Sunday, June 28, 2009

Gwen's New Liberated Book

I've started yet another quilt. I needed to have something portable to sew at a friend's, but of course I got all interested and I'm still working on it even though I have other projects that need to be finished.


By the way, this is an intense look of concentration on my face - I like to think I don't really look like Cletus the slack-jawed yokel.


I got so much done when I was over at Jackie's. Hmm, why is it so much harder to get things done at home? A belly that need to be loved on... By the way, that's Pokey's portrait up on the wall in the kitchen - you can see it above my shoulder.


Pokey is doing fine by the way. Happy little girl.

As compared to Brenda's cat Kitty on The Closer. Kitty also had kidney problems and it was a very familiar site when Brenda pulled out the bag of fluids. Of course Pokey isn't nearly as well behaved as Kitty. AND isn't that sick yet, thankfully. I tell you, I was bawling at the end of the most recent episode.

I've got some fun news to share with you. Last week I mailed off my Alphabet Sampler quilt for photography - it's going to appear in Gwen Marston's new Liberated Quiltmaking book. Woohoo, I'm so excited.

I called Gwen to tell her I'd shipped the quilt. She was busy doing yard work out in the "heat wave" - ooh, 80 degrees! I sure wish it didn't get hotter than that here, but I wouldn't want her cold winters. She's looking forward to her trip next month to Sisters, Oregon. I'm so envious of all of you who are getting to go.

I asked Gwen what is going to appear in the new book. There will be a review of some of the processes in Liberated Quiltmaking as well as some improved instructions - Gwen has learned a lot since the first book was published. There will be Liberated Stars, Log Cabins, Triangles (such as Sawtooth and Wild Geese), Square Within a Square, Medallions, Samplers, and Baskets. She's also including Mexican Hat Dance - that's the block that appears on in the quilt on the cover of Ideas and Inspirations. There's another quilt made from that same block on the wall of her house in a photo in Collaborative Quilting.

There's also a student gallery of 15 quilters who took Liberated Quilting in their own direction. Woohoo, that's me in there!

I need to wrap this post up. I have one last full day with my sweetie before he has to get back on the plane tomorrow. sigh. Ya'all take care.

27 comments:

julieQ said...

It is strange, but I get more done when I at the stitch group too! You have a lovely helper there...

YankeeQuilter said...

I am the opposite...get more done in a few hours at home than a full day at quilt retreat (too much talking, drinking coffee, eating treats, looking at other quilters projects....)

SubeeSews said...

I get more done at home than when sewing with other quilters. I get too distracted.
I cried for Brenda's Kitty too.
I have a 4 year old Oriental Tortiepoint Shorthair who has had to have subcutaneous injections a few times. She just decides she does not want to live after a surgery. First time was after spaying. Second time was adfter she ate 10" of a wire edged ribbon and had surgery. Her capacity for pain must be very low. We have to force feed her and get those fluid injections. Then wham! She decides to live. That was 2 years ago. We have to give her so much attention everyday...just to make sure she is not getting depressed. Yes...I am a cat person.
Great news about being in Gwen's book. I knew her 30 some years ago.
XOXO
Subee
www.subeesews.blogspot.com

Beena said...

You most certainly do NOT look like Cletus, the slack jawed yokel. You are too funny!
I'm glad Pokey is doing okay...she looks very relaxed in the pics.
Thanks for the scoop on the book. Sounds interesting, and I'll make sure I get a copy.
Take care!

Rosalyn Manesse said...

Congrats on the quilt being published! And I'll be first on line to buy the book. I like that TV show "The closer" too. It reminded me of our dear dog Rufus who we had to put to sleep in 1998 because of cancer.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Congratulations!! That is SO exciting - can't wait to see your work in her book!!!!!!!

I'm so happy for you that Pokey is doing well. Miss Angel has been under the chair sleeping all weekend - she does not feel good. I'm hoping another day of quiet will resolve her issues. If not, it is off to the v-e-t (mustn't say the word aloud).

And I get more stitching done at home - fewer distractions and the set up is already in place meaning I don't have to hunt for my stuff.

Safe travels for DH!

Millie said...

