BOOKS:
currently reading
Federalist Papers
study and research
Cradle to Cradle,
The Travels of a T-Shirt in a Global Economy,
Big Cotton,
life changing books
Healthy at 100,
The Seven Mysteries of Life,
The I Ching,
Getting Things DONE,
the child inside
Lorax,
Above All Be Kind,
stories of harmony
In Pursuit of Weasure,
Trees Talk,
June 28, 2008
At 3:00pm today, I received notice that as of July 1st DHL will no longer be servicing "my area". Since FedEx doesn't work with our warehouse either, looks like UPS is our only option. If we have been shipping you fabric via DHL, I regret to inform you that we need to change your shipping instructions immediately. I apologize for the inconvenience. I find their choice to tell me late on Friday, with only 1 business day notice, rude at best.
June 24, 2008
Trees have always been a source of strength and inspiration for me.
June 23, 2008
I watched this video a few months ago and have been meaning to pass the link on to you. It is LONG (108 minutes), but I think this is one of the most important documentaries and well worth your time. It explains in detail what is happening to our seed supply and the biodiversity that has sustained our planet for millions of years. Warning: This video is disturbing.
June 22, 2008
It is with long anticipation and great happiness that I report that the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) finally has a logo (pictured here). To me, a logo is important to the success of a standard. With over 40 other eco-fiber standards worldwide it is critical that GOTS be able to differentiate itself to the consumer.
June 18, 2008
I am definitely struggling with the loss of my Pops. One of the last things he said to me was, "You are so beautiful." I can't even write that without getting tears in my eyes. Yes, loosing someone who unconditionally loves you so sweetly is not easy. My advise to all of you who still have parents left is this: Enjoy every minute with them. Ask them every question you can think of... take notes on the important things you want to be sure to remember... take pictures... hold hands... hug.
June 17, 2008
Today, we received the first installment of our largest order to date. We received the new Moonless Night Black sateen and a 60" (non-optic) white sateen. If all goes well, we should have the rest of the "planted seeds" fabrics within the next few weeks. We also (finger's crossed) hope to FINALLY have Alphabet Soup and the white denim back in stock very soon. Pre-orders for any of the "soon to arrive" fabrics are welcome.
June 16, 2008
Congrats to Cathy Kalepo, for being recognized as an "Up and Comer" in the Seattle Magazine's "Seamless in Seattle" fashion contest. I think Calmerin looks fabulous in her four tier flounce dress.
June 10, 2008
I am SUPER happy to report that we now have a retail distributor based in Germany. Linda Gaylord has created one of the coolest fabric sites I have seen. Her style and collection of fabrics is something we are proud to be a part of. Linda also has a blog worth checking out. Please make her feel welcome to the harmony art organic cotton team. If you are based in Germany or have friends or relatives who are, please let them know about Volksfaden.
June 6, 2008
I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary on June 6th. It was a strange anniversary to say the least. With the passing of my father only 5 days prior there was a somber tone to the event. I have to say that I am SOOOOOOO incredibly blessed to have Sus as my life partner. His strength, gentleness and thoughtfulness are a constant source of inspiration. I am not sure I could have made it through the last week without his support. It is great to be told "I love you" but to be shown it day in and day out is truly amazing. I LOVE YOU SUS!
June 1, 2008
On May 31st, I was in the bay area at the request of an old friend to attend his father's funeral/wake. I hadn't seen or heard from this friend in years (he now lives in Portland) but he called and told me he would appreciate it if I could be there. The wake was about 1 mile from my own parent's home so I took the opportunity to make a surprise visit to my own mom and dad.
May 23, 2008
The new sateens from India are almost here! This week we received sample production yardage of all of the new fabrics with the exception of Garden. I am told that one will be here early next week. I am happy to report that apart from a few minor details (like mislabeled selvages) the fabrics are BEAUTIFUL and after my initial wash test the colors hold extremely well and the hand couldn't be more luscious. I think you will really enjoy these new fabrics. If all goes well, the boat with the full inventory should be here next month. YAHOO!
