Stripped Down Patchwork book tour & give-away!
May 24th, 2011
I’m so excited to be stop #10 on Erin Gilday’s blog tour for her new book, Stripped Down Patchwork! Erin is a fellow Oregonian and is the author of one of my favorite blogs - Patchwork Underground, and last December we got to meet in-real-life, and needless to say I’m her super-fan!
When I first opened Erin’s book I was like a kid in a Lego store… I wanna make that… I wanna make this… I wanna make that… I wanna, I wanna, I wanna. Then I saw what my friend Gail made and showed on her day of the Stripped Down Patchwork tour - and I’m hoping she’ll let me copy her use her idea! Strip quilting + Timbers = Awesomepancake.
Erin and I had a little Q and A for my day of the tour, so here we go!
What inspired you to write Stripped Down Patchwork?
Before I got into writing sewing patterns, I was selling patchwork clothing at street fairs. It was fun but it was a lot of work so I was always looking for a magic “trick” to make my work go faster. Seminole patchwork turned out to be the answer to my prayers. I found it in an old issue of Workbasket. In just a fraction of the time you’d think it should take, you have a finished patchwork band that looks like it took forever to make. Nobody needs to know that it only took you an hour.
What’s the trick?
The trick is, you don’ have to sew every little piece together one-by-one, you sew strips together and then cut across those strips to form strip sets. Then you re-arrange the strip sets and sew them back together. Voila! Magic patchwork.
Which project from the book is your favorite?
It’s a tie between the Toe Zone slippers and the PDX Tank dress. I have a special, inexplainable affinity for wearable patchwork.
What was your process for writing the book?
Well, it started with an idea. I got a really solid proposal together and started shopping it to publishers. I read a lot of books from the library about how to do it and just followed the advice in those books to the letter. When the “no thank yous” started rolling in – as they always do – I just kept on. When people looked at me cross-eyed about my ambition to write a book, I just kept on. That’s really the key. Just keep on with your intention. Once I got a publisher to sign on, the actual writing of the book was fun! I already knew how to write sewing patterns from my work with different sewing magazines and I already knew what projects I wanted to make so it was just a matter of getting it done. I kept all the information for each project in it’s own little folder to keep everything organized and took lots of notes so that I didn’t forget a step along the way in the instructions. You never know what your book is going to like because, as an author, you aren’t responsible for the layout and design of the book itself so that is always a fun surprise. In this case, I really loved what Leisure Arts ended up doing with it!
What are you working on now/next?
Promoting this book has been a huge task, so I’ve dedicated most of my time to that recently. I’ve been doing some small projects here and there for myself – I crocheted a top and made some palazzo pants from an old 70’s Vogue pattern – but mostly I’ve just been managing my blog tour for the book. I’m working on another book proposal right now (shh!) and I’m also considering doing my own little self-published line of specialty sewing patterns (double shh!) so we’ll see what happens. I’ve been trying to figure out how to use the Twitter, too. Of course, I’m always writing ditties on my banjo and blogging about what inspires me, so that keeps me busy too. Oh yeah, somewhere in there I also adopted a chihuahua. Oops. That happened last week.
I have a copy to give-away, and I’ll throw in a charm pack of my new fabric to go along with it. Leave a comment by noon (PST) this Saturday and I’ll have random.org draw a name.
Take the entire tour (and maybe even increase your odds of winning a copy of Stripped Down Patchwork):
Leisure Arts Blog - Monday, May 16
Sew Daily - Tuesday, May 17
Craftzine - Wednesday, May 18
Craftypod - Thursday, May 19
Whipup.net - Friday, May 20
Burdastyle - Saturday, May 21
Pink Pinguin - Sunday, May 22
A Green Banana - Monday, May 23
I Think Sew - Tuesday, May 24
Happy Zombie - Wednesday, May 25
A Mountain Hearth - Thursday, May 26
Sew News - Friday, May 27
Pat Sloan’s Blog - Saturday, May 28
May 28, 2011 Edited in:
Winner, winner, Seminole dinner! Give-away has now ended. Thank you all for joining in on the give-away! Using random.org for comments 1-135, the winner is:
Comment #25 - Alicia of Crash Worthy
Posted in Quilty n Crafty, I Heart Oregon |
Farting around with needle & thread and then blogging about it.
Wow it looks fantastic you clever lady, would love to win a copy, thanks for the chance.
May 25th, 2011The book looks great! I love those slippers! And a charm pack of your gorgeous fabrics? Bliss! Thanks!
May 25th, 2011Looks like a great book! Would love to create some goodies with it!
May 25th, 2011Thanks for sharing about this book, I hadn’t seen it before! It looks lovely!
May 25th, 2011I did a little Seminole patchwork many years ago. It is beautiful and so quick and easy. Love the glimpses into the book. And your fabric looks yummy!
