Friday, February 25, 2011

Modern Basics Blog Tour

I'm so happy to be a part of Amy's Modern Basics blog tour today.
Congratulations, Amy, on a beautiful book!

The patterns in this book are straightforward and easy to follow. Perfect for a beginner but fun and flexible for a more advanced quilter. I love the quilt on the cover!

Here are a few more of my favorites:



I also completely LOVED this image in the front of the book. There is something so pleasing about a pretty stack of quilts!

Amy gave us opportunity to ask her some questions, but one and only thing I wanted to ask is:

How on earth did you write a book with kids at home? (It's a good question, don't you think?) ;)

This is the million dollar question! I always tend to work in an assembly line which I think helps. But mostly I stopped and started a LOT! My most productive hours were (and still are), 8-midnight after the kids went to bed. During the day I would prep and cut fabric, and pin pieces so that I could systematically sew, and sew, and sew in the evenings.

My husband and kids were all very supportive and excited for the book, and helped out with extra chores around the house and dinner preparations. While challenging, I think sewing at the kitchen table helped too - I am always right in the middle of the house and all that is happening with the kids, and can quickly get involved as I'm needed.

That said, by the time my deadline rolled around I was very sick with a sinus infection and needed a month to purge all the clutter that had accumulated around the house while I was focused on my quilts and writing the patterns. I've learned that I have to let somethings go around the house in order for other things to get done, just not my kids! I'm okay with that as long as I can get back to it in a timely manner - otherwise the clutter drives me crazy!
---
Here's the complete schedule of the blog tour:

Piece N Quilt 2/21/2011

SewCalGal  2/22/2011

Old Red Barn Co 2/23/2011

Terri's Notebook 2/24/2011

Crazy Mom Quilts 2/25/2011

Wild Card Quilts 2/26/2011

BumbleBeans 2/27/2011

Fat Quarter Shop  2/28/2011

One Shabby Chic  3/1/2011

Canton Village Quilt Works 3/2/2011

Diary of a Quilter 3/3/2011

Fat Quarterly 3/4/2011

Amylouwho  3/5/2011

Make sure to stop at any or all of the stops on the blog tour for a chance to win your very own copy of Modern Basics!

Amy will be giving away a copy of her new book to one commenter on this post. Please, only one comment per person. I'll announce the winner sometime next week.

455 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 455   Newer›   Newest»
Heartsdesire said...

The picture of the stack of quilts at the beginning of the book is wonderful, very comforting somehow. And I admire a person who can forget the housework and concentrate on more important things.

BeachQuilter said...

It's fun seeing all the reviews of this book, I'm ready to add it to my
library!

Hanberg's said...

I would love this book! The few you showed are beautiful!

Diane Hitchens said...

It looks like a lovely book! I love the look of all her fabric mixtures.

kristi said...

Looks like a wonderful book!

Potter Family said...

How fun to have a whole book of patterns! I'm definitely at my learning/beginning stages and these patterns look just up my alley!

Alicia said...

I love the stack of quilts too! Cannot wait to see more!

Mary said...

Would love to win the book, the quilt "1,2,3" looks like it would be very easy to make! Mary

Jen said...

This book looks fantastic! Congrats Amy!

beautifulshell said...

those pictures are lovely! i'd love to get some ideas from this!

Unknown said...

Thanks, I would love to win a copy of Amy's book.

Samantha said...

This book looks great!!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Billie in TX

Paul said...

Looks like a very cool book... I'd love to win one and make a few of those quilts.

Anonymous said...

Modern Mirrors looks like a fun quilt to make. What I really want is that chair!!

Carla said...

I follow Amy's blog and would enjoy having her book!

rachandcarl said...

that modern mirrors quilt looks great!

Deb said...

Congrats on a very nice book. Thanks for the chance to win my very own copy.

Cathy said...

Great quilts. Would love to win the book. Hugs

Angela said...

that's such a great question. It is hard to find time to just make a bee block at times!

Dj said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Brie Henri said...

WHOO can't wait for this giveaway goodness!

Emily said...

Looks like a beautiful book!

tusen said...

The photo with the stack of quilts looks so great :) I'm still a beginner but I can already see a few very tempting patterns.

