Sunday, August 28, 2011

PICK FOUR BLOG HOP!!! AUTOGRAPHED BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

What a wonderful day for a Blog hop and week.

I was so excited when Sue asked me to be a part of this hop...so here is her book.



Here is the unveiling of the quilt I have been working on. What a fun pattern Sue!






The instructions were easy to read and the pictures were great!!! I am a picture person to be honest. I am not going to tell you much about this pattern except that she has a fun trick to this quilt pattern. Don't want to spoil the surprise for you.
You can get the book at LQS's, Amazon, and Martingale &Co. or maybe win one here??? Or there?





You have already heard quite a bit about her book, not much else I can tell you but....










HERE IS THE REST OF THE STORY!! (interviewing Sue)


So in your book you said that you had walked by a store with a quilt in the window. That you had to go and take a look and from that moment it was history. Your love affair of quilting started.

1. So...did you take classes or are you self taught?

Yes is the short answer! I started by teaching myself, then took a few classes, then moved house but carried on alone and finally enrolled for some more classes a year after we moved so I could unlearn all the bad habits I'd developed.


2. What do you use for inspiration. In your book you used a teddy bear.

That's an interesting question. I wish I had an interesting answer, but the plain fact is I don't know, ideas just seem to appear from nowhere.

Why did you only chose four colors?

I think it's because I'm a control freak. If I try to do a scrappy quilt, I find myself trying to organise the scraps somehow into colour ranges, or types of pattern or whatever. The only way I can truly do anything scrappy is to put all the pieces in a bag and make myself use whichever piece I pull out each time. Don't tell anyone though, but sometimes I even cheat and put one piece back and pull out another one. I always have trouble looking at a random pile of fabrics and visualising a finished quilt from them. Now I know that many people will be gasping in horror at this whole answer, so I do hope I haven't lost you too many readers and followers.
600cc">

4. How did you come about writing a book?

Well, I didn't mean to! I just had too many ideas in my "I Wonder What This Would Look Like" folder on the computer and writing a book was a good way of clearing some things out to make room for more


5. How long did it take you to write this book, from start to finish?





The whole process took about 18 months from start to finish, but a lot of that time was hurry-up-and-wait time for me. When I got the contract from the publishers, Martingale & Co, they gave me 6 months before I had to submit the manuscript, finished quilts, etc to them. "Easy", I thought. "No problem", I thought. Well I can tell you now I was wrong. Oh so wrong, but it was definitely made easier by friends who volunteered to make some of the quilts, and others who tested blocks for me. Thanks Lis, Drew, Kim and Roberta. After I sent everything to Martingale, there was a fairly stop-go sort of period of about a further 6 months, while they did all the things they had to do to turn what I said into what I meant to say, then it went to the printers and then came the exciting time when publication day finally arrived about 18 months after I first received the contract.


6. You have a long arm machine?

Yes I have, but it's all driven by computers. I'm not clever enough to be able to do freemotion quilting.


7. Did you quilt most of these quilts in this book?

I quilted those that I pieced and Lis and Drew, who have exactly the same setup as me, quilted the ones they made.


8. You had mentioned that you never really like sewing, what has changed your mind?

What, do you mean that piecing and quilting is sewing???


9. When not quilting, what do you do?

Think about quilting. Did I hear someone at the back suggesting I have a one-track mind?


10. You and your husband are retired? Did you work before?

Yes I worked as a programmer/systems analyst first and then in the space and communications industry before moving into recruitment and sales, which was something I really loved doing.

You also said I could add in any other questions, so, in case anyone needs to know my favourite food is chocolate!

Now for the fun part!!! I get to giveaway an autographed book of "PICK FOUR", just leave a comment and do go by and visit Sue's Blog, Quilt Times, it would be nice if you followed her but that is not a stipulation of winning.

Be sure to go by and visit Darlene at
"Sewcalgal"
tomorrow and thanks for joining us!!


I will pick a winner on Sept 3rd.





I hope all of you were safe during Irene???