May 25th, 2011What a fun way to add a bit of seminole piecing to some fun projects. I have not seen this particular book yet. Thanks for the heads up! Hugs!
May 25th, 2011Thank you, Monica, for a wonderful double give-away - Erin’s great book and your fabric too! Mochi Seminole patchwork would be an interesting combination….
May 25th, 2011I would love a copy of this book. I love the shoes.
May 25th, 2011The book looks like it has some very cool projects. This is definitely something my daughter and I would use. And some of your yummy fabric as a bonus…Wow! Enter my name please.
May 25th, 2011This book looks fantastic! Thanks for the interview!
May 25th, 2011Tempting book and lovely Fabrics ….. Thank you To propose this giveaway !’
May 25th, 2011I learned Seminole patchwork from my mom back in the 1980’s - what goes around comes around! Mom made some pillows and wall hangings and an apron to help illustrate a book a sewing friend was writing (Lassie Whitman - I still have an autographed copy!). This new book looks amazing and I’m interested to see how the concept has been updated. And Happy Mochi Yum Yum is SO BEAUTIFUL!
May 25th, 2011This looks like an amazing book. I love the items shown and would love the chance to peek inside!
May 25th, 2011I love Seminole patchwork, this book looks really interesting. Plus I need to win me some Happy Moki Yum Yum!!
May 25th, 2011Great interview. Thanks for the giveaway.
May 25th, 2011Awesome! Love the patchwork!
May 25th, 2011Those ballet flats are adorable! I’d love to receive them as a gift. :)
May 25th, 2011This book looks great. I’ve added it to my must-have list. Thanks for the chance at such a great giveaway!
May 25th, 2011Thanks for the chance to win! I love your new fabric!
May 25th, 2011What a great giveaway! I think I’m in love with the slippers!
May 25th, 2011Was cleaning the house during the annual spring ant invasion and found a lucky penny and four leaf clover. maybe this IS my lucky day :)
May 25th, 2011i love those shoes! what a great book to be giving away.
May 25th, 2011WOw, love those shoes and backpack (plus that little dog is so so cute!).
May 25th, 2011thanks for the chance to win a lovely book.
Ohhhh a craft book AND fabric . . . I must go recover :)
May 25th, 2011Wow, this looks like what I aspire to. Thanks for the chance!
May 25th, 2011Love those slippers, alas I have Yeti size feet, and I’m certain they wouldn’t look as cute. That wouldn’t stop me from trying though.
May 25th, 2011Loving this book! Thanks :)
May 25th, 2011What a cool looking boob. I would love to win some of you new fabric. Thank you!
May 25th, 2011OH MY GOSH!! I ment BOOK not that other word I am so sorry!!
May 25th, 2011would love to win a copy of book & fabs. Thanks for a chance.
May 25th, 2011I love the projects on the cover of the book. I can’t tell if the model is wearing a skirt or an apron but it would be wonderful either way!
May 25th, 2011What a fun combination!
May 25th, 2011cute!!
May 25th, 2011What a great book idea! Looks like so many great projects!
May 25th, 2011that i would love this! Thx for the generous giveaway.
May 25th, 2011i wanna win!!!!!
May 25th, 2011Love the resurgance of seminole piecing… I’m sure in the back of my closet I could come up with a pieced vest or two with this method!!
May 25th, 2011Thanks for the chance to win - looks like a wonderful book!
May 25th, 2011Look like a fun book and I so want one of those charm packs. Thanks.
May 25th, 2011Oh man, I wish I wasn’t disqualified because that fabric is GORGEOUS! I love the idea of Mochi Seminole patchwork, too, Diane. =) I’m keeping my fingers crossed for all you lucky commeneters. Can’t wait to see what the winner makes!
Thanks for hosting day #10, Monica!!!
May 25th, 2011Your new fabric is beautiful–luv those colors.
May 25th, 2011Wow - this looks terrific! Thanks for the chance to win it - and a charm pack of your new goodies - almost too much excitement!!! Thanks again….
May 25th, 2011The book looks like lots of fun and techniques to explore.
May 25th, 2011What a lovely chance to win!
I really love her use of solids! Thanks for the chance to win!!
May 25th, 2011Very sweet!! I’d love to win this awesome giveaway!!
May 25th, 2011This book looks great with cool projects! Thank you!
May 25th, 2011It’s so interesting to see the younger quilters embracing quilted clothing. It does my heart and soul good. Happy to see so many young women obsessed with quilting!
May 25th, 2011What a great inspirational book and your fabric is so much fun! Would love to win these…..thanks for the opportunity.
May 25th, 2011I have added this book to my wish list to purchase if I am not lucky enough to win. Thanks.
