I'm heading off in one direction and then without notice, something changes and I'm off in another direction. I know that's what life is all about but really, sometimes I've got other plans.
It's been a busy couple of weeks... okay, three weeks. But I wasn't counting... or I was trying not to. I just know there are about three weeks worth of "stuff" to tell you about.
This arrived a few weeks ago, an advance copy of the new book.
It still seems strange that I've actually published a book. A real book. My family can't believe it either. Carrie? Our Carrie? Writing books is for serious people... serious students... experts. As with the first book, I still find it a little hard to believe that the lovely folks at Martingale didn't hire a ghost-writer or edit like crazy. Maybe I should put that on my "bucket list"... some day I would like to write a book where readers don't start wondering if I'm nuts.
While you'll have to wait a little less than three weeks to see the rest of it, I did want to show you something that is included in the acknowledgements...
I really do wish it were possible to thank each of you personally but this will have to do. For now.
In Schnibble-related arrivals, I also received boxes and boxes of Schnibbles pattern covers ~ Doc, Full House, Bibelot, Summer Day, Spot and ISTH. Those were packed and have been going out the door..
As always, each of these quilts was made with two charm packs and some yardage. The amount of yardage varies but it is never more than 1 1/2 yards total. The sizes of the quilts vary as well
Never play cards with a someone named Doc. This is the wonderful Hometown collection by Sweetwater ~ love, love this collection. (Pssst... Reunion is pretty terrific too.)
I've been trying to figure out how to make a house quilt using charm packs since Schnibble No. 1. But I could never make the roof work. It was either going to have to be pieced or be really small. And then while piecing a whole gaggle of flying geese, I got an idea on how I could adapt Monique's method to make flying geese to get the roof I wanted.
This is the Little Gatherings collection by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. The red is from French General's La Petite Ecole. (Pssst... Rouenneries Deux is gorgeous. Kaari is doing a giveaway of some pre-cuts so make sure you enter!)
A "bibelot" is small object of curiosity, a trinket. The fabric is Curio by Basic Grey and this is one of those little quilts that sort of evolved. It was part engineering ~ how to get all the pieces for one "T" from a single charm square. It was also part "organic", in so far as how the quilt and blocks "felt". Did it need more of this? Or less of that? The only problem I have now is that I want to make another quilt with this block... a bigger quilt. Scrappy. Maybe even really, really scrappy for the prints and the backgrounds.
Seriously. You didn't think I could make a couple new Schnibbles quilts and not have at least one with lots and lots of flying geese. Seriously? This is Strawberry Fields by Miss Joanna ~ Fig Tree Quilts.
This is one of those funny fabric collections ~ as much as you might like it when you first see it, you'll like it even more when you start sewing with it. It's that pretty.
"X" marks the spot. Terrain by Kate Spain. This is one of those quilts where I loved the fabric and set out to make something that I thought suited the fabric. Meaning, how to cut up the fabric and sew it back together so that you can see how fabulous it is and still manage to keep it from all mooshing together.
American Banner Rose by Polly and Laurie. Laurie and Polly. (Pssst... PP2 is terrific. You're going to need some.)
ISTH? Yes, ISTH. Maybe it makes more sense if you see it as it looks on the front cover of the pattern.
i.s.t.h.
Maybe it would make more sense if you put it in parentheses...
(i.s.t.h.)
For... (insert snappy title here)
After 64 little quilts, I seriously couldn't think of a name for this quilt. Not just a name... how about any name?
If you're wondering why there are only 64 quilts and this one is numbered #465... that's a story for another day. And another quilt.
.... I'm back. I had to go answer the door, the mailman was here. Boxes and envelopes going out and some interesting-looking mail coming in. Have I ever told you how much I love Quilts Japan magazine? And it looks like some fabric I ordered arrived... though I sort of hope not as it would likely distract me from the sewing I was planning to do this afternoon. Yes, I've actually gotten some sewing done the past week or so... two variations of Full House that I'll share with you next time...
See you September 23rd.
Hopefully sooner.
Wow! Would it be wrong to love every one of them?? :-) How am I ever going to decide! Thanks for the fun, have a happy weekend!
Posted by: Sandie ~call me crazy | September 02, 2011 at 02:03 PM
The new Schnibbles look lovely - I particularly like Summer Day! Congratulations on your new book (no...we don't think you're nuts!)
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | September 02, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Congratulations on being published. I have to admit though, that when I saw the book, I thought, of course she is an author. She has all these beautiful patterns. No surprise for me. But now that I know it is your first book, know that I am proud of you for taking the step. Look forward to your next book!
Posted by: Shasta | September 02, 2011 at 02:32 PM
I was just haunting your site this morning, wondering how things were in your world. And, truthfully, glad to see that you were taking a break as this confirms you are a human.
Congrats on getting your new quilts out the door and on all the fun new designs. I can see a couple right now that I want to put on my list to do in fall/spring. Yes, summer's over and it's time to think fall. Spring.
Anyway--happy day! Congrats again.
Posted by: Elizabeth E. | September 02, 2011 at 03:00 PM
Only you could name a quilt i.s.t.h. and get away with it! Love all your new Schniblles and can't wait to see the book! Congats on all your fabulous work!