164 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for hosting the giveaway for Sue's book. I do follow her blog. Your quilt is beautiful, but I only see three colors in it. Is there a different color on the back? I am very color challenged and this book would be great for me. Nice interview on your blog!

Quiltin' Sandy said...

This book looks fabulous!! I have been a follower of Sue's blog for some time now. :)

Hanne said...

First one is me:-) What a beautiful quilt you have make. I would love to win the book:-)

Fiona said...

I love what you made Barb and the book is a great idea... well done Sue....
Hugz

Lisa England said...

Enjoyed the interview and I'm curious about the trick in the quilt you showed. This book looks great, thanks for the chance to win.

Donna said...

Sue is someone I can understand. Her answer to #8 "What, do you mean that piecing and quilting is sewing???" agrees perfectly with my I hate ironing/enjoy pressing! Great blog hop. Happy quilting.

MyCretanlife said...

Oh Barb, I am into quilting and Reading books. So this one would be perfect for me. Thanks for the chance.

Lesley said...

Love your quilt! Enjoyed the review and especially enjoyed the interview...a nice slant! Anxious to continue the "hop"! Cheers!

Sunnybec said...

Yes please, pretty please I would like to win one of these books, I already follow Sue. Linda

Gene Black said...

Barb, I love your quilt, but I only see three fabrics! (maybe four is the maximum and this one was just three?)

The interview with Sue was fun and informative. I totally have the same feel on "inspiration" =the ideas seem to come from out of the blue.

I would love to win this book.

Shakerwood said...

I didn't know Sue was a chocoholic! Wonderful colors, Barb .......

Dana Gaffney said...

Hey Barb, I knew you had complained about the cold after you moved, just didn't realize it was to the moon. Love the quilt.

Susan said...

The more I see of this book, the more I think I really need a copy! The patterns look wonderful and I love Sue's 4 fabric concept. Your quilt turned out beautifully! Thanks for the chance to win!

Linda said...

Hey, Barb, I guess you moved farther than I remembered, and you say you found a quilt shop there too, wow, I'm impressed!

Your quilt is so cute. I love your colors but I'm like Gene, I only see three colors.

I wondered what you were going to say in your review..Leave it to you to be so original. And you thought I was going to say, leave it to you to be so different, but I fooled you!!! I loved the interview and as usual, I love your twist on things. Great post. I'm really looking forward to this book. Have fun and thanks for the chance to win the book.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I love your quilt. The colors aren't something I would have put together but they look great. I also like the design/pattern of the quilt. It's a bit different than what we normally see.

Sallie said...

I would love to win this book. I already follow Quilt Times. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reenie said...

Oh, what a great pattern and quilt!!!! Thanks so much for offering up this generous giveaway!!

JustCindy said...

What a beautiful quilt!

Peggy said...

Fabulous quilt - how neat to hear the story behind the book!

Marj said...

I liked getting to know Sue better from your interview. It was interesting reading about how the book came to be. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

Jean said...

Looks like an interesting book, and she sounds like a fun lady! Your quilt is awesome too!

Shannon said...

The quilt looks great. I like the pattern. I love your interview, you ladies are so funny. Thank you for a chance to win this book. It looks like so much fun!!

Deanna said...

You did a great job in the quilt! And the interview! That is a real skill (in both cases). I would love this book to share with some beginning quilters in my life.

Denise in PA said...

This book looks fun - and I love the *four* concept! I'm going to check out Sue's blog. Thanks!

Jean(ie) said...

I'm following Sue and just adore her little Princess Dorothy. Sweet kitty... Hope all is well with you on the Moon!

Hilachas said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win this fabulous book. I would love to own a copy.

Needled Mom said...

Sue's book looks like a fun one. I have been a follower of heres and enjoy her work.

Unknown said...

I love your beautiful colorful fabrics in this quilt, Barb. Don't enter me in the giveaway as I am useful in sewing ... but someone is going to be thrilled.

Have a great week.
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

Diane H said...

This hop has really wet my appetite for Sue's book. Thanks for a chance, Barb. I follow Sue.

Jane said...

