I was intrigued when I first heard the stirrings of a collaborative work in progress on Beekman Street. After all, Meg Dalton and Susan Rivers already worked together in a cute little shop, The ‘Cottage of Art and Design,’ alongside three others.

“This is not just any collaboration,” Susan emphasizes when we finally have a chance to catch up. "Meg and I embarked on a unique project, a sunrise tryptic. I designed the fabric, and Meg quilted the project with her then-new long-arm machine. It was a real challenge, and I am thrilled that Meg was open to joining forces again!”

Meg and Susan met during “pop-ups on Beekman Street, and as fellow quilters, they were impressed with each other’s skills and subject matter choices. Their techniques differ, yet they share a strong passion for fiber art. And it shows.

“Artists can get very attached to certain pieces. Reginald the Rooster was a Cottage favorite, and when he found his forever home, we were all filled with a mix of happiness and sadness. Especially Meg.” Susan grins. “I had been creating fabric via an on-demand service called Spoonflower, using my own quilt designs. Since I had the technological know-how, I thought it’d be a nice gesture for Meg to have some material with Reginald’s image. That way, she could make one of her amazing bags, an apron, or even a purse.” I smile and take pictures of Meg and Susan parading around the shop with several items while we chat about this unique venture.  “But we couldn’t stop at Reginald, and soon our other animals - Callie, Luka, Saratoga Sam, and Ellie were born.”

I’m very impressed; Meg creates the initial design, and then Susan zones in on one section, fabricating the vibrant colors and a secondary design used to imagine new products. These already include different-sized bags, kitchen towels, totes, pillows, laptop covers, iPad sleeves, jean jackets, and more. The prices range from $30-$150.

Both Meg and Susan explain that they plan on continuing to grow the fabric line collaboration, adding that, since this is Saratoga, after all, there will be more horse items to choose from.

“Custom work is a focus for the two of us. We’re excited to work with clients to develop things made exclusively for them.” Susan states. “Additionally, we envision working with our animals to develop their backstories, allowing us to create story quilts and accompanying videos. We’re also looking to expand our collaboration with other Cottagers to make jewelry and other items of interest for people visiting the area for the day or repeat customers who come in regularly.”

I see the glint in their eyes. It makes me smile. “Oh, this is definitely just the beginning,” Meg laughs. “You just wait and see.”  Stay tuned...