So who knew three years ago that when I met Amy Ellis online that she would one day write a quilt book? Surely not me but here it is . . .
and I was thrilled when she asked me to review it and share my thoughts.
Wait a sec.
::My thoughts. Does she realize how scattered those can be?::
Anywho.
If you've been around here for any length of time you know that when it comes to quilting I'm not a pattern type of girl. I'm more of a have-an-idea-and-start-cutting-fabric-and-hope-that-it-all-works-out kind of quilter. And Amy's book arrived and it was chock full of patterns. Uh-oh.
What a relief when I opened the book and saw page after page of quilt patterns that were approachable. Patterns that were adaptable. And patterns that made me want to pull fabric from my stash and get to work. I've been crushing on solid fabrics for awhile now and see this above quilt in my near future. It's called Tumbling Cubes and can be found on page 9. But Basic Puzzle on page 32 is going to be made in 2011 by me as well.
I can see it now. . . "Look Mom! I'm sewing from a pattern!" . . . she'll be so proud.
It's fun to look at quilting books for inspiration. But it's extremely fun to look at quilting books and not be intimidated. I've never met the author in real life but when I do I will be sure to give her a hug and tell her job well done.
Want to win a copy for yourself? Leave a comment here to this post and you'll be entered in the random draw to win a copy of Modern Basics. One entry per person. International entries welcome. Leave your comment before Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6pm US EST. Winner will be announced Friday morning. And be sure to check out other bloggers also reviewing and giving away copies of this book.
Piece N Quilt
SewCalGal
Terri's Notebook on February 24th
Crazy Mom Quilts on February 25th
Wild Card Quilts on February 26th
BumbleBeans on February 27th
Fat Quarter Shop on February 28th
One Shabby Chic on March 1st
Canton Village Quilt Works on March 2nd
Diary of a Quilter on March 3rd
Fat Quarterly on March 4th
Amylouwho on March 5th
Crazy Mom Quilts on February 25th
Wild Card Quilts on February 26th
BumbleBeans on February 27th
Fat Quarter Shop on February 28th
One Shabby Chic on March 1st
Canton Village Quilt Works on March 2nd
Diary of a Quilter on March 3rd
Fat Quarterly on March 4th
Amylouwho on March 5th
I was so excited to see she had a book coming out - the patterns look very fun and fresh - and relatively easy!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing more about this book! I love the quilt in the picture!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see this book. I love that tumbling cube quilt too.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to seeing a copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteI love Amy's Tumbling Cubes!
Looks great! I love patterns that can be adapted, too...they're a great place to start and then let our creativity soar.
ReplyDeleteOh..a new "user friendly" pattern book! Just up my alley!
ReplyDeleteLook what the internet has done to me! I started looking for blogs to learn more/inspire my sewing (clothing for my kiddos) and now I want to make a quilt. Another one, I guess. I made one to help with the overrunning scraps problem, but I have enough scraps for plenty more. Can I make just scrappy quilts? I'm getting carried away.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a fun book to add to my book stash!
ReplyDeleteYes, "Modern Basics" sounds like EXACTLY what I need! Thank!
ReplyDeleteI have some great fabrics due in the mail any day. I could really use this book to turn them into an amazing quilt!
ReplyDeleteIf the book's as enjoyable as her blog, I'd love to own it! Thanks for the chance to win:)
ReplyDeleteWhat I've seen of the book looks wonderful. I would love to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for this book. Congrats to Amy!
ReplyDeleteI first 'met' Amy through the quiltalongs that started with you. She is marvelous and I am so excited that she has published a book! I would love to win a copy. Some days my creativity needs a big boost!
ReplyDeleteThe more I see of this book the more in love with it I am! I love that quilt on page 9...so cute!!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy! Please!
ReplyDeleteI have just discovered your blog and I am very inspired at your quilting style, especially on the banner of your blog...how fun! I would love to win a copy of the book and certainly try my hand at some of these very creative pieces of art!
ReplyDeleteI am really excited about this book! I also am more a get-an-idea-and-figure-out-how-as-I-go kind of girl, but as a new quilter, I really need some basics to start from!
ReplyDeleteI'd love some simple ideas for using up my stash! Thanks for hosting a giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI love good quilting books! There's just something about sitting and turning the pages instead of always looking at inspiration online! This looks like a good one too!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win this exciting book.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to check this book out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe book looks fantastic! I was planning on doing a "solid" quilt next.... The book would be great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Amy wrote a book! Thanks for counting me in, Dana.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great quilt! Can't wait to see more. Here's to hoping I win so I can!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review.