Bec Clarke said...

Oh I so love the look of this book. thank you for the chance to win one.

Michelle said...

It looks like a fun book!!!

Marcia W. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CJ said...

I love that stack of quilts!

Erin said...

The book looks so neat and inspiring! I love the pics you showed!

Marcia W. said...

I deleted my prior comment - please disregard my cut-n-paste mistake. This is my comment.
Amy's blog is one of the first I started reading -- several facelifts ago when was still parkcitygirl. I've used parts of her tutorials, so know that this is a well written book. It would be great to win an autographed book. Thanks for stopping on this tour.

Nancy said...

Book looks beautiful - fresh and inspiring!

Ellie Roberts said...

Thanks for the fun preview, it looks wonderful!

Rebecca said...

Looks like lots of great patterns in that book!

Lisa said...

I am currently in the middle of my very first quilt for my daughter. I am completely addicted but have no clue what I am doing. What a blessing it would be to win this book.

bruinbr said...

What a fun and cute looking book! That stack of quilts picture is awesome!

bruinbr at gmail dot com

Julie said...

I cant wait to see ALL of this book! It looks great!

Dani said...

Love the quilt on the cover!

n.tha76@yahoo.com

Jocelyn said...

Amy's book looks like a winner. Thanks for the giveaway :-)

Unknown said...

Those patterns look super cute! Id love to win! :)

WandaFish said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of Amy's book. It really is just what I need!
Fingers crossed :)

Deb said...

I think this would be a delightful book to win. I could use Amy's creative insight and some new patterns.

pinsandneedles said...

Love the cover quilt with it's bright colors! Can't wait to see more. Thanks for a chance to win a copy!

Beth said...

Great question, Amanda! And, from what I've glimpsed, great book, Amy! Thanks for the chance to win.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Peris said...

I love when I hear about how other moms find time to sew and quilt...

Bailey said...

Cool book, I love the picture with the quilts all stacked on the chair. One day I'll make enough quilts so I can do that!

Dawn said...

I've been dying to see some of the patterns in this book, and now that I have, I NEED it!! If I don't win, I'll have to run out and buy it! :)

Clair said...

Of course I want to win!

Maureen said...

My two biggest weaknesses: books and quilts. Can never have enough books about quilts!!!! I would LOVE to win this one!

andrea said...

Since I don't have a naturally artistic eye I need something to help give me examples. The patterns look great too!

Brenda said...

I recently have added quilting to my long list of hobbies. In the last month, I've completed one quilt and have started two more. I am hooked! Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful book.

chook said...

fantastic I would love to win this book

Ladybug said...

This book looks wonderful. Can't wait to see more.

Jasmine said...

OOh I want to create my own lovely stack of quilts. And I had to smile at the most productive time being from 8-12, thats mine as well. The girls are both in bed and the house is (mostly) peaceful.

Muireann said...

This looks like a great book. And I love the fact that it was a family project with everybody supporting Amy!

LindaW said...

Great inspiration! I love simple quilts that can be done quickly. Thanks for the chance to win.

Shannon Wallace said...

I have to agree, Amanda Jean...the quilt on the cover is my favorite, and I want to sew one just like it! Hooray for a book that's made for beginners like me! :o)

Michelle S said...

That looks like a very cool book. Congratulations to Amy!

limivadygirl said...

What a fun book! I'm in awe of what other mums are able to accomplish with little ones under foot - very inspiring!
- limivadygirl

Becky said...

I love all of those quilts!

Chancy said...

Every tour stop, I get more and more interested in this book. Here's hoping I win one!

chancyf at gmail dot com

Allison C said...

This book looks great. I would love to win it!

Molly said...

Thanks for the great interview with Amy. You asked the question I've been wondering about ... how do you do it all? My kids are older and I still struggle with finding time to sew. I have been wanting this book!

Down to Sew said...

this seems like a really neat book-at least going by the pictures!

Rachel said...

Love that photo of the stack of quilts. Makes my heart beat just a tiny bit faster...

Suzi said...

Oh my, looks like a book I really need! I'd love to win it as my "book bank" is broke!

Judy said...