May 20, 2008
Last week we had record breaking high temperatures. The San Francisco bay area has introduced water rationing and it isn't even summer yet. I have gotten into the habit of thinking to myself as I turn on the facet and clean, lovely water spills out... "how long will this luxury go on?" I think we in the USA take our seemingly abundant water supply for granted. After years of pesticide and chemical usage, is our water really clean? Here's a web site where you can type in your zip code and find out just how clean your tap water really is.
May 19, 2008
Alphabet Soup has been a mighty challenging fabric to reproduce. I won't bore you with ALL the details... but this week yet another new chapter begins. After 2 unsuccessful attempt to reprocess the fabric at the printer in New Jersey, we have aborted that mission and are now shipping all of the goods to yet another processing plant in the hopes that they will have success in getting this fabric to behave in an acceptable manner. Good vibes are definitely welcome! Stay tuned for another episode of As the Alphabet Soup Turns (my stomach).
May 14, 2008
At the last Gualala Arts Center "Recycle Your Art & Second-hand Sale", I picked up 3 of these great Danish chairs. The Gualala Arts Center holds two big rummage sales a year. One in the spring and one in the fall. I didn't plan on attending but ended up going down as they were closing up. (The sale is only 3 hours long!) I was shocked that no one wanted these lovely chairs, so I decided to give them a new home. We recovered them with our organic Silent Stumps denim. I am in LOVE with them.
While we had the recovering bug, we also covered the cushions for our outdoor rod iron table set. I say "we" but the reality is that Sus did 90% of the work. Thanks Sus! This table once belonged to my grand- mother, then my parents, and for the last 10+ years it has been ours. I have always loved it, and the new Let it Grow cushions give it a fresh look.
May 13, 2008
Katharine Hamnett is one of my heroes. Here is a great short video that features Katharine speaking about organic cotton and why it is so important. The statistic that keeps me motivated is that cotton production (field to store) employs 1/6th of the world population! Imagine if one out of every 6 people was working in an ethical and environmentally sustainable way? The potential for real, global impact keeps me inspired on this journey. Thanks for being a part of it.
May 12, 2008
After much thought, debate, and consideration, we have decided to move some of our existing line to the "limited release" section. In order to offer new designs, we have to make choices as to which fabrics we will continue to reproduce.
May 11, 2008
I am grateful that we have a holiday dedicated to the women who bring us into the world. When I launched Harmony Art organic design, I didn't realize that the first people our fabric would resonate with would be new mothers. On this Mother's Day, I want to say THANK YOU to all you mothers out there!
May 7, 2008
One of my fantasies was fulfilled this week. Harmony Art fabric made the COVER of a magazine. Living Crafts is a thoughtful publication and we are honored to have our Eyes of the World fabric featured in their summer issue.
April 25, 2008
Ok, that's a tad dramatic but I have to celebrate a wee bit. On April 8th we sold out of Sweet Jane. The new batch arrived at our warehouse on April 25th. Why all the excitement? Timing a production run of organic fabric is VERY hard. The lead times are long and keeping fabric in stock is a serious challenge. The fact that we timed it within days is next to amazing. It helps that we printed this in the USA, but I am still reveling in the timing. Hopefully all the new runs will go so smoothly. (Hey, I can dream!)
April 24, 2008
Just over a week ago, we took a road trip to Santa Barbara. On the way, we detoured to see "the babies". My brother's twins are now 13 months and SO much fun. You can see them pictured here wearing bibs generously gifted to them by Deanna of Ja*lu. THANK YOU Deanna! They will be well used and loved.
April 15, 2008
As some of you know far too well, leading a balanced life while running a new business can be a serious challenge. I have been trying hard to make some life/work adjustment and have recently been experimenting with the concept of one computer-free day a week. I have even been calling it my sabbath. Today, I received a link to this New York Times article from my friend Kate from Bebop Baby Shop. She also sent this photo of the creatures she has created using our scrap fabric. Both the photo and the article are good reminders to lighten up. Thanks Kate! I can use all the reminders and support I can get!