Posted by: Cindy | September 02, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Two more versions of Full House? I can't wait to see them! Love all the new patterns and waiting for the book.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | September 02, 2011 at 07:26 PM
I can't wait to get my hands on your new book and new patterns, I need to make Doc ASAP!! and then the rest lol
Posted by: Wendy | September 02, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Wow Carrie! Congrats on another great book! I love Full House!!! Can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Jocelyn | September 02, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Oh, the new book looks fantastic! On my wish list already. CONGRATS!
Posted by: manybooks (Linda) | September 02, 2011 at 08:08 PM
I adore your new patterns! And I've been waiting (not so patiently) for your new book. Congratulations!
Posted by: Kim | September 02, 2011 at 08:33 PM
You are very welcome (says a year of Schnibbles participant) and we were honored to make your patterns all year. And now I am a fan for life!
Posted by: Andee Neff | September 02, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Your new Schnibbles patterns are beautiful. I especially love "Spot" with Kate's bright fabrics. Also, I am eagerly waiting for Another Bite of Schnibbles. Congratulations!
Posted by: Kristi | September 03, 2011 at 08:40 AM
as I sit here on Saturday afternoon in Starbucks, yes having a coffee just for you with whip cream (who cares about the calories at this point!), still wiating for our power to go back on from the hurricane Sunday 4am it went out , some one needs to invent a sewing machine that runs on batteries!!!
glad to see all your wonderful patterns oh boy can't wait to make a few of these quilts and oh I can't wait to get a copy of the new book, looks great.
ah a new box of fabric, thats what i need the mail man is still delivering mail ... supposedly my package of little gatherings should come next week!!!! those houses are perfect for those fabrics, ah yes something to dream about the next few days!
I can get emails can' sent them yet..will be in touch soon...hope your having time to unwind now all these are done!
Posted by: [email protected] | September 03, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Hi Carrie! I CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on your new book. It looks great. And those patterns look like alot of fun. I'll be patient ...
Posted by: Gerri | September 03, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Yeah! My pattern order is enroute, charms are starting to arrive. Quilt show just around the corner! I don't know where to start. Doc is the first in the alphabet, so maybe I'll start there. Oh wait, I skipped Bibelot.
Posted by: Auntie Pami | September 03, 2011 at 01:36 PM
Hi Carrie! Thanks so much for all the inspiration--there would be no "year of Schnibbles" were it not for your amazing designs! Congrats on the new book, too...I absolutely can't wait to see it...almost as much as I can't wait to see your two other versions of Full House; I was going to start that this weekend, but now I will wait to see your other versions! Sewing Schnibbles has been so much fun. I was looking for the first one I made the other day and had so much fun going through my stack. SOOO Glad I have made them!
Posted by: sherri | September 03, 2011 at 07:53 PM
I WONDERED what i.s.t.h. meant! And I'm really looking forward to the new book--I've asked the quilt shop to reserve one for me, and now that you've given us a peek at the mention of our Year of Schnibbles gang, . . . well, I'm even more anxious to get it! But really, Carrie, it's YOU who deserves all the thanks--your patterns and your continuing innovative uses of charm packs inspire all of us!
Posted by: Kim P. | September 04, 2011 at 01:30 AM
I sure wish you could come to my home and see all the Schnibbles I have made and then so many gifted to family and friends. Quilting can be addicting but I found your Schnibbles to be even more of an addiction! Yes...my name is Mary and I'm Schnibble addicted. LOL I hadn't been able to play along as much with the Le Petite Sinta and Sherry have this year but last year sure cranked out Schnibbles in participation of the year and yes...even the contest. I loved being thanked in your newest book. *wink* At some point I'll find some extra $$ to get all the latest patterns and your new book...though I do want autographed! (doesn't that increase value? LOL) You rock!
Posted by: Mary Flynn | September 04, 2011 at 05:57 AM
Carrie,
Your new patterns are awesome, you have come up with some very exciting one. I love the houses and can't wait to piece them. And the cobblestone border with the stars is so creative.
with all your creativity a book is definitely in order.
Enjoy your new fabric!
Posted by: Carrie | September 04, 2011 at 08:34 AM
I adore all the Schnibbles!! Of course, I'm cracking up over I.S.T.H....... thinking OK, let's unscramble the letters!!! Works for me - LOL!!! Miss you when you don't blog, but we all need some time....... looking forward to the new book also!!
Posted by: Linda P | September 04, 2011 at 05:14 PM
"Osculate" -- I think that'd make a good name for a Schnibble. I love that word. ;)
The new Schnibbles are great! Thanks for the reveal!
Posted by: Sharrieboberry | September 04, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Congratson a new book! I love your Schnibbles, so I'll go get it as soon as it hits Norway :o) How great! Gorgeous quilts!
Have a great new and creative week,
Laila
Posted by: Laila Skauge | September 05, 2011 at 07:57 AM
This looks like a wonderful book....I can't wait to get one!
Posted by: Gidget | September 07, 2011 at 01:34 PM
A little bird told me it was your birthday today HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! xxx
Posted by: Sunnybec | October 01, 2011 at 12:50 PM