​Spring in Concord is a magical time.  As the temperatures rise and the colors of nature unfurl, it is impossible to resist the temptation to get outside and take in the beautiful vistas that surround us. 
Yesterday was a perfect day for a walk to Minute Man National Historical Park, which was flooded with groups of elementary students on field trips, some of whom were listening to the tour guides who patiently explained the important events that took place there.   It was at the Old North Bridge where colonial militia were ordered to fire on British troops for the first time—The Shot Heard Round the World.  Each time I make my way through the Park, I overhear some new and interesting fact about the legendary skirmish that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.  Yesterday I learned that the fighting was brief but bloody, and that the incident lasted only three minutes, as the British quickly retreated and marched back to Boston.
 
This is a common sight at the Minute Man Statue, where everyone takes photos.
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Views from the Old North Bridge.

​Today was unseasonably cool here in Concord, with strong winds that discouraged outdoor activities—a perfect day for me to stay in and sew.  I spent the morning working on this vibrant Ikat fabric by Trend.  I love the combination of the deep raspberry color with orange and gray.  The design repeat is large so I spent some time thinking about how best to take advantage of the limited fabric that I had—only one yard!  I came across it at a fabric store in western Massachusetts.  I wish they had more in stock.
 
In the end I decided on rectangular pillows, which should display nicely the design elements.  Tomorrow I will add zippers, stitch fronts and backs together and take some pictures.  Stay tuned!
 
 
 
 

Concord Pillows sustains and rewards me in a number of ways.  There is much to do--building this website, managing social media, creating a business plan and, most importantly, designing and sewing beautiful pillows.  I relish it all, but wish there were more hours in the day that I could devote to these and the many other tasks involved in launching a company.  
Last night we attended the Artrageous benefit gala at The Umbrella Community Arts Center here in Concord, Massachusetts.  It was a wonderful event, and we were lucky to be able to bid on and win this fabulous painting by Sara Cassidy Smith of an iconic view of downtown Concord.

​The theme of the evening was storytelling, and it struck me that Concord Pillows is the beginning of a story, one that I am beginning to write enthusiastically and one that, no doubt, will take me in more than a few unexpected directions.  Please check back often to see how that story unfolds.