Update on the Cut Work Portrait Book!

I have been frantically working on the rest of the quilts, and the text for the book!

I am slowly resolving the software issues (I think).  And will soon turn it over to my two editors for help with grammar, etc.

I think I will have 13 patterns included in the book.  You can see most of those on the Cut Work Portrait Book page.

I am playing with the idea of offering 1 or 2 free patterns as a thank you for all who pre-order (once I get the book done, and know what the cost will be and have it set up so people CAN order).  What do you think about that?  What subjects, holidays, topics would be a good thank you pattern?

And can you think of something to name the pattern section of the book?  It is an editing issue, in that one chapter is named Pattern - as in creating it - and so I don't want the chapter with the free 13 patterns to be called the same thing!  Silly, huh?  I had thought of Gallery, but that usually means just pictures.  My husband suggested Samples, which is sort of right, but still doesn't seem to say it all.  Hmmmmmmmm........................

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Quilt Pattern Magazine

Have you ever opened your email, and just been thrilled and excited to see a subject line, that tells you “I REALLY gotta find time to read this!”?

Every time I receive the Quilt Pattern Magazine newsletter email – it is hard to keep working!

Their newsletter and magazine are always so full of great info that inspires and informs. This is evident not only in the pages of their magazine, but in the Gallery of projects made from their patterns (Jane, I really, really like your earth tones Big Block Star, by the way – that is definitely on my TO DO list).

Their web site also has some great tutorials of basic info. Just last night I was talking to my granddaughter, Isabel, and promised to teach her English Paper Piecing. She loves to hand sew, and does really well, so I thought maybe some Grandmothers Flower Garden blocks would be a good start. I remembered that they had a tutorial for that, so printed it out – we are now ready to begin our lessons next week.

Besides all that, QPM has something that not all magazines can say – they truly are committed to not only sharing info, but to doing it the green way. I appreciate that their magazine is online – it makes it easily available to most everyone, while not stuffing our landfills!

Each month the magazine can be downloaded and then reviewed and printed anytime you want! I know my quilting space is very limited, and if I can get my inspiration on a computer, instead of on the bookshelf – it is helpful – that leaves more space for more fabric! Shopping, anyone? LOL

They also have a quilting chat area they call their quilting family – Pattern Pastiche! You gotta love this little quilting family. Don’t we all love to learn new things, and then share what we make? Or maybe have somewhere to ask questions when we don’t understand a technique.

And finally, one area that they excel at – is their respect of quilt designers!

Have you ever had an idea (or read one), and thought it was just the next best thing since sliced bread? Or should I say, since Rotary Cutters?

If you read submission forms for other magazines, you really get the idea that what you submit, will look next to nothing like what they print.

QPM is dedicated to not only promoting their own ideas, but ensuring that designers’ techniques and patterns reach the subscribers and still have that original inspiration and plan behind it.

They are currently proving this dedication to designers with a promotion for advertising. And I would like to personally thank them for that opportunity. It is splendid to work with a company who not only has high ideals, but actively implements it.

update on book & free quilt pattern

Cut Work Portraits & Other Art Quilts book

I want to give you a little hint of what the book will be like. Here are the chapter titles and subtitles, click to enlarge the pics.

I have almost all the text for each of the chapters done, and am working now mainly on Patterns and Gallery chapters. I do have one chapter (or is it two?) that are not in the Table of Contents yet.

During Christmas break I realized that quilters may want to make a quilt, but they do not have a photo to use to create their pattern, and there is not a LITERAL way to get one!

For example: you want just a fun winter quilt, that will showcase some pretty snowflake material, and you want a pattern of 2 friends sledding down the hill. Now, you might say, “just stick some friends on a sled, and get out the camera!”

Well, that would be fine if you want people, but what if you are in a whimsical mood, and you want the friends to be polar bears!? Well, I would not suggest you try plopping some bears on a sled, and shoving hats and scarves on them! So, you need a way to create a photo, of subjects in situations that don’t really exist!

Or, what if you have a photo, but the subjects are not close together? How can you manipulate the photo to make it work? Well, that is why I am adding another chapter!

Also, I have finalized the permission slips for use of photos, sketches, patterns and quilts. I plan to send those out this coming week. I also will have the chapters to the testers so they can begin to create the patterns and quilts for the book.

I am still having some technical difficulties with the software, but am not too concerned about it yet since I am still writing. I have some ideas of who to call on for help if I cannot figure it out.

Hmm, I wonder how long it takes others to write their first book?

The best way to see when the book is published, and be notified, is to become a FOLLOWER by clicking “JOIN THIS SITE”. You will get an email anytime there is an update to the site.

This will also let you know when there are any free patterns added! Did you catch the first step of the Heart Strings? Check out the Free and Fun page.

Heart Strings – a free quilt pattern

The Heart Strings quilt is in the quilting stage. Having been set aside to make birthday and Christmas gifts (see the What's Is Happening page).

I wanted everyone to have a chance to make the quilt top in time for Valentine’s Day, so have posted the first step on the Free and Fun page.

I will writ e up all the instructions and post them once the quilt is all done.

