Want to hear something crazy? Last year I spent a lot of time making those 12 quilts and never shared one of them here. And why? They are going to be in a book that will come out this Spring called Fabulously Fast Quilts. *someone pinch me*
It all feels a little bit surreal at this point. Let me explain some of the things I’ve learned about the book production business and you’ll see why. Last year at this time the book process felt very real and was constantly on my mind and my kitchen table. Starting September 2012 I made all 12 quilts (with some help on the quilting part) and wrote the content for the book.
 |
| Putting in the last biding stitches on the last quilt… |
And then THIS showed up! Holy Smokes! There’s my book listed on Amazon! It’s real! And then I realized 3 months from now, this book that I created will be on the shelves of shops and book-sellers near you. In real life.
I’m excited to share more about this book and the quilts it contains over the next few months prior to it’s release. The basic premise is based on short-cuts in quilting. Whether you’re someone who has little time to sew because you have a house full of little people who need you, or you have a full-time job, or you just need a quick quilt project, I hope this book will be a good resource for quilts you can be proud of. AND that will fool your friends and family into thinking you spent way more time and cut out way more tiny pieces of fabric than you really did.
I’m still in a little bit of awe that this is real. I certainly couldn’t have happened without the support of my family, a few extra nights of take-out pizza, and the encouragement so many of you have shown me here. A huge thank you!
The movie rights for this book are still up for grabs at this point. Although I don’t think I could let it get into the hands of Quentin Tarantino – I mean could you imagine the rotary cutter scenes in his version? In the mean time, watch for the book Fabulously Fast Quilts due out April 2014!
sophie
ok! I 'll buy the movie rights!!:) wow!! congrats! this is sooooooo exciting!! wow! all this work you have done! way to go! of course I will buy your book as soon as it reaches french Amazon!!
Hilary
How exciting!! I am always looking for fast ways to make quilts, since my 2 year old is constantly demanding my attention lol and he always wins over sewing. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of it!
Suzan Oxenreider
I