Jenny E. Sabin - knitted textile pavilion

I spent a few days in my home away from home, New York City, last week – visiting my family and recharging my creative cells. An afternoon in the garment district with Peanut was the absolute perfect start. I introduced her to my favorite fabric store, NY Elegant Fabrics on 40th Street, where she bought organza for a dress she's making. Seeing the fabric stores with her was like seeing them for the first time again. Her wonder and appreciation for the patterns, colors, and textures that line the walls from floor to ceiling boosted my excitement about all the possibilities of a maker's life.

I was fortunate enough to see Beauty — Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial. I love visiting the Cooper Hewitt. Not only is it an amazing space but I appreciate the intimate size. I always leave feeling as though I had time to really see and enjoy each piece on display. My favorites this time included the Kustaa Saksi jacquard-woven tapestry, titled 'Nightless Night' and Jenny Sabin's knitted textile pavilion housed on the top floor. The colors are what initially drew me to Nightless Night but seeing images of nature hidden within the weave are what made me feel a true connection. Can you see the moths & bats? The incredible Jenny Sabin installation is like a other-worldly glowing igloo made from photoluminescent and solar active yarns that "absorb, collect, and deliver light." You can walk right into the pavillion, and if you're lucky enough to be there on a quiet day, as I was, the feeling is quite serene.

All of this was made even more exciting by the pen (or wand) that you are handed when checking into the museum. It's my first time at a Smithsonian Museum since this new technology was introduced and I must say, it's absolutely fantastic. The pen can be used to explore the Smithsonian archives on interactive tables and it also allows you to tag items throughout the museum, which will be stored to an individualized account for you to access once you leave. I was able to come home and see detailed photos of my favorite pieces and read more about each one. Pretty wonderful.

My inspiration vacation was capped off with skiing in Patterson, NY. At 41 years of age, I had never been in a pair of skis prior to last weekend. I hadn't even had an interest in trying until Peanut started skiing and made it look so effortless and easy. Now that I've done it, I can honestly say that it's not all that easy but I learned french fries, mastered pizza, and I even had fun too. Super sore calves and shins for a few days afterward but it was well worth it for the liberating feeling that comes with breaking out of your comfort zone. Something I need to do a lot more often.

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