My new favorite blogger/designer... Meet Laura Gunn.

I met Laura in Pittsburgh at the quilt market where she was showing her new line for Michael Miller Fabrics- Lantern Bloom. I know I have mentioned her before, but I really was inspired by her colors and textures. Her paintings are just beautiful, and have made me think about picking up a paint brush sometime in the future. Or maybe I'll just put some "Paint in my hair"!

She is fortunate like I am. I have Jennifer Paganelli who creates and inspires me, and she has her Mom, Elinor Peace Bailey, and her sister -in -law, Heather Bailey. It really does help to be surrounded by other obsessed people... and I mean that in the nicest way!

I love to see my things make others so happy! Here is a velvet saddle pad w/hot pink trim that made it's way all the way to Canada! Aren't they a sight!

"Hi Nancy:

Here is our Friesian, Gwendolyn with Shar MacDonald, at an Ite O'Higgins-Young Clinic(Grand Prix Dressage Rider & International 3-Day eventer), with your saddle pad on.

Thought you would like to see it.

Kind Regards, 

Lynn from Black Reign Friesians"

START THE CAR! We're off to Pittsburgh!

My first Quilt Market.

Inspired? Well, I'm up at 2 a.m. writing this post if that tells you anything! Fabrics- amazing! Quilts- a -plenty! People- impressive! Not just the incredibly talented fabric designers, but the folks who came for new ideas for there projects. From hand bags and kids clothes, to quilts and haute couture. My head is still spinning. This was not just a quilt market, and Free Spirit and Westminster Lifestyle Fabrics made that perfectly clear. I was also lucky enough to meet Heather Bailey, her sister- in-law and my favorite new talent, Laura Gunn, Kaffe Fassett and Brian Mabley, Amy Butler, BariJ., Erin McMorris, Jeneane Morrison, Joel Dewberry, Jay McCarrol and Luella Doss, April Cornell and another personal favorite, Denyse Schmidt. Do I sound like a quilt groupie? But you know where my loyalties lie...

Jennifer Paganelli was so gracious to all, and her new fabric lines are, I believe, the best to date! She is ever so generous to me in every way- but I saw that that is her way with everyone. Such a good soul- everyone adores her! However, no one more than I do. Thank you Jennifer, and Jeff Prescott of Free Spirit for making me feel a part of the whole operation. Yes, I came away with inspiration, but more than that, new friends, and a deepened love and respect for Mrs. P, Jennifer. It could have gone the other way after 16 hours in the car together.... but it didn't. (At dinner with Heather Bailey and Laura Gunn, Heather created a new road trip game-"Name that Road Kill"). 

Hey, Jen.... "START THE CAR! START THE CAR!!!"

And the winner is....

Nicole Valentine of Westchester, PA! My friend Nina Pomeroy of Nina Pomeroy Photography had a Mother's Day Raffle and Nicole won my pink vintage girl with horse pillow featuring a mix of vintage and Sis Boom fabrics.

Happy Mother's Day, Nicole.

More raffles to come here and on Go Make Your Bed, too!

Getting ready for summer salads?

We are! Here at Dark Horse Farm we are spreading our wealth (at the risk of sounding "Socialist"), because it is the right thing to do. We have bagged our super potent 100% organic compost and donated it to the town of Wilton and the garden club. Last week we made a trip to our friends, Tim and Holly in Brooklyn, NYC and got there garden going in style with a truck load of "Dutch Treat"- Tys fan Boazums finest product- 2 1/2 years in the making. It's been turned over and over and broken down into what looks like the finest black top soil- churning with big fat earth worms. Guaranteed to make your tomatoes tower, basil blast off,and beans, well, have you heard of Jack and the Beanstalk... And thanks to Ollie, the watch cat, who guarded the gold while we were still getting ready for delivery. We can never do anything with out him... getting into the picture!

PRESS PASS- We're ready for our close up!

Jennifer and I glamming and hamming for the CT Cottages and Gardens magazine party at The Goody Shop in Westport.

Sachet! Shante! Turn to the left, turn to the right...

Come join me at the Sis Boom Spring sale to make your own (or buy one pre-made) lavender sachet! $5.00 goes to Lyme research- and if you have never sat down at a sewing machine before- fasten your seat belt! Your life may never be the same. One minute you've sewn and embellished your own lavender sachet, and the next moment you've high tailed it to The Quilters Alley in Ridgfield for your own Viking sewing machine! One thing leads to the next and before you know it, you've accidentally sewn your husband and kids together... or made them matching Sis Boom aprons.... Anyway- we are guaranteed a good time with Jennifer around!