Thanks for the review! And have fun making a quilt from a pattern!! That's too funny! I'd love a copy of Amy's book.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book. Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteHey...isn't that bottom quilt the one on the Sewing Summit icon?:)
ReplyDeleteHave fun reviewing....YOU CAN DO IT!:)
I am so excited for Amy's book. After participating in a quilt-a-long with her I know what amazing instructions she gives. I can't wait to see her book :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about crushing on solids -- my solid stash has grown considerably and it is time to get on with it!
ReplyDeleteGreat book giveaway!
deb
It looks like a great book. I'm sure that it'll be a great addition to any quilt library.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
ahmotz at xplornet dot ca
This book looks brilliant. I've yet to make a quilt as I'm a bit scared, so this would be a great place to start
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLooks inspiring and very approachable. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like it could be a really useful tool. I love seeing all the different patterns and trying to get inspiration from them!
ReplyDelete-Jen
I'm sure Amy's quilts will be super fun and easy to make!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so great an I hope I´ve a chance to win. :-)) Greats from Luxembourg/Europe
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited to see this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Good luck everyone!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this!
ReplyDeleteLauren
The book looks great, hope I have a chance :o)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. It looks like it be a good one and I think the giveaways are great as they are introducing me to lots of new blogs! Yay!
ReplyDeleteoh lovely!! I hope it's my lucky day!
ReplyDeleteThe book looks great! Would love to add it to my library!
ReplyDeleteI got my book in the mail yesterday and LOVE it. I would love to win and give my copy I just rec'd to a dear friend who I got her started in quilting a year ago. Can't wait to go thru my stash and make a AMY quilt. Thanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteI want one! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletejenashford at swbell dot net
yay! I've been waiting on this book :0)
ReplyDeleteI would love Amy's book! Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book, thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book...thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the great interview! I'm really looking forward to this book!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm kind of like you when it comes to patterns. So if you are seeing ones to try, I'd be game, too. I'd love to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book. Thank's for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win this book! And keep up the beautiful work on your quilts - love the Princess & The Pea!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteMary
iammaryburke@gmail.com
http://www.ourhoppyplace.com
I follow Amy's blog and she is such a creative gal. I'm sure her book is amazing! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI admire your ability to grab some fabric and just start cutting. I need to do that more.
ReplyDeleteThanks - the book looks great!
ReplyDeleteI had a chance to look at the book at one of my LQSs. Would love to win a copy! Love your blog...just subscribed.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the just going witht he flow and not using patterns. I however in the last year or so I've used them alot.
ReplyDeletelove discovering new blogs. some cool stuff here.
ReplyDeletei have been excited for this book! i have it on my list to buy... here's to hoping i win it instead!
ReplyDeleteThe more I see of this book the more excited about it I get.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great book to add to my stash.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book that I'd love to win
ReplyDeleteThanks!
This book looks like a winner to me!
ReplyDeleteaw ha! Yes, please enter me in your drawing :0) Thanks a bunch, Sarah
ReplyDeleteI like what I read about the patterns- approachable & adaptable.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book!
I'm excited to see this book in person! Thanks for the chance to win! And I made kolaches again yesterday! Too good!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful book! Please count me in, thanks!
ReplyDeleteap_lemos at yahoo dot com
I am so excited the sneak peek is very exciting.
ReplyDeleteWow that looks like an interesting book. I love quilting books that make you feel like quilting right then and there. :)
ReplyDeleteI've made two quilts with Amy and I love her style! I would love to win her book because I think of her as one of my first quilting friends. You're my first BTW ....
ReplyDeleteI loved your review! I also love your blog! Your kolaches look too delicious!
ReplyDeletetheredkiwi(at)yahoo(dot)com
The more I see of this book the more I love it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful book - I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance...
ReplyDeleteI am following this book around the blog hop and it's so cool to discover some new-to-me cool blogs. Glad I've found you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win. :D
Awesome thanks! I would love to try a couple of these patterns!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt on the cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win.
Looks like an awesome book!
catsknit(at)yahoo (dot) ca
Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the kind of book I need! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletektyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow! Quick, easy and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun looking patterns. I love her quilts.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE patterns, and am attempting to copy one of yours, I'll write you about it if it works out... Enter my name!! I love your blog!!
