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
13 comments
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.