My customers and friends know I end most of my emails with the quote from Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

That small group committed to organic cotton just added a BIG NAME endorsement with the impending release of: Organic Soul by Amy Butler for Rowan.  The collection contains nine prints on 44/45" wide organic cotton fabric.  You don't  have to wait very much longer; the fabric will be shipping to retailers in mid August.  Here are some photos of the loveliness in action . . .

Amy is a dear friend and so this is EXTRA special and exciting for me.  I thought I would take the opportunity to ask Amy a few questions...

Why did you decide to release an organic collection?
It's something that I've wanted to do for years, and we finally found a great source for high-quality, GOTS certified organic cotton. It's close to my heart, and I want to support it in any way I can. I'm hoping that by supporting the industry through making choices to buy organic, that it can eventually become "the way" and not the exception.

What does organic mean to you?
I want to live my life and run my business as sustainably as I can. It's a consciousness that we have in our home and studio. Simple choices we make like raising our garden organically, buying local organic foods, walking or biking instead of driving, just being healthy and living simply. How we affect our surroundings gives us an appreciation and respect for ourselves. Supporting the organic movement to me is not revolutionary, it just makes sense for the long term health of everyone. I feel that choosing organics whenever I can supports an optimistic vision of my future, our future, and every little bit helps.

Thanks Amy!  I am hopeful that your commitment will get the attention of many more people as we strive together to make sustainable living/eating/crafting/dressing/being the norm.  I too agree that it is the simple choices repeated daily that create our lives and the world we live in.

If you are interested in learning more about why organic textiles are a sustainable option, please visit these 2 informational pages on the Harmony Art web site:  Why Organic Cotton?  and The (r)evolution of textiles.

In the spirit of sustainability, please leave a comment about what small step(s) you are taking to live a more environmentally thoughtful life and you will be entered to win a selection of Amy's sewing patterns.  Comments must be posted by Tuesday, August 2nd for a chance to win.

Thanks Mallory for organizing and including Harmony Art in the blog tour!  Be sure to continue Amy's blog tour as she visits with the ladies at See How We Sew on Tuesday, August 2nd for more information about her new Voile fabrics!

My friend Trudy  is truly amazing.  I can never remember how old she is because it never makes any sense when I hear it.  I know she is in her 70's but she has more vitality, zest for life and joy than just about anyone I know.  She is spontaneous, wise, loving and always a pleasure to be around.

This year has been a tough one for Trudy.  Her son died after a valiant fight with cancer and in the middle of his last days she was hit by a car while in a cross walk.  The accident left her with a major gash in her leg that had to heal before they could do reconstructive surgery on her knee.  Tough stuff... but Trudy is tougher.

When a member (and friend) in our local quilt guild suggested that a comfort quilt be made for Trudy, I immediately jumped on the team.  It was definitely a collaborative effort with design input from Misses Stitches, The Green Bag Lady, myself and Mirka (the leader of the group).  The quilting was done by Suzanne Friedland.  Mirka gets the award for most time and effort and for pulling it all together (a couple of times).  To be able to work with such thoughtful women to create something meaningful was truly a joy.  I was really happy with how it turned out. 

I am happy to report that as of this week Trudy can now put 50% pressure on her recovering leg and will be swimming, driving and traveling again soon. 

Have you ever been involved in a "comfort quilt" project?  I recently learned of this project:  do. Good Stitches and was really impressed with what they are doing and creating.  I do believe that acts of love and kindness are priceless gifts -- like friendship.

In case you are curious, the fabrics used in this organic cotton comfort quilt are:  Vein, Thirty-nine, 10 Flowers, Fields of Honey, Morning Dew and Solid Scarlet.

The summer issue of Living Crafts magazine contains the "Complete Guide to Organic Fabrics." -- In this 12-page article by Fiona Duthie, you’ll find out about the leading brands of organic fabric companies, where they are produced, where they are printed, their certification(s), as well as a nice list of organic fabric retailers. In addition, they offer you a side-bar on Selection Criteria by Tara Boyd and Winnie Culp of Nearsea Naturals.

As someone who has been working since 2005 to break organic cottons reputation of beautiful shades of oatmeal and granola this was one of those issues that warmed my heart!  This multi-page spread features 13 different organic cotton fabric companies!  Big thanks to editor Pardis and writer Fiona for taking on this project and helping educate and promote the use of organically grown fabrics.

Please pick up your own copy of Living Craft magazine.  In addition to features on each of these companies they have a section about the equally important  organic fabric retailers as well as lots of other crafty articles.

As more and more big names enter the organic arena, our movement gains traction and energy.  Big LOVE to all the designers and companies who have put their fabric where their hearts are.  You make me very, very happy!

In Studio City there is a house - not just any ordinary house but one that has been remodeled to take advantage of existing green technology.  Last year I had the pleasure of visiting the Zenergy house and meeting the inspiring owners. 

Their mission:  to help homeowners recognize what truly determines a green home and to provide a roadmap for creating thier own ZENERGY HOUSE.  You can get a virtual tour by clicking this link.  The web site is full of useful tools and tips. 

We were thrilled when they asked to use our Evelyn organic sateen in their sitting room.  What have you done to "green" your home?