The more I see and hear of this book, the more I like it, thanks you for another opportunity to win one

Teri said...

Well....again the quilts coming out of this book look wonderful.......I love the fact that Sue's book only uses 4 fabrics and Barb I love the colors you used in your quilt.

Lynda said...

Your quilt is beautiful! With each day I want this book more and more. I've been following Sue for quite some time....love her sense of humor.

pcflamingo said...

I have seen through your evil plot to win me over by using purple in your quilt. Yes, I have. OK, you win. Thank you for the chance to win this book!

JustPam said...

Interesting to hear of Sue's background. I would love to own a copy of this book

Lee said...

I follow Sue's blog and would love this book! thanks for the review!

Kim Brackett said...

What a fun interview! And can you imagine my surprise to learn that you live on the moon? :-)

Gretchen said...

Thanks for the great interview with Sue! Very pretty quilt.

Joan said...

Your interview was interesting and informative. I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity.

Tina said...

Great "Rest of the Story" interview! It's nice to know others have the same problems in choosing fabric for a quilt - that's the hardest part for me! Thanks for the generous chance to win this book!!

Lee Ann L. said...

The more I read, the more I want. The more I want, the more likely I'm going to get (the book).

Thank you for a chance to win.

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

What a wonderful looking book and interview too.

LesQuilts said...

Thanks for the giveaway! What a great interview!
Take care, Leslie

Kristi said...

I've never really cared for sewing either but I too don't feel like quilting is sewing.....it's art! *smile*
Wonderful interview!!

Delores said...

OOH, commenter #44, surely that's lucky!! Just read that a man from Saskatchewan just won $40 million on our Lotto by choosing all his numbers with 4 in them. Anyways............ I would love to win the book!!

Quilt n Queen said...

I'm falling in luv with this book as each day passes and I see another gorgeous quilt. Thank you Barb for sharing your quilt and participating in Sue's 'Pick Four' blog hop....thanks for the chance to win 'Pick Four'!! I'm a new follower, #549. Have a wonderful week everyone!!

Rosa said...

Great interview.
Very nice quilt.I follow Sue and love his book .Thanks for your chance to win!!

Wacky Woman said...

Great blog Barb. This looks like an interesting book. Thanks for the opportunity.

Becky said...

Enjoyed your interview! It was fun learning more about Sue. Next time I'm near the moon, I'll stop by and visit:)

Pokey said...

Thanks Barb for this offer, it sure looks like a valuable book to have! Your quilt turned out wonderful, congratulations on another finish ~
:-}pokey

Mrs.Pickles said...

Thanks for the great post! That quilt is just so darn lovely too!

Susan In Texas said...

I've got to go check this person out! Hope I win. ;)

Susan in Texas

Anonymous said...

This book looks great! Love your purple/gold quilt-gorgeous!

QuiltSue said...

I love your version of the quilt Barb. It looks wonderful all quilted up. Perhaps I should have called the book Pick Up To Four? Doesn't have quite the same snap to it though does it?

Regina said...

Love your quilt - the colors are great!

Peach Rainbow said...

Interesting interview :D

Amy305 said...

I need this book! My stash it out of control! Pick me!

JudyCinNC said...

I really enjoyed the "rest of the story." Thanks you for this wonderful opportunity to win an autographed copy. It looks very much like a "needful thing." Judy C in NC

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh wow! I LOVE your version of the quilt from Sue's book! The colors are so vibrant! If I ever made that quilt I would want those fabrics!

Jan said...

Thanks for the interview. She sounds like a character.

Lindi said...

The more I see the more I like. L

Teresa F. said...

Great interview. Fabulous book. Gorgeous quilt. Thanks for the chance.

Cindy W. said...

Pictures always sell me on a book. Like your interview. Thanks for a chance to win.

Janet said...

I enjoyed the interview. I would love to win Sue's book. I love your quilt too.

Carol C. said...

Your quilt is beautiful!! I enjoyed reading the story behind it - enjoyed the interview! The book looks like a must-have!

Suzanne said...

Looks like a great book. Nice that you also had a interview with the author. Thanks for sharing.

