Hands to Work is rooted in a fascination with the Shaker lifestyle, represented through significant objects from my childhood home and an idealized, simple way of living. The collection evokes a sense of nostalgia, creating a familiar atmosphere with its attic-found, handmade, and folksy design.

The goal of the collection is to revive an appreciation of home-made design, reminiscent of the slow movement or cottage industry. In a time of ever advancing technology and innovation, I chose to return to the basics, looking back at a time that relied on function. The designs expose the way things are made, embracing the imperfections that come with handmade objects as part of their charm. By referencing the Shakers' simplistic and functional design style, the collection emphasizes the value of objects crafted without modern technology, hand made for their humble splendor. Time and attention were put into the craft work of the Shakers, as each daily task was understood to be a private devotion to God, leading the group to be remembered fondly for the phrase "Hands to work, hearts to God."

I draw inspiration from my mother's quilts and our historic family home to connect with the simplicity of the Shaker lifestyle. The collection incorporates childhood methods of making, with colored pencil drawings and simple embroidery techniques inspired by Shaker folk art, such as devotional drawings, neighborhood maps, and furniture. Hands to Work blends childlike creativity with traditional techniques, creating a collection that harkens back to a simpler time.