Saturday, April 04, 2009

Conversation with Gwen

Wheee, Gwen Marston called me today. That just makes me ridiculously happy.

Her new book with Freddy Moran has just been published. She has it in her hot little hands and says it looks great - she's thrilled with it. Woohoo. The book is titled Freddy and Gwen Collaborate Again and it has the same format as Collaborative Quilting (which if you haven't already gotten, what are you waiting for?) featuring the Parts Department. There are 192 pages, 40 individual quilts and 30 new collaborative quilts. Gwen says that this book includes a discussion about design. I always love learning about how Gwen approaches that topic.

I wish I had actually taken notes. Gwen mentioned that she got some design inspiration from African-American quilters, but I'm not sure if that was for A Part or several. I sure love the giant log cabin blocks in Collaborative Quilting that were inspired by the Gee's Bend quilters. My CQ is in Paris still (along with most of my other books) or else I'd give you the details on that.

I am so looking forward to getting this new book in the mail. You can go to Gwen's website and order it directly from her - she makes more money that way and you can really show your support. Or support your local quilt shop - it's always good to keep them afloat too. In any case, check out the site if you haven't recently because news from Gwen has been updated.

Links to check out. Daily Courage has a sneak peak at the book in this post and will do an excerpt soon. 

Sarah at This is My Heart did an excellent write-up on a Gwen Marston lecture she attended and shows off her liberated stars.

Meanwhile I continue to hand quilt while watching lots of tv. And of course engage in the seemingly endless task of getting kitties off my quilt.

Lois thank you so much for the name block, I'll show it in the next post! Same goes with my wonderful prezzie from Victoria.

19 comments:

Bebesboutique said...

Oh how lucky for you getting to talk to Gwen. I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THE NEW BOOK!!!!

Twisted Quilts said...

I can't wait to get my hands on Gwen's new book. I love her ideas. She also has a lot of respect for all quilters regardless of their level of expertise. I think that is important to those just getting into quilting. How lucky you are to talk to her on the phone.

Sarah said...

I truly appreciate you linking to my page. I am completely honored that the Most Esteemed Lazy Gal has read my blog.

I just finished reading Gwen and Freddy's Collaborative Quilting and LOVED it. Truly a quilt life changing book. I am definitely on board for its sequel.

Thank you so much!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

I'm working something up with the piece of fabric you gave me!
that's so cool about Gwen's new book. will have to get it. happy sewing!! I ordered some of the thread you use and am waiting to play!! so many goodies...

Quilts And Pieces said...

One more thing to add to my list!!!!

Janet said...

Thanks for the heads up. Loved the first book, ready for another. Also thank you for the connection to others.

Joyce said...

Thanks for the heads up about the new book. My order will be going out tomorrow!

linda said...

What is it about quilts and cats? I put one on the floor to take a picture, and she plopped herself right on it. Last night I put a binding on another quilt, and the other one was on my lap helping me by straightening out the thread!

Beena said...

Great post.

But I have one question.
How long has Pokey been a hand quilter??? (giggle) Too cute!

More seriously, I hope you post pics of your hand quilting when the quilt is finished!

Rosalyn Manesse said...

Gwen's book sounds wonderful. I really must get going, she has been so prolific lately, I'm getting behind on buying her books. Thanks for your comments on my blog. You've been helping me so much with my free-pieced lettering adventure.

julieQ said...

How fun to talk to her! I recently checked out a DVD with her from the library...what an amazing amount of quilting she get's done! Your bright pretty quilt is shaping up nicely, with your helpers of course.

quiltmom anna said...

Nice to see you are feeling somewhat better, Tonya. Lucky you to talk to Gwen on the phone. It is nice for you to make connections with someone you have admired and feel a connection with. May you continue to get those opportunities.
I really enjoyed the Colloborative Quilting book and have the second book on order- I love how Gwen and Freddy play with color. I remember seeing Freddy on Simply Quilts years ago when you could get it here on Television. Their use of color is inspiring and uplifting - it makes you want to take out the fabric and play. One of my favorite pgs in Colloborative quilting in the one where you can see Freddy's sea of color stash...
Its glorious.
Your quilt has come along nicely too. Pokey is a great helper...
Hope life in Florida is good.
Regards,
Anna

YankeeQuilter said...

How fun is that! Can't wait to get my hands on the new book...so cool you got along with her so well.

Sharon said...

How cool that Gwen called you!! You must be walking on air!

After I read your post, I had to look at Amazon and found that Gwen's and Freddy's book is already on its way to me!! (I pre-ordered back in Jan with a gift certificate I got for Christmas) Whoo hoo! I'm so excited...I should have it in 3 or 4 days and I can hardly wait!

Thanks for sharing the other links. I loved reading about Gwen's lecture too.

Your Margarita quilt is such luscious colors...it must be fun to work on! When you can get it out from under the cat, that is!

jacquie said...

how totally cool is that! can't wait for the book.

Dionne said...

Wow, how wonderful is that?! Gwen Marston's work is so impressive. I'll have to order her latest book. I've always wanted to take a class with her and Freddy, but they are always sold out by the time I get my registration papers in. That is the curse of the un-prepared and under-organized!
Cheers,
Dionne
PS - You have the cutest darn cats EVER!

Browndirtcottage said...

ooouuu...I have 'Gwen' envy!! The new book will be great too!!

Kristin Shields said...

Wow, a little chit chat with Gwen! Wonderful! I can't wait for the new book. I just realized that if I get my Ryan quilt done in time it'll be in the Sisters show when Gwen is here so I won't get to show it to her personally. I'm nearly done with LOVE letters, but have started quilting another one that needs to get done for the show. Do you have any dates yet when you'd like any of those quilts done for your book?

Magpie Sue said...

Indigo Threads has also shown a few pages out of Gwen & Freddy's new book. It doesn't look like it's available in digital format (yet, anyway) darn it. I just know a hard copy will make me sick. :-P