As my business has grown and hit milestones over the years, I’ve learned that things seem to come in waves. There will be a lull just before another swell. Right now is a swell. My first fabric line officially launched just a few weeks ago and in April we launched a new MMS Milk Paint color and I just got through the final approval stages of the two rugs I designed for Dash & Albert. Never thought I would string a sentence together like that.
So, let’s start with the rugs. Here is the one I received a couple of weeks ago…
It is still surreal seeing it in person. Even when I look at the picture, I have to remind myself that it isn’t a mock-up! This rug is beautiful. It has a thick, soft pile that feels so comfy underfoot. I think it works well with the pattern and color variations.
Here’s a close-up of the pile, colors, and knotted back…
Here are both of the rugs together…
Both designs are variations of elements from the same antique coverlet, so it’s interesting to see how different they are. I like that they could be used in close proximity to one another, but won’t look too matchy-matchy.
They were just samples, so I gave my approval, rolled them back up, and shipped them back. They will be available in fall of 2018 and I’ll keep you posted on where and when you can buy them. Oh, and they will be available in a variety of sizes from 2 x 3 – 9 x 12 rugs and even runners.
Also, I wanted to share a gorgeous quilt made by Amanda of Material Girl Quilts out of my Bunnies, Birds & Blooms fabric line! It was fun to see the fabrics come to life under such skillful hands.
And the blue solid fabric? While the star is the feature, I was most excited about the solid and how amazing it looks on a quilt. That fabric is “Flow Blue” from my Milk Paint Fabric Solids collection. Doesn’t it look like brushed-on milk paint? That was the idea! We’re going to release a few of these Milk Paint solids with each collection.
And here is another quilt made with the fabrics by Jo from @mybearpaw…
I love how playful this one is, but it has a vintage feel. Jo is so talented!
A few more quilters will be working with my fabrics as a part of an Instagram tour, so I’ll share their work as well. I am not a quilter, but I love quilts and appreciate they hard work that goes into each one. I love knowing some of my designs are a part of something sure to be a family heirloom.
A few years ago, I shared the dream I had of designing products. I didn’t know what that would look like or what kind of products I would even design. I just felt drawn to it. Maybe even just the idea of it. But sometimes, often, dreams are spoken and forgotten and shelved in favor of more practical things. More immediate things. A few possibilities popped up here and there along the way. I would get my hopes up and things would fall through. But a few things fell effortlessly into place in one season of business and now I have products designed and hitting the market in a few different industries (home decor, quilting fabric, and rugs) and it’s hard to believe this all started with some hand-painted wooden Christmas ornaments.
But it did and here we are.
We’re just talking about rugs and quilts today. Fibers woven together to make textiles. But, these quilts and rugs are made of so much more than cotton and wool…
They are made of the same things dreams are made of.
Cheesy, I know. Cheesy, but let’s just go with it…
Brilliant. How wonderful to see your dreams and ideas come true.
Enjoy your success.
While I loved seeing the quilts and rugs, all are fabulous, my favorite part is hearing the joy and wonder in your voice as you write about your dreams coming true. It’s so charming and heartwarming. It kinda reminds me of you showing people your magazine articles at WalMart. So cute!
All the best,
The Other Marian
Love how your whole story unfolds, how you look back and appreciate, and how you share for us to learn from. Inspired. Grateful. Beautiful. Thankful.
I have got to have one of the rugs for my ongoing bedroom update. Can’t wait to get it! Love love love them. So proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited for what’s to come!
What an amazing journey you are on – I envy your ability to work so hard! Enjoy your success as much as I am enjoying your journey!
Can’t wait to buy that rug!
You certainly write well and evidently quickly. I’m an English teacher and am curious as to what you attribute that ability? Were you an avid reader as a child? Thx.
Not cheesy at all! It’s wonderful when things fall effortlessly into place. God is good!
Beautiful rugs and the fabric on the quilts are incredible! Congratulations Marian. 🙂
Hi
Could you tell me the material that was used to make the rugs. They are beautiful. Also do they come in different colours.
Pierrette
MMS- never cheesy, always inspiring!!!!
Gorgeous quilts! Oh, and I love your new fabrics. I have my eye on one of them to sew up new café curtains for my kitchen. Thanks for sharing, Marian!
Lynn
Marian
I love when God smiles at us! Even if we have forgotten what we even asked for. Rugs lovely, and fabric very cool to how others imagine designs!
Pat
I love your new rug! The texture is fabulous! I have an Interior Design Business in Northwest Florida and I can’t wait to use it on a project! I’m loving navy blues this year!