Carol said...

Great interview!

Sheila said...

Great quilt and great interview , would love to win this book it looks amazing!

Nancy Page said...

Great interview! Loved it! I follow Sue and think she is great. Thank you for the giveaway.

Have a super great sewing and stitching day.

Loris said...

I love seeing all the lovely quilts from Sue's book! Hope I win a copy of it :-)
Thanks for hosting!

SewCalGal said...

What a beautiful quilt Barb. Love it. Great post and interview with Sue too. But oh how I love that quilt. Excellent job!

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Vicki said...

Thanks for the interview and it was interesting to hear about the process for the book.

Michele T said...

This book looks amazing!! Please count me in for the draw!!

Terri in BC said...

This looks like a fun book. I like what I've seen so far! Thanks for the opportunity, Terri in BC

Jocelyn said...

Barb, your quilt is fabulous! Thanks for the interview with Sue. I am already a follower of her blog :-) Such is such a talented gal.

DianeY said...

Sounds like an interesting book!

Paula said...

Everyday this book gets more and more interesting. If I do not win one I wil have to buy it, forsure. Afterall, I now need to know "the trick".
I enjoyed the interview.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
Paula

Gill said...

Great interview!
I already follow Sue - great blog!
Love your quilt by the way!!

Hands Sew Full said...

I enjoyed the interview with Sue! Thanks for the review it is great to gather so many opinions on this book. Thanks Barb!

Dolores said...

Thanks for doing an interview with Sue. It's always nice to find out more about an author. The book looks very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win.

Janet said...

I love the quilt you made from Sue's book. Thanks for the fun Q&A. Wish me luck on winning a copy of Sue's book. That would be great.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a great interview with Sue! I already follow her blog, so it's great to get to know her better!

Joanna said...

The quilt you are working on is beautiful, and I agree that the design is neat. Nice interview, too.

ann said...

I have always loved quilts and made them when I was younger and intend to make more now that Im retired

amhengst at verizon dot net

Linda said...

This looks like a terrific pattern book. As for Irene...I made a quilt with the 3 seam block pattern you showed me. Thanks!

Mary said...

Thanks for joining in the fun with a beautiful quilt. The book sounds very interesting. Hope I win!

MaryBeth said...

Thanks for a chance to win Sue's book. Love your quilt.

Louise said...

Thank you for the interview. The book sounds great, and your purple-and-yellow quilt is so cheerful!

Barb said...

I am so enjoying reading about this book and seeing all the beautiful quilts at each stop! Thanks for the chance to win! Thank you, we weathered Irene in western CT.

Barb @http://corgitoquiltby.blogspot.com

Maddy said...

With each review l learn something new about this wonderful book. Thank you for the chance to win.

JulieF1962 said...

Your quilt looks great! I can't wait to start a quilt from the book, but I'm waiting to see if I might win one before buying it. :)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Love your quilt Barb! How fun! I am really enjoying the tour and learning more about Sue. Life on the moon, huh? :-))

fiberobsession said...

Oh, it is so good to hear about someone else who has to organize their scrappy quilts. Having been a seamstress before quilter, scrappy and I just have trouble getting along.

fiberobsession said...

It is so good to hear someone else has a scrappy problem. Being a seamstress before a quilter, scrappy and I don't play really well together.

Pat V. said...

I love the colors you chose for your quilt. It will look great on the moon!

Anonymous said...

NEAT BOOK!
THANKS SO FOR SHARING!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

Liz said...

The book is wonderful. A signed copy is icing on the cake!

the running chicken quilting said...

I would love to run away with your book!! From a fellow longarm quilter xx

Cheryl Greenleaf said...

I loved the interview! Not only is Sue an innovative quilter, she's also got a great sense of humor.

Thank you for hosting the giveaway.

cgreenleaf2(at)gmail(dot)com

Nanbon44 said...

I like that quilt design... it is so different, might have to go on my to do list.

Lynn said...

This looks like a great book. I've browsed through it at my LQS but didn't buy it. I'd love to win it though!

