.
ps-excited to see you mention etsy in the book. it's an awesome place to find natural, handmade toys(and i have my own etsy shop:o)

[Lisa Clarke]

Oh, I love the quilt prints. And as a Lisa who was born in 1971, I suppose you can guess my favorite :-) I may need to splurge on one for myself as an early birthday present!

[Jennifer Stankovits]

Well, cool! The show sounds so neat.

I wanted to let you know that I tried to pick up your book from my local (Irvine, California) Barnes & Noble and they were sold out!! The computer showed that they had had some copies, but they were gone. I told the girl helping me, "Good! I'm so happy for the girl who wrote it!" And I ordered a copy. I have three kids and we homeschool, so I'm really looking forward to gleaning from your experience.

Enjoy your rest!

[Joy]

I picked up a copy of your book recently and tucked it under my arm as I walked my kids to the park yesterday. They played and I sat and read until I got to the section on fairy houses. I have always found it difficult to find ways to play with my children that I really enjoy. The fairy houses, however, sounded fun. We spent the rest of that magical day building fairy houses together. I loved every second. Thank you for the gift of connection with these children I so love.

[kat]

i'm so happy to hear your night was a success!

[Jill]

Congratulations! Rest well.

[Kristin]

Oh, to have been at that show! It looks and sounds like it was a marvelous experience for all. Your work continually inspires me. Thank you for all you do, and share, with us.

I have some big news over at my blog as well, so if you have a moment, pop on over and take a peek. HUGS!

Kristin

[Sara]

Enjoy your few days of rest.

-Sara

[brandie]

the book signing and show was such a huge success! all of your art looks amazing hanging in that space.
enjoy your time of rest...you so totally deserve it! xoxo

[julia]

congratulations again amanda. i'm so glad to hear that it was a lovely evening (not that i had any doubts). and what a great idea to make prints of the quilts- that way we can all have a little piece of them.

[Deana]

Picked up the book last week - And from what I have gotten through so far - I Love it! I was at first expecting a typical 'family craft book' But it SO ISN'T! It is a lovely read with some great ideas! (puppet theater through a doorway is awesome! and certainly something my almost 2yr would LOVE)

[Ansley]

Glad to hear of the success!!
I got your lovely bok in the mail and absolutely love it, it's the perfect size for my purse and knitting bag....things that go everywhere with me.
Take Care of yourself!

[erin]

oh, amanda! congrats and well done - the prints and the postcards look great. i wish i could have seen it all in person!

[Gonzomama]

I'm sure I am not the first to say this, but...
I don't even know you, yet I am so proud of you!
You truly are an inspiration and I am so happy for
your success. Loved the book and looking forward
to implementing many of your ideas into our family.

[Marissa]

So glad your signing & gallery opening was a success! I literally got into Portland at 7:40pm (from Hartford) with a grumpy 3 year old & tired hubby, with full intentions of showing up at E&E..but alas I only got by on Sunday, but oh it was worth it! Your framed pics are lovely in person, your quilts are lovely, as are your hoops! So worth the overall trip & what an excuse to "visit the in-laws in Auburn" ;-)

[Motherhood For Dummies]

just discovered your blog and love it! So many cute items! You are amazing!

[Mary]

The names you chose for the mini quilts couldn't be more perfect. I love how a name is can be so representative of an era. Thanks for printing some postcards of the '30 days' photos. I can't wait to find them in the mailbox!

Congrats on the show! Do you think you could keep the gallery open until the June, when I'm back from school?

[Ericka B Traven]

Congrats on the show.

[Heather]

Oh wow! You have soooo come into your own as an artist. Aren't you just proud?! Isn't it amazing that these incredibly lush and creative periods of our lives can erupt in such unexpected and wonderous ways? I am quietly biding my time waiting for that next period of fantastic abundance. I really am convinced that our lives cycle so much like the seasons. Congratulations, Amanda... on your season of ripe beauty!!! You have worked hard for it! Your talent is showing every step of the way.

[Melissa H]

Your collection of mini quilts is gorgeous--loved seeing them online via the prints. What a lovely show you put together.

[Jamisen]

Congratulations on a successful show. I am loving your book. I had to ask for it at the book shop and they were just unpacking it. So it was kismet.

[farmgirl]

dear soulemama,

thank you so much for inspiring so many people with a teenie slice of your creative life. you rock!

[that chick]

hi
i just discovered your blog and read your whole archive - i do stuff like that. but i'm blown away by the way you make everyday objects beautiful. i'm inspired. thank you for sharing your life with the internet.

[Ula]

Congratulations! You are so very inspiring. I hope you can get a little rest... and then charge back into new things to share with all of us! :)
Ula