Dear Friends...

I've been silent the past three months in order to spend every moment with my father.  It was a gift of time I will never forget.  

John Charles Preston, Jr

April 19, 1926 - July 3, 2015

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
- Winnie the Pooh

It is a happy New Year...

2014 was a very busy year for JoeysCoat.  There were gallery shows, fundraisers, the creation of our first Lookbook, a trip to the New York Gift Show, the launch of our wholesale store in Etsy, and I cannot forget Martha Stewart's American Made.

Then in early Fall, my focus became all about my 88 year old father.  His health began to decline, and JoeysCoat took a sabbatical.  There were some scary moments.  Thankfully, my stubborn old dad is not one to give up or give in.  Life is good.  My father is determined for it to remain that way for a long time to come and I am grateful.

With the New Year approaching, and my dad's much improved health, there was just enough time for the creation of two, beautiful African fabric coats for my grandpups, Zombie and Biscuits.

May the New Year be filled with Good Health, Love, Peace, Beauty, Compassion, Courage, Grace, Freedom, Comfort, Joy, Hope and Understanding for all...

The Big Adventure...

Gathering coats for my trip to NYC next week.  I think our gray skies and raindrops are influencing my choices!  

Definitely need more color.  

I'm thinking African fabric!

That's it!

Lookbook 2014

The first, ever JoeysCoat Lookbook arrived fresh off the press, in today's Post!

Never having taken on a project quite like this, I turned to my incredible support system of talent for help.  My part was easy.  I supplied the images and descriptions.  The challenging work of editing and formatting to meet the printer’s specifications was accomplished by my talented oldest son and his wife - always willing to lend a hand whenever I am in need.  The result is a brilliant twelve page mini-catalogue of select JoeysCoats that will accompany me to New York next week.

I am grateful beyond words...

Walter!

We met Vashon Island photographer, Kathleen Webster, early yesterday morning for a JoeysCoat photo shoot.  

Fiona shared the spotlight with Walter, 

a darling spark-plug-of-a Jack Russell puppy.  

He was a natural!

Milo Style...

Remember Milo?

I recently visited Milo and his human, textile designer Ruby Chambers, in her Tacoma studio.  

~ A tiny sampling of Ruby's collection ~

Neatly filled with all the trappings of the perfect Carpetbagger style JoeysCoat, Milo in his chenille tapestry, antique metallic ribbon and Bakelite "hardware" fits right in with Ruby's considerable collection of opulent fabrics and trim.  

The sun happened to be shining so we took advantage of a quick walk around the block before saying our farewells. 

 Thank you Milo and Ruby for sharing your sumptuous world with me...

What Is Pretty Fluffy?...

In the words of Serena Faber, founder and editor of the Pretty Fluffy blog, "Pretty Fluffy is the go-to guide for the modern dog owner and your ultimate resource for stylish pet living."  

Based in Sydney, Australia, Serena is a passionate advocate for animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Included in every publication of the Pretty Fluffy blog are sections on product reviews, healthy recipes, cruelty free living, health and well-being, spotlighted pet friendly homes, and training tips.  

In 2012 Serena created the worldwide movement, The 13 Project - To make and act on a list of 13 acts of kindness towards animals in the remaining 13 weeks of the year.  What a great concept!

Meet Soda, the inspiration behind Pretty Fluffy!


Please check out the Pretty Fluffy blog...and while you're there, take a peek at the JoeysCoat feature in the Shop It! section!

http://prettyfluffy.com/trends-shopping/shop-it/joeyscoat-dog-coats

Thank you Serena and Soda!