Sunday, December 2, 2012

My new book! And a copy to share with you. Giveaway!

It's been under wraps for a while now, but I can finally share the exciting news that I have a 2nd book! I can frankly hardly believe it! It has started shipping this month and I'm so excited that its finally making its way into the world. This project would not have been possible without the AMAZING collaborators that I was able to work with.

When I set out to write this book and I began to consider the huge range of skills that should be featured in a book all about fabric embellishment, I immediately knew it was an opportunity to get to collaborate with some of my most favorite artists and crafters who could really show off their chops as specialists in their own unique techniques. Without their contributions and creativity, this book wouldn't be nearly as rich and visually lovely as it is.

So you ask... What's the book actually about? Its absolutely stock, chock full of detailed step-by-step instructions on a wide range of embellishment and surface design techniques and demonstrates those techniques in a modern way. Each chapter also includes interviews with the chapter author, where they offer their own personal advice around design and embellishment. Here's a high level run down of what you'll find.

The book starts with an overview of a wide variety of the tools and supplies that you might want to consider when embellishing fabric and I touch on the different types of most commonly available fabric and suggested approaches for embellishment.

Chapter 2, Designing Patterns, was written by Heather Dutton of Hang Tight Studio who shares her techniques for creating hand rendered and computer rendered patterns. I met Heather through the Spoonflower community and just adore her designs. She shares some great tips and offers some great advice on designing digitally.

Part 1 of the Printing Patterns chapter was written by Amy Prior and Carly Schwerdt of Umbrella Prints. These two talented ladies cover a broad number of wonderful techniques for screen printing using stencils, blocks, heat transfer and more.


Also in the Printing Patterns chapter, Christina McFall showcases cyanotype printing and toning. If you're not familiar with the technique, its a photographic printing process that will set your heart racing. Plus Christina shows off a few goodies she's made using her fabric that are simply phenomenal.

Dyeing and Bleaching techniques are tackled by Sara Harper of Five O'Clock Crows. From using natural dyes, dip dyeing, over dyeing and batik, Sara has done a wonderful job of detailing the many different ways you can use dyes and bleach with your fabric projects.

Then the simply lovely and delightful Meghan Van Sipe of Lilac Saloon showcases an enormous range of inspiring and totally awesome techniques for using beads, zips, studs, ribbons, buttons, felt and more. My own personal list of must-do projects has gotten a bit longer based on what I learned from Meghan.


Needlepoint and Applique are showcased by my dear, sweet and talented friend Rachel Hobson of Average Jane Crafter. She's done an amazing job of demonstrating how to use hand work to add something extra to your designs. Rachel has long been my inspiration for ways to really use handwork to make a piece special and I was so thrilled to be able to work with her on this book.


Each chapter includes galleries of carefully curated images which feature the techniques from that chapter. When we were putting together the book, so many wonderfully talented and kind people agreed to let us showcase their work. Without their work, the book wouldn't be everything I dreamed it would be.

The final chapter features several supremely talented designers who have taken their craft to an entirely different plane. They have graciously shared their insights into developing collections, staying true to your style and and going pro with you designs. In this chapter I also share some tips on marketing your work.

There are two editions of the book. Although the book will be available from loads of book sellers (thank you booksellers!), you can also pick them up on Amazon here. The US version and the UK version are both shipping now.

One thing to note, the cover of the UK version is actually different from what Amazon UK is displaying. Some changes were made to it since I guess that was provided to the booksellers. Oh... the mysteries of publishing! But the cover of the US version is just like what is shown above and the content in both editions is identical. p.s. I had so much fun making the piece for the US cover! Now I just need to figure out what to do with it. Thinking wall hanging for my studio but still not sure :)

So... Now who wants a copy of the US edition?! Just leave me a comment here and I'll draw a winner on Monday, December 10th. I'm happy to ship worldwide so everyone is welcome to enter. I'd love to hear what section of the book you're most looking forward to reading!


123 comments:

barbara woods said...

i would love to win your book thanks

Allison C said...

I'm keen on learning more about fabric dyeing and embroidery. Looks like a great book!

Amy Friend said...

Oh, I would love a copy! I think I would like the printing section the best as I love printing fabric. Congratulations!

B Greene said...

Thanks for the sneak peek inside your book it looks amazing! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Jodi said...

