f

Tuesday, August 26

Doing the Happy Dance!

I have some happy and exciting news to share!  The American Quilter’s Society is going to publish a book I have been working on!  Yes, I know:  Aaaacckkk!   Hee hee.  The book is about a new way to do machine sewn, raw edge applique.  For now, the working title is “Pleasin’ Easy Applique – A New Way to Applique”.




Last summer I made a small quilt for my friend Lynn and to get the effect I wanted, I came up with a new technique. I can’t tell you what it is of course, but I will say that it is really amazing and opens up a lot of new possibilities for quilters and fiber artists alike.  

I am like a lot of you, in that I don’t always follow the rules or stick with patterns and directions, but like to fool around and have fun experimenting.  That’s how I discovered my new method – while goofing around and making a big mess.

So of course I started coming up with fun projects that used my new technique.  Before I knew it, I was well on my way to writing a book.  It’s been almost a year of slow but steady work.  

In July, I sent my book proposal and two projects to the American Quilter's Society.  I hoped they would like the projects and my idea... and they did!  Elaine Brelsford, the AQS’ Executive Book Editor called and spoke with my husband Jim to give us the thrilling news.  (Jim was pretty happy to be my "ears": he helps me with phone conversations, since I am hearing impaired.) Elaine said that she saved my proposal for last in the editorial meeting because she knew they would “Love, Love, Love” it!  Wow – I was on cloud nine when he told me that part.

So here we are!  My book completion deadline is November 15th, so please wish me luck!  I am, by turns, giddy and freaked out. These two gifs sum up how I feel very well:


34 comments:

  1. Wow!! That is some great news indeed! Congratulations Lara!! Wishing you the best of luck!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is such wonderful news, congratulations! Just keep dancing, the rain will put out the fires :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think those GIFs sum it up perfectly! Hahahaha - I love them. Yay, Mom!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations Lara! Awesome news and I'm very stoked for you. I can't wait to see what you've come up with....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Whoo-hoo! What exciting news, Lara! I am sew happy for you and can't wait to get a peek at this new technique! Congratulations, my friend!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations! That is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations dear one, I know you are going to make the best book ever! AQS knew quality when they saw it, yippee, so happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. WooHoo!! Congratulations, Lara :D

    ReplyDelete
  9. So excited for you!! I'm very curious now about this appliqué :) Can't wait to see your book!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Congratulations! You deserve to do a happy dance. Writing a book is SO MUCH WORK! I know because I need to write one but have not even tackled it yet because it is so overwhelming. Please let me know when the book releases because I love to learn new things.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations! I'm also very curious about this new technique of yours as it seems to have sent you to such a creative journey!

    ReplyDelete
  12. So exciting!! I can't wait to learn your new applique technique! I will walk around saying, my friend Lara, the author...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations! I love your gifs--very apt! Wishing the absolute best in this venture of yours. I am really, really curious to learn about this new technique!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congratulations, Lara! I can't wait to see your technique. You write so well the book is certain to be a hit.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Fantastic news Lara! So happy for you! Eeek! I'm friends with someone who is a quilt book author!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow! That is BIG News! Congratulations Lara! I can't wait for getting my hands on your book. That's so amazing!

    Love your animations :).

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations - that is so exciting. I'll be eagerly waiting more details when you can share them!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Lara, that is amazing and many congratulations. I will buy it when it comes out. Good luck getting it all finished I am sure you will be a whiz and everything will go like clockwork!!!! Can't wait to see it. I am useless at applique, it never looks like it should!!!!!! Hugs, Susie x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Lara! Fantastic news and congrulations! Of course now we just can't wait to see and hear more about your book! x Teje

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Lara, that is so exciting. Congratulations both on inventing something new and on having your book proposal snapped up. Can't wait to see this one progress - it sounds like it will be a really interesting and stimulating book.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congratulations Laura! Those are very exciting news. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your book.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a blessing! I'm so excited for you! Congratulations! I'm not a fan of hand applique...and I've only done machine applique one time but I like the idea of raw edges.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations! It's your first book? I can imagine right now it must feel like being pregnant for the firdt time LOL At least it's how I felt when my first was approved. Enjoy every exciting moment while it lasts! Like with pregnancies, the excitement wears out and you will be looking for the next one soon. But a new technique - that's really impressive! Big hug and a happy dance with you!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Way to go! This is so exciting for you! Congratulations !!
    I am curious to learn about your new and easy methods....
    I am a new follower of your blog, and thank you for your kind words on my blog.
    Susie (www.SusiesSunroom.blogspot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  25. very exciting for you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Congratulations!!! The gifs express it all...so exciting for you! I can't wait to see what you've come up with. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congratulations on your book deal!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yay congrats! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Verrrryyyy Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see you book!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. That is so exciting! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congratulations!!! I can't wait to see it.

    ReplyDelete