There is something special about quilts that live on through generations. (Do you know the children’s book The Quilt Story? It shares that story perfectly.) This one is one of my best-loved gifts from this year’s holidays – a revived Dresden Plate quilt from the 1930s.

Bought at a thrift shop by my mom in the 1990s, the quilt was nearly falling apart by the time I brought it with me to California. But no matter, I loved it! The patterns, the colors, the softly worn fabric….

Luckily, my Nana is a bit of a quilting pro. So last year, she agreed to nurse this quilt back to life as a very special gift. Now many stitches and patches later and with the loving touch of several of her quilter friends, it is as beautiful as new!

I love thinking of the original quilter who, as Nana points out, likely made these Dresden Plates using scraps from her family’s clothing. On the back, Nana tells the story of this particular quilter (such the modern quilter!), so its history will live on with it.

special thanks + love to nana and mom for bringing this quilt to keep me warm!

listening to: Blackbird by the Beatles (listen)

photo by big dipper wax works

In the dark days of mid-winter, a little candlelight really brightens up my nights. I’ve come to love love the glow and smell of beeswax candles and nowadays try to keep as many around as we can. They’re a bit pricier than traditional wax candles, but they burn cleaner without any sooty paraffin burnoff and last longer with their slight honey scent.

One of the big-small makers of beeswax candles on the West Coast is Big Dipper Wax Works (I do especially love their name and bright bee logo). Plus there seem to be lots of local makers, wherever your are – including, I found over the holidays, in my little hometown in Massachusetts! You can also find lots of beautiful beeswax candles on Etsy, handcrafted by indie makers. I think it’s just the thing to add a little brightness to winter days – or anyday.

listening to: Sea of Love by Cat Power (listen)

When I’m working from home these days, I’m most often found at my desk by the windows. My workspace is slowly evolving, including functional additions like this and this. I’ve downsized my calendar from the enormous Typography Calendar by Pentagram to the wholesome illustrated calendar by Nikki McClure. It’s a good change for the new year.

My inspiration board changes with the seasons (remember it back in November?). The month of February is all about bringing love into the middle of winter–so I’m warming up and smiling with thoughts of sweet peaches and hearts and glowing suns, lots of reds and oranges. Spring will be here soon enough!