April 14, 2008
We were happy to participate in the "A Night of Eco Chic Entertaining" which occurred April 10th in NYC to promote green event planning. This is a picture of one of the tables that Danielle Venokur of dvGreen styled using our digital printed organic fabric. I think she did a beautiful job. You can read more about the event on the ecorazzi blog. Photo credit: Ron Holtz.
April 11, 2008
Have you heard there is 1/3 pound of pesticides in your average t-shirt? Read Coral Rose's blog to get the full, true, updated info about this often quoted statistic. I suggest reading all 4 parts of her Fact Check series. I am SO grateful for people like Coral who are committed to honest, thoughtful information about organic fabrics. THANKS CORAL!
April 10, 2008
If you are in the greater San Francisco bay area, here's another upcoming event you might be interested in: Designing with Conscience ::: A Sustainable Fashion Symposium. It is May 18th at UC Davis and is free and open to the public! The line up of speakers looks fantastic and I know Susan has been putting a lot of work into making this symposium thoughtful and thorough. You can visit the blog for the event to learn more. I believe that LOOK Organics will be in the fashion show. Should be a great event!
April 9, 2008
No, not the state... the fabric. We have just received our very first organic jersey fabric. It is non-optic white and a very nice light-weight fabric. With all the challenges we have had with the interlock knits this may be the solution we have been looking for. I look forward to getting your feedback on this new knit.
April 6, 2008
I am writing this from the airplane on my way home from what definitely classifies as another weasure trip. Back in March of 2007, I was asked to speak as part of a panel for the SAQA/SDA Breaking New Ground Symposium on April 5, 2008 in Wayne, PA. That event finally arrived yesterday.
March 26, 2008
As some of you may have read on my faq page, I am very much in favor of hemp. We have been working on r & d for a hemp fabric and I recently received the first sample swatch. We are still investigating the production of it... so stay tuned.
March 25, 2008
If you have been reading this journey you know I have been struggling with my emails being rejected by hotmail. I am happy to report that issue seems to be finally resolved, but now yahoo mail is rejecting my emails! This is getting very tiresome. If you have a yahoo account and you are not hearing back from me in a timely manner, you may want to pick up the phone and call me. There is a good chance my response is lost in cyberspace.
March 23, 2008
On Easter Sunday, we had a lovely brunch at Victoria and Andy Thomas' house. The food was delicious, the company engaging, the sun shinning and to top it off this incredible one-of-a-kind bird hat, worn by Mike Laine. In speaking with Mike, we learned that he is a woodworker specializing in Japanese design and that he knows and has worked with our very good friend Da'vid Sipos (remember our teahouse from the LA textile show we did in 06?). Small wonderful world.
March 19, 2008
On labor day 2006, I was hiking the annual circum- ambulation (21 mile hike through The Sea Ranch). It was the last few miles of the hike, when I found myself in step with Maryann. We had never met before, but the last few miles flew by as we shared hopes, dreams, visions and philosophies.
March 18, 2008
I am super happy to report that Eddie's Quilting Bee in Sunnyvale, CA now carries the Harmony Art line! If you live in the San Francisco bay area and want to see and feel the fabrics, please take a trip to Eddie's store. The selection he carries is amazing. Big thanks to Eddie for taking the chance on the Harmony Art line. We hope this will be just the beginning of a great relationship.
March 17, 2008
Having spent time in the belly of the beast in a past life, I am still interested in this sort of report from Stanford Social Innovation review. I said it back in 2004, and I will say it again... the evil-empire has the potential to become the eco-empire. Love them or hate them, Wal-Mart's influence on the movement can not be ignored. I am VERY happy they have decided to embrace GOTS. I find this very encouraging on many levels.
March 15, 2008
The latest news about water contamination by pharmaceuticals in 24 major US cities is another sign that our current system of relating to our environment is not working, and we are still at the beginning stages of discovering how we are inadvertently polluting our water, air, soil, and selves. CNN gives the scary details as does Natural News. I liked their recent article on cotton too.
March 11, 2008
The "green movement" talks a lot about fair trade, liveable wages, no forced labor, etc. While I was in NYC recently, I had a chance to reflect, and it finally hit me. We have labor laws for a reason! It isn't healthy to work 14 hours a day 7 days a week. We all need "down" time, family time, relaxation time. I have been working an average of 70+ hours a week for the last 3 years straight. As many start-up business owners will tell you, running your own business is a 24/7 commitment. You never are really away from your work... even if you are lying on beach in the Bahamas your mind will be thinking about your business.