Sun dying looks really interesting! thanks for the chance!

Marilee said...

Handwork embellishing, of course! Each chapter looks so interesting, however. I can't wait to see it.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

The book looks great. I am most interested in the chapter about printing patterns.

rachael {imagine gnats} said...

oooh!! this book is a must-have for sure :) it all looks fab, but i'm particularly excited about the digital design tips... and umbrella prints? i love those ladies!

hueisei said...

Thank for the book review!
I would love to win a copy :D

Unknown said...

How exciting! I read your previous book from cover to cover and I am sure I would do the same with this one. I have some sun-dyes in the cupboard which I have used, but I am sure there are more ideas for me to try in your book. I would love to win a copy. Thanks for offering the opportunity.

Jo Ann said...

This is anamazing book! I cant wait to read all about printing and dyeing!

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

Thanks for this chance and for shipping worldwide

Anna said...

I would love to win this book. It looks amazing!

Kirsten said...

I am really interested in the fabric printing section - thanks for the chance to win!

Joyce said...

Would be thrilled to receive a copy of your book. Thank you.

Ella said...

I'd love to learn Sun Dying!

Lindsay said...

Thank you for sharing! I love learning new techniques.

liberal sprinkles said...

It sound like a great book. I'm most interested in the designing and printing patterns sections. Thanks for the chance to win.
grace

sally said...

What a great book. I am looking forward to the needlepoint section. I just love new ideas and inspiration.

Unknown said...

your book looks amazing! it is already on my amazon wishlist but would obviously love to win a copy :) I am looking forward to the printing patterns section! thanks :)

giddy99 said...

The section on computer generated patterns is very intriguing!

Debra Lee said...

Yes Please!

Penny Schine Gold said...

I'd love a copy--especially interested in handwork and in printing.

Sonia B said...

I love handwork and embroidery . . . this book looks awesome. Thanks for the chance.

Laura said...

This looks like such a wonderful book! I've been wanting to learn new embellishment techniques!

Kara {me and elna} said...

Oh, this is so great! Big congratulations to you!!! :D

I just started embroidering and would love to check out the needlepoint section of the book. Everything looks so interesting though! Thanks for the opportunity!

Liz said...

It looks so interesting! Thanks for the chance

Beezus said...

Um, yes please! Who wouldn't want such an awesome book? Thanks for the giveaway, and congratulations! Nothing is more exciting than seeing your hard work come to fruition!

Rachelle said...

I would love to see the printing patterns section.

amy said...

Congratulations on the publication of this book! I would love to win a copy.

Hannah said...

I'm always looking for new handwork projects, so I'm really looking forward to the needlepoint section. Congrats on your new book and thanks for sharing all the details!

Klemm Family said...

Awesome giveaway! Thank you! I'd love to win :)
skklemm at gmail dot com

Helen said...

Congratulations on a great book! I can't wait to see it in person!

FiberOfAllSorts said...

What a great looking book! And perfect to top off any project.

Tamie said...

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing.

Samantha said...

Yay new book :) I look forward to looking through it all! Thanks for the chance.

janequiltsslowly said...

Wow Laurie, thanks for the giveaway. This looks like a must have book.

Alyce @ Blossom Heart Quilts said...

Ooh, how fun! I'd love to learn more about designing fabric digitally!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

It all looks fantastic, but the appliqué get my first peek!

Gillian said...

Thanks for the chance. I'm especially interested in the chapter on digital design!

linny said...

The whole book looks great, hard to choose a particular section, maybe the embroidery. Thanks for the chance to win it. lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

Penny said...

It looks amazing! Everything is exciting to me as I am new to sewing but the section on buttons, felt and ribbons appeals to me especially as I already have a large stash of them.

Thanks for a lovely giveaway!

Penny

Gill said...

I'm interested in the printing section - especially sun dyeing!
I would love to win a copy!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your new book! Would love to be the winner...

Ruby in the Dust said...

I'm so very excited to see two of my photos on that double-spread! It goes without saying that I'd LOVE to win this book!! :)

Dresden Lane said...

The embroidery part sounds the most compelling for me. Can't wait to see it all!

Peasant said...

Just Lovely! Would sure enjoy mine own copy!

Betty said...

Was almost ready to pass, but THEN saw the section Dyeing and Bleaching and you had me - would love to win a copy!!!

