
Mother Stories
Pregnancy Style: Maura Ambrose Of Folk Fibers
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Photography by Knoxy Knox
Jul 1, 2014
Upon seeing the lovely Maura Ambrose frolic around her 10 acres of land outside of Austin, even the die-hard city mouse in us had to swoon a little bit. Yep, it’s that beautiful, as is the glowing mama-to-be and quilt maker behind Folk Fibers. Here, she showcases her earthy-cool pregnancy style, reveals her excitement (and a little trepidation) over having her first baby, and fills us in on some exiting updates for her growing craft empire (let’s just say a book is in the works!).
- "Being pregnant has been a very special time for both Chap (my husband) and I to bond and prepare for our future. Anticipating the babe's arrival has fueled the momentum to accomplish some home improvements and forced other projects to wait until after the baby's arrival." Maura wears a Hackwith Design House top and Storq skirt.
- "I'm surprised with almost everything about it. Being my first time to experience such a miracle is pretty awesome. It's amazing to feel so connected to this little human growing in my womb."
- "Water seems to be my lifeline more than ever. If I'm ever feeling funny, drinking a couple glasses of water and taking a rest makes everything better. "
- "I'm most excited about getting to know this little being and opening our lives to new growth. I'm nervous about feeling too overprotective."
- "We are starting off with the baby in our bedroom and then when the time comes there is a lovely bedroom upstairs with a big oak tree outside the window and a beautiful view of the neighboring cow pastures. Out of all the things we have for the baby, I love our macrame bassinet and vintage kilim rug the most."
- "Our friends threw us a co-ed baby shower and it was perfect. Folks of all ages gathered around food and great fellowship. They gifted us with simple handmade items, hand-me-downs, and a few special items off our wish list. It felt very special that our friends took the time to bless us with their warmest wishes. "
- "I value natural materials, functionality, craftsmanship, and simple design. As for the aesthetic: Natural, homey, creative, an eclectic library with an undercurrent of simple traditions."
- "I've been picky about what to bring into the home, taking the time to shop for secondhand baby items that are well made with natural materials. This has proven to be an act of patience."
- "We hangout mostly downstairs and on our porch outside. Our floor plan is pretty open with a big kitchen and wrap-around porch overlooking the view. I think when the baby first arrives I will spend most of my time in the bedroom and lounging around the living room. Right now my favorite room is our bedroom because it's setup for baby's arrival."
- "Natural, simple, casual, and thrifty. My wardrobe options have been limited with the pregnancy and it's forced me to think about comfort. Overall, I've enjoyed paring down my wardrobe and rotating through a few favorite outfits."
- "Hands down my Storq pencil skirt. I love pairing it with a crop-top and Birkenstock sandals."
- "I launched Folk Fibers in January 2011 after Chap and I got back from a 4-month road trip touring small towns of America and visiting friends. We lived in a camper van and spent a lot of time outside in nature. Before our road trip, I was managing a greenhouse for a 70-acre organic farm. This knowledge and experience on the farm influenced me to reconnect with my love of natural dyes at the source, from seed to harvest. I began dying small batches of fabric, making quilts, and sharing my process online."
- "I studied fibers at Savannah College of Art and Design. Upon graduating in 2006, I worked at a creative corporate job at Free People and then moved on to working at preschools, and then working on organic farms for a couple years. With plenty of time to think on our road trip, I began connecting the dots of my past and dreaming up a job for the future that would include my love of natural dyes and handmade quilts."
- "I love the process and sharing my love of natural dyes and quilts with a community of passionate and interesting people."
- "My view of work hasn't changed after being pregnant. If anything, I feel more driven and my vision seems more clear. I am anticipating a change with how I juggle my time as a mom and business owner."
- "Yes, we are writing a book and planting a dye garden on our new property! The book will be about natural dyes, quilting, and living on a few acres."
- "We lived in Austin for about 2.5 years and then moved 30 minutes outside of the city, to a small town called Bastrop. We now live on 10 peaceful wooded acres. I love the people here. Folks are openminded and creative, with a strong understanding and appreciation for creativity. At times Austin has a slow Southern pace, making it feel relaxed and noncompetitive. "
- "I wouldn't mind having a second home on the water somewhere, but traveling seems to fill that void. I mostly love the idea of developing roots and working on improving the land we live on."
- "During my pregnancy, I've enjoyed exercising and taking yoga classes at the YMCA."
- "I love our pine bed I sourced through Craigslist. It was made years ago in San Antonio. I also love our 9-foot cedar table in the dining room. Our friend and neighbor Travis Norman made it."
- "Day to day, I work from home and I don't bother covering up my belly, I just let it all hang out. For business outside of the home or a night out, I wear a skirt or dress and pair it with accessories like a dyed scarf, boots, and a special piece of jewelry."
- "When it comes to maternity cloths I love the Storq bundle. It's allowed me to integrate my wardrobe pre-pregnancy with my growing baby bump. I've also found Asos to be a great source for maternity skinny jeans." Maura wears a cotton kaftan that she over-dyed in indigo from JM Drygoods.
- "It depends. I prefer the convenience of shopping online when I'm sure of the materials and product. But I'm such a purest when it comes to materials and quality, I feel that conducting in-person research is worth my time in making the best decision."
- "Exercise and being outside is crucial for me. Jogging could become a great routine for both me and the babe. Once I adjust to this new baby and get a better feel for what I need, I'd like to consider getting a jogging stroller."
- "When working at Moonstone preschool in Philadelphia I had the opportunity to meet many amazing mothers, some of whom I have stayed connected to. I admire creative moms who are fueled by their children's curiosities and live in connection with nature."
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"I've been inspired by the information we're learning through the birthing center. It's been important for me to have a community of expecting mothers to relate to and share with through group meetings, phone calls, and text messages. Ina May Gaskin's
books are a great source of comfort and inspiration. It's also been fun using apps on my phone to keep track of the growth of our baby, I don't really have a favorite app just downloaded a couple and look through them occasionally.
- "My favorite Texas activity is exploring spring-fed natural swimming holes. A great spring in the heart of the city is Barton Springs."
- "If we want to go big we will go out to eat at Justine's or Uchi. Otherwise any BBQ that's not sold-out or a taco will do. "
- "Spartan and JM Drygoods are the coolest combo of shops side-by-side and it's always a treat to see what's new on their shelves. Uncommon Objects is the motherlode of antiques and vintage treasures. The Great Outdoors or The Natural Gardener are both awesome local plant nurseries if you have an interest in being a green thumb. South Congress, and the North Loop have great thrift shops. But the ultimate flea markets are in Roundtop, Texas, in the spring and fall. "
- "Austin's music scene is legendary, but we're usually happiest seeing a friend's band at an old honkey tonk and pretending we know how to two-step."
- "Austin is surrounded by nature, McKinny Falls State Park is right outside of Austin and a great overnight camping spot. You can canoe the Lower Colorado River downstream from Austin, only about 15 minutes East of the city. You can rent a canoe or kayak from Cook's Canoes in Weberville. "
- "I'm really hoping to see the current exhibit at The Blanton Museum of Arts running until August 17th. Between Mountains and Sea: Arts of the Ancient Andes. It's showcasing woven textiles and ceramics from the pre-Inka cultures among the coastal Andes of South America."
- "We drive or walk the South Congress drag, swim at Barton Springs , watch a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, or go canoeing on the lower Colorado River. But often we just relax around our property and cook good food together."
- "Dancing at the the Broken Spoke or Continental Club and eating at Salt Lick BBQ are well-known, but worth the stop."
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Maura’s baby bump was beautiful, as were her bare feet! Barefoot and pregnant are always a great combination.