I've always appreciated the Swedish traditions of needle/textile arts that came down through the women in my family. My Mom was always supportive of my creativity. There were always art supplies and tools to explore.
In this photo, from the book cover of the Bag Book, I am 20 and she is 40....it was a new beginning of sharing our ideas in the publishing of this first round of books. Our line of Design & Sew Patterns soon followed and we both enjoyed many years of working and teaching retreats together.
Our favorite joint project was the Design & Sew Book ... you know, its the one with the blue cover? The re-printed, edited, version continues to be a favorite resource for timeless techniques and ideas. It makes a great personal workbook: stapling samples to the pages and writing notes in the margins.
Mom still hangs out in the studio, inspiring all of us....in photos, books, in her collage and watercolor work...and samples I share in classes. I feel her smiling and celebrating the directions my life and the precious traditions I can share with my children.
Thanks Mom, for sharing who you are ....with all of us.
Loving you, Diane
I met your mother in San Diego when she started teaching craft classes for the adult ed departments. That must of been over 50 years ago. I was newly married with new babies – staying home & about ready to climb the walls. If I didn’t have that once a week class & her creative inspiration…….who knows what I would have done. I have been following Lois & you for many years. I have all her books & many patterns. Now that I’m no longer teaching & traveling promoting my own pattern line I am ready to order your stencils & get back to creative playing. Please keep doing the short videos.
Again…THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
I have not worked with your products for a few years, however today on Pinintrest I saw a Ericsson design. I filled the design and I end up here. I have several garments of Lois Ericsson designs.I have just discovered this web site. I do plan on enjoying your work
Thank you Diane for the pictures of your lovely and talented mom. I have taken several workshops when Lois would come to G Street Remnants in Washington DC and Rockville, MD during the early 80’s. Spending several days lecturing and teaching and signing books.
I have all of her books, patterns and received her newsletter “The Good News Rag.” I loved her newsletters and looked forward to her garment patterns. I have several of your garment patterns as well, Diane. I look forward to your newsletter. Hoping to spend time at your retreat, also.
What a treat to be reminded of such wonder filled moments from the past.
Diane, It is great to see these photos and think about your Mom.
I feel so lucky that me, my Mom, and my sister were fortunate to take some classes and be at a retreat with you and your Mom!
Her legacy lives on in the wonderful books and memories.
And you continue to be such a creative inspiration!
Thank you Diane for the photos and for sharing your special memories.
I have 2 special photos on my frig where I get to see my “sister” every day and remember all the fun and laughs we shared, sewing in the Oregon and the Reno studios, putting in the garden in Reno, playing gin rummy late into the.night and so many other wonderful times.
Lois’ creativity, color sense, ability to play and experiment was wonderful to watch and very inspirational.
She is truly missed. Hugs Pat
Diane, Many years ago when your mother lived in Oregon. I spent a weekend with her. I stayed in her studio house and we did some dyeing together. I think that I own every book that she wrote and almost every pattern. She was my inspiration to get started on creating both with cloth and with beads. She is still my inspiration.
Diane, I also remember your Mother. I was fortunate enough to take a class from her, back in the 70’s, at a great fabric store in Tahoe City. Her class included lunch at her home and a tour of her up stairs studio. Her collection encouraged me to collect intersting fabrics and embellishments during my travels. I remember the large “spider art” on the wall of her Tahoe home. And I met your Grandmother. Lois was so inspiring. And such an unselfish artist. I still have a few of her patterns with your artwork. It is wonderful to see how creative you are. And how you share your beautiful creations and inspire us too. It warms my heart to see that your son is working along side you. Thank you for sharing memories of your Mother.
I never met your mom but I have many of her books and I was always interested when I saw something she had written or designed. She was so inspiring and I grieved when she passed.
I’m glad you carry on the creativity.
I was lucky enough to be at a Lois seminar twice and Diane once-great teachers, always sharing of. Their inspiration. and I still use the patterns and books!
I will never forget your fascinating, creative, beautiful Mother. She shaped my life in many ways, just like you have! My association with the Ericsons then & now are some of my best treasures. Loved Lois & love you & miss seeing you.
Thanks for the memories of your Mom, she was amazing.
i had the honor of learning from your mom when she came to boulder colorado
what an inspiration she was to all of us
scary to see the photo of those books you showed
i had all of them
especially used the design and sew as an inspirational bible
when someone dies, you dont lose them. they always take a part of you with them.
best wishes
jeanne gray
DIANE…I DO INDEED REMEMBER YOUR SMART, CREATIVE, PRETTY MOTHER (YOU DEFINITELY TAKE AFTER HER…), AND OWN SEVERAL OF THOSE EARLY BOOKS AND BOOKLETS YOU BOTH PUT OUT, AS WELL AS MANY OF THE PATTERNS . AND DIDN’T SHE HAVE SOME SORT OF NEWSLETTER THAT SHE USED TO MAIL OUT, WITH ALL KINDS OF GREAT IDEAS? I ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF TAKING ONE OF YOUR CLASSES WHEN YOU CAME TO COLUMBUS, OHIO, SEVERAL YEARS AGO…I STILL HAVE A SAMPLE OF THE GREAT KNOT THAT YOU TAUGHT US USING A LENGTH OF TWISTED FABRIC. I WISH I LIVED CLOSER TO YOU (I LIVE IN WELLINGTON, FLORIDA NOW) SO THAT I COULD TAKE ANOTHER OF YOUR IN PERSON CLASSES…BUT I HAVE THE NEXT BEST THING IN ALL THE VARIOUS CREATIVE IDEAS, PATTERNS, ETC. THAT YOU AND YOUR MOM HAVE PRODUCED THROUGH THE YEARS…NOT TO MENTION YOUR ONLINE NEWSLETTER. KEEP ON KEEPING ON, DIANE…FONDLY, SUSAN RITTER