"Beauty is the promise of happiness."
Stendhal

Photo: Gail Wolf

Dear Friends,

I have decided that going forward I will write just one Kearsley newsletter each month, unless we are celebrating a special event. I would like these letters to be meaningful, a pleasant read that brings some joy, information, and beauty into people’s lives, and I need to take the time to do that well. Once a month is what feels most feasible to provide you with an intersting newsletter.

Spring in Sonoma

Spring is beginning to unfold here in Sonoma. I know many of you are currently wrapped in a deep blanket of beautiful snow.

The vineyards are glowing again with their blankets of mustard flowers, bright yellow stretching between the rows of vines. The orchards and gardens are beginning to burst into bloom. Every morning the air carries that familiar mixture that comes with spring. A little sneezing and a few itchy eyes, but also the unmistakable feeling of renewal. The beauty is worth it.

Our family has a small game we play when we are out driving or walking through town. We point out the trees that are flowering and the sudden bursts of blossoms appearing everywhere. It is remarkable how much the landscape changes from one day to the next this time of year. Simply noticing the natural beauty around us seems to calm the nervous system in a way that is surprisingly powerful.

The New Kearsley Atelier

Inside the new Kearsley Atelier, we are slowly settling into this next chapter. Opening the doors here in Sonoma has been deeply meaningful. Alongside our linens, we have begun representing several beautiful tabletop, gift, and barware collections that complement the life of the home. It has been a pleasure to curate objects that help create moments of beauty around the table and throughout daily life.

Here I take you on a little tour: LINK

Sewing With Kearsley Fabrics

SHOP: Soleil Sateen Fabric By The Yard

Filming The Bond

Another highlight recently was being interviewed for three upcoming episodes of Jo Bond’s wonderful television series The Bond. Jo is brilliant, and our conversations were such a pleasure. The series explores the relationships between humans, animals, and the natural world and will appear on HBO Max and Discovery+ as well as on YouTube.

We spoke about ethical and sustainable textile practices, what makes certain fibers rare and therefore the pinnacle of luxury, and how we can engineer healthier sleep environments for ourselves and our pets. Of course, we also discussed the deep bond many of us share with our dogs and the practical questions that come with living and sleeping alongside the animals we love.

 Check out The Bond Series: LINK (We will let you know when Kearsley will be streaming and available on You Tube).

Photo: Emma Wolf (light and sound tech for the Zoom interview)

Writing on Substack

I have been writing about some of these topics recently in our Substack, and I know many of you reading this are already part of that community. If you would like to follow along there, you can find it here:

LINK: substack.com/@heatherkearsleywolf

Image: “Sheep among the heather” by Graham Hogg, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Handcrafted One of a Kind Totes

At the atelier, Alethia Erotas has also been creating something rather special. She has been designing a series of one of a kind tote bags, beginning with carefully developing and cutting the patterns for each size before the sewing even begins. Once the patterns are prepared, each of the large totes takes approximately 6.5 hours to assemble and sew, which helps explain why these kinds of handmade pieces are so rarely produced today.

They include thoughtful details such as key clips and washable interiors, designed to be both beautiful and practical. Because each bag is made individually, every piece is truly unique.

Alethia has also begun creating several variations using Barbara Beckmann Designs fabrics combined with Kearsley textiles, including handbag sized mini totes, which I am already planning to wear with summer dresses, as well as the much requested diaper bags.

In some cases, visitors to the atelier have even been able to select their own fabric and size combinations, which makes each piece even more personal.

We are creating a page on the website where the currently available bags can be purchased. Although photographs do not quite capture how beautiful they are in person, you will be able to shop the available one of a kind bags here:

Shop Here

You are also always welcome to visit the atelier, where you may be able to select from pieces that have already been cut and are waiting to be assembled. For those who would like something more personal, you can also work with Alethia to create a bag from fabrics you love together.

Sonoma International Film Festival

Toward the end of March, Sonoma always seems to come alive again with the Sonoma International Film Festival, which will take place this year from March 19 through March 23.

I served on the festival’s board for three years, beginning in its early days when it was still very young, and later returning during another chapter of its growth. During those years I had the pleasure of chairing galas and helping raise funds to keep the festival moving forward.

This year, Kearsley will be creating gifts for several of the festival’s top donors. As always, we look forward to seeing old friends, expanding our world by watching the films and shorts, and listening to the fascinating talks that accompany the festival.

If you would like to attend, tickets and festival passes can be found here:
FESTIVAL LINK

It is always a wonderful time to visit Sonoma, and the boutique will be open during the festival Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Dance at the Sonoma Conservatory

Emma, our Junior Brand Ambassador and Head Advisor for Kearsley Kids, has been busy with rehearsals at the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance for their upcoming production of Po La Lux De La Luna. I have never seen this particular performance before and am very much looking forward to seeing her perform.

The studio is a nonprofit, and the performances they produce are truly astonishing and remarkably professional. Sonoma is incredibly fortunate to have Patty O'Reilly and Cat Austin at the helm, guiding the students with such dedication and care. The beauty they cultivate in those young dancers radiates throughout our community.

If you would like to attend the performances, tickets can be found here: https://www.sonomadance.org/tickets

Closing Thoughts

As the days grow longer and the hills turn green again, I am reminded how much beauty surrounds us when we slow down enough to notice it.

Sweet dreams and warm wishes for the season ahead,

Heather Kearsley Wolf
Founder, Kearsley