Countdown to Quilt Market -- Book-Signing!

Hey there!  It has been a busy Spring Summer Fall!  A great season of traveling -- sharing my passion for quilting through classes, demos and trunk shows, and promoting my book throughout Utah and surrounding states here in the Intermountain West.  

I've hardly had time to come up for air!  That includes getting Covid in the middle of it all, and having to pause for a few weeks,  Luckily it was between commitments.  Aaaand, I kinda lost my "sew-jo" for a while.  Haven't posted on Social Media for months!  

I keep forgetting to take photos, but here is a shot from a random visit to Nuttall's in Layton, Utah this summer.  I was teaching nearby and went shopping for a new foot for my Bernina on my lunch hour.  When I was ready to check out, the gal at the till asked if I was in their system.  I told her, and all the ladies that were working heard my name and came running to the counter!  They had been using my book for a series of classes for beginning quilters.  (Brilliant idea, by the way!)

The gal who had been teaching the binding classes brought out her class samples, and also grabbed her copy of the book to have me sign it.  Then she brought me the rest of the books on their shelf so I could sign those, too!  One of the gals told me she had chills, and I told her I did too!  Then all the customers in the shop wanted to see what the fuss was about, and gathered around to look through the book.  Within a few minutes, all the books were sold out!  They'll have to reorder.  Oh, my goodness, I felt a little like Minnie Mouse at Disneyland!  That was awesome.

Now it's time for International Quilt Market, a wholesale trade show for the quilting and sewing industry.  The day before the actual show begins, Shop owners and other attendees can go to Schoolhouse sessions - essentially info-mercials of what's new in the industry. 

Friday, it's my turn to present my book and talk to shop owners about how they can utilize it as a great little resource to draw in customers, cross-sell notions and patterns, and develop classes and workshops.  I'm bringing select samples and quilts to showcase the many different "alternate endings" featured in the book.  I'm a little nervous, I'll have to talk fast, but I think it will be so fun!

My publisher, Fox Chapel, will also host a book signing at booth #818 on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

And of course, I want every quilter in the world to have a book of their own.  It's off to a great start -- it came out in February this year, and even the distributors could hardly keep it on the shelf.  By May, the book was already on its 3rd printing.  And if my visit to Nuttall's is any indication, it will keep going! 

If you would like a copy and your shop doesn't carry the book yet, have your local quilt shop order it.  All major quilting distributors carry the book: Checker, E.E.Schenck, United Notions/Moda, Brewer, and of course, Fox Chapel Publishing.  Or, you can get a signed copy from me!

.PURCHASE HERE.

I present to one more guild this month, and my schedule is already filling up for next year.  Whew!  I figure I've got to ride this train as long as I can.  Meanwhile, I'm thinking about ideas for the next book... and I'll have to work backward and document some of the quilty shenanigans that went on this summer.  Couldn't do it without my good Quilt Honey!  He's a keeper.

Happy Sewing,

Deonn
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TGIFF: Iridescent Star!

Hi, it's time for " Thank Goodness It's Finished" Friday!  Thanks for stopping by!

Iridescent Star

Yay!  It's always great to cross off another UFO!  Big thanks to Laura @ Slice of Pi Quilts for the invitation to host today's linkup party!

Quilted Shoes!!

I recently had the chance to take a class at a retreat where I was teaching, which doesn't happen very often!  How could I resist quilted shoes!?! 

Large-scale Improv Quilt Workshop with Ashelyn Downs

"Out of the Box" 
Large Scale Minimal Improv Quilt by Deonn

I recently re-joined the Salt Lake Modern Quilt Guild, after 12 years of not being able to attend guild meetings as I had another commitment that took precedence.  The guild, stronger than ever, has some amazing quilters, many of whom are making a difference in the quilting world.

Ashelyn Downs is one of those amazing designers.  She graciously offered to share her fabulous process of Large Scale Minimal Improv for a guild workshop.  

Pulling big hunks of texutred fabric, a new color palette for me (using bargain pre-cut fabric acquired at Quilt Market's sample spree frenzy), snippets of pieced elements (no more than 3 types) and all the desicions that go in to laying them out in a pleasing balance - well, I was a little bit out of my comfort zone.  A lotta bit.

Ashelyn helped me to get started.

More elements.

Rearranging.

Final answer.

