One of my favourite things about social media is getting to know new, creative people through Instagram, Facebook groups and Etsy. I've been on both the sending and receiving end of messages of thanks for inspiration and encouragement. I know the internet can bring out the ugly but there is a pretty great community out there as well.
I got to know Laura when she took on the first pattern in my Nativity series, Mary and Baby Jesus and posted her beautiful work in one of our mutual Facebook crafting groups.
When Laura wrote to me about her work with the Kennicott Girl's Club I was super excited to get involved. The Club in Glenview, Illinois focuses on mixing pioneer history and STEM activities for girls. I love history but STEM subjects were always a massive struggle for me until I had professors who were passionate and showed me different ways to learn. Put STEM and Girls together and I am in! You can read more about the club from the Chicago Tribune HERE
 |
| Kennicott House 2010 from Wikipedia |
I lived in Chicago for ten years but besides some work in Evanston or a few getaways to Lakeside, Michigan, I hardly ever ventured out of the city limits. If I could go back I would definitely check out the Kennicott Homestead in Glenview where the girl's club meets. Established by physician John Kennicott in the 1800s, The Grove became a great place for Dr Kennicott's children to learn all about nature. His daughter, Alice, found an unusual bird. The children sent a specimen to the Smithsonian and the bird was named Turdus Aliciae aka Alice's Thrush.
This brings me to my project for the girls. I love birds and I really love making embroidered birds out of felt. Laura told me about Alice and her bird discovery and I started getting a pattern together. I am so excited she asked me to be involved and I am so happy to present my new pattern, Alice's Thrush.
I can't wait to see creations from you and the girls at Kennicott Girl's Club.