May 25th, 2011Okay, that was a fun interview. Erin plays the banjo?!?! Killer. I cannot say I share her affinity for wearing patchwork (in fact, a friend and I have a pledge to decisively hit each other over the head with a shovel if we ever do show up in patchwork). Maybe Erin’s book can sway me. Slippers would be okay, I’m sure. Love seminole and a fresh take on using it in fun projects (AND with HMYY??? I’m sold). Sign me up. Thanks Monica!
May 25th, 2011What a fun looking book. Lots of neat projects I’d like to try.
May 25th, 2011Love reading about fellow Oregonian and thier websites and books.Makes for great day to spend rainy day in oregon.Would love to read your book.Good luck on you book tour!
May 25th, 2011Monica, I don’t know if you lived here at the time there was a wonderful fabric/quilt shop at Ward Warehouse called Strawberry Patches. This was probably 20-25 yrs ago. Anyway, I took a class there in Seminole patchwork used as a trim on skirts & muu-muus & I used it extensively. I had totally forgotten about it until this review! Looks like a fun book!
May 25th, 2011I would love to read your book, I love your blog!
May 25th, 2011A book and a charm pack of your wonderful fabric, what a great giveaway. Thanks so much for the chance.
May 25th, 2011Thanks Monica!!! Go for it on the Timbers scarves… you have my blessing ;) heee hee heee.
I LOVE love LOVE your new fabric line too!
May 25th, 2011So glad you are home safe! A book and a charm pack? I would be so thrilled!
May 25th, 2011Thanks for the chance to win, the book looks great and the charm pack too :)
May 25th, 2011This book looks awesome!
May 25th, 2011I would love to make thoese fantastic slippers!!
May 25th, 2011Thanks for sharing! I am always on the lookout for ways to make simple things look challenging. I would love to be entered into the drawing. Thanks!!!
May 25th, 2011What gorgeous projects! Thanks for the intro, Monica!
May 25th, 2011woweeeee-looks great! thank youuuuuuu!
May 25th, 2011:o! I’ve been drooling over both of these!
May 25th, 2011THANKS SO FOR SHARING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 25th, 2011WOW, two great prizes! Thanks for the interview and the chance Monica!
May 25th, 2011Oh my goodness. What a cleaver idea! I need this book!! And I loved the Q and A - it is always fun to learn just a bit more about someone! Thanks for the giveaway!
PS - your fabric is AWESOME!!! LOVE IT! :)
May 25th, 2011Thanks for the highlight! This book looks like a great find! And your fabric is yummo! Looking forward to seeing it in person!
May 25th, 2011Oh dear, I do love that fabric!
May 25th, 2011Love!! Thanks for sharing!!
May 25th, 2011This looks like a great book. Very pretty fabric.
May 25th, 2011Thank you so much for your giveaway!
May 25th, 2011The book looks great. Love the slippers.
May 25th, 2011a patchwork tank dress…hmm I might like that!
May 25th, 2011A fun book and a charm pack of YOUR new fabric, what a winning combination!
May 25th, 2011This book looks fabulous. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
May 25th, 2011What a fantastic combo!! I would love a chance to win. :)
May 25th, 2011The book give-a-way is great, but the addition of your new fabric makes it AWESOME!!! ( smoozing!)
May 25th, 2011Great give away Monica…fabric and inspiration! Thanks!
May 25th, 2011It looks like it has a lot of wonderful things to create and to wear.
Debbie
May 25th, 2011This is the first patchwork clothing I have seen that interested me! Love the seminole effect. Thanks for the giveaway.
May 25th, 2011What a fun book - I’m thinking potential Christmas presents!! Thanks for sharing it!
May 25th, 2011I love seminole patchwork and would love to make some of the items in the book. Great interview and Erin has a lot of tenacity to get her book published. Congrats to her.
May 25th, 2011Laura T
Thank you for this great give away. What a fabulous prize I’d love to win.
May 25th, 2011Ooooooo…pick meeeeee! Thanks for a chance to win these tummies!
May 25th, 2011The book AND your new fabric? Wow!
May 25th, 2011I’d love a pair of those shoes!
May 25th, 2011Love the wallet. Hope to meet up in real time the next spin through Seattle.
May 25th, 2011I need to quite my job so I am not at the bottom all the time. Great giveaway and your fabric is darling
May 25th, 2011Thanks for the give-away. The book sounds like fun!
May 25th, 2011The book looks great and thegiveaway, too.
May 25th, 2011The book looks great and the fabric is fantastic! Thanks for the chance to win.
May 25th, 2011Thank you for sharing and also for the links!
May 25th, 2011Amen to wearing more modern patchwork! Also, I am drooling at the thought of getting a charm pack of Happy Mochi Yum Yum.
May 26th, 2011The book looks great! Thanks for a chance to win!
