Circa 1840-1880 Lydia’s Lace Fabric Collection by Betsy Chutchian is inspired by the life of Lydia Folger Fowler, the first American-bornfemale physician. Lydia’s Lace features a palette of rich reds,deep blues, and yummy shades of cream,toast and cocoa.

Born in Nantucket, Massachusetts in 1823, Lydia had a few famous cousins: Ben Franklin, Lucretia Mott and, Maria Mitchell. Lydia studied at Wheaton College and would later teach as a professor of medicine. As an advocate for the health and education of women and children, Lydia was an avid speaker to crowds of mothers, often over the cries of their infants, while waving a fancy handkerchief to emphasize her points. Lydia and family moved to London in 1863, continuing her medical practice and activism for women and children until her death in 1879.