Where in the World!? Part 1

Thank you to those of you who have written to see if I was okay. The truth is, I have been overwhelmed the last while and I decided to cut myself some slack. I’m sorry I haven’t chimed in with an update. There have certainly been blog-worthy things going on.

The baby has tripled in size and he is guzzling down food like it’s in short supply. Charlotte is dancing a whirlwind through the house and filling my walls and my heart with “I love you, mama” artwork. Elijah is stretching toward the moon and getting closer every day. He is a giant at over 6’1” and growing. Right now, he’s enjoying a break from marching band—we all are—and getting charged up to go at it again in a few months.

My home dec fabric collection, Garden District™, is out. I have two new sewing patterns as well. There is also new Nicey Jane™ microfleece, which is irresistibly delicious. Yes, fleece! Think hats, scarves, mittens, blankets, toys. I’m dreaming up some fun projects.

I could just proceed from here with new news, but there have been some wonderful things that warrant indexing, and some tough things too: naming the baby and why I haven’t announced his moniker, getting by with no assistant (it’s just a stinky time to train someone fresh when you have a new baby at home), teaching myself to run (go me!), creating a custom dance costume for Charlotte for Christmas, drawing and painting like mad in order to catch up from a brain-fuzzing pregnancy. The list goes on.

Some of this stuff I imagine could be published in a tell-all book one day. There are always bits you don’t want everyone to know, but you so DO want everyone to know; you know? Life is a roller coaster. I try to sing the pretty songs in my blog, but throwing in a croaker now and then should keep it real. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m anxious to get back to this and be in touch. Thanks for hanging in there for me.

Comments

[tinajo]

Life sure is a roller coaster - you take your time! :-)

[Jennie P.]

I just wanted to say I love ALL your fabric designs--you are my favorite fabric designer hands-down. I'm so glad to see Freshcut is being re-introduced as well as having new lines out. They were the very first fabrics I purchased for myself and I love them.

[heather from arizona]

You can't appreciate the good without knowing the bad! I always felt that time after a new baby I walked a fine line between feeling sane and crazy as a loon!

Hope today is a good one (which means a day where mama gets a nap!)

[Rachel Fruitloop]

Hi Heather, just want to say that I miss your blog posts, but that I totally understand how hectic it must be with the baby. It is so impressive how productive you've remained! You're an inspiration! I have two boys. My youngest is 20 months already and I still feel overwhelmed, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It seems to get easier every couple of months. I'll be here, ready to read all about it when you're ready to tell it!

[Rachel]

So glad to hear from you again, have checked in regularly to see how things were.. you gave me so much light and joy during a dark time 2 years ago, it's a funny old world but sewing and family can get us through most things..
love and thanks
Rachel xx

[Lenna Green]

Hang in there and enjoy the ride. Life can swamp us at times, just remember that life is not an emergency and it shouldn't feel like a race to the end. Just take time to enjoy.

[Emily]

Love your new fabric collection and the microfleece!! :) I have felt like you wrote in your last paragraph, probably not exactly b/c I'm not in the same situation but I've been in similar places.

[Heather Bailey]

I'm relieved that there are still eyes to read, ears to listen, and voices to hear. Thank you for commenting, everyone. I was worried the walls would echo when I started posting again.

[Dawn Ritchie]

Love the new stuff!! I've been waiting so patiently to hear the newest name!! I just had my 2nd in September.. it's so different than just one, and so wonderful too. Hang in there!

[Michelle Sorensen]

you're the best.

[Natalie, the Chickenblogger]

Ah, but the main thing is: here you are!
It's good to know that things are okay, and stinky, and good, and full... all the normal stuff.

[ellen patton]

Loved your update. :)

[Sara]

With my own little one almost 10 months old and not much smaller than her big brother who is 4 and a half...life is crazy here too. I love the honesty. Don't kill yourself trying to get too much done. I am with you though on getting back into the swing. I try to work out but I feel like I have no time (or motivation). Spring is going to bring gardening and lots of outside work as well as cyst removal for the baby. All the while I am trying to get a quilt sewn for the linus project. Just keep swimming...my favorite line. Good luck to you and just keep swimming...