Dresden Quilter said...

Thanks for the great interview. The book looks great.

QuilterLaura said...

Lovely quilt, can't wait to see the book in more detail. Good luck all.

Jeanne said...

Nice interview. The quilt is beautiful. Thanks for this giveaway.

Heather A said...

Even though I'm a beginner quilter, I imagine I, too, would want to "control my scraps". I look forward to a day when I have enough to see what I come up with.

Quilting_Chris said...

Very pretty quilt and what a great interview. Thanks for a chance to win this book in your giveaway.

sewfunquilts said...

Beautiful quilt and love your choice of fabrics. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. Loved the interview too.

Catskill Quilter said...

Loved reading your interview! It always fascinates me to hear what goes into writing a quilt book -- thank you! I am safe - in Florida, which is definitely ironic! My old hometown, Margaretville, NY is very badly flooded though. I do not know why some of us always seem to have our heart in several different places, but...

Lynn said...

Love your quilt and the colors and fabrics in it. That is a stunning pattern, what a fun book this looks like, thanks for the chance to win!

Joyce Humble said...

Your book sounds great. I like the idea of four colors. The quilt I am working on now called for five colors and I turned it into four and it looks great. I am using my stash up and did not have to buy more. I can relate to you when you said you were self taught and then took classes. So did i. I will look for your book. Love to win it.
Thanks
Joyce

robin said...

This looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Furball Farm Quilting said...

This is wonderful! I hadn't heard, seen or read about this book until I visited my favourite blogs! Thanks for keeping me in the "loop".

Marcia W. said...

Barb, Thanks for the book review during the book blog tour, and photo of your cute quilt. Take Four looks like a great book for me - especially the parts with quilting motifs and color selection. And to Sue, thanks for the giveaway prize.

Rose E. Glasses said...

It was fun reading the interview. You get busy to not write your blog, I got busy and forgot to keep checking regularly for this give away chance. I do love finding new blogs and reading about quilters. Thank you for the chance...

Cheryl Willis said...

lovely quilt - I have been gone and feel late to the party! Hope someone saves a book for me! cw

Darlene B said...

This really looks like a great book - would love to win this!

Astrid said...

OOH! I'm drooling over that quilt; I just love the colors and pattern! I'm a follower of Sue's blog for some time, love reading what she's up to and not to forget her great book! Thanks for the chance to win!

Kathy MacKie said...

I've enjoyed the blog hop and thanks to you who have given their time and quilting skills to us all. Would love to win this book.

Anonymous said...

This book looks like fun. Thanks for the chance!

Quiltsy said...

Love your color choices for your quilt! I'm going to try the brown bag method for making a scrappy quilt next time. I enjoyed reading your blog tonight.

Beth said...

I love the idea of this quilt: pick four. Surely I have enough fabric in my stash to be able to make many quad-colored quilts. Thanks for the chance to enter.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Kathleen said...

I love Your Quilt! Can't wait to find out what the trick is. I'd love to win this book.

LindaTN said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing and the chance to win the book.

LindaTN
ChenL99290@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Hi from France
Love the colors of your quilt, they are sunny.
You're right: quiltin is not sewing; I hate sewing, but I love quilting.
Have a nice day. Thank you for the giveaway

ButtonMad said...

Great interview!...and your quilt looks lovely Barb...books are heavy...so if we won it please give it to someone closer by...look forward to doing a giveaway with you soon...warmest greetings from south Africa

Sue SA said...

Hmm now that you mention it, I too think I am a colour control freak...I like scrappy quilts, but only with ordered scrappiness! Heres hoping a new book will cure me, thanks for sharing, Sue SA.

Mystica said...

Please count me in for this giveaway.

Deb said...

Good post and your quilt is beautiful. i'd love to be included to win! debgiro at wildblue dot net

Deb said...

Beautiful quilt - thanks for the chance to win.

Bev C said...

Thanks for the great interview and the chance to win the book.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Kristen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sparky said...