ReplyDeletethank you for your review on Amys book. I would love the chance to win, hopefully I am lucky. Her book looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book--"adaptable" is always good. Can't wait to see your interpretations as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
L,A-
I am soo excited about this book. I can't wait to get a copy! I also can't wait to see your projects from it!
ReplyDeletesmurfy4ever@yahoo.com
The more I read about this book, the more I want it! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks perfect for my newbie quilting self!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fun book! Thanks for the chance to win. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteWould love to dig into that book!
ReplyDeleteI am like that also. Trying to follow a pattern is sometimes hard for me. I have seen this on another blog and it looks fun and easy. Would love to win a copy and if I don't I am seriously thinking of buying this baby. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletekirsten_13@hotmail.com
Looks like my kind of quilting!
ReplyDeleteWonderful looking quilts!
ReplyDeleteOh hey, I'm the 100th commenter. Cool.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an awesome book. I like modern. I like patterns. Modern patterns - perfect! Sign me up :)
This book looks great, something I would actually follow the pattern from! THANKS for the chance!
ReplyDeleteourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com
Those and not my grandma's pinwheels! And I love the quilting on the Tumbling Cubes. I hope I win this one!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book, and as it's by Amy,well, it'll be brilliant! Been followingher blog since I've been blogging! Thanks Dana :)
ReplyDeleteThis book looks amazing and just what I need to get back to my quilting! I love to read your blog and see all the quilts you make. How do you find the time?
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joy
This book looks like incredible fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! Amy's book looks great. Thanks for the sneak peek and your review, Dana.
ReplyDeleteLove~ thanks for a great giveaway!!
ReplyDeletekrencamp (at) gmail (dot) com
I would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletenettecan at hotmail dot com
This book looks awesome!! I need some good inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing this book.
ReplyDeleteEXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
looks like a fun book - thanks for the giveaway opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteBut it's extremely fun to look at quilting books and not be intimidated.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great reason to want to peruse and own this book.
i would love to take a peek inside that book!
ReplyDeleteI love the quilt that is on the cover!
ReplyDeleteI want this one as it would be a really nice present for a new quilting friend
ReplyDeleteby the way, have made princess on the pea block, you can see it on flickr under my photos (fissiett)
yay for Amy! I can't wait to read this book! not that I need any more someday projects...
ReplyDeletei will try again.....
ReplyDeletelooks a really kool book, could be the first for victoria. i am going home to kauai this summer and have many projects planned for us. one is, she wants nana to teach her how to sew. i need to get her a good used machine before i get there. i like the quile with the little squares.
Sounds like my kind of book! I also am not good at following the directions when I quilt but i love looking at pictures for inspiration.
ReplyDeletePS love your blog!
That is a really pretty quilt.
ReplyDeleteI'm really excited for her!
ReplyDeleteThe patterns look great, I'm enjoying the blog tour previews!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt-a-long is the reason I started quilting again and then met Amy through the Flickr group! So fun!
ReplyDeleteI sooo want a copy of this book. I will have to save up if I don't win one on the blog hop.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the chance to win!!!
Approachable? Sounds good to me. I'm not much of a pattern girl either. I'm still staring down the pinwheels.
ReplyDeleteI'm not necessarily a pattern kind of girl either. Really, I sew like I cook--patterns and recipes are jumping-off points! So adaptable, approachable patterns would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteWould love to have this book in my quilting stash! Love your blog and all of the inspiration you share.
ReplyDeleteSharon M.
I like your idea of cut the fabric and design as you sew (I do a lot of that)...
ReplyDeletehugz
Pam
I am glad to hear from somebody who is like you that doesn't do patterns a whole lot. If it works for you, then it'll work for me. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win!
I'm so excited about her book too! Great review as I'm a 'fly by the seat of my pants' quilter (typically) as well :)
ReplyDeleteI've been following Amy's blog for a long time now and I'd love to win her book.
ReplyDeleteAmy's blog is one of the first I ever discovered and began to read. I've followed some of her tutorials so know this book will be well written. So, I would thoroughly enjoy winning a copy. Thanks for the stop on the blog tour.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the book! I enjoy reading about you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win, I have had this book on my Amazon wishlist since I first heard about it!
ReplyDeleteUmmm ... yes, please!! My zigzag quilt is still one of my favorites. We use it everyday :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book. I like Amy's fresh style and her enthusiastic, conversational tone.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to discover your blog; I'll be back!
wordygirl at earthlink dot net
Love the book, and love both Amy's blog and your blog! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover quilt, that reminds me of kites on a spring day
ReplyDeletethis book looks great! can't wait to look through it.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to the way you go about making quilts. I've found that I tend to do the same thing. Thanks for doing the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThose types of books are my favorite--approachable and inspiring.
