Anna Maria Horner

When I first started quilting or even thinking about fabric for my home, I was bored to tears with the choices. The quilt sections are full of little stars or stripes or rosebud prints. Navy blue with yellow daises wasn't cutting it for me. In the home decor stores all I saw was Waverly and when I went into friends' homes I would see the same print or pattern or floral over and over and over again. Not that there is anything wrong with that! But I kept thinking, might there be some other choices? And then one fine day...the heavens opened up. The blinds were lifted, the birdies sang and I had found my place in the sun.

Truthfully, I can't quite remember now how I came upon the website of Anna Maria Horner. But once I did I was enraptured. And I don't mean that in an artificial way. She is a mom and a fabric designer and author with such a modern design sense, but has a strong belief in family life, the simple things and how something handmade can not only become a family heirloom but can also brighten the world around you.

I follow her blog daily and if this appeals to you, I encourage you to do the same!
www.annamariahorner.com

She...unbeknownst to her...has perhaps had the greatest influence on me this year. I have tried new things with fabric, I have dared to combine many colors, I value the little things more. Mostly I realize that even though it's a crazy amount of work and juggling, be the person you are meant to be. Create or sew or write or paint or get your jigsaw out! Even with kids and schedules. Don't forget about you.

These are a bundle of her "Folksy Flannels"...the softest! I might make something or I might just leave them on my bedside table so I can see them every morning when I wake up. That's how happy they make me.

Today, a gift for Martha in the mail. Go order something you love.