Happy New Year! And today's favorite thing . . .

It is with deep gratitude that I wish you and yours a very Happy NEW Year! I thank you for the support and positive feedback that I have received from you over the past year. Sales were up from the previous year and I am excited to continue designing both print patterns and sewing patterns for you!

All my best . . . here's to the new year! CHEERS!

Yup, that little shadow in the photo is me taking the picture from the bridge. My favorite thing today was the sound of very cold 'squeeky snow' as you walk across it! See you next year!

So tell me . . . what's your favorite thing?

Looking for Inspiration? Take A Hike!

Join me on my walk in the woods. I found inspiration there . . . will you?

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

I am so happy to share this photo I took a few winters ago.
This ICE ANGEL was magically formed by water dripping
off the eaves of our house and down the vines.

I still think she is amazing and a wonderful
example of the magic of the holiday season. Believe!

My best to you and yours! With Love and Gratitude.


Jamie Kalvestran



Photo ©Kalvestran Inc. 2007

Enjoy a bowl of Yo............Yo's!

Are your holiday preps running you ragged?
Need a way to relax at the end of the day?
Here's my suggestion . . .

1) Pour your self an eggnog, hot chocolate, apple cider, beer, glass of wine, or cup of coffee. You get the idea.
2) Sit down in front of the fire or TV or both if you are that fortunate.
3) Make YoYo's!!! Hand stitching something simple that doesn't take a lot of thought can be very relaxing and restorative.

Peace and Love, Enjoy!

Art Quilt by Lorrie Franz

My friend Lorrie Franz of beancounter Quilts sent me this art quilt that she made using one of my gelatin prints (grey center piece). Way to go Lorrie! I love your fabric choices.

If you are interested in making one of your own, there are still a few gelatin prints available at Artful Drygoods.

Antique Singer Sewing Machine

Are you a sewing machine collector? Check out this vintage machine (it happens to be looking for a new home) at my friend Linda's blog.

Antique Sewing Machine on Designs by Linda Thiltgen

Fear less, hope more . . .

I may have a Danish heritage but I liked this Swedish Proverb.

Fear less, hope more,
eat less, chew more,
whine less, breathe more,
talk less, say more,
hate less, love more,
and all good things will be yours.



(Above) Hand Quilted work in progress ©

Scrap-bags Double Envelope Kit available at Fun With Stitches in Belleville, Ontario

Check out this version of the Double Envelope bag.

Available from Fun With Stitches | 110 North Front Street | Belleville, Ontario | 613-966-4715

Double Envelope Purse KIT

Finished Size 9.5"x7"

includes magnetic purse snaps

$34.95

To purchase this kit visit their website at Funwithstitiches.com

Braided Bucket bag in the Japanese Taupes by Daiwabo

Check out this version of the Braided Bucket bag in the Japanese Taupes by Daiwabo.

Available from Calla Lily Quilt Shop in Blaine, MN. Contact Calla Lily direct with this link.


This sewing pattern is available for immediate download at My online Shop.

Paula Scher: The Geography of Design

I think this is a great example of a designers process. (aka - where ideas come from)

Discharge Dyed Handbags

Do you remember the discharge dying tutorial in an earlier post?
LINK to Tutorial

Well, I actually got the bags finished and here they are! Made from my Fat-Quarter Scrap-bags™ pattern. Ta Da!





For more photos of these bags or to purchase one of these bags for yourself or as a gift please visit: Artful Drygoods

Thread Work Unraveled by Sarah Ann Smith

I just love this book!

While developing my "Tangletown Tote" pattern which has a fusible applique' leaf and meandering vine that is created with a satin (column) stitch. I quickly learned that not all needles and threads work well to make a beautiful satin stitch. Wish I'd had the book back then because it was trial and error for me. But now I am the proud owner of this fantastic reference book!

I was also honored with a visit to my booth at fall Quilt Market by the Author, Sarah Ann Smith. You can reach Sarah Ann via her Website:www.sarahannsmith.com  or her blog:www.sarahannsmith.com/weblog/