I am really anxious to see the quilt done! It has been so much fun to do. I hope the Bride & Groom feel that it is worth the wait! If not, I will be happy to keep it. It will be hard to let go once I am done, I have put so much into it.

Cut Work Portrait book & free pattern progress

Cut Work Portraits and Other Art Quilts book:
I have been writing every spare moment.  It is amazing how many things need explained.  I don't want a book that assumes the quilter knows what I am talking about, and so is not helpful.  So, the book has lots of pics each step of the way, and lots of explaining why things are done as they are in the process.

I hope to get all the photos/patterns to the testers soon.  I am still hoping to get the book published in time for Christmas gifts.

I have thought of doing a free pattern, if the book is pre-ordered.  Wonder how well that would be recieved?  Hmmm....

Free pattern
I have been working on a quilt as a belated wedding gift.  It is a scrappy string quilt that I am calling HEART STRINGS.  Without giving away the surprise center that I mention on my Free and Fun page, I want to say.. it is so cool!

The center panel allows our extreme creative side to shine.  It utilizes some trapunto, echo quilting, Cut Work Portraits techniques and was just so fun to do!

In the free area will be only the quilt pattern itself.  Of course, a quilter may use any quilting they want on the free pattern. 

However, I have designed brand new quilting stitches for each area of the quilt! The quilting stitches are HEART FEATHERS, FLOWERED HEARTS, HEART SPIRAL, HEARTS TIED & HEARTS A FLUTTER. I will offer the quilting stitches only once the pattern goes on sale.

progress on book...

Today, my new laptop arrived.  I ordered this so I can work on my book on the go, in bed, on the couch - where ever, and even while Dan is using the PC!

The book writing should go alot quicker and smoother now (please, Lord).  I have several patterns that I am working on this weekend to include in the book.

I also have the pics chosen which I need to get permission to use, and will be sending out the slips for that.

So, it is all coming together!

Leah Day has announced the Transformation Challenge Winners

Today Leah showed all the winning quilts.  They are all so beautiful, check them out!

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/09/transformation-challenge-winners.html

You may have noticed that my Diana's Transformation (aka My Daughter) is NOT on the winners list.  Though I must confess I was hoping, I am not terribly disappointed.

By not being a winner, I get my quilt back!  I had been missing it.  I spent alot of time planning it and creating it.  So, it will be good to be back home with me.

Also, consolation prize includes a professional photo, and her new book!  How cool!

In case you want to see all the finalists, check this out:
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2011/08/transformation-challenge-finalists.html

Looking at the quilts that won, I see a color and theme (all nature-y) going on.  Leah says "It came down to arranging the final quilt and finding this perfect layout, in which each piece compliments another" and I see how they do all blend quite well.

If you look at the winning quilts, and into the empty spot in the center patch Leah's quilt she made when she announced the contest - you will see one really cool quilt in the making!  And you will see how my quilt was "odd man out".  I can't wait to see the final quilt!
I am hoping that Leah will include some critic with the quilt, to help know what did or did not work.  I would love input to help improve my quilting.

Well, this deadline has passed, now it is time to tackle the next "challenge".  Hint: it has something to do with a wedding tomorrow (and unfortunately, a project that won't be done in time, but one that I think will be really cool!).

Also, I am planning to work full force on my book "Cut Work Portraits and Other Art Quilts".  My goal is to get it done by month end, or very soon thereafter.  We will see...

the Walk to Cure Diabetes

My granddaughter, Isabel, is a Type One Diabetic.  I will be participating in the Walk to Cure Diabetes on September 18th.  I would love if you could donate to this worthy cause!  Just go to My Page and click the DONATE TO TRUDY button.

God prepared Isabel for this trial, but when the diagnosis came, we thought she would have a terrible time.  You see, Isabel loves all kinds of food.  There is hardly a vegtable, fruit, pasta, bread, meat, or dessert out there that doesn't have her name on it.

We thought this would be a bad thing, but it was all wonderfully & divinely planned.  Soon after she was diagnosed, we attended a potluck luncheon.  All the other kids were piling their plates high with potatoe chips, but just 3 chips - yes I said THREE! - would have used up all of her allowed carbs for that meal.  So, she shrugged her shoulders and said "how many carrots could I have?".  It was one of the first examples to us how God had prepared her heart, and her tastebuds, for what she was to face.

Her blood sugars continually climb and plummet.  Now she has a pump which monitors her, and gives her insulin - but often she needs manual attention.  Just last night, she had to get more insulin becuase she was very sick, her blood sugars were real high.

God also prepared her another way - by making her very sensitive to her body.  She usually knows (even before it can register on the monitor), if she is spiking or dropping.

Not all Diabetics are that lucky.  Some don't know (or can't respond) if their blood sugars get all wacky.  Without timely proper intervention, these people could quickly begin to damage their liver or slip into a coma or die.  That is why this Walk is so important - it is someone's life we are talking about.  Please take a moment to view MY PAGE and donate to save a life.  Thank you.

By the time all the money was turned in, I had raised $145 - thanks everyone!