March 7, 2008
For the last 2 weeks, almost every time I try to send an email to someone with a hotmail account it gets bounced back to me. The message I get says that the address is bad but the code references my ISP being blocked as spam. I have called my ISP repeatedly and the latest news is that 2 of the 13 MSN mail servers have us blocked. We are at the mercy of MSN to release the block. My ISP's advise was to just keep sending the messages until you get an unblocked server. Lovely. Seems like 5 out of 6 times my messages come back (not 2 out of 13). It is getting very old. If you have a hotmail account, don't think I am ignoring you, just frustrated with your bouncer. If you have a different email account, please use that for now and feel free to complain to MSN that you aren't receiving mail from your friends who use Starband. Thanks! . . . and thanks for letting me vent.
March 4, 2008
After traveling for most of 2007, I took a vow of travel celibacy for 2008. That said, there are a few exceptions (things I had committed to prior to my ban on travel). Last week was the first exception. Sus and I were in NYC for the Green Products Expo. The event itself was only 4 hours long but when you live 3 hours away from the closest airport getting anywhere takes you an entire day - each way.
March 3, 2008
My friend Debbie recently told me about the Kitchen 08 marketing summit happening April 23-24th in Portland. The line up and speakers look very interesting and inspiring. If I wasn't on my travel celibacy year I would definitely be interested in checking it out. Maybe some of you in the NW might want to attend. If you do, I would love to hear about it.
February 13, 2008
It is not too late to participate in the International Fiber Collaborative. All entries must be received by March 15th. The goal of the project is "to provide an opportunity for people who enjoy working with crafts, whether professional artists, hobbyists or students to come together from all over the world to express their concerns about their countries extreme dependency on oil for energy". Their plan is to completely cover an abandoned gas station in central New York State with 3 foot by 3 foot panels of fabric/art donated by artists all over the world. I stitched a bunch of outdated swatches together to create my square.
February 11, 2008
We were shocked to find out that our fabric appeared last week in the House of Organic Sustainable Fashion Show as part of NYC fashion week. Our fabric wasn't in any of the clothes (that we know of), but rather the underwear that Summer Rayne Oaks, the host for the night, started the show wearing. The designer of the underwear (aka knickers) is Jennifer Ambrose founder of Enamore. What a fun and funny surprise! Click on this link and scroll down to see for yourself. One of our favorite bloggers Jasmin Malik Chua made the post and also our recent feature on Treehugger. Thanks Jasmin!
February 6, 2008
Our good friends at Truly Organic are doing a survey asking consumers about their thoughts/feelings on organic cotton and natural dyes. In exchange for completing their survey they are offering a 10% coupon to be used in their soon to open online store. If you have a minute, please take their survey and give them your input. Act quick, the survey will only be up for a couple of weeks. If you are going to be at MAGIC you can stop by their booth #919 at POOL. We wish them all the best!
February 5, 2008
Having left you hanging in my previous post on Jan 22nd about the predicament of Alphabet Soup, this week's episode brings some progress to the situation. The plan as it stands is to collect and ship back to the printer all of the goods for re-finishing to help solve the shrinkage/expansion issue. This particular print has been so much trouble I am beginning to think it is better defined as my situation comedy than my daytime drama. I am reminded once again of a quote from a favorite song, "nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile."
February 3, 2008
I met with Jeanelle Dech last year when we both found ourselves in North Carolina the same week. Jeanelle is the owner and founder of Adaptive Textiles, a digital textile printer in Pennsylvania. I am happy to report that they have recently added our organic sateen and denim to their base fabric offerings. Digital printing is an exciting technology that allows for on demand printing with zero minimums. We look forward to helping them grow their organic cotton print business. Feel free to visit their web site and/or contact Mandy for more information.
