It was a thrill being a part of Amy’s blog book tour to help promote her new book Modern Basics.
The Random Number Generator helped me pick a winner:
Number 33 was Rachelle who said, “Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous book.” I have sent you an email, Rachelle, to get your mailing information.
Thank you everyone for leaving comments here for a chance to win.
Remember, if you don’t win a copy from the other bloggers on the tour, you can also purchase Amy’s book here or here.
I am thrilled to be a part of Amy Ellis’ blog book tour to help promote her new book, Modern Basics.
You know Amy from her blog Amy’s Creative Side, where she blogs about quilting.
I thought it would be fun to interview Amy to provide you with a little background about her and the development of her book.
1. How did the idea for this book come about? where did your inspiration for the theme come from?
6. Anything else you would like us to know about you?
I’m a regular mom, with all the usual mom duties around the house and at school (3 of our 4 are in school). I make it a priority to make things for my own sanity, I love blogging daily, and the community I have found here online!
I really love Amy’s new book, so I am excited to be able to share a FREE copy with my readers! Leave me a comment by noon on Sunday, February 27 if you are interested in a chance to win!
Be sure to visit the rest of the tour for more chances to win a free copy:
Piece N Quilt http://www.piecenquilt.blogspot.com/ 2/21/2011
SewCalGal http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/ 2/22/2011
Old Red Barn Co http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ 2/23/2011
Terri’s Notebook http://terrisnotebook.com/ 2/24/2011
Crazy Mom Quilts http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ 2/25/2011
Wild Card Quilts http://www.thewildcards.com/my_weblog/ 2/26/2011
BumbleBeans http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/ 2/27/2011
Fat Quarter Shop http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/ 2/28/2011
One Shabby Chic http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com/ 3/1/2011
Canton Village Quilt Works http://www.cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/ 3/2/2011
Diary of a Quilter http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/ 3/3/2011
Fat Quarterly http://www.fatquarterly.com/ 3/4/2011
Amylouwho http://amylouwho.com/ 3/5/2011
* * * * *
Note that if you don’t win a free copy from one of the above bloggers, you can also purchase Amy’s book here and here.
Remember a couple weeks ago when I mentioned I was participating in Cherry House Quilts’ quilt-along? I am happy to report that I have been keeping up!
I sewed my columns together last week, but forgot to post pictures of my progress.
This weekend I pieced the quilt top together.
I’m so happy with how it looks so far!
Next up will be basting and quilting. I have no idea how to quilt this beauty, so I’m looking forward to seeing Cherry’s recommendations. I think I might find some inspiration in here too.
I have never been very good at keeping up with quilt-alongs. But this project caught my attention.
I love the simplicity of the design. I love the drama it creates.
At first, I considered making that orange version, since we have a blank wall in our guest room that needs a splash of color.
Instead, I thought it would be more refreshing to make a wall hanging inspired by the colors of the ocean.
So far, I have my fabrics picked out and cut. This week, I’m looking forward to seeing the instructions for piecing.
This is the beginning of my efforts to keep my sanity during the latter part of winter, by working on small non-homework projects that I can actually keep up with and stay positive and inspired.
I recently ordered a bag of scraps, and found inspiration from these small pieces of cotton velveteen.
They led to a 9-patch of various velveteen scraps.
That led to this patchwork set on point on a piece of black and grey suiting fabric. Then I framed it by hand sewing a chain around it.
That led to quilting lines around that center, making it really pop off my canvas. Naturally, I had to frame it with a contrasting piping.
That led to a new one-of-a-king bag!
It’s a square bag measuring 11 inches all the way around, has contrasting burgundy piping and zipper, and two big pockets on the inside, one with a zipper closure and one open.
I used luscious voile fabric for the lining, which I really love working with. It’s the softest and smoothest fabric to work with.
(more photos and deets here)
I’m not sure how the idea for this bag came from some simple velveteen scraps, but it was fun to keep pushing, trying something different at each step and experimenting along the way. I like the sophisticated look of this design, so I will definitely try this again with new colors.
Since we aren’t expecting anyone to visit the house, I was excited to put up my design wall again. It hangs in the hallway over some artwork, so I don’t keep it up all the time.
I’ve just been messing around with fabrics and scraps I forgot I had.
I finished piecing my little forest quilt, which I made a different size than the pattern called for. I want to be able to hang it on the wall, but I don’t want it to be a mini quilt. I picked up more batting recently so I hope to finish it one of these days.
It’s been a pretty busy week, since I have three classes this semester. I am excited because I think I’m really going to like my instructors this semester! I already have some homework to do, which primarily includes lots and lots of sketching (fun!). So I’m working on finding a new routine. As you know, the challenge is to make time for everything.
I am finally caught up with the last block of 2010 for my quilting bee. Nettie requested house blocks using the cutest selection of fabric scraps, which are going to make quite an adorable fairy tale-themed quilt.
I’ve never made a wonky house block, or even a house block, so this was a good challenge for me. Since I don’t do a lot of wonky sewing, I hope this is wonky enough for Nettie’s taste. That’s the beauty of a quilting bee, you get to try new techniques that you wouldn’t normally try on your own.
A big thank you to all 717 of you for stopping by to enter my giveaway for Sew,Mama,Sew‘s semi-annual Giveaway Day event! What a thrill to meet so many wonderful sewers and quilters from all over the world.
The random number generator helped me pick the winner:
220 – Margie C. who commented:
What a pretty bag! Thanks for the chance 
hugs, margie
I thought there were a couples things missing from my original kit, such as a pincushion and some sewing needles, so I will be including them in your package!
Thank you again to everyone who commented. Remember, Sew,Mama,Sew hosts this Giveaway Day twice a year, in May and December. Maybe we can do this again in a few months. Hope to see you between now and then!
Welcome to Giveaway Day, a semi-annual event hosted by Sew,Mama,Sew!
I thought it would be fun to give away a kit filled with quilting supplies, which fits nicely inside a handmade drawstring bag. My kit includes:
A square ruler, a jelly roll ruler, thread, batting, scissors, rotary cutter, seam ruler, straight pins, bent safety pins for basting, seam ripper, and binding clips.
Everything comes inside this pretty Drawstring Bag made from Sis Boom fabrics, measuring 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall.
If you’re interested in winning this quilting kit, leave me one comment by 9:00 pm CST on Friday, December 17. I will draw a random winner.
Note: I forgot to mention that I will ship Internationally if you live outside the U.S.
