I can’t believe the time is here! The book will be ready to purchase in a week or two. (don’t worry, I’ll let you know when it’s ready). Anyways, I figured it was close enough that I could share about it with you!
So first of all, why did I do this? Years ago, back in the day when every quilting blogger was being approached by book publishers, I was also approached by one. I said a definite ‘no’. The reason was that I felt like I needed to have something to say before I wrote a book, rather than say “I’m going to write a book, now what should I write about?” Over the last 12 years though, I’ve started to feel like I had something to say. Something to share.
My desire has always been to read/browse through a book that included all the inspiring aspects of a lifestyle magazine or book, but about quilts. More of an inspiring book, less of an instruction book. Of course there are many quilt books out there. And some of them are very beautiful! But they NEVER have nearly enough photos of the quilts. Or anything about the process of making them, or the thoughts behind the scenes.
I love the magazine QuiltFolk because it gives more of the vibe that I was looking for. I also like the feel of a magazine like Bella Grace. But neither of these quite fulfilled my desire to be inspired by lots of quilts and lots of fabric.
I wanted to make my own book, but I also wanted more control over the design of it. I wanted it to have some of my own writing in it. More like a scrapbook. I felt overwhelmed by the process of working with a publisher and I figured they probably wouldn’t like my style and way of working.
Then I started to discover the world of self publishing. And I realized that maybe this whole dream was a possibility.
My next problem was a lack of time, and also I didn’t trust myself to push through all the harder aspects to actually complete something like this.
Enter an acquaintance/friend Trish who specializes in helping others organize their time and lives. She agreed to help me by checking in with me, coaching me on managing my time etc. I was determined that I could only take this on if it didn’t compromise ANY of the other important things in my life. The time had to come out of my ‘wasted time’ category LOL. So I decided to try for an hour a day.
So I started this in June of 2023, armed with a chart of all I needed to do, and SO many ideas!
I made 9 quilts, photographed them, wrote patterns, and made them into a magazine format. It was all so. much. fun. I had no shortage of ideas, in fact I had to leave so many things out that I wanted to include! As it is, I had to trim a lot to get it down to 150 pages.
I guess this whole project just really combined all my favorite things to do. I love to design and make quilts, but I also have spent my whole life scrapbooking and compiling and curating. Not to mention that I love books. And so I just can’t believe that modern technology has allowed me to make something like this completely on my own.
So there’s the other side to making it on my own. It’s the only way it would ever happen for me, but also, you will realize it’s not a formally edited book. The patterns are just basic instructions, hopefully there’s not spelling mistakes, etc. I did my best to edit it but this is my home made book. (I should say home designed, but not home published. The printing and paper are great quality!)
As far as the patterns and instructions go, it was an interesting exercise for me to follow my gut and not be affected by the pressure in my head telling me that my patterns were too basic. I had to keep telling myself that I’m not writing a ‘how-to’ book. There is an abundance of quilt pattern books already. Not to mention all the great videos and courses on how to quilt.
What I wanted to make was a book that would inspire you with the love of quilts. Real down home quilts with texture and made with love and enjoyment. I also talk about the designs of the quilts, how I use value in my designs, and how I chose to finish the quilts in different ways.
As I said, there are 9 quilts featured in this book. Not one of them has been seen on my blog at all! There are 4 patterns in the book, so each pattern is made at least twice in different colors/fabrics. This was another aspect of other quilt books that I feel is missing. I like to see more than one version of a pattern so that I can get a better feel for it, you know?! So that’s what I did.
There’s so much more I could say, but I think that’s long enough for now:). In a week or two, everything should be ready for purchase, and then I will do another blog post, and let you all know where to buy it!
Wow! Can’t wait. 🙂
Fantastic! Sounds so exciting! I wonder whether we will be able to buy it here down in the southern hemisphere. I certainly hope so!
Yay! So excited for you and to get the book!
oh wow! I can’t wait to see it!
This is incredible! I can’t wait to see this. And get my hands on a copy:)
looking forward to it, Jolene
How exciting – look forward to the book!
How exciting!!! Good for you for pushing through! Following through on a dream is hard work. I’m glad you found the support you needed and converted your wasted time into an amazing project. I can’t to look through your book. Congratulations 🙂
This is super exciting! Congratulations on your new book, I’m looking forward to reading it and dreaming about all the possible quilts I can make 😊
this is awesome! can’t wait to see it!!
Wow! I’m so tickled to hear this news. I am admittedly a fan… of your quilts, your way with color, texture, and fabric choices, and your personable writing style. Enjoy your blog, so definitely looking forward to your book. Yay!
You’ve inspired me for years and how great to have your quilts, photos and process all in one place. Congrats on your upcoming book!
What fun news! Congratulations and thanks for sharing. I ALWAYS want more pictures of the quilts in books and I love it when there is more than one quilt for each pattern. I’ll look forward to your book.
I’ll be ordering your book the first chance I get!! Each morning I’ve been looking for a blog post from you and now we know what you have been working on! You should be so proud of yourself!
This is awesome and I’m thrilled for you. You’re actually living one of my deep dark secret fantasies of writing a book and having the control of it, start to finish. I’m excited to learn more about the process, not to mention learn more about your quilts!
wow this is exciting!! can’t wait to own one!!
Astonished and so excited about this!! I love your concept for the book. It sounds like we both miss the same details in other books. I can’t wait to see your lovely magazine scrapbook!
I’m so excited about this! I already know it will be my favorite quilt book!
So looking forward to buying your book 💗
How fun!! Just when I thought I had all the books I need. Nope. This will be a must have!
Awww, this is awesome news! I’m so excited for you and so look forward to your book. You have quite an eye for using fabrics in a beautiful way!
Congratulations!!!
