These are dark days, but that is no reason not to dress up.

On International Women’s Day, I went to Fancy Tiger Crafts in Denver and I wore pretty clothes and I made beautiful things with a group of fellow knitters, because making art is the best possible antidote to political and personal despair.

I’ve been busy making art on the professional front as well, and I have a secret project related to my forthcoming novel that I can’t wait to be allowed to share. [Hint: an award-winning book illustrator is involved.]

On the personal front, there are plenty of projects that I can share, so here we go:

First up, I finished a silk memorial quilt to honor my friend Solveig Haugland. The quilt is called Sol Invictus, and it is very shiny and sparkly, and later this year, it’s going to be in a museum show! More about the show when the time comes, but for now, enjoy this sneak preview.

Yes, my hair is blue. I decided that since the apocalypse has already happened and my heart is broken and our democracy is under attack, I may as well try something new. It’s all fun and games until I have to wash it, and then my bathtub looks like the site of a Smurf assassination.

In related sewing news, I spent my spring break in Houston, where I taught my nieces to sew drawstring bags and laminated pouches. We also went horseback riding and visited the circus. My sister and my nieces are the ones with the great hair.

Finally, as part of the Denver Metro Modern Quilt Guild, I participated in a silk-screening workshop at Ink Lounge. We all printed our own fabrics, and I used one of my favorite Henry Moore sheep sketches, because sheep are magical creatures, and because every household needs a golden fleece.

I wish I could tell you more about the artwork for my forthcoming novel. But for now I will simply say that there are enchanted sheep, and there are characters who make art in the dark.