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:

Linking up to Lorna's "Let's Bee Social" at Sew Fresh Quilts

Also joining Kelly's Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Linking up to Sarah's Whoop Whoop Friday at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Thank you for visiting! - Lara