Image: sxc.hu

I came across a fascinating blog entry, Clues in the Calico: A Short History, in which Barbara tells how she came to write her first book, Clues in the Calico. She was a schoolteacher and a quilt collector, who decided to delve further and share what she found in quilt history and fabric dating with others.

Now, 20 years later, this book which is out of print as a traditional book, is available as an e-book by C&T Publishing.

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Clues in the Calico by Barbara Brackman

As I researched The Quiltmaker’s Gift, in order to answer a question from one of my readers, I discovered there were follow-up books involving quilts and quiltmaking instructions.  These are Quilts from the Quiltmaker’s Gift and More Quilts from the Quiltmaker’s Gift. 

These books also received rave reviews for being well done and providing easy to understand instuctions and illustrations.

So these books may answer a question from the reader who wanted magazines about quilting for her Czech friend.  I’ve e-mailed her and suggested she check the books out to see if they might be what she’s looking for.  Even though not written in Czech, the illustrations might provide directions that the quilter can follow.

My daughter also suggested she browse through a magazine rack in a supermarket, department store or bookstore to see what the lady can find for her friend.  It’s very unlikely she’ll find magazines in the Czech language.

(Amazon image)

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Follow-up Books for The Quiltmaker’s Gift

When I blogged at Home Biz Notes, a reader asked me to expand upon my involvement with self-publishing.  One of my projects that might interest quilters is my book, The Magic of Patchwork.

I actually wrote the book upon receiving a “go-ahead” from the editor at a traditional publishing house.  It was slanted for youngsters and beginning quilters.  However, when I finished the manuscript, photos and illustrations and submitted the package (within the time frame the editor indicated), I discovered that editor had left that publisher.  The editor taking her place was not interested in this project. 

So….I let the project set for awhile. I now was involved with other self-publishing so decided to publish this book.  This was practical for me since I taught quilting workshops, gave talks, and was in contact with quilters in this niche market.

Various Options

I had various choices:

• Take my manuscript to a professional printer
• Find a program for our computer
• Continue searching for a traditional publisher

My husband and I decided to format, print, and compile the book on our computer.  My husband had published my book concerning my mom’s journey through Alzheimer’s, When We Become the Parent to Our Parents.

(In Part 2, I’ll discuss the publishing project further.)

(CozeeWorld/Amazon image)

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Self-Publishing a Quilt Book – The Magic of Patchwork (Part 1)

Quilting Qutations Celebrating an American Legacy, compiled by Joyce S. Steward, is a fascinating and fun miniature book.  Only about 2 x 3-inches, it consists of quotations about quilts found in American literature.  There also are lovely color photos of quilts.  An added attraction is the bookmark with thimble at the end.

This is the Quilting and Patchwork giveaway for this month, starting today and running until midnight, Saturday, Sept. 20.  Leave a comment below.  If you have a favorite quote or quilting book, share with us there.

Make sure you include your e-mail on the designated line. Unfortunately, only those living in the United States or having a US mailing address are eligible for this giveaway.  Only one entry per person. 

(Amazon image; click for more information)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

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Giveaway for Quilting Quotations Book

 My next give giveaway  will be the book What I Learned from God While Quilting, by Ruth McHaney Danner and Cristine Bolley. 

Leave a comment with your name and e-mail (this will be available only to me, but is the way I can contact the winner).  Share with us something about your quilting/fabric art experiences.  If you’re just getting started, share that with us, too.

What I learned from God While Quilting consists of 50 short meditations based on experiences and insights the author gained from her quilting world and at the quilting frame.  Also, at the end of each chapter you’ll find the “Scrap Bag” with a quilting tip.

This giveaway is open only to United States residents or those with a U.S. mailing address. 

Giveway ends July 31 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Daylight Savings Time)

(Amazon image)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

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Another Giveaway at Quilting & Patchwork

The Magic of Patchwork, my book about quilting, is the prize for the drawing mentioned in the Bloggy Giveways. Readers at Quilting and Patchwork were to:

Leave a comment about your quilting experiences by April 24 (deadline), and I’ll put it in a random drawing for a copy of my book, The Magic of Patchwork.

There were so many interesting comments.  I thank you for sharing your quilting experiences and aspirations.  Even though only one could win, I’d like to include some of the comments in future posts at Quilting and Patchwork.

 I utilized a random drawing system. The handy, dandy Random.org drew the name of……Sarah A.  I’ve notified Sarah and am waiting for her to send me her mailing address.  I hope you enjoy The Magic of Patchwork, Sarah.

(If I don’t receive Sarah’s address by Sunday, May 11, 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, I shall announce the second name on the random draw list as the winner.) 

I’m planning future drawings….so keep tuned. 

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

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The Winner is….of The Magic of Patchwork Book

“Mary, will you talk to us about quilting?”

What quilter doesn’t love to hear about quilts and share his/her knowledge, too?  When I’m ask to speak to groups, whether adults or children, I feel a thrill that someone wants to hear what I have to say about my quiltmaking adventures and heritage.

It’s the same with writing this blog.  I share with you, in a conversational way, my joy in this art…whether it’s about history, other quilters, or something my daughter and I are working on.

How about you?  Will you share with me? 

Leave a comment about your quilting experiences by April 24  (deadline), and I’ll put it in a random drawing for a copy of my book, The Magic of Patchwork.

(Unfortunately, this contest is open only for bloggers in the US and Canada.)

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

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Talk to Me About Quilting and Enter a Drawing!

 I wrote about Jennifer Chiaverini’s latest Elm Creek Quilts series book, The Winding Ways Quilt, and have found a number of my readers enjoy these books as much as my daughter and I. 

In additon to the novels, Jennifer has written books with quilt patterns.  She also designs fabrics for Red Rooster Fabrics.

It’s difficult to chose among the books.  They all center around the Elm Creek farm and quilters past and present. 

 I think mine may be the Runaway Quilt about the Civil War era.  Jennifer weaves a mystery connectiing that era to the present and revealing more of Sylvia Compson’s heritage.

 Do you have a favorite? 

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

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What’s Your Favorite Elm Creek Quilts Book?