Luscious Minky backing was the perfect color, but not wide enough, so I improv-pieced the backing too. Then I quilted it with a design called "Nylon" by Melissa Kelley (see the video below).  Looks like cable knit.  I bound it with a scrappy pieced binding using fabrics from the quilt - joined with straight seams to keep the right angles consistent through the design, and to balance the colors.  

Yep. Oh, this is a comfy quilt!  Luscious and snuggly, went together quickly, and I adore it.  I think I may need to step out of the box more often!

Check out more of these quilts in progrss from the workshop and a later guild meeting.

Find more of Ashelyn's work at www.urbandwellstudio and on IG @UrbanDwellStudio.

Happy Quilting!

Deonn
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Mini Travel Sewing Kit

Wrapping up 2024's National Quilting Month ~ I'm partying with Chuck the Duck...

I received this sweet little quilter's tool kit from Missouri Star Quilt Co.  It's got floss cards, scissors, a seam ripper, a thimble, and a pretty fancy little portable rotary blade!

Usually, every order I receive from Missouri Star has a little "Chuck" included with the order.  I'm getting quite a collection, with little Chucks for every season!  

I used an extra Chuck as a pattern to create a quick little wool needle-keep to accompany my cute new sewing tin!  

I stitched it together with a blanket stitch, then decorated with some markers.  I suppose it could be embroidered instead, but this will do!

I know I can always use these handy little tools, and this mini tool kit is perfect for sewing on the go! Get yours HERE! 

Happy Sewing!

Deonn

 

Another Ypsilon in the Books!

Hi, and Welcome to Quiltscapes for today's "Thank Goodness it's FINISHED" Friday!  So glad you are here!  

"Evan's Ypsilon" by Deonn Stott 
featuring Expressions Batiks (pages 120-130) by Riley Blake Designs

How to (Quickly) Bind a Quilt

How to (Quickly) Bind a Quilt

This little clip is featured* in my NEW BOOK!

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide for Quilting & Sewing

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide - It's Here!!

Book Arrival!

Woohoo!  They're here!  Yep, that was me, waiting at the door, then jumping up and down on my porch hollering "Woohoo!" like a little kid.  My book is finally here!  

Want a signed copy?   PURCHASE HERE  

Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide Book - it's almost here!!

photo courtesy of Fox Chapel/Landauer Publishing

I am thrilled and just a little bit giddy that my book is coming SOON!!  February 6th is the publication date.  I am on pins and needles!!

While in Houston at the International Quilt Market last fall, I met up with Amelia Johanson, the Acquisitions Editor I spoke with at last year's Market to propose my book idea.  A few weeks later came the message "We have a book!"  Then to see a sample of it on their shelf - well...  my face...

A Season of Thanks and a SALE!

A wonderful Thanksgiving week is in the books!  It has been a season of Thanks, indeed! 

Had a chance to visit with the Matriarchs of our family, my Aunt Marjory and my dear Mother-in-law, both of whom are 91 years young!  Delightful women who, despite some physical challenges, have minds that are still very active, engaging, and interested in every detail of our lives.  I am always interested in the stories they each have to tell.

We have recently added two new grandbabies to our clan, and are grateful for all of these delightful little grandchildren who bring such joy to our lives!

And, as I reflect on the past year of traveling and teaching, I am consistently struck by the sense of camaraderie among quilters.  No matter where you go in the world, you can always find a quilty friend!  I feel thankful for those opportunities to gain new friends, learn new tips and techniques, and share our creativity together.   

At Quilt Market last month, I connected with several people I've known or have met or even just corresponded with over the years, and I also made lots of new friends.  I was so excited to meet up with Amelia Johanson, acquisitions editor and Debra Kaunitz, account manager of Fox Chapel/Landauer Publishing.  And it was a thrill to see a BLAD ("Book Layout and Design") and hold it in my hands!  I may or may not have cried like a baby when I saw it on their shelf!  The BLAD is a pre-publication example of the book with about 8 pages, used for sales.  

The publication date for the book is February 6th, and will begin shipping in January!  You can pre-order a signed copy from me here:  Ultimate Binding & Edge-Finishing Guide.  Look for a full post a little closer to publication.

Meanwhile, I'm having a SALE!! Through Dec 2nd, I've got a sale going on at Quiltscapes, where you can enjoy a 25% discount on all items site-wide. Use the code THANKS25. Whether you're planning to create a festive tree skirt for the holidays or explore other patterns, now is the perfect time to indulge your creative spirit!

Happy Quilting!

~ Deonn