[MarkOz]

Welcome back, and it seems as though it will only get busier!

[review]

everyone's so happy to have you around again:)

[Allison]

To be honest, I had not wondered what had happened to you, but knew exactly what happened to you... you had a baby! It's refreshing that you are so real and honest about your absence, and that instead of sacrificing time with your family or pushing yourself beyond what one should just to give us some pretty blog posts to satisfy that ever growing hunger for inspiration that you put the brakes on. For me it is much more of an inspiration that "doing it all" is not so easily done. There are several fantastic designers, including yourself, where I have thought... Wow! How do they do it all... and with kids too?!? Enjoy your time with your new little one, your family, and being creative... as for me, I'm perfectly satisfied to wait until you resurface.

[Kathy]

It is so good to hear from you. I loved the update and look forward to the news your working on. Continue to 'give yourself a break', its been quite a year!

[Tiffany]

While I check your blog because of the pretty song - it's nice to know you're human. I've never commented before - but really enjoy your blog - and LOVE the fabrics and felts I've bought from you!
Thank you!

[Victoria C]

I can't wait to see the fleece. Can you tell me if it will be available anywhere in Australia? Great to know that you are ok and still keeping in touch via blog-land. Take care. xxx

[Emmmylizzzy]

My blog is getting pretty dusty as well thanks to a newborn and her crazy toddler sister who keep me busy 24/7. I can't wait to hear about what you've been up too! I've been spending my time completing the nursery for the new little one - complete with some Nicey Jane curtains :)

[Kelly Rodgers]

I am in love with all your fabric releases. So beautiful. And very happy here to see you back blogging Heather xxx

[sw]

we all are—and getting charged up to go at it again in a few months.

[Diana]

We miss you Heather, but we all understand! Life, in general, can be madness. Add in 3 kiddies, including a newborn, & it is a roller coaster indeed. Thank you so much for the update - glad you're well. And take your time...we will all wait!

[calbrecan]

Nice to hear from you. Take good care of yourself and your family!

[MFM]

Welcome Back, Heather!!!
I have definitely missed you. Love the felt and Garden District. The colors are terrific. Glad the kids are doing so well. Really hope you will come for a visit but I can see you have your hands full. Bless your heart. Love ya lots,
Aunt Muff

[Dreaming Bear]

Savor every moment!

[Mary Carole Dolce]

Aww...Heather! Yes, you have been missed in the blog world but I had a feeling you were pretty much busier than ever these last few months! Babies have a way changing up the routine of life, don't they? And you have a lot on your plate so we all completely understand.

P.S. I just received some of the reprints from your Fresh Cut collection...and let me tell ya, this girl is SMILING! Thanks for being SO talented! :-)

~ MC

[laura huffman]

figured you were busy with the new guy and your other 2. glad things are going ok. usual busy life with a busy family and business. enjoy.

[Mary Ann]

So life got in the way...thats the way it should be Heather. We missed you but certainly knew what was keeping you away! The microfleece, omgosh! Perfect for the sweet granddaughter who arrived this year in my family. Looking forward to hearing all about the last few months.

[aunt Muff]

And we are all back in a flash lady. So glad to hear more about the kids. I do love that red vine, I could use a wall of that. Love epb

[Julie Boldry]

Glad to hear you are still around.. Hang in there!

[Amanda at Don't Tell Quilts]

Personally I don't think I get back into mental shape until my new one is walking!
Also I kinda like that you aren't telling the name. Everybody needs some privacy right? Even (or especially) in blogland.
So enjoy the little one, we'll survive without updates for awhile. :)

[Melissa]

I, too, have a nice gap between my first two bambinos and baby bambino who will be one next week. Take care of you, take care of them, we'll still be here :) Enjoy!

[Elise]

Love your new fabrics. Do you know what pattern the coat/jacket is in the Louisiana Avenue line picture??

[Daly]

Enjoy your motherhood! You probably already know that it will make a new person out of you and that new person will make even more inspired fabrics. It's worth waiting.