It is orange and purple..what's not to like...I am sorry I did not get here yesterday...I was...you don't want to know....great interview my dear...Sue and YOU are a good match...to happy days and more orange...gotta love that orange...x

PDXPam said...

Nice getting to know more about Sue....and thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

Barb said...

great color combination on your quilt - unusual and fun!
great interview!

Jen said...

Great interview! Your quilt turned out fabulous too! I can't believe how sweet these 4 color quilts look.

Sand and Sunshine said...

I'm so glad I could visit you today. Yesterday I meant to stop by on the tour and completely spaced. The interview was a good idea, now I know the next time I look at on of Sue's wonderfully quilted quilts that I shouldn't compare my rats nests to her smart longarm. Okay I'm exaggerating my own a bit, but sometimes it feels like that.

Nancy said...

Sounds like a great book. Would love to win a copy.

Julie Kaye from KS said...

Wow, your version of that quilt is terrific. Love your interview too. Thanks for the opportunity.

Vicki ♥ said...

Great interview Barb :) Love the quilt you made from Sue's book too. Would love to win a signed copy of Sue's book and thanks for the chance :) Hugs Vicki x

Anya said...

How wonderful! Thanks for the chance!

Sue said...

Good interview. The quilts in this book look great! I'd love to win a copy so thanks for the chance.

suemac said...

I really enjoyed the interview. You have to be really organized to write a book and do all the sample quilts. Sounds like she had some help from her friends.

Linda H said...

Looks like a great book- would love to add it to my library. Thanks for the chance.

Kelli Fannin Quilts said...

Would love to win this book! Thanks!

canuckquilter said...

I love that quilt! Thanks for the interview with Sue and a chance to win a copy of her book.

hueisei said...

Thanks for the review!! I am on the book tour :)

http://thankfullga447 said...

Everyone needs to have this book. Your quilt colors are so perfect, I just love the colors.

Miss Hillbilly said...

That quilt that you chose to work on is lovely! I am very behind in my reading, as you can tell, so thank you for leaving the drawing open for a bit!

Carrie P. said...

Wow! your quilt is super. Love it too. Thanks for helping us learn more about Sue.

Karen said...

This looks like such a great book. Thanks for a fun interview.

Bjwalsh101 said...

I too have trouble doing "scrappy" but I am getting better and more than once have I pull a scrap and exchanged it. Glad to hera I am not alone.

Kathy in GA said...

I love your interview! Not being able to do scrappy is one of my things, so this book sounds perfect for me...thanks for the opportunity to win it!

KWILEY said...

Thinking this books holds some of my next to do projects - now to win a copy....thanks

quiltmom anna said...

This looks like a lovely book Barb. I have been reading Sue's blog for quite a long time now and have her on my blog list as well as follow her.
Thanks for the chance to win such a nice book.
Regards,
Anna

Beth said...

Thanks for the interview, and the chance to win a book I've been wishing for.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Deb said...

Great interview. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.

Mom C said...

I'm doing this blog hop backwards but I'm really enjoying the posts. Can't wait to get my hands on that book.

SueB said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance. Love the interview.

Jittina said...

Hope I'm not too late to join the giveaway. I would love to win this book. Your quilt looks fabulous.

Jittina, the Netherlands

QuiltNut Creations said...

thanx for the chance Barb

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I would love one of Sue's books - signed or unsigned! Great interview!!

Winona said...

Well, Barb, not sure how I missed this, but I'm here now. LOL Great interview and what a great book. The more I read about it, the more I want it. I will be visiting Sue's blog. Your quilt turned out beautiful!

MJ said...

I would love a copy of her book! I too am very color challenged and would like her help! Beautiful blog by the way! thanks.

Beeshebags said...

Not sure if I'm too late as I never know what day of the week it is in my life, let alone in anyone else's part of the world...lol If it's too late....oh well, if not, please pop my name in Barb. Big hugs my friend. Naomi

kuldeep said...

I Think this blog is really informative for me. writing skills is too good thanks for shearing this blog.

Please write something on these topics :-

Silver Gemstone Jewelry
Silver Jewelry wholesaler in India
925 Silver Jewelry wholesaler