Glad to hear Pokey is doing well. I can't wait to see pictures of YOUR alphabet sampler quilt!

I have completely gone to town making my own wonky houses!

Brenda said...

very cool about the quilt. congrats! when is the book coming out?

jacquie said...

congrats tonya! so cool!!!

Cheryl Cato said...

I'm glad your Pokey is better. I watch The Closer every week and have been hoping Brenda's Kitty would get well. Interesting that they went down this avenue in a cop show. I too was just bawling at the end.

Don't know if you follow The Gold Puppy, but Reya had an article on Pre-Grief last week. She is worried about her aging boxer named Jake.

Patti said...

Wow, that is so exciting to have your quilt published. You must be thrilled. So cool. I have enjoyed your blog so much and have been a follower since you lived in Egypt. I love that you are getting more famous and now you are going to be published! That is very neat.
Glad Pokey is well. She looks pretty comfy on the table there.

Diana said...

Congratulations! This is such exciting news. Who is publishing Gwen's book, and when will it be released? I'm sure all the followers of your blog would like to know.

Nat Palaskas said...

How exciting. Can't wait to see your publish quilt. So glad that Pokey is back to her normal self again. I am still piecing away with my happy quilt.

jmb_craftypickle said...

Slack jawed yokel....hoooo hooo hooo, that is me laughing. I am so excited about your quilt getting in the book...but let's be real, I am SO EXCITED ABOUT SISTERS!!!! I am on Vacation...but I just keep thinking about my classes!!! I am glad that you have just been having fun and not fretting too much about your sweet kitty.

Marit said...

I am very exited about the news of Gwens new book with your quilt in it. Congratulations!!!

Chris Daly said...

Great news on two accounts. I'm so glad Pokey is feeling better. She couldn't be in better hands! Congratulations on having your quilt published in Gwen's book!

dee said...

I believe you would have to have a "mullet" to have any resemblance to Cletus.
Pokey looks great. Glad you're having fun with fabric!

Bebesboutique said...

Oh Congrats for the pictures in the new Gwen Book. I can't wait for it.

DHubby and I were watching THAT closer the other night and I had to pause it and tell him about you and Pokey. Both of us were in tears at the end of that show. DHubby never does that. We also had to put down a beloved old golden retriever two days before so it kinda hit home. I am glad that Pokie is doing so well. Keep up the good work.

Kim said...

Congratulations on your participation in Gwen's new book.....what could make Gwen's book better..........add Tonya!!!
I can't wait to own it.

Happy Sewing

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

You look well surrounded and busy and productive there! And I'm tickled that yuo are making quilty friends in your area. I just wish I had more time to spend with the quilters I've met here too.

And I can't wait for Gwen's new book! So proud of you!

Bonnie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on getting published! Now I have MORE reasons to be excitedly awaiting Gwen's new book.

I have to say I LOVE the shot of your sewing table. Books, magazines, a cat--it would probably be easier to list what's NOT on that table. LOL Yes, pretty much like mine.

Lynda said...

Always good to see others' work spaces - yours looks a mixture of organised (with all the bags) and mesy (they're all over the place!) Looks like home from home to me!

Quilty Cat said...

Thanks for the comments on my blog. Your cat Pokey has the most amazing eyes. Truly beautiful.
Love the portrait too!
Indiana says he is waiting for the project to come down off the design wall so he can sit on it!
C

Quilts And Pieces said...

What are all those plastic baggies? Now that doesn't look like you, with baggies everywhere! I can't wait for her new version of Liberated Quilting!

Sharon said...

How totally cool that 1. Gwen is doing another Liberated Quiltmaking and 2. YOU are gonna be in it! Whoo hoo! I'm so proud of you!

Your sewing space looks a lot like mine - messy/organized and covered with Cat! Love it!

Glad to hear that Pokey is doing so well. She's got a good "mommy".

jovaliquilts said...

Oh, Tonya, I'm SO EXCITED that your alphabet sampler will be in Gwen's new book!!!! Awesome!!!

Kristin L said...

Woo hoo! That's great to have your sampler in Gwen's book! A very nice pat on the back for you, and a fun thing to put on your quilting resume. :-)