Carolyn@30A Interiors
What ever happened to your business endeavor with a company in China? Did that materialize or is it on a back burner for now? Love your talents that you share with us
Yep, I went over there last March and have been designing products for them. Many of them hit the market late last year. I’ve been linking to them when I can find them, but they are a bit “scatter to the wind”, so I don’t always know which designs are picked up by which retailer.
the rugs are beautiful!!! Let us know when they are available for purchase!
Love the rugs. They are beautiful. Happy that your dreams are coming to fruition, Marian.
I LOVE those beautiful rugs! They look very high quality!
This is so sweet!
Really, really AWESOME! Happy for you, Marian!
Congratulations! Love your gorgeous rugs and the quilts too , but am partial to the darker blue rug. Is it reversible? It’s equally lovely on both sides! Also, can you please tell me where you purchased the nice, thick cushion on your desk chair? I”ve nearly given up locating one for my antique rolling cane-seat desk chair. Keep up the lovely, creative work!
I love D & A rugs! Your designs are fresh and modern yet traditional. Are they made in the US? Very few rugs are anymore but I love to share the companies that are with my Design students.
Love love those quilts especially the blue one. So happy for you
Dee
Wonderful! Especially love the rugs.
Question? Has the brick wall been “washed” with color? We have a brick wall in our
kitchen family room open space. As much as I love brick I think it needs an update as
we are going to “blow out” the house (not the brick wall).
Marian, you’re such a good writer,…. your rugs are gorgeous, and I love your fabrics too (I look forward to seeing all in person)
Your beautiful things all match my farmhouse! ( our ongoing work in progress! 😉
I just got some AVIARY MMS Milk paint and am so looking forward to trying it,
Thanks also for the info on oil painting stills/re the finish coat/Gamvar, I got satin and gloss, and am all set to paint now, really appreciate all you share and inspire! take care! Joan
So very happy for you. This is the Miss Mustard Seed that I have been watching and wishing good things for all along. So glad to see you able to promote your products with all the creativity , perseverance, and work that they represent!!!
I just got chills looking at the quilts – it’s just such an amazing transformation to see the fabrics intersected // intertwined // come to life! The quilts are all so beautiful – such talent and hard work! Not sure how this has come about, but I have recently become enchanted with blue and white. So, those new rugs look like works of art to me ! And of course, Sebastian is the cherry on top!
The rugs are gorgeous and Sebastian makes them even more fabulous.
I have no idea how long I’ve read your blog, but you were one of the first I followed. I remember when you were talking about your paint, then when you got your first shipment! I’m proud of what you’re doing and how far you’ve come. You’re smart and talented……Keep on doing what you’re doing….following where the Lord leads you!
Are the designs you did in China made by an American company? Just curious
Are your designs you did in China made by an American company? Just curious.
MMS!
Another milestone in your wonderfully creative life. Congratulations!!
Diney on Camano
Very nice indeed!
Congratulations! I love your products. It shows the thought and preparation that you put into each item. Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Congratulations on the Fabric and rug, both beautiful, i hope the fabric line will be available where i can buy it, i can’t wait to make a quilt with it, the rugs are very nice also.
You are off and running Marian~ dreams coming true!
Bless you, Cynthia
Everything is beautiful! Congrats! LoVe hearing about your “world.”
Oh! Marian, that is such a cute picture of Sebastian! He is quite liking your lovely new carpet — me, too! I am definitely going to have to get me one for our home! Blue and White are my favorite colors so one of your carpets will just look so nice in our country home here by the lake up in Canada!
I also love your fabric line! It’s so beautiful! I am going to get some fabric next time we are in the U.S. as I would love to make a quilt and a wall hanging.
Congrats on your lovely fabric line and those gorgeous carpets! May God continue to bless you and your business with wonderful things! Blessings, dear friend!
They are beautiful fabrics and I want the rug desperately!
What an inspiration you are! I love your new blue and white rugs. Beautiful!11
Marian, I love the diversity if your world! There is never a dull moment as we enjoy your world of talent and inspiration. Thank you.
You are so right, dreams can come true, but, you worked hard for them, and i am so happy for you.
I love it! Congratulations Marian ?. That IS fun how the blue on the quilt looks like paint! I especially love the way the fabrics and rugs either look like or actually replicate vintage fabrics. What a sweet way to pass on some of the good things from our history.
Congratulation, Marion!! Keep up the good design work!
I would love to see that original Christmas ornament that started your journey……
Way to go Marian! I’ve been watching you grow for several years and you have inspired me.
Kathy
The rugs are gorgeous. Will they be available to purchase online. I live in South Africa.
does cheesy mean magical, miraculous and God-given? then yes, cheesy.
Love the rugs and everything about this post! So wonderful to see your dreams come to life.
Well done my friend, well done! Enjoy your success…. you have earned it!
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