January 8, 2011

The year of the book,

I hope everyone has all had a good christmas.  We've had a busy time, lots of traveling and visiting, and also lots of snow.

2011 is a big year for me as in April my craft pattern book comes out. I think, business wise, that has to be the most exciting and yet nerve wracking venture I've undertaken so far.

Swan pattern from the book

When I submitted the proposal for my initial book idea, I was so pleased when it was as well received as it was.  Given the passion I have for designing and making Softies, it's easy to assume everyone else will feel the same way, which left me quite anxious when putting together the ideas for a full book of Softie patterns designed from animals of the British countryside to an American publisher!

The whole process has been a very valuable experience, one which I'm sure I will be blogging about often.  Out of all the chapters in the book, it was the 'how to' part which became the most difficult to break down.  I was reminded of this the other day, by Abby Glassenberg, who also has a book out, and is posting on her blog a fascinating series all about the mechanics of creating a Softie.  The issue I had with the instructions was whether to have a section at the beginning which covered all the construction techniques, or to keep this information within each individual pattern.  I chose to have a section at the front, to avoid unnecessary repetition.  This does mean that if you were to make anything from the book, there is a little cross referencing to do, but as many of the processes are used over and over, once you've sewn one Softie, it all starts to make sense.

Writing a craft pattern book is all about making choices.  I chose the write my book in a certain way, whether or not my choices suit everyone, well I guess only time will tell once it comes out and begins to get reviewed.

Happy New Year!

14 comments:

Nan said...

I will certainly look forward to your book, can't wait to see it.

Elderberry-Rob said...

I wish you success with your book - Your swan is really lovely.

Anonymous said...

I love that swan! In fact I've loved everything I have seen from your book so far! I'm sure it will be a success!

x
Kajsa

Dolci Fusa said...

And I cannot wait it is available to be purchased!
Hugs,
Veronica

Unknown said...

Well Done & Congratulations!! I love that the projects can be hand or machine sewn!
If you ever want to do a guest promo or pattern / book giveaway then I would be very happy to offer my blog!

Claire said...

Just love the swan, it's beautiful...
All the best with your book, I'm sure it will be a success no need to stress......

Vee said...

Congratulations for your book, and a very happy new year :)

Scented Sweetpeas said...

oohh how exciting and scary all at the same time. Your work is lovely so I am sure people will rush to buy the book :-)

Maevy said...

I am sure your book will be a huge success. Softies are so much fun to make, and your patterns are adorable. How can anyone resist? I am already planning where I'll display my swan once I get your book and can make one!

freaked out 'n small said...

Hi there!
I'm new to your blog and just wanted to stop by and tell you how much I enjoy it! I cannot wait until your book comes out!

imebears said...

I am looking forward to it coming out. For Christmas I got the book "little birds" and I made you peacock. I think he turned out very well and is a birthday present for a friend of mine you loves peacocks. It was a fun to make. I am thinking of taking the tail pattern directly from the book and adding a small little head and making it into a pin for her as well.

I quilt 4 fun said...

All I can say is WOW - I have ordered the book and cannot wait to get my hands on it. Such beautifully cute animals. You have a great talent and thanks for sharing! Here's to hoping mine turn out half as cute as yours!

Simone de Klerk said...

Gorgeous, how the swan is turning its head to get a better look!!!

Soren Duus said...

Splendid job, Amy! Also, the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach is pretty normal since it's one of your biggest ventures ever! I hope people are still buying the book until now.