“To make anything by hand, whether it is to feed or to warm or to shelter yourself, to succeed in meeting some small—or not small—need that exists within us, this is what we and every other thing with a heart that walks this earth are meant to do with our hands and with our days.” — Heather Ross, from How to Catch a Frog
Textile designer Heather Ross is best known for her whimsical fabric designs and illustrations for children’s books, but her art springs from a darker past. This month she publishes an engrossing memoir—How to Catch a Frog and Other Stories of Family, Love, Dysfunction, Survival, and DIY—about growing up in a troubled family in rural Vermont and her path to becoming an artist, entrepreneur, and mother.
In this episode, Heather and I discuss the book, how Heather gets creative work done (hint: early in the day!), and tricks for surviving muggy city summers. She’s headed out on a book tour this month, and you can find out here if she’s coming to an indie book seller in your town.
Heather also shared some pretty shots of her family and the beautiful house she and her husband renovated (and sneak away to every chance they can!). See below.
Happy listening!
Outro music: “Colourless Green Ideas Sleep Furiously,” by Lee Rosevere
threadcult.com 
I have loved listening to your podcasts–just discovered them last week. They are interesting and inspiring. I love to sew and have dreams of opening a fabric store. Thanks for the great listens!
So happy you’ve been enjoying the ‘casts! Keep listening!
Loved this. Can’t wait to get my hands on her book. I loved how down-to-earth and honest this segment felt. I’m going to have to re-listen so I can be sure to absorb more of her cheeky wisdom. Thank you!
Thanks! Heather was great to have on the show:)
I’m so glad I caught this episode yesterday so I know about the book reading today! I’m hand quilting a baby quilt using the Briar Rose line right now. I absolutely love the Heather Ross fabrics and I’m looking forward to her next line.
So great, right!? If you buy the book at the opening you get one of the awesome prints she was talking about in the ‘cast:)
Loved this episode! I wasn’t familiar with Heather Ross until hearing the podcast. She has an inspiring story that made me a fan.
where’s the link to how to get to her secret swimming spot?
We never ended up exchanging the link! I’ll have to track it down…or maybe it will remain a secret. Which would be sad, because I want to know too!:)
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