Good for you Jolene. Looking forward to buying a copy!
I love your quilts because they have ‘soul’. Also same pattern in different colours!looking forward to the book.
Congrats, I am sure it will be a very nice book. I have followed you for years and I think you are one of the most talented quilters around. Hope there is more to come!!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see it as I’m a big fan of how you quilt….everything you make that I’ve seen I’ve loved. Something to look forward to! Deb E
I am totally convinced your book will be amazing! Congratulations on the hard work👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!
Congrats! I look forward to purchasing your book. Your fabric color choices are amazing and I am a long-time admirer of your quilts. Best wishes!
Oh my goodness! I can’t wait to have your book Jolene. What a huge and wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations.
This is so awesome! I can’t wait to get my hands on one! 😍
Excited for you!!
I’m so excited for you and for me – I can’t wait to get your book. I’m sure it will be my favorite!! I’ve followed your blog for years and love the personality of your quilts- they always speak to me. 🩵🐘
My quilting journey started during the mandatory shutdown of 2020. A new hobby to try. I stumbled upon your quilt photos on Pinterest and was instantly smitten. I’ve followed you ever since. A book by one of my favorite mentors is so exciting. I can’t wait to see it! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful quilts with us. Such a blessing!!
Wow! What an awesome accomplishment! Congratulations! Looking forward to owning a copy!
On my birthday wish list already!! Can’t wait! ✨💭
You were SO wise to do this yourself and skip the publisher! Financially, creatively, and emotionally your book will be far more satisfying for YOU ( and I can say that after working with a publisher who didn’t live up to what I needed/wanted from my book experience). I am looking forward to my copy of your book in the coming weeks when you are ready to launch it into our worlds. Congratulations..
What an amazing accomplishment! This is so exciting, can’t wait to see it!
What a wonderful accomplishment! Like so many others, I’ve admired your work for so long. I will be ordering your book as soon as possible! You should be proud of yourself and I hope your book is a huge success!
Oh I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to get it!
You did it ! And we will be so happy to read it !!!!
This sounds like a wonderful book, looking forward to your publishing date!
This is so exciting- well done.
Your book sounds perfect and I can’t wait for its release.
Sign me up! 😁
Wow, you make so many good points here about quilting books. Good for you for discovering a way to create a book that’s exactly the way you want it to be. As a fan of yours for years, I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Congrats on accomplishing this!
Oh, my gosh! I’m always glad to see an email from you that a new post is up…but then to read there’s going to be a book you’ve written? I haven’t been excited about a new quilt book in a very long time, as they all seem kind of the same. I’m confident yours will not be in that category so there will definitely be a place made in my overstuffed shelves for this new one. Congratulations on seeing your idea through to the end!
Congratulations! My husband completed a self-published book lady year. It’s no small accomplishment just to get it t out into the world. Your work is very inspiring,look forward to seeing more when you’re ready to share.
This is such great news! I can’t wait!
Ditto, ditto, ditto!!
I’ve been here a Very Long Time and am thrilled for you and excited for me! Good for you! Gumption and Know-How! I’m in!!!
Congratulations! I am so excited to get a copy of your book. I know it will be full of inspiration.
Oh this is wonderful news!!! Your book will be treasured as much as your beloved quilts. I hope there will be shipping to California.
So thrilled to know that you are publishing a book! I’ve long admired your work, and how your personality is apparent in your quilts. They have served as study pieces for me, and your recent information on color, and fabric is a must read!
Can I place a pre-order?
Looking forward to your book!
Wow, congratulations! I don’t own any quilting books, but I will definitely be purchasing yours. I love your quilts, your words about the process and your idea for the book. I can’t wait!
Another copy SOLD! I like how you have created quilts with “simple” blocks and made them so special with your eye for fabrics, colors, quilting, etc. Your narrative has inspired me for a long time. I am looking forward to your new book. Congratulations on this accomplishment!
This is the very best news I’ve had in a great while!! I can’t wait (well, I will wait, but I won’t like it).
I’m very curious now! I agree with all your ideas. Basic patterns are good👍. I actually really dislike it when a pattern details exactly which patch to cut from which fabric. It just becomes so cluttered. And I don’t need an explanation on how to baste, quilt and bind in every quilting book (although it is fun to know how certain quilters prefer to do those things). I’m looking forward to more news on the book!
This is so exciting! I can hardly wait! Congratulations on a tremendous accomplishment!!
This is so exciting! You have a wonderful way of putting fabrics together and a casual utilitarian approach to finishing that has inspired me so much over the years. Congratulations on your first book. Impressed that you found someone to help with time management in order to write a book. Can’t wait to get my copy!
Long time follower and fan of your work. Good for you on following your gut and making your dream book happen. Looking forward to getting my copy and starting a new project!
Oh this is exciting! Can’t wait to get a copy!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment. Since reading your post I’ve been mulling over this- You used your “Wasted Time” to put something beautiful out into the world, that will bring enjoyment to so many people.
That has inspired me. Thank you.
I adore your work. Can’t wait to see your new book!
So excited for you Jolene! This sounds like the best sort of quilt book.:) I don’t buy hardly any quilt books these days, but I will definitely be putting yours on my list! You’ve given me lots to think about too as to the self publishing. Hopefully you’ll share a little more of that experience later on. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Way to go, Jo!! I am so excited for you!! I can’t wait to hold a paper copy in my hands!!
This sounds like a wonderful book. When I saw your Instagram post and your first post, I assumed that this would use quilts you already had around the house. How wonderful that you have included new quilts!
Oh yes, it’s all new quilts! None of them have been seen online at all!
Oh, it’s lovely! Congratulations, Jolene! I bought the digital edition since I live in Norway. The photos are clear and beautiful. I look forward to study them. Thank you!