Since I'm just starting to learn to quilt and book would be a nice reference. Love reading your blog in RSS feed.

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

That's a pretty stack of quilts! Thanks for the chance to win:)

Patchwork Sisters said...

Thanks for a chance to win a great book. I have my next quilt picked out!

Kathleen, Scotland said...

Love the colours on the front of the book - that yellow sings!

Impera Magna said...

I'm pretty good at saying "No," to books but this one is calling my name... *lol* ...thanks for a chance to win it!

Joanna said...

The book looks awesome

Nicki said...

This looks like a great book! Would love to have one!

nd.farrell (at) yahoo (dot) com

Amelia Quilter said...

Oh those quilts look beautiful!
I would love to win that book!

Annie said...

I want it! It looks beautiful!
annie@thepurcell.com

Anonymous said...

Oh - that would be so cool! I am just beginning and trying to figure my way around!

kmdowty at gmail dot com

Heather Joy said...

great blog tour! the book looks great! :)

Mama Urchin said...

That looks like a good book! I've recently become a fan of following a pattern. It's nice to have someone else decide what the measurements should be.

Eleanor said...

What a great looking book!

Tricia C. said...

The projects look wonderful! I'd love to try several of them. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

awamom at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I'm a sucker for a quilt book with pretty pictures :)

Thuy said...

Thanks for the giveaway. The book looks great. Anything that's easy and fun is good with me.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Hey Amanda - thanks for sharing the scoop on Amy's new book!

Mama Spark said...

This book looks great. I love seeing our blogger buddies making it in the boo world. Don't you? Kinda makes you wonder who will be next, doesn't it?? I would love the opportunity to win a copy of this book.

Lisa England said...

I hadn't seen this book before I found it on the blog hop. I'm glad I know about it now because it looks like a winner! Thanks for the chance to win.

VickiT said...

Great interview and thank you for being part of the tour.
This looks like such a great book.

vburr at charter dot net

Renae said...

Great looking quilts and patterns.
Can't wait to see it.

reklimes (at) usfamily (dot) net

craftytammie said...

i really love the 123 pattern - so simple but it would highlight the fabrics so well!

Rachel R. said...

Oooohhh... I wan't it so bad I can taste it! I too am a begining quilter and am always looking for new, easy patterns. Pick me, pick me! -Rachel R. from CA
1ratchet@sbcglobal.net

All8 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

Thanks for the little photos of the quilts in the book, they look wonderful!

All8 said...

Props to her to get it written with kids at home. Thanks for the opportunity.

Anna said...

can't wait to get my own copy of this book. really like the "mordern mirrors" quilt. great colour schemes. thanks for the giveaway.

anne said...

What a great book.....looking forward to the rest of the book tour. Thank you for sharing.

CarlyMaria said...

looks like a great book!

Tracy said...

I really, REALLY want this book!

StuffandThings said...

This book looks like it has a lot of patterns that I would like to try. I enjoyed a chance to peek inside the book and learn about some more blogs that I would enjoy reading! I have bought a couple of new quilting books lately. They are like brain candy!!

StuffandThings said...

I forgot to say that I had to look up what a "blog tour" was. So, thanks! Everyday that I learn something new is a good day.

Put your foot down and sew! said...

Looks like a great book!

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

What a great looking book. I agree there's something special about a pile of quits all stacked up.

Unknown said...

I'd love to make the Modern Mirrors quilt as a wedding gift for my sister. This book looks fabulous!

Sara said...

If you can write it with kids, perhaps I could find a way to complete a project with kids! Love it! :)

Mary Jo said...

All the quilts I have seen so far make me want to get this book. And I think it is so great that Amy asked you to be part of the blog tour. Mary Jo

Andra Gayle said...

Looks like the book will be a lot of fun!

OhioLori said...

Love your blog!! :)

Thanks for chance to win this great book!!

MoeWest said...

Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Deb said...

I'd love to get my hands on a copy of this book! Thanks for the chance!

Lynn said...

Thanks so much for sharing your blog with us! I loved your honest opinion on how you wrote a book while you were raising a family. I have always been a stay home Mom. I have always worked out of my home (during the late hours, to bring in some extra money for Christmsa or birthdays. It can work but it is hard work, thanks again for sharing!
Lynn

FNP Student said...