ReplyDeletechancyf at gmail dot com
Yes please! I'd love to win a copy of Amy's book - this blog tour is getting me drooling :) Thanks for the opportunity to get my hands on a copy.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilting "just go for it and hope for the best" attitude!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fun book to be able to peruse. I'm anxious to see it.
ReplyDeletecute pictures-I love easy quilts.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteFun! I am just about to finish up my current two quilts. I need to win so that I can get inspired for my next quilt!
ReplyDeleteClever, clever! I love the title of the book, makes it seem "approachable" too! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a "new" book!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you liked the book! Can't wait to see a copy for myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win one.
Sandy A
I'm not big on patterns either, but I like what I hear about this book.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win this book. I love Amy's blog. Thanks for the review and the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteAmy's quilts are beautiful. Hope I win one of the copies of her book.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute quilt in the picture. I'd love to see what else is inside that book!
ReplyDeletewhoa...just this quilt is a spring board of inspiration for me already! would love this book.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of "adaptable" patterns--so me! It seems I never make things exactly the way they are "supposed" to be!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is what I need. A pattern book for people who don't do patterns :)
ReplyDeleteModern? Basic? I would love to own that book! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Great to have a chance to win! Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a copy of this awesome book.
ReplyDeleteI love that square quilt too! I hope I win! :)
ReplyDeleteTumbling Cubes looks like fun! I love Amy's fresh approach to design. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to get my hands on this book!
ReplyDeletethe quilt on my cover caught my eye. And then tumbling cubes. Now i have to see Basic Puzzle
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a really great book!
ReplyDeleteI'm a pattern gal, until I have the experience to branch out, so I'd love to get my hands on this compelling book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, Dana!
I was very excited to see this book. I'm loving what I am seeing on the blog hop so far and know for sure THIS is an excellent book to have. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be one of the very lucky ones to win.
ReplyDeletevburr at charter dot net
Looks like a great book - I'd love to win it (and if I don't, then I am going to keep an eye out for it in the local shops).
ReplyDeleteplease enter me. this looks like fun.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win...new inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI would love to this book! I have it on "need to have" list.
ReplyDeleteYou can never have enough quilting books. Sign me up please!!! I love the modern quilt movement that is taking place.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win a copy of this book. I can't wait to get one.
ReplyDeleteShe is a very creative lady so it would be great to have her book. I never win giveaways though, so I'll have to be on the lookout for it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. Thanks for giving us the opportunity. :)
ReplyDeleteI love that tumbling block quilt! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteWould love to win...because there are some of us who really do need patterns to follow. Me! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this book - it looks great!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful quilting book! I'd love to win it!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great book. Sign me up please.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this book advertised somewhere recently...can't remember, but looks like a great go to book for inspiration and simple yet beautiful quilts. I would love to win a copy! Lisa in Texas
ReplyDeleteLove the book - you are right, it looks like the patterns are perfect for a busy soul. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've never sewn by pattern either! But I think this book would be where I would want to start!
ReplyDeleteooooh fun! I can't wait to see inside
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book - it looks perfect for a beginner quilter, just my level. Thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI have some Kona solids in my stash that would look great in the Tumbling Cubes pattern. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Dana, I'd love to win! This book looks so beautiful and just the thing to get someone like me off of my laurels and back into action. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI would love to have a copy of this book! It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSeeing that, like recipes, I can't follow a pattern to save myself- perhaps this is the book for me?
ReplyDeleteoooh I love the tumbling blocks quilt too... very cool :) Would love to win a copy. Crossing fingers and toes.
ReplyDeletevery excited to read her book. My strengths are sewing in straight lines...ok, it' my only strength. nonetheless, i'm excited to see the variety of patterns that can be done with just straight lines! thanks for the giveaway. crossing my fingers.
ReplyDeleteI made a small quilt for my cat a few years ago and have been wanting to make a bigger quilt for years. This book might just get me going if the patterns are nice and easy.
ReplyDeleteI'd love a copy of this book!
ReplyDeleteApproachable, adaptable - I like that! And it looks like oh so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, no patterns. The one time I tried I found it so confusing. I love Any's style though and have seen her tutorials, so I think this book could change my mind. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait! I hope Lady Luck in on my side ^_-
ReplyDelete