It’s a crazy exciting month over here, you guys! My new book is finally coming out and we have some seriously fun things planned! I can’t lie…I’m as giddy as a school girl! AHHHHH! What a thrill to FINALLY be able to share with you what I’ve been working on for the past 2 years. What’s it all about? Well, quilting, yes, but so much more than that. It’s about building relationships, about preserving priceless memories, and sparking unforgettable family time. It’s about making beautiful things, and infusing our patchwork with even more meaning and functionality. After all, isn’t that what quilts are all about? They’re a joy to make, a joy to give, and a joy to use.
SO, first things first– please join me this afternoon over on American Patchwork & Quilting Radio, where I’ll be chatting with the lovely Pat Sloan about what I’m up to! The show starts at 4pm, EST, and you can listen in here (don’t worry- Pat always offers archives for each show, so you can catch past episodes even if you miss the live show).
Also, you’re officially invited to the book launch party! Wohoo! If you live here in the Denver area, pop on over to Fancy Tiger Crafts this Friday night for some light refreshments and a fun time to chat! I’ll be signing books and all of the projects from the book will be on display.
SO- what else is going on? Well, I’ve launched an exciting new website — www.QuiltForKeeps.com— packed with tons of inspiration, a place to share your projects and stories, and impactful ways to get involved.
This summer is all about the #ForKeepsPledge. It’s a pledge drive, but not the kind where you pledge money or commit to give up sugar for a month. Nope. This pledge is all about refocusing our hearts when it comes to our sewing. It’s about pausing, amidst our busy lives, bursting sewing rooms, and piles of unfinished projects, to take a quick look at why it is that we sew, and who we sew for.
So what does it mean to take the #ForKeepsPledge? By taking the pledge, you are making a commitment to yourself, and a statement to this community that you want to refocus your heart and renew your intentions when it comes to your quilting and sewing. It means that you will be more mindful about using your passion to bring people together.
Taking this pledge does NOT mean you won’t drool over designer fabrics or strive to make high quality items. It doesn’t mean you won’t follow trends or enter competitions. It simply means that you desire even more meaning in the making and use of your projects, and will try to be more mindful, when you’re designing and sewing, of how your process and/or project captures and spreads love & joy in your home and community.
Will you join me??? Will you make this statement to yourself and this wonderful community? It only takes a few seconds- click here to take the pledge, then print a copy for your sewing room, and grab a button for your blog.
But wait..there’s more!
That’s right- when you take the pledge, you’ll get a free download of one of my favorite block patterns from the book. AND, if you want to get even more involved, join the charity block drive! The pattern includes details about how to send in blocks to donate- I’ll be stitching them together, and donating quilts to an organization that is especially meaningful to me. The ladies of People Comforters, of Evergreen, Colorado, taught me to quilt back in 1992 in the basement of a tiny mountain church. They’ve not only impacted the lives of countless trauma and crime victims across the Rocky Mountain region by donating heartfelt quilts to families in need of encouragement, but they also took me in, shared their knowledge, and changed my life forever– and for that I am eternally grateful. I’d be honored if you chose to participate by sending in a happy block to cheer a family in need!
Ah! So much to share, so little space! It’s such a big, big month for my family and I, and we are so blessed to be able to share it with you through the new website and these exciting events. I do hope you’ll take time to pop on over to the Quilt For Keeps
site, take the pledge, and enjoy the free block pattern.
Thanks friends taking the time to stop by and read what I’m up to!
XO
Can’t wait to get my copy. I pledged and will be sending a block or two to For Keeps.
Best of luck with the book!
Congratulations, Amy! I can’t wait to see the book!
Hey, congrats on the book! Will some of us who have to buy it online be able to get a sneak peak at some of the projects? Love your stuff!
This is where my heart has been going this summer. The last QuiltForKeeps link in this post doesn’t work; it needs a .com added to it.
Hey, Amy! Thanks so much for the Pledge–I need it to set my intentions as I begin to quilt. (The form on your For Keeps Pledge says to contact you and that “the form has passed its allocated total”–looks like you’ve really had a great response!
I tried to take the pledge but I got “the form has passed its allocated total”. This year I have been concentrate on sewing/quilting what I want instead of taking 3 or 4 classes a month. I’ve found I’m back to enjoying the process when I don’t have the pressure of getting class items done. Can’t wait to see your book!
Hi Amy,
Although I joined the pledge, I do most times work on what makes me happy. I learned a long time ago to say no to things I don’t want to do. I just started chemo for stage 2a Ovarian cancer, so this pledge will help me stay focused this summer, as I enjoy sewing. Just finished my block and will mail it tomorrow. Congratulation on the new book. I really enjoy your blog.
The pledge is awesome. My question is are you supposed to be a blogger to follow the blogs on-line or is it open to the general internet browser? I have certainly enjoyed your blogs since my retirement. Thank you ever so much!k
Congratulations Amy! I have Pledged for Keeps… is anyone else having difficulty downloading the pattern?
Thanks for helping me focus on what is really important in thinking about quilting. I took the pledge and will try to get a couple of blocks in the mail very soon.
Hey Amy!
I am so excited about your book! You taught me to quilt back in 2012 when my first daughter was just a toddler, now another baby and numerous quilts later I am a huge part of my guild. You inspired me to take risks with your SBC and I am now the head of the hospital baby quilts for our NICU here in my city :) Even my husband was like “Wow Amy wrote a book, have you pre-ordered yet??”
Love everything you do!
So inspiring! Dont stop!
After trying to quickly finish two quilts earlier this year, and not ending up completely happy with either of them, I’ve been thinking about this a lot. Thanks for the lovely reminder.
Hi Amy, do you know when Amazon will have your book in stock and ship pre-orders? Their site says the publication date is July 21.
Hello Amy !
Ive had the joy to leart by you in Crafty sugar block and have followed you with the blog .
I wish you all the best in every time with your work and family.
I just wonder can you sell your own book in your shop ?
All the best Inger Åberg
I just read about you book over at Sew Mama Sew! Love your message so much. I’ve been using many of your ideas through the years, trying to be more mindful of my own quilting and make it have personal meaning. I have your book on my wish list now!
What an awesome website! This is such a wonderful pledge. Can’t wait to order your book!
I’ve never sent a block to a drive, but I’m ready to make a house block. Is the drive still accepting blocks?
Thanks