Lonneke Bransz said...

Oh,
Wow.
I already have your first book!
I really enjoyed it! Only looking at it gets me enthousiastic!!!

Do I really have to choose a section?
I would love to learn more about designing pattern, about including embroidery onto fabric, bleaching and I have been busy with felt myself so that would also match my interest!

I would LOVE to get a copy to read during Christmas holiday!

Jackie M. said...

Can't wait to get my hands on a copy of your book. I have always wanted to try new techniques with my fabrics.

Ellee said...

Would love to try your embellishing techniques. soparkaveataoldotcom

Pam said...

thanks this looks like a fun awesome book

KeyQuilter said...

can't wait to get to see the book!

~ Val @ PinkPlease! ~ said...

Laurie, I am so impressed with all you have accomplished. This book looks amazing and I would LOVE to receive a copy! Congrats, girlie!
Val

Lynn M said...

thanks for the chance! this book looks awesome

memmens said...

Well I am sold - I need this book! Love the sound of the printing patterns chapter, I'd love to have a go at printing my own designs. thanks for the chance to win

Sarah_L_N said...

I think the first part I would read would be the part about using 'beads, zips, studs, ribbons, buttons, felt and more', I have rather a lot of felt and buttons kicking around, but not really any idea how to use them effectively!

Anonymous said...

What a great book--would love to win!!

Ayu Ovira said...

what a great book!. i'm looking forward to read about printing pattern section. I would LOVE to win a copy of your awesome book. thanks for a chance to ship worldwide.

LethargicLass said...

I am excited most about Heather's part with digital design... I have been a fan of hers for years

Gina said...

I would love to look at the section on printing onto fabric . I love Umbrella Prints and would like to see those pages too. Thanks for the chance.

Waverlee said...

Congrats on your book!

Zohreh said...

Would love this!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I love your fabric so I sure would like your book!

Rosalyn said...

I am interested in learning to do applique so that I might personalize a quilt for my new grandbaby...i would soooooooooooo love to win this...

Anna said...

Applique and embroidery are two things I have been wanting to learn... This book looks amazing! Thanks :)

Erin said...

So fun! I'd love to win this!!

Jennifer Scantlebury Vienneau said...

It looks like an amazing book! You must be so proud! I am not looking forward to the section on Designing Patterns. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

Victoria said...

Want!!! vlsaustin[at]hotmail[dot]com

Jill said...

[raising hand in air] I do, I do. :) seriously, though, it looks like this book really covers a lot of tips and techniques. I can't wait to look through it.

Al said...

What an amazing book! Lovely!

Book wise, I'm hoping to pick up Spirit's End by Rachel Aaron this week. It's the last in a series.

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to the embroidery section the most!

StudioCherie said...

I am looking forward to reading Heather Dutton's contribution. I love her designs too!

briscoeslochico said...

What a great addition this book would make to my bookshelf. You are one incredibly talented person. Thanks for the giveway! carrie @theoliveblossom(dot) com24

Lee said...

I would to try out the sun dying! Congratulations!

Absolutely Small said...

This book is going straight to my Amazon wish list! I am such a huge fan of your patterns, and this book looks like a LOT of fun. :)
chickenwidget (at) gmail (dot)com

KarenLR said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Margaret said...

I love any kind of sewing/craft book. This is a must for my library. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. If I win it, then I can spend the money saved to buy the stuff I need to get started on one of the projects without stealing the grocery money. My husband will be great full if you pick me. He is not fond of bread and water for dinner.

kayajoy said...

It looks wonderful Laurie. Big Congrats!!! I'd love to read it, start to finish.

Brittany said...

Congratulations on your second book! It looks stunning and I know it is going to be ever as fabulous as your last. Thanks for the chance at a great giveaway! Keep up the good work. :-)

Angela said...

congrats on the new book Laurie! I'm looking forward to the section on embroidery especially.

Wendy said...

This book looks amazing! I've been wanting to learn about dyeing fabric and think this book would be the perfect starting place. What a fantastic giveaway!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Congrats...what a fun book...I'd love to learn more about fabric dyeing and bleaching...thanks for the sweet giveaway!

nz green buttons said...

Would it be wrong to say I'm looking forward to all of it! Fingers crossed!!

Madelaine said...

