A few days before my mama passed away, I asked her a ton of ‘what is your favorite __’ questions, and compiled her replies into a google doc that I shared with my family.  I am reminded of one or more of her various responses nearly every day. Today, it’s ‘What’s your favorite season?’ “Autumn has always been waiting, she said, “Now I feel it calling me.” Mind you, this conversation happened in late May. At the time, I interpreted it to mean that she thought she’d leave us several months later, sometime after the trees changed colors and dropped their leaves. We still could look forward to one last Fall together. Instead, early June rang for her. 

I, too, have always favored Fall, but my relationship to it has changed. At times, I feel like Autumn has betrayed me. As we usher in this season, I am doing my best to remember the reasons why mom loved it, and how I can let it regrow on me. A walk in the crisp morning air is grounding. A few moments of practicing gratitude (and MY, does it takes practice) draws me back. Remembering and moving and sewing keeps me going. 

Welcome to Fall, ya’ll. Here are a few of the workshopped beanies I’ve created for you. They each feature something from my mama—yet another way I’ll carry her love into Autumn, and beyond.

Unknowable in its depths, yet predictable in its tides, the ocean is a place of great wonder, joy, and comfort for me. While I channel my mom in all of my work, the seascapes series is a tribute to her. Some of my favorite memories are of swimming in the ocean with my mom. As she floated over every wave, she’d emit this sing-songy, joyful “aaaaahhh.” It’d make me laugh, and more than once do I remember laughing so hard that I missed the next oncoming wave, and ended up washed up at shore, my nose full of salt water. The first seascape I created was as a birthday gift for my mom’s twin sister, lovingly commissioned by my cousin. February 1, 2021, the first birthday without her twinnie. The first time I couldn’t call my mama to wish her a happy birthday. At the time, I didn’t anticipate an ongoing series, but like the sea, I continue to be drawn back in to create more. Each piece integrates textiles from both of my parents. And you know what’s super magical? Nearly every seascape that’s gone out into the world has been purchased as a gift for a mom or a sister. Of course. Thank you. What JOY. 

This piece is based on a dream I had a few months back. I was driving along a western highway and kept passing all these incredible rock formations that I wanted to explore, but the car would simply not. stop. moving. I often feel this way this time of year—a desire to rush out of winter and hurry into warmer days and activities. But if I’m not careful, Spring passes me by. One blink and I’m sitting in a puddle of August sweat, unable to remember those cool mornings in April, erupting with birdsongs and daffodils (and allergies). Does anyone else experience this? It also translates to my time on the trail—too often I rush, forgetting to breathe, quiet my mind, and take in the view. May this western highway serve as a reminder to stop. To look, and explore, to savor more of life’s little moments. 

Cathedral Rock

Repurposed cotton, denim, lambswool, polyester, upholstery blends, silk blend, acyrlic paint, and embroidery thread.

9" x  11"

Available