Meet Me in Des Moines, Myrna

OK, "Meet Me in Des Moines, Myrna" doesn't have quite the ring to it Judy Garland gave to "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis" in the almost-eponymous movie, but this really is an open invitation to come see me during our show this October 6 - 9 at the Iowa Convention Center.

I'll be in an office in the hallway outside the exhibits, hoping to talk with prospective authors about their book ideas (look for the easel sign that says, "Andi Reynolds, Executive Book Editor"). If you'd like to talk about a book idea, you can prepare in advance by reviewing our proposal guidelines. Go to www.americanquilter.com and click on "Authors."

You can also attend my lecture, Publishing 101, which will be Wednesday, October 6 from 11 am to 12 pm in the Iowa Hall of Pride Theater. Register for Lecture # 32801.

I'll also be moderating the Author's Roundtable on Thursday, October 7 from 5 pm to 6 pm. This, too will be in the Iowa Hall of Pride Theater; it is Special Event # 32201. Come hear what four AQS authors have to say about being AQS authors: Joe Cunningham (Men and the Art of Quiltmaking), Jean Biddick (Masterful Machine Pieced Quilts), Zena Thorpe (Beautiful Alphabet Applique), and Kimberly Einmo (Jelly Roll Quilts & More).

Both events should help explain the process of becoming an AQS author, but you don't need to attend them to talk with me. Walk-ins are welcome, or you may make an appointment before October 1 by emailing me at andi@aqsquilt.com. You can always ask for me at the Workshop Desk, too.

Being at each AQS quilt show is always exciting for me because I do get to meet so many creative people with such interesting ideas. If you have given some thought to writing a quilt book, come to the quilt show and see me! Bring just an idea or a full-blown proposal or anything in between. I look forward to meeting you.

Great Start to 2010

Nothing sparks inspiration like a new quilt book, and AQS has just released four great titles.

So many quilters kept asking her for an updated book, Gwen Marston has authored Liberated Quiltmaking II. It is much more than a revision of the 1996 book, Liberated Quiltmaking, which revolutionized the way many quilters approach design and construction. Indeed, this new volume (AQS #8147) includes her own and student examples of nine liberated processes evolved and compiled over the past 16 years. Terrific writing from Gwen, as always, and beautiful eye candy. LQII will be just as timeless as LQ, which has become expensive over the years, so buy it now.

Kimberly Einmo has put a happy, fresh spin on ways to use the pre-cut fabric bundles that are so very hot these days. Convenience and time-saving don't have to mean lack of dynamic design, as she aptly demonstrates in Jelly Roll Quilts & More. There are fourteen projects plus fun ideas for hosting a pre-cuts party with your quilting friends. AQS #8146



 

People who love richly decorated letters and flowing applique designs will be enchanted by Beautiful Alphabet Applique by Zena Thorpe. Based on her multiple award-winning quilt, Illuminated Alphabet, the book includes designs for 26 letters; alternate designs for L, O, V and E; four corner patterns; and a sashing design. Any of these lovely elements may be used separately to enhance other pieced or appliqued projects. AQS #8148

 

A different style and different technique separates Teri Henderson Tope's Applique in Reverse from other applique books. This one is great for beginners who worry about handling small pieces of fabric. Teri's method produces fine-looking results and her style is almost whimsical, sort of a happy look at the art nouveau style. Easily adaptable to other projects, there are 13 block and 2 border patterns that can be made into one gorgeous quilt. AQS #8151

May your Happy New Year be one of inspired stitching fueled by a book from AQS! Go to www.americanquilter.com to order or call us at 1-800-626-5420.

Congratulations AQS Authors - Houston Winners!

Congratulations to Paducah's own Caryl Bryer Fallert for winning Best of Show at the IQA 2009 show in Houston! She is shown above left with a corner of "On the Wings of a Dream," a self-portrait that garnered Caryl the $10,000 top prize, sponsored by Handi-Quilter.

In addition, Caryl won first place in the Digital Imagery Category sponsored by C&T Publishing for "Watch Master," a tribute to her father. Her book, Caryl Bryer Fallert: A Spectrum of Quilts 1983-1995, is out of print, but Fallert's Guide to Images on Fabric in the AQS Quilt Savvy series is still available (item# 6413). Way to go, Caryl!

Susan Stewart of Pittsburgh, Kansas, is pictured next to her mother, above right. Mom is calling the folks back home to announce that Susan and Gloria Meyer won 1st place in the Computer-aided Machine Embroidery category sponsored by Oklahoma Embroidery Supply & Design for "Gloria's Garden." Susan's book, Heirloom Machine Sewing for Quilters, came out in 2008 (item#7495). Congratulations, Susan!

Thanks to Chris Brown, editor of American Quilter for those on-the-scene photos from Houston.

Another AQS author who won at Houston was Sarah Ann Smith of Camden, Maine. Her Thread Work Unraveled just came out (#8029) and she taught a Schoolhouse session and signed books at the AQS booth during market. Her "Fields of Gold" took 2nd place in the Art-Miniature category sponsored by Quilting Arts magazine. We had this beautiful piece in our offices while we edited Sarah's book; now wonder it won an award!

Zena Thorpe's AQS book, Beautiful Alphabet Applique, is due out in January (#8148). It is based on her "Illuminated Alphabet", which won 3rd place in the Innovative Applique category sponsored by EZ Quilting by Simplicity Creative Group. This quilt is stunning and the workmanship impeccable; we never got over it while it was with us. Congratulations, Zena (who is from Chatsworth, California)!

Due out next Spring is 100 Sweet Treats by and for Quilters (#8156) by Ann Hazelwood of St. Charles, Missouri. Two of the contributors to her book were winners in Houston: Annette Hendricks of Grayslake, Illinois, won the Judge's Choice award from Sue Nickels -- also an AQS author -- for "Hide N Seek (Now where did that mousie go?)." This award was sponsored by Jackie's Animas Quilts. Annette's recipe is for Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. Sue's books include Stitched Raw Edge Applique (#6897), Machine Applique: A Sampler of Techniques (#5855) and Machine Quilting: A Primer of Techniques (#6299). Another 'Sweet Treats' winning contributor was Nancy Brown of Oakland, California. Her recipe is Mother's Cocoa Delight, which should pair perfectly with her 3rd place winning quilt, "Pup Art," in the Art-Whimsical category sponsored by Quiltmaker.

If we missed anyone, let us know! We are so excited for these AQS authors and contributors and all the winners at every quilt show. And we're grateful to the sponsors who make these awards possible.