I know it’s beautiful outside. We’re right at the beginning of our spring. Gorgeous blue skies, daphne buds just opening, crocus and daffodils blooming. Clean air, sun and cool breezes. It’s perfect out there.

But this jacket is heading to a wedding. There is no putting it off. It needs to be finished and shipped in just a few days. Those beads are not going to sew themselves on.

It’s ok. I’ll open the window, find a good audio book and spend my day blissing out deciding where the very best spot is for each and every bead.

Some of my fabrics are so gorgeous, they have their own complete identity. I don’t need to impose my ideas onto them, instead I let them lead me to where they want to go.

A last look at the three below, each sewn from a fantastic kimono silk. It’s the best place to start, with an amazing fabric.

The silk for this jacket has a design of a meandering stream. I wanted to highlight those beautiful waving curves with beads, shining like light reflecting off water.

A close up view, showing the beadwork.

There are so many birds in kimonos. I cannot resist, they are so beautiful.

This one has a phoenix, the magical bird that represents fire and the sun, fidelity and long life.

Phoenix birds and pine trees, another symbol of long life.

The back. Those long, amazing tail feathers. So cool.

A month or so ago I had a blog post with this trench coat in process. Cranes flying above golden pines, all symbols of good luck, long life and happiness.

The back showing the last crane disappearing through the clouds.

Last weekend the American Craft Council put together another fantastic show in Baltimore.

Although there was a little snow on set up day, it was melting and by the next day when we opened, it was gone.

On day one, the booth was up, lights in place and clothes and scarves arranged just so.

A little aside, an appreciation for simple things that make life better.

In the middle of the picture above, you can see a free standing unit I use for display, on the other side, there is a table. For years it was held together with an awkward system of extra long bungee cords wrapped around, in and out, back and forth between the wooden poles and cross pieces. But no matter how tight they’re pulled, bungee cords stretch. Whenever anyone leaned on it, the unit wobbled and leaned to the side and threatened to collapse.

For this year, a new system. Nearly invisible, skinny wire rope, clamps and turnbuckles.

Better looking for sure, but even better, it worked! Now when someone leans in, my table unit stands firm and does not sway!

The table secure, everything else in place, scarves laid out, jackets, coats, tops and skirts all hanging with their best faces forward.

The show opened and the people came in. Just like the best party ever, all my old friends and wonderful new ones came in to visit, say hi and find treats and treasures.

Such fun! It was a wonderful show!

On our last day, the perfect goodby from Baltimore, beautiful sunny skies.

And still, even with such a fantastic show, when everything was good and I couldn’t imagine that it could get any better, one other amazing, wonderful and incredible thing came my way.

On the plane trip home, an empty middle seat.

Thank You American Craft Council, Baltimore and all the amazing people who came to the show.