January 30, 2008
Okay, it isn't the denim's fault but I have to admit the latest qc issue is down right aggravating. The white denim arrived at our warehouse at last, but I found out this week that it was not whitened! Aye Caramba. Some days this business just makes you want to scream. I am grateful to report that the few customers impacted have been very understanding. On the bright side, we have consequently added a natural denim to our selection and will be getting the true (god willing) non-optic white denim in a few more weeks. Some months it really feels like one step forward, two steps back. . . but at least we are still heading in the right direction. I hear Mars is in retrograde, maybe that explains it!?
January 24, 2008
Last night I attended a lecture at the Gualala Arts Center about the Usal Redwood Forest acquisition. 50,635 acres of contiguous land is now under the ownership of the Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc.. What makes this land deal so exciting (and Don my redwood superhero), is the landmark way the deal was structured... "the country's first forest acquisition by a nonprofit using 100 percent private capital to close the deal." It is too complex to try to explain in this blog, but the basic premise is a triple bottom line (environmental, social, and financial). Their goals are LOOOONG term - and if they are successful will happen long after we are all dead and gone but the deal is set up to benefit the entire eco-system including the animals, plants, and people that live in the community. This sort of creative problem solving that brings people together, gives me hope.
Januray 23, 2008
My dear friend Jon Sherwood whom I have known since I was 14, just got a new job as the financial manager for Engines and Energy Conversions Lab (EECL). If you have the time, I suggest watching this video and checking out the exciting things that are happening at Colorado State. When I spoke with Jonny tonight, he asked, "What was your favorite part?" My response was that the EECL is grooming and growing agents for real world change. How cool is that?
January 22, 2008
Sometimes this journey feels like a carnival ride, the kind that makes you head and stomach hurt. Today was one of THOSE days.
January 16, 2008
The first roll of the new print run was received today! I have been on pins and needles in anticipation of what the response would be to our new and improved printer. Here's what Deidrea from Hot Mama Gowns reported:
January 14, 2008
Here's a link to an interview on NPR with Scot Case that does an excellent job at defining "greenwashing". I personally try very hard to not criticize others. I know nothing we do is perfect, and I know there are lots of things we, here at Harmony Art, could do better. However, when I see a well-known, national brand (Pottery Barn) putting out statements like, "Oeko-Tex is the world's definitive ecological certification process", I just can't keep silent.
January 12, 2008
Last night after an impromptu hike at the urging of my artist and chef friend Sue Friedland, I ended up back at her house for two bowls of delicious, homemade, vegan split pea and shitake barley soups. Joining us for dinner were my husband, Sue's husband, and renown quilter, Joan Schulze. Joan was in town for the "Out of the Box" show that is opening tonight at the Gualala Art Center.
January 10, 2008
Today we received another big shipment, this time from our domestic printer! In addition to having Alphabet Soup back in stock (now on natural), we also have a new release Moon on a light weight flannel. You may recognize this design from its former life as Pink Moon. It feels great to be (almost completely) back in stock! Enjoy! I feel like the spirits and stars must all be aligned.
January 9, 2008
The wait is over! We now have back in stock: Whispering Grass, Pale Aqua, Whispering Grass black/white, Let it Grow, Light Green, Vein and Light Blue. Since I didn't personally oversee this production run (done in India) I will be relying heavily on the first recipients to give me feedback.
January 2, 2008
As many of you know, we have been patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) waiting for the shipment from India to arrive. I am happy to report that the fabric cleared customs and is now in transit to our warehouse in South Carolina. With any luck (and no new hold ups) we should receive the fabric tomorrow. Since there is SO much arriving, it may take a few days for our warehouse to unpack and sort it all but rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to get these fabrics available as soon as possible. Since, I have not personally been able to inspect this run, I will be counting on your feedback . Thanks for your patience!!!! We will soon have back in stock: Whispering Grass, Pale Aqua, Whispering Grass black/white, Let it Grow, Light Green, Vein and Light Blue.
January 1, 2008
For the 7th year in a roll we have rung in the new year with gratitude. This year's list of 2,008 things we are grateful for was started (appropriately enough) on Thanksgiving and was finished before midnight last night. This year's list was done electronically with the help of many contributors with special thanks to Mary Sue, Bob, Sus and Martje.