May 26th, 2011I have really enjoyed the tour.
May 26th, 2011Such a fun book.
I love your new fabric line. So cute and colorful.
pam
The book and the charms together!?! Double yummy!!
May 26th, 2011One of our quild members did a class on seminole which was wonderful and I would love to win this book and charms. thank you for the chance.
May 26th, 2011Thanks for the chance…what a fab giveaway…the book looks amazing, and who doesn’t love charms (I have a slight obsession with them)!
May 26th, 2011OoOoOooo that book is filled with wonderful ideas! Love the wallet.
May 26th, 2011Oh I hope I will be randomly randomized :)
ROFL at Shannon’s comment! :-) Anyway PLEASE pick me, I’d love to win this book and your charm pack! Both are fabulous!!
May 26th, 2011Hi Monica! I am a long time reader of your blog and love love love! your fabric lines! I had gotten the day-to-day sewing calender and I forgot to change my days and looked to see your pattern! I had no idea you did a piece in the calender! Keep up your wonderful work!
May 26th, 2011What a prize pack! Thanks so much for the chance to win! Visiting your blog and checking our your pictures are always a treat, so a giveaway is a super bonus!
May 26th, 2011i’m in it for the fabric!!
May 26th, 2011… and the book would be nice too!!!
love, love, love seminole patchwork. and your right, its a whole lot easier that most think! would love to win the book and charm pack! (mauh) Liz
May 26th, 2011Thanks for the review and great giveaway.
May 26th, 2011I love the look of this book! thanks for the giveaway too!
May 26th, 2011the book looks great, and your fabric is adorable!
May 26th, 2011The book looks like it has several projects I’d like to try and OMG I am in love with your new fabric line! Great giveaway!!
May 26th, 2011i almost fell out of my chair when i saw those shoes and the cover of that book! love love love!
May 26th, 2011Fabulous! I’ve never heard of that type of patchwork, but anything that makes it go faster is cool with me!
May 26th, 2011I love the wallet and slippers! The whole process is one of those “why didn’t I think of that!?” type of things.
May 26th, 2011Oooo! What fun! Thanks for all the inspiration and a fun giveaway!
May 26th, 2011Thanks for the giveaway. I’ve wanted to do Seminole patchwork for a long while, yet had no recent book. Please put my name in for the drawing of Erin’s new book. Also, it is awesome that could win some of your new fabric charms!
May 26th, 2011So many fun projects! Would love to try them all.
May 26th, 2011I love those shoes. I wonder if they are difficult to make? Worth it, regardless. Thank you for sharing, somehow I missed the whole blog hop and landed on yours first.
May 27th, 2011The pictures gave me an ah -ha moment about patchwork. I would love to win the book. This is my first day. Pat Sloan’s blog made it a click away.
May 27th, 2011What an amazing wallet! Would love this book!
May 27th, 2011I adore the Seminole patchwork. We had lived in Florida and have an authentic seminole jacket. Of course they don’t line things, so I took it apart so it would look finished inside - I love my apron also. Such pretty work!!! Love your happy fabbies too!
May 27th, 2011The book and fabric look wonderful!
May 27th, 2011It would be a happy day if I won this superlative patchy craftwork book!
May 27th, 2011Thanks for the generous giveaway!
May 27th, 2011Lovely book!!!!
I would like to have that for myself…
I hope I am the lucky one..^^
what a fab giveaway - those slippers are great, and i love the new fabric line! thanks for the chance!
May 27th, 2011Wonderful book, love your fabric. Thanks.
May 27th, 2011I’d love both the book and the charm pack!
May 27th, 2011The book looks great, and your fabric? Well, yum yum really sums it up! I can’t believe we have to wait so long to get our hands on some!
May 27th, 2011Fab–I would love to win this book—pretty things…
May 27th, 2011OMG! Monica…you & I have the same middle name… “IWANNA”.. lol!
May 27th, 2011hahaha!
>^..^
Looking for summer projects….love it!
May 27th, 2011Oh this book looks FUN!! And you know I love your fabrics too!
May 27th, 2011Thank you for the chance Monica!
I’m chiming in to win the book and Charm pack.. I have the perfect project ot make with it! Thanks for the fun BLOG!
May 27th, 2011Would love to win a copy - looks intriguing
May 27th, 2011Great book with wonderful ideas and inspiration. Such fun projects! Thanks for the giveaway.
May 28th, 2011Hmmmm…I might have to sew clothing again instead of quilting for awhile!
May 28th, 2011Have you considered reporting as a side job. (As if you have the time…) You asked such great questions. Can’t wait to see the book.
May 28th, 2011Plus, I just love your fabric line.
Love the ideas I see! And who wouldn’t want the charm pack?!
June 4th, 2011