I think the designing patterns section is the one I'm most itching for. I dabbled a bit at university, but never got beyond single image repeats. Everything looks pretty awesome though, so it was hard to choose!

AmandaK@whatthebobbin said...

Pick me :) I'm interested in the pattern design section.

erin mcsweeney said...

wow what an accomplishment, thats amazing, and I would love to win this book.

test3s said...

I'm interested in Chapter 2:Designing patters :D Sounds interesting :D

Congrats, btw!

Lynn F said...

Oooooo, ooooo, me! I hope I can drool over the pictures and admire these artists- and maybe try some techniques myself!

Anonymous said...

I would love to be reminded of some old techniques and introduced to some new ones! And would this be a great birthday gift?

Ineka said...

My good friend Heleen has some photographs of her beautiful work in your book, so I would love to have a copy to show her work to everyone! Chapter 2 on Pattern Design sounds really intriguing. Thanks!

Pam said...

Wow, would I love to win a copy of your book!! How fun it would be to learn and try all it. Congratulations to you and hopefully to me too.

Lisa said...

I would love to read the whole book. I would love to read and try technics from people who inspire you. I am sure the book is pretty awesome so I would love to win a copy.

Poppyprint said...

Yippee! I love your ideas always and I also love embellishment. Bring it on!

Swedish Scrapper said...

Oh, looks like fun for me and my girl! I am very interested in the printing section, in particular!

mary mahoo said...

Like so many others, I'd love to soak up the printing section.

Stina Blomgren said...

Yep yep... I want one!!!;0))))))
Love to embellish things ...so new ideas ...are more than welcome... I'm sure the book is fantastic!!!!
Happy holidays!!!

Laura said...

This book looks fantastic Laurie. I'd love to win a copy.

Anya said...

I'm fascinated by fabric printing section!

LochKnitsMonster said...

I am so excited for this book. I can't wait to read all of the chapters but I am most looking forward to the fabric printing chapter. Thanks for the chance to win it.

Deb said...

What a lovely book. It would be nice to win.

Deb said...

I'd be interested in the last section mentioned about adding handwork to your projects. Delightful book! Thx for the chance to win a copy.

LJ said...

Looks like a great book. Every time I see a pictuce of the Daisychain Sampler, it reminds me that I REALLY want to make one for myself!!

Sharon said...

I'm looking for a book that shows how to embellish on fabric.
This book looks perfect!

Sarah @ mila+cuatro said...

It looks great! I'm interested in using ribbons, buttons and other notions for embellishing fabric.

Fleurette said...

Congratulations on your new book! It would be wonderful to learn all those techniques. Thank you for the giveaway.

Housewife59 said...

I'd like to be in with a chance to win - it looks amazing.
Thank you

jednoiglec said...

Thank you for such detailed book description! Judging from the book title I wouldn't expect for example that there will be a chapter about techniques of creating patterns!

Stephanie C. said...

I would love this book!

jenny said...

Congrats on the new book! I've already added it to my wishlist for Christmas!

Jennie P. said...

I'm still wanting your first book. It's on my wishlist! To win your new book would be so aweseome. thanks for the chance.

ELNM said...

I would love to win your book - it looks like a source for much great inspiration. Thanks for the chance!
ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

Chiska said...

What a cool looking book! I'm very intrigued by the printing part--sun printing especially. Thanks so much for the chance!

laurie hausler said...

Would love to win the book - congratulations!

Unknown said...

that looks awesome!!!

pklaw said...

Just a peek at all that inspiration! Definitely on my wish list! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

Paige said...

I learned how to embroider when I was eight years old, but haven't tried it since (and now I'm many, many years older!). I'd love to be inspired to try again by the embroidery section.

Johanna said...

How exciting! Congrats!

Phoebe said...

Immediately my breath was taken away with the little bits of beautiful photography that I've seen from your preview. I love dyeing and printing, as well as the actual embellishment process. I can't wait to immerse myself into all the different processes you describe!

Designer Jules said...

Oohh I would love to learn more about these processes via your book. Thanks for the chance to win.

hafza said...

I love embroidery and that will be the most looking forward topic that I wish to read in this book. thanks for the great giveaway!

OneLittleThread said...

Congratulations on your book. It looks really exciting. I'd love to see more of all the techniques, but especially screen printing.

Deb said...

Looks like a fantastic book - not sure which section I'd most like to look at, it all looks interesting.