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.

456 comments:

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Chris said...

I'm on a book buying ban :( and it's a struggle because this looks so intersting with some different pattern ideas. Winning a copy would be wonderful!
Chris x

Sarah said...

very cool book!

Brynn said...

Such a lovely book with simple but cute patterns. Win-win!

Heather H said...

Her quilts look amazing, and I would love to add this book to my library! Thanks for featuring the book and giving us the chance to win a copy.

Mandy Beyeler said...

I am so intrigued with quilting lately - I'm working on my first quilt right now - - this book is calling to me!

Melissa said...

This book looks fantastic! What an inspiration she is!

Cara said...

I am definitely a quilting beginner. YOur blog has inspired me and I've used your tutorials more than once to help me along. I want to make 4 summer quilts for my kids beds...so some easy pattern ideas would be welcome!

Michele said...

The book looks neato!

KatheG said...

Thanks for offering this great book.

audreypawdrey said...

I think this book will be amazing!

Katie B said...

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

Anna said...

Thanks for a chance to win!

Jacque. said...

ohhhh, I would so love to win this book! I enjoy Amy's work so much!!

kt said...

The book looks great--would love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance!
ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com

jenashford said...

I am trying so hard to win! :)

jenashford at swbell dot net

julie said...

Looks like a great book! Congrats Amy!

Amy said...

This book looks awesome! Would love to win!

Sarah said...

This looks like a book right up my alley! I would love to win it!!!

Sarahjo9879 (at)aol (dot) com

Debbie said...

Thanks for the nice pictures of the book, Amanda. Thanks for counting me in.

Staci said...

How wonderful her family was so supportive. The book looks like a little treasure trove of happy quilts.

Barb said...

Looks like a beautiful book! I loved your question about the kids! Thanks for the chance to win.

Brenna said...

Beautiful book! I need to add a more modern book to my ever growing quilt library...

Amy said...

Love this book! Definitely on my must have list!

Unknown said...

What a great question! And a lovely book!

Tiffany said...

Great question! It's nice to know that there are ways to do things for yourself while still raising a good family.

Andria said...

It would be great to win this book!

Jamie @Terrabyte Farm said...

Looks great!!

tmgrable said...

The book looks awesome!

Kelli said...

I could use some new inspiration. I'd love a copy. Looks like a great book, and anyone who can write a book from their kitchen table with kids running around is a winner in my book!

Jenn said...

Lovely book!

Amy said...

This book looks cool! Thanks for the opportunity!

Rustic Barnyard said...

Seeing all these beautiful pictures makes me want this book now. Thanks for the contest.

Heidi

trish said...

Great question about how she wrote a book with kids at home! I imagine she could use a little extra sleep now that the book is out. :)

Unknown said...

Love the book!

hugzzz

mamacita said...

so lovely and so tempting! thank you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance to win such a neat book. nkadenver@yahoo.com

Anita said...

I would love to add a copy of this book t my quilting library. thank you for the chance to win!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Congratulations to Amy on what looks from here like a great book! Everything you've shown today just seems like something I would love to make.

Celeste said...

Your life sounds a lot like mine. I sew at the dining room table so I can watch my boys at all times. I'd love to win Amy's book.

james and bess said...

this book looks fabulous!!

bess :)

Danielle said...

Looks like a very cool book!

Jenny said...

wow, this book looks amazing...greatly admire amy and the ability to raise her family, make these quilts and write the book!

Unknown said...

This book looks fabulous. I have already made two quilts this year, I am afraid of what I might do if I won this book.

Nicole said...

The book looks lovely.
And I "get" the 8 to midnight issue.

Nanbon44 said...

love the book, You do what I did when my kids were little... Nights was Mommy time, I did all my creating at night and I am still a night owl.

Tiffany said...

Great looking book! Kudos to her for doing the kid routine and the book!

Hannah said...

This book looks like it is full of some great inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

Joanna said...

You asked a good question. It must have taken alot of work to get the book out.

Pamela V said...

How did I miss hearing about this book? Looks like a good one!

Debbie G said...

LOVE the look of this book...it's definitely going on my 'list'...if I don't win it, that is! :) Thanks for the opportunity!

emeraldkrystal said...

What an amazing book. I already have picked out two patterns to make this year!

DJ Rose said...

This book looks amazing. It may have to be my first quilt book. :)

Ms. De said...

I too, love this book! anything that is "easy" but looks this good is well worth it! And her approach to working when you can and getting to the clutter when you can is great! Life is too short not to sew and keep your house clean instead!! ;p

A Seam to Sew said...

I've had this book on my list as soon as I heard it was coming out. I would love to win a copy!

Gill said...

This book looks great and I would LOVE to win a copy!!

Bonnie said...

What a great book. Would love to win.

Phyllis said...