Pretty quilts. Would love the book!!

akraftycatch said...

Oh I love the look of your book!

I'm about to embark on the journey of quilting. I haven't tried it yet .... so I think your book will definately be a next purchase.

I just love your quilts and can't wait to make some of my own for our home and my daughter!!!

akraftycatch.

schmidt1016 said...

I've been waiting for this book to come out. It looks super cool!

Leslie S. in MN
esclante at comcast dot net

Mom on the Move! said...

What a great book! Thanks for the give away.

Kristen W said...

Beautiful quilts!

kwaltz119@gmail.com

Andi said...

I'd love a copy of this one
Thanks Amanda and Amy!!
Andi x

Cheryl said...

Lovely book!
Alldonecreations(at)telus(dot)net

Pondering said...

I would love a quilt book to help me learn all the ins and outs. I am so glad it has nothing to do with the Civil War! I like all the new colorful ideas for quilts.

Diane said...

Love the pictures from the book. Thanks for sharing

Carl, Brent, and Joseph said...

i'd love to own every quilt book every written!
-carl

Michele said...

Looks like a great book! Thanks for sharing it :)

Linda said...

I love Amy's style of quilting, and the book looks wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win!

Judy said...

This looks to be an awesome book and a good way to use up some of my stash. Thanks for the opportunity!!

TheAccidentalCrafter said...

I'm in search of quilting books suited for a beginner - me!! This looks like the answer. Love the patterns in the book.

Colleen said...

Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the giveaway!

Suzanne said...

Amanda Jean, you cut right to the chase. Great question. I loved it and her answer.

Treasa said...

Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance.

Jen said...

Looks like a great book! I can't spend more $$ on new books right now so I'm in withdrawal. Winning this would be great for my sanity!

Janet said...

Looks great. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Marianne said...

I cannot imagine getting this done with 4 kids! What an impressive feat. Amy must have a super-cool husband.

Ladybug said...

I love this book and can't wait to start sewing with it.

Annie said...

Exciting book ... thanks for doing this blog tour!

Quilts by Jo C. said...

I would love to win a copy of that book! I am always in search of new and fun quilt patterns. This looks like just the ticket!

chelsea said...

I would love to try some of these patterns!

Jodie B-C said...

What beauiful quilts! I can't wait to see every page!

Anonymous said...

very exciting!
i agree with the kitchen table sewing and kids. perfect combination! :)
thanks for the chance!
anna

Lucky Duck Dreams said...

I love Amy's designs and need to have this book in my reference library!

Happyme said...

It was nice reading Amy's comments about her new book. I am looking forward to seeing the book in person!

Jill said...

This book looks wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win.

Melissa said...

Love these quilts!

Wonky Girl said...

So many great patterns, where does one start?
Thank you for a chance to win :)

"TELA MARINERA" said...

This book looks very very interesting.
Marta

Elaine said...

Looks like there are some great patterns in this book!

Harriet said...

Looks like a great book.

Anonymous said...

This book looks fabulous! Thanks for the chance to win!

superkyra21 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Astyn said...

I would love this book!!!

Trisha said...

Looks like a great book! And I am so excited for Amy!!

corinnedesabrais said...

Looks like a great book!

JG said...

What gorgeous colorful quilts! The book must be a wonderful collection of easy to follow patterns.
~Judy

Gretchen said...

This looks like such a fun book. Great for gift quilts.

Diana said...

Thanks for reminding me that anything is possible-even when the kids are around- it just takes a bit more planning and cooperation. Wonderful quilts!

Quilter Bridget said...

This looks like a fun beginners book!

Anonymous said...

I love the quilts and the info on your blog. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.

Michael and Rachelle said...

Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous book.

Canadian Quilter said...

This morning, after reading this, I immediately had my fingers run over to purchase this book. Now, I can't wait for it to arrive.

Ida13 said...

I'm an 'old'beginner, so I would be very glad if I would wind

SoSarahSews said...

I'd love this book! Looks great.

Dana Gaffney said...

