Pages

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:

  1. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  3. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  5. This book looks fantastic! What an inspiration she is!

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The book looks neato!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for offering this great book.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think this book will be amazing!

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for a chance to win!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am trying so hard to win! :)

    jenashford at swbell dot net

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looks like a great book! Congrats Amy!

    ReplyDelete
  16. This book looks awesome! Would love to win!

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

    Sarahjo9879 (at)aol (dot) com

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love this book! Definitely on my must have list!

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a great question! And a lovely book!

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

    ReplyDelete
  25. It would be great to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  26. The book looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  27. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  28. This book looks cool! Thanks for the opportunity!

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

    Heidi

    ReplyDelete
  30. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love the book!

    hugzzz

    ReplyDelete
  32. mamacita8:59 AM

    so lovely and so tempting! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous9:00 AM

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  35. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  36. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  37. this book looks fabulous!!

    bess :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Looks like a very cool book!

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

    ReplyDelete
  40. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  42. 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.

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  47. Debbie G9:13 AM

    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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  50. 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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a great book. Would love to win.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  56. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  57. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  63. I do love a good quilty book! Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
  64. 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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  68. 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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  74. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  76. 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

    ReplyDelete
  77. This book looks amazing, would love a copy:)

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

    ReplyDelete
  79. 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

    ReplyDelete
  80. 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!

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  85. What a GREAT book!

    ReplyDelete
  86. 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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  89. Alice R.9:57 AM

    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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  91. That would have been my question too!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Great quilts in this book! Would love to have one!

    ReplyDelete
  93. 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

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

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love the 1-2-3 quilt especially!

    ReplyDelete
  96. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  97. Anonymous10:04 AM

    SUCH A NEAT BOOK!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    jldouglas@wispwest.net

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

    ReplyDelete
  99. 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. so excited about this book.

    ReplyDelete
  101. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  102. the books looks amazing!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  105. Anonymous10:15 AM

    Thanks for the preview. Wonderful quilts!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Thanks for the chance! The book looks awesome.

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  111. Great book! WOuld love to try some of the patterns!

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

    ReplyDelete
  113. I am loving those patterns!!

    ReplyDelete
  114. Awesome book! Thanks for the chance!

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

    ReplyDelete
  116. This book looks great! thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  117. What a fun book! Thanks for giving it away!

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

    kirsten_13@hotmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  124. Looks like lots of inspiration!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  127. Thanks for the chance to win this book!

    ReplyDelete
  128. I am so excited for this book! It looks wonderful!!

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

    lisamerkley(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  130. 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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  132. 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!

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

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

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

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

    Jittina, the Netherlands

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  139. What a great give away!! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  140. 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!)

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  144. Looks like a great book!

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

    ReplyDelete
  146. Anonymous11:12 AM

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  151. Oh, I love the 1, 2, 3 quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  152. Oooh, look at the pretty quilt pictures! Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  153. How fun! Thanks ladies!

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

    ReplyDelete
  155. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  156. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  158. 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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  161. Those quilts are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  162. Anonymous11:50 AM

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

    tlufkin (at) gmail.com

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  166. 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.

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

    theredkiwi@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  168. 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!

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  172. 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!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  175. Looks like a great book!

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  180. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  187. Please, please! I'd love this book.

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  192. 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

    ReplyDelete
  193. Great blog tour stop! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  194. 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!

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

    ReplyDelete
  196. what a fun book!

    ReplyDelete
  197. I love the picture of the stack of quilts too!!

    ReplyDelete