So excited about this book. I can't wait to get my hands on it. Hoping to win a copy.

Meri said...

Love the quilts! I've promised myself to start some "mod" quilts this year...what an inspiraton!
Thanks for a chance to win!

Tara said...

Love the stack of quilts too!
I do think that cover shot is all Make Life too! I saw some of those dots in another make life quilt on flickr!

Ashley said...

I am in need of some new ideas and this book looks perfect for the job! I love that she included the idea that these quilts will fit your budget. I love this hobby, but it can get pricey quick!

Nancy said...

I love the simplicity of these quilts. If I don't win, I will definitely have to buy my own copy. Fingers are crossed!

DianeY said...

I'm liking what I'm seeing!I'd love to see the whole book!

Nana said...

Love the quilts you showed in the book. I would love to win a copy!
Connie

Splendorfalls said...

How generous! I'll have to get my hands on a copy if I don't win!

Cathy Tomm said...

looks like a book I should get. thanks for sharing it with us.

Princess T said...

I do love a good quilty book! Count me in!

marilyn said...

People ask me the same thing. I make hundreds of quilts a year and have 4 kids. I think the busier you are the more you do. I don't know how I get it all done either, but I get antsy just sitting around and I don't stay up past 9pm on any day! I haven't written a book yet, but it is on my to do list :) I love this book and will definately be picking up one for me and one for my mom if I don't win.

Mary P said...

It is pretty amazing that she was so productive with kids around the house. Sounds like a supportive partner is KEY!

Julia said...

Oh Lovely, Lovely!! It looks like such a great addition to my little book collection!

Tarmy said...

Those are some beautiful quilts! Thanks for the chance to win. I love your blog!

Olivia said...

I just started quilting and dont own any quilting books. I would love for this one to be my first! And congrats on such an accomplishment--writing a book...thats so huge!!! Best wishes to you, Amy :)

Joanna said...

I'd LOVE to have this book! I really like the quilt with Hope Valley-reminiscent of a rail fence!

Margaret said...

Great question! I ask the same (or similar) of you--how do you get so much sewing done with kids at home?

Stephanie said...

Lovely quilts!!! I would love to win this book. I am new to quilting and need all the help & inspiration I can get :)

Kendra from missknittas studio said...

Thanks so much for participating in the blog tour! I'm so looking forward to this book!

Chris Ann said...

What a beautiful book!
Hope I win a copy :-)

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

I liked the question about kids--I've got a 5yo, 2yo and 10wk old and have a hard time finding time to sew:) The quilts look beautiful. Congrats on your book!

Michele/TextileTraveler said...

Looks like a great book; I'd love to win it!

2miracles/Tove said...

It amazes me still how Amy got this done with four kids, the younger two, were still under foot alot needind mom, it great that she was able to balance everything so well. thanks to the family for there patiences. i cna't wait to get a book

Susan said...

This book looks amazing, would love a copy:)

Vicki said...

What an accomplishment... I'm so impressed! Thanks for the giveaway!

free indeed said...

It's exciting to see all the new books coming out lately and the lovely blog hops promoting them...it really gets our juices flowing for a new read. thanks

my happy bluebird said...

Would love to win a copy of this book -- I love the cover quilt also. :-) Oh, my, gosh -- the word verification "marroci" is almost the spelling of my maiden name!

Karen said...

Such lovely quilts! Thanks for the chance to win the book ;o)

What Comes Next? said...

It looks like a fabulous book - I'd love to have a copy - winning it preferable!

GabyLux said...

This book looks fantastic an I hope I´ll have the chance to win the book :-)))
Greats from Luxembourg/Europe

Quilting QB said...

I love the sneak peek - definitely going on my 'wish list'.

patsy said...

What a GREAT book!

Canadian Kristin said...

You had me at the quilt on the cover... and sealed the deal with balancing motherhood, housewife stuff *and* creating this book!!! Well done!!!!

Definitely gotta get my hands on your book, looks like a lot of lovely patterns!

Candace said...

The sample quilts are beautiful. Amy must be very proud of her accomplishment.

Kimberly said...

Modern Mirrors looks like a lovely quilt. Very nice book. Thanks for sharing!
major.kimberly(at)gmail(dot)com

Alice R. said...

It's a lovely book! I hope to win one for my daughter who's a new quilter as it seems good for beginners plus modern and fresh. I introduced her to your blog right before you gave it up, and we're both enjoying it again so much now that you are back!

Lee Ann L. said...

I'm loving the quilts in the book -- they look so easy to make! Thank you for a chance to win. :-)

Alisa said...

That would have been my question too!

Martina said...

Great quilts in this book! Would love to have one!

Clothed in Scarlet said...