Thank you, that's exactly the question I would have asked. Amy seems to be so busy all the time. Nice to think she has such a reward as a published book.

Valerie said...

I love the stack of quilts picture too! And this looks like an awesome book! Thanks!

bioyarn said...

What a beautiful book; I am inspired to make a quilt stack too.

Laura said...

This book looks amazing! I'm a new quilter and I would love to have a copy.

manybooks said...

I really love the styles shown - they look like fun to create!

Anne said...

Love the quilt on the cover! Congratulations on your book! How sweet that the project was a family affair.

katmarrie said...

Thanks for giving the opportunity to win the book - the quilts look great!

Janelle said...

I would love a book!

Unknown said...

this book looks awesome!! I can't wait to get my hands on one!

Quiltycats said...

I admire anyone who can write sew and juggle family life.

sandra said...

Love this book sure hope that I win one

Pam said...

That sure looks like a great book ...thanks for the chance to win!

Ann said...

Amy's zigzag quilt a long got me back to quilting. I would love her book.

Kate R said...

This book really looks great - am loving the reviews! Yes, that picture of the stack is wonderful! Love it :)

PegS said...

Beautiful pictures of achievable quilts!

Anne said...

How lucky you are to have a supportive husband. I have one too. Aren't we lucky!

Sarah Craig said...

I've had this book on my short list ever since I heard it was coming out!! I'd love to win a copy....

maggie said...

I saw this book the other day, and totally fell in love! Thanks for the chance to win!

9patchnurse said...

I really like the look of this book. The quilts are striking and simple. Love them!

Mama Said Sew said...

I had a chance to look at Amy's book today and it is beautiful! I would really like to have a copy of my own. :)

knitgirl66 said...

Wow... what an inspiring book from an inspirational woman! I am in desparate need to some motivation to get me stitching again.

Karen said...

With my son now in school I ma finding my most productive time is 830 til 11pm. Much later than that and its all mistakes.

April said...

Ooh what a good giveaway! and what a great book! I think I see a pattern I like for our bedroom quilt finally!!! Thanks for sharing !

Just Sew Sue said...

It looks like an inspiring book with doable patterns.

Ducks and Rabbits said...

I'd love a copy of this book!

beeps said...

awesome quilts!

. said...

Looks like the book is full of cute patterns. Would love to win it.

Dresden Quilter said...

Amy's blog is one of the first I started to read.It is wonderful that she has her own book now. Thanks for the giveaway.

Janet said...

I lke the patterns in the book. Thanks for sharing some of the photos. I will have to put this book on my list to get.

Dr. CH said...

I think this book looks great--thanks for featuring it here!

debra lynn said...

Looks like a fabulous book!

Kim D. said...

Good question! Beautiful quilts, thanks for the chance to win!

Melissa said...

Amy's book looks amazing. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Becky Butler said...

I love working at the kitchen table too! It's so lovely to be in the middle of everything!

Amy DeCesare said...

I love this interview question...and answer! I'm glad she found the time to make the book.

anotheryarn said...

I was so taken with the cover that I had to visit every single blog tour post that has already been up - this looks wonderful and I want it!

Ginger said...

Looks like a great book!

Anonymous said...

The pictures of these quilts are beautiful. I would love to make one or two of them for my own home.

Angela D. said...

Thanks for the giveaway and interview of Amy. If I don't win, I'll definitely purchase the book!

Krafty KJ said...

What a great looking book with some great ideas - it would be a bonus to win it!!

momma said...

As a newbie this looks so great, hope I win a copy.

JanetK said...

This looks like a great book - thanks for the chance to win a copy!

Jodi said...

I just love the quilt tower on the little high back chair on the contents page. such a creative picture. I am so glad you asked how she does it all. So glad she was honest and said she doesn't, as a new mum I know the feeling.

Anonymous said...

I would love to get a copy of the new book. It looks great and I love Amy's work.
Have a great day.
Rebecca O

LaraTalena said...

With 3 kids at home as well, I'm always looking for simple, but beautiful patterns! I can't wait to hold this book and flip through the pages! Thanks for your giveaways! They are exciting!

Melanie said...

oh how i'd love to get my hands on this book!

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 400 of 455   Newer› Newest»