Hey, It's Been a While!

I cannot believe it's been since May since I last posted here. The summer has been full — in the best possible way — and I have a lot to catch up on. Grab a coffee, because we have things to talk about.

What's Been Happening in the Studio

Even though things have been quiet here on the blog, the studio has been anything but. I've been making things, experimenting, and generally spending a lot of time surrounded by fabric, which is honestly my happy place.

One thing I'm really proud of right now is a new Echo bag I finished in the most beautiful blue colorway. I kept going back and forth on it, and when it all came together I just had this moment of "yes, that's exactly right." You know that feeling? I love when a bag does that.

I also made a couple of new Sidemate bags — these are my handmade crossbody bags, and the fabrics I landed on for this round are genuinely special. One has this rich, peacock-inspired print that I have been absolutely smitten with, and the other is a softer floral that surprised me with how much I loved it once it was finished. Very different vibes, both really good.

And then there are pouches — a few new ones in some fun fabrics — plus something I've been quietly experimenting with. I've been working on a new pouch style I'm calling the Gem Pouch, and honestly? It turned out really well. It's small, it's cute, it's functional. More on that soon, but I just wanted to mention it because I'm happy about how it came out.

We Went on Vacation

This is the part I really wanted to share, because it was such a good trip.

My daughters and I took a few days and headed down to Philadelphia and New Jersey. I am a color-and-pattern person down to my core, so visiting a handful of museums was basically a dream for me. I came home genuinely inspired — the kind of inspired that makes you want to go straight to your fabric stash at ten o'clock at night.

We also hit the Philadelphia Zoo, which was wonderful, and then there was Six Flags in New Jersey.

Now, here's where I have to be honest with you. My girls are roller coaster people. Full enthusiasm, arms up, screaming with joy — they loved every single ride. Me? I sat on the sidelines in the blazing sun and cheered them on. I also got a sunburn for my trouble, which felt like a very fair trade at the time and slightly less fair the next morning. I regret nothing. Mostly.

We squeezed in some quilt shop hopping along the way, which — I may have come home with some new fabric. I'm not confirming anything, but I'm also not denying it. What I will say is that my daughters each picked out fabric for bags they want me to make them, so there are some fun things in the pipeline thanks to this trip.

Fall Shows Are Coming Up

I have three shows coming up this fall, and I am genuinely excited about all three — partially because they're all new to me as a vendor.

Pawtucket Art Festival at Slater Park — August 29 and 30

I have been to this one before as a guest, so there is something really fun about being on the other side of the table this time. If you've walked through Slater Park during the festival, you know what a beautiful setting it is. I'll be there both days — come say hi! You can find more info on their Facebook page.

New England Artisans Fall Pop-up Market — September 6, 9am–3pm

This one is especially close to my heart because I'm an originating member of this brand-new group, and this is our very first event. There is something so exciting about being part of building something from the ground up. I can't wait to see it all come together. More details are on their Facebook page.

Apple Fest Johnston — September 19 and 20, 10am–4pm

This one is completely new to me and I'm really looking forward to it. A fall festival with apples involved? Yes please. Details are on the Apple Fest Johnston Facebook page.

Thanks for Following Along

It means a lot that you're here reading this, and I'm glad to be back in this little corner of the internet. If you want to keep up with what's happening in the studio between blog posts, Instagram is the best place to find me — I'm at @emeraldstitchquilting. And if you ever want to browse what's in the shop, you can always find me at emeraldstitchquilting.com.

Hope to see some of you at a show this fall.

Live in Color. Be You! — Anthea