I love the the looks of this book! There appear to be more than a few that I might like to have a good at :0) Thank you for the oportunity to win a copy! Sarah

Lindsay Conner said...

Anxiously waiting to get my hands on a copy of this book--it looks great, and very approachable.

Dixie said...

I love the 1-2-3 quilt especially!

Donna~~ said...

I've been looking for some new ideas to whittle my stash which has reached it's storage capacity. Several of the quilts in this book like they'd be perfect to help with my problem! I marvel that anyone with children can write a book too--impressive!

Sally said...

Can't wait to see this book in person! I'd love to win! Thanks to both of you!

Anonymous said...

SUCH A NEAT BOOK!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

Melissa said...

Would love to win a copy! I love the "Modern Mirrors" design and would love to see all the patterns in the book!

Melissa Corry said...

What a fun little interview. I know I often wonder how I manage to get anything done with the little ones, but like Amy, I tend to sew at night :)

Unknown said...

so excited about this book.

RosaMaría said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RosaMaría said...

the books looks amazing!

Karen said...

Looks like a great book with fun quilts. I would love to win a copy.

Tilkunviilaaja said...

The Modern Mirrors pattern looks interesting, and I could not figure out right away how it is done! The book looks really tempting...

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the preview. Wonderful quilts!

Diane N said...

Thanks for the chance! The book looks awesome.

Jessica said...

Looks like a great new book! Love the 1, 2, 3!

Laura said...

love the 1,2,3 quilt! Can't wait to look through this book!

Jill said...

Hoping I win, but I'll prob be getting this book either way :)

lindaroo said...

Amy really has an eye for using scale and color in her quilts. Simple patterns, sophisticated designs. I'd love to win this book!

betseykerr said...

Great book! WOuld love to try some of the patterns!

Sandy said...

I love Amy's creativity. I would love to win her book. Thanks for the opportunity.=)

Christina said...

I am loving those patterns!!

Sonia B said...

Awesome book! Thanks for the chance!

Unknown said...

Every review I read makes me want to see and read this book even more. Excited for the give away! Thanks!

Sarah said...

This book looks great! thanks for sharing!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

What a fun book! Thanks for giving it away!

Kirsten said...

I'm loving this book! Thanks so much for the chance.

kirsten_13@hotmail.com

marie said...

Looks like a very interesting book, thanks for the chance.

Lynn said...

That was a great question. Thanks for being on the book tour!

Anna said...

Wow - that 1, 2, 3 quilt is so simple and classic! Nice book!

Julie S said...

I can't wait to see a copy of this book in real life!

Jen said...

This books is on my wish list! Would love to win a copy!

patty a. said...

Looks like lots of inspiration!

becsbags said...

Wow this book looks so fun!! Thanks for the chance to win :)

Beth J said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book, always looking for ideas!

Sallie said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book!

Linz said...

I am so excited for this book! It looks wonderful!!

Lisa Merkley said...

I'm always looking for quilting books! I'd love to get a copy of this one!

lisamerkley(at)gmail(dot)com

Tiff Blakey said...

Sewing at the kitchen table was probably the best idea. My girls bother me more now that I have a sewing room than they did when I was sewing in the middle of the family room.

The book looks great! If I don't win it, I'm definitely buying it.

Audrie said...

I too have been wondering how she managed this with kids and a husband at home!!

Megan said...

I'm in the same boat- my son just turned one and I'm excited to quilt but realizing there is only so much I can do in his waking hours. Love the book!

Nancy D. said...

Ohh how I want this book:0) So many projects so little time! Thanks for hte opportunity to win it!

Cindy Anderson said...

This book looks great, thanks for the chance to win.

Bev said...

Love your blog! I also think the book looks great. Lots of fun pictures and some patterns I certainly need to try!

Jittina said...

I would love to win this book! I also love the quilt on the cover.

Jittina, the Netherlands

Jessica said...

The book looks wonderful. Thanks!
jessica (at) homfamily (dot) com

Stevens Family said...

I just discovered this book. I am so excited to dive in. I love all that I've seen so far.

Cami said...

What a great give away!! Thanks

Bonnie said...

I would love to win a copy of this book (but I know that if I don't win I will be buying it next week!)

Marisa said...

How cute! I'd love the chance to try out modern patterns!

Amy said...

I'm hoping to finish my first quilt sometime this year! I would love to get my hands on this!

sachiko said...

I have been inspired to quilt by reading you blog. I love your style and am always looking for new ideas!

Anya said...

Looks like a great book!

Quiltbenaco said...

Eccomi, inutile dire che spero di vincere....
Ciaoooo

Anonymous said...

Looks like a neat book! Thanks for the chance to win!
steeplechaser29 (at) yahoo (dot) com

Patty said...

I'd love to have a copy of the book. Thanks for joining in the giveaway.

Quilt Monkey said...

