I’ve had a lot of questions about the name for this blog. I first learned about this animal from my oldest son, when he was about 3. We often play a game we invented called “guess an animal” and it’s a great dinner time game that every family member can participate in. The rules are simple: come up with an animal and give hints until someone guesses correctly, we also answer questions like, does it have 4 legs, would you find one on a farm, does it have spots, etc. 
So imagine my confusion when my son was giving hints about an animal that had stripes on its legs and a head like a giraffe; we all thought he was making it up. What animal is like a cross between a giraffe and a zebra? Apparently an okapi is. Thankfully Wikipedia backed him up, and we came up with the perfect animal to stump any dinner guests in the future.
What an okapi reminds me of is that there is always something new to be learned, and sometimes, from the most unlikely places. I think that’s a wonderful lesson to keep in mind when sewing and trying new skills.
Technically, okapi doesn’t rhyme with happy, but that’s how I say it in my head, so I’m taking some artistic liberty with it, because, who doesn’t like being happy?

I just wanted to take a quick moment to welcome Lisa, the new owner of Stay Home Fabrics. She’s already got the shop back into full swing with many amazing new collections and more on the way.

I would also like to welcome Satin Moon Quilted Garden, the Victoria, BC shop I mentioned that helps my Dad pick out some great fabric for my bags. The shop is another reason to make a trip out to Victoria, with their modern quilting collections, including Art Gallery Fabrics, and many patterns and books. If you can’t make it to the shop, check out their website, or even give them a call to see if they have what you’re looking for.