Tuesday, May 8, 2012

launch weekend and a stop at elsie marley

outsidewindowbooksigning table  gallery night jan 
On the first weekend in May, I celebrated the launch of Reinvention. There were flowers and friends, books and good local food. Both Friday night's gallery night and the Saturday's party were hosted and overseen by the ever lovely Jan Rhodes Norman, who has taken me under her loving wing with wisdom and humor. She is an Ithaca icon if there ever was one- an entrepreneur extraordinaire for decades, a mother to many (not just her own 6 grown kids), a friend to everyone. When she's not busy heading down to NYC for Etsy symposiums and the like, she's running Ithacamade, promoting local businesses, and selling Silk Oak every weekend at the Farmer's Market. She's a dynamo and inspiration-  just the kind of woman you'd want to celebrate a career milestone with... just the kind of friend that's great to have at your side during such a sweet moment.  All weekend I felt showered and blessed by the love of my dear friends... and even surprised by some new ones- like Alyssa, from Aurora Shoe Company. We've known one another for years online, and I was so thrilled that she and her mom and son drove down for our first real life meeting.alyssa and me
The next day Kathrin came early, and we started prepping blossom bands.Thank goodness we were prepared, because we were soon swamped with little hands ready for some making. I couldn't have done it with out her!! So many of my daughter's friends came out to get crafty and celebrate with us. Below you'll find her in all of her Silk Oak glory making some t-shirt yarn. Purple all the way!blossom prep making string 
teaching
It couldn't have been sweeter, and I'm so grateful for my wonderful community filled with sweet children... including the small handful of teenage boys that mingled about, thanks to my son! 
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And let's not forget that we're still on tour! Head on over to discover how Elsie Marley rocked her new Tyvek zipper pouch. I've always loved her sewing explorations, and was super excited to see what she would come up with. Her interpretation is sure to inspire... stop on over, and if you haven't won a copy of reinvention- you've now got another shot at it!
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21 comments:

  1. The Squat Dots and the Hammock are to die for. You even have me convinced I can sew these and that takes alot. Love your work, love, love this book!!! xox

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    1. thanks corrine! I KNOW you and KNOW you can totally pick up the needle and rock it!

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  2. That looks like a really wonderful launch weekend, Maya! I'm not entering any give-aways, I'm still holding out for the chance to buy one in person next month in New Hampshire. :)

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    1. One of the sweetest parts of June, is knowing I'll finally get to meet you!

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  3. That fourth picture down is my FAVORITE photo of you EVER! And you know that Tyvek pouch is at the top of my list to make, doncha?

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    1. thanks love! I can't wait to see how YOU do your pouch- bound to be wonderful!

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  4. Maya your display delightful! And you look so lovely in your polka dot tunic!! Congratulations on your book, it is so lovely!

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    1. thanks so much, april! I had forgotten how much I loved creating window displays... and doing one for my very own book was nothing more than exhilarating!

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  5. Wow! I wish I was there. I finally got your book and I love love love it. Can't wait to try out the projects. Thanks so much for sharing your creative ideas!
    Tameka

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  6. I've seen your book and it looks wonderful! And how great seeing kids getting crafty. I'm especially intrigued by your blossom bands - they look gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. So excited to hear from you over at chinaberry! as a 15 year reader/fan/supporter of Chinaberry, your words of enthusiasm have absolutely made my day!

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    2. Oh my gosh!! I'm vicariously excited that you heard from Chinaberry! I love them too!!

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  7. Congratulations Maya on your book! I am hopeful to be able to buy one very soon.
    Warm wishes,
    Tonya

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    1. thanks tonya, there will also be some more opportunities to win a copy along the rest of the tour!

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  8. Congratulations, Maya! I've been following your blog for quite some time now and am so excited for you that you've now got your book published. I actually felt quite teary when I read your post about opening the boxes of books when they arrived, sharing the books with your family, and then that rainbow smile! I too dream of publishing a book someday and it's so inspiring to see you there, doing it. Yay! Here's to your book finding its way into many happy hands.
    Sending you a congratulatory hug from New Zealand!
    Lucy x

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    1. Oh Lucy,
      It's so wonderful to hear from you again! I believe in you! 100%! A box of your own books will definitely be landing on your doorstep one day... and rainbows will smile down on you. xxx

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  9. Awesome! Looks like you had a lovely time with friends and supporters! Well done!

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  10. I think I am going to have to stop in to Ithacamade the next time we are out to visit family in Auburn. Its on our drive down to the "farm" outside of Olean. I am really excited to get my hands of a copy of your book! I see it featured daily on so many of the blogs that I love.... and each day I find something else I want to make! Thank you so very much for sharing with us your labor of love!!

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    1. thanks peggy! ithacamade is a wonderful stop, indeed! It's also right next door to two wonderful resale shops: mama goose and mimi's attic. A 3 stop shop where everything feels wonderful to support!

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