Memories to Heirlooms

 Abby and Maddie are extraordinary women in my life. Abby is my niece, and Maddie might as well be. I held them both as babies and have loved them ever since. Both love nature, have a zest for adventure, are talented writers, and have found their soulmates. So it did not surprise me that the ornaments I made for Abby's wedding inspired Maddie to ask me to make some for hers. 

I teamed up with both women to realize their nature-inspired visions. Maddie and I decided to add beads to represent their birth order for the children's ornaments. This way, they can always tell which ornament is theirs.

Maddie and Jon live in Brooklyn, where they have created a little bit of Eden with their rooftop garden. Their garden has an herb section put to good use in many culinary creations they make for themselves and lucky guests. So it made sense that they wanted the favors for their wedding to reflect their love of gardening and cooking. Maddie asked me to use six herbs they grew; basil, oregano, parsley,  sage, rosemary, and thyme. 

Because I only do custom work, I often have to learn new techniques to complete an heirloom.  It is one of the things I love about what I do.  Recently I explored some of the capabilities of my sewing machine.

​I had seen patterns and even kits to do applique' with an embroidery machine.  Only when Diane, a client, was set on a design that utilized it,  did I learn how to do it. This technique is a fabulous tool, especially for the applique' of letters!  For this particular design, they bordered everything with a blanket stitch.  I opted to skip that and sew the edge of the tools and toolbox with a satin stitch to be more durable.  This meant I guided my machine around each tool, the toolbox and the handle while it sewed the stitch.  The word Jeep, I could program and the machine did it all by itself! 

​Courtney chose this sweet chickadee design for her tree skirt wedding gift.  The original design came from a candle mat with five birds, each handsewn with a blanket stitch. Since the skirt has 16 birds, I decided to learn to use my machine's blanket stitch.  Although you can't beat the look of hand-stitching, my machine and I did a good job!  (The branch and leaf metal I hand embroidered.)

I can't wait to have the next project that helps me learn new techniques and unlocks  the secrets that my machine holds.  Contact me if you would like to help with that!

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there was a young man who met a young woman. Early in their relationship, he realized she was the one, so he made her this Sun. They got married and had a family, and all the while, this Sun graced their lives.  

The Sun gave warmth and comfort for many years and still is prominent in their home. Even when cancer took him too soon, she hung another Sun at their lake home to constantly remind her of his love for her. 

eLike his father, Jon is kind, funny, a talented craftsman, and found a remarkable partner, Maddie. This perfect pair created a bountiful garden on a rooftop in Brooklyn, where the sun brings them herbs and veggies for their culinary creations. When they decided marry, I offered to make them a stained glass piece as a wedding gift. It was Maddie who decided to surprise her groom with their Sun. This way, they could honor his father and continue to legacy of Tyler Suns.

Maddie liked this design, the rainbow inspiration, and thought I could make it from the glass scraps I had on hand. Not only was she right, but I thought it would be meaningful to her that the finished piece would have glass from my home, a place she always loved to visit for parties and "aunt camp."

I drafted the design so that Jon's Dad's original piece became the foundation of Maddie's and Jon's Sun. 

I love Maddie and look forward to getting to know Jon.  Maddie, thank you for working with me on a gift for you and Jon that carries such a beautiful story.  May this Sun grace your home for the many happy years to come.

​It was a privilege and pleasure to create heirloom pillows from Diane's Dad's ties.  She told me, "Dad lived his faith and, for Sunday worship, he was old school; dress pants and shirt in a nice jacket and tie, no casual dress for him.  Mom often commented about his tie choices because they always clashed with his jackets. You know she was right."

I love hearing these stories, and it helps inform how I create each piece.  Once we decided on a design, I got to work.

We decided to use one of his shirts as a background for each pillow.  

 ​I created four groupings of ties, one for each pillow and embroidered his initials for the center piece.

I hope these pillows provide comfort and fond memories of this wonderful man.

Do you have a story to tell about someone you love?  Contact me and we can discuss how to create a unique heirloom for you and your family.

The baby I once held got married! I am thrilled Maddie & Jon found each other. She has a special place in my heart and deserves all the happiness life can give.  
A tree skirt is my go-to wedding gift:

• It complements the ornaments I have given over the years
• They are unlikely to get two
• It is a reminder of my love each Christmas

I always have color-coded Christmas ornament; Red for the first child, Green for the second, etc.  Maddie liked a simple patchwork with bit bit of an edge, and reminded me that she was the "lucky third child - gold." So, a thread of gold runs through each fabric.

When she asked for it to have a cardinal, I immediately knew why.  A few years back, I made pillows with a cardinal for her mother, Meg, to honor her Mother, Maddie's MomMom. MomMom loved cardinals, and it has come to be a symbol to represent her in their family. I love that this gift represents the start of a new family while staying connected to the past generations through three remarkable women.

Best wishes Maddie and Jon!