Looks like a great book! I'd love to win a copy!!

Heather said...

I really can't wait to get my hands on this book! Everything looks so pretty!

robin said...

This looks like an awesome book - I'd love to win one! :) Love the 1,2,3 quilt, too! :)

Mary Beth said...

Oh, I love the 1, 2, 3 quilt!

Jen said...

Oooh, look at the pretty quilt pictures! Gorgeous!

A.J. Dub. (Amy) said...

How fun! Thanks ladies!

tarabu said...

How awesome on being included in the tour - My most productive times are either between 9pm and midnight or 4-6am!

shelleyjanae said...

That book looks amazing! The quilts look so beautiful! I am sure I could make a huge dent in my fabric stash if I made each of them!

Sue said...

As a newbie to the quilting world, I would love this book. Her quilts look gorgeous. I just finished my first block (yes...I said block!) and can't wait to do another. It's a block of the month thing. Love your blog!

Meg said...

I've been eagerly following Amy's tour--the book looks like such fun!

Meg said...

What a gorgeous book! I have been bitten by the quilting bug and I'm itching to start a new one! I'd love to try some of the ones from this book!

SewLindaAnn said...

I've got the book on my Amazon wish list, but would love to win one.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

looks like a book I would like in my sewing library. Thanks for the chance!

QAMom said...

Those quilts are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Looks like just the thing to get my quilting addiction back in budget, lol.

tlufkin (at) gmail.com

Denny1600 said...

I would LOVE to win this book! It's on my wish list, but I'm saving for a trip this summer, so . . .

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win what looks to be a really wonderful book!

Megan said...

Love the quilt on the cover. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
mklepp (at)yahoo.com

Sharon said...

I would love to win a copy! I would buy a copy but right now my husband is out of work and finacially it isn't possible to spend money on a book. But I love the sneak peak and I can see myself making the quilts shown.

Cammie said...

Thanks for sharing some more pictures from the book. Everything looks wonderful.

theredkiwi@yahoo.com

Kimberly White said...

I really like the quilt on the front of the book! What a great q&a - I often wonder how I can fit sewing and kids into my day without neglecting the kids :). I'd really like to get my hands on this book!

Laura lok said...

looks like an awesome book just judgeing from the first picture you posted of the green quilt gorgeous.

Anne said...

I can't pick which quilt I love the most! I would love to try them all if I was to win the book!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

I'm so excited for Amy and this book. All the pics look great, thanks for the sneak peek!

Carla G said...

Gorgeous quilts - would love to have a copy of this book as it looks like it would be perfect for me as a beginner quilter. Thanks for a chance to win!

sharon said...

Such a great book! Thank you so much for being part of the tour and letting us have a chance to win this baby!

Becky S. said...

Beautiful quilts--I would love to win a copy of the book!!! Thanks for the giveaway.

karen said...

Looks like a great book!

Tamie said...

This book looks like it would be a great addition to my library. Thanks for the chance to win.

Oh Sew Addicted said...

I love the picture of the stack of quilts too! It is sew yummy!

stormyyskyy said...

It would be awesome to win a new book to learn a new skill.

Joan and Kevin said...

I would love to win this book. The patterns look awesome.

Tamar said...

Thanks for the chance to win this great book!

Rhonda the Rambler said...

I have to you asked a great question...and I really enjoyed the answer.

Jessica Christensen said...

Nothing witty today. I like her quilts. Fun, simple, but they look great.

Donna said...

Hi...love your blogs...have made one quilt already from your tuts. Looking for another...always another:)

Radmall said...

Your work is lovely. And sign me in on the how do you write a book with kids at home!?!

Venus de Hilo said...

This book would be a wonderful addition to my sewing-room library!

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

I am a stalker on Amy's blog tour - LOL! Thanks for the chance at a giveaway!

Michelle said...

Please, please! I'd love this book.

Melissa said...

Thanks for the "how" question! Would love to win this book!

Deb said...

Really enjoy Amy's blog so I just know her book will be fabulous as well.

Shannon said...

I am having a great time reading everybodies posts about this book. SO COOL!!

Kathy H said...

Very pretty quilts and they look like they wouldn't be too complicated. Thanks for the chance to win.

bethanndodd said...

I love Amy's blog and have been looking forward to her book...fingers crossed I can take it out of my Amazon cart ;o)
Thanks!
beth.dodd(at)att.net

webmailaddress2 said...

Great blog tour stop! Thanks for the giveaway!

Barbara Snyder said...

i know what she means about an assembly line to get quilts done while being home with children. it's crazy! but if you work at it for 5-10 min at a time, it'll get done! i can't wait to read this book!

Rachael said...

This book looks like it would be very helpful for me - a very beginner quilter :o) I'd love to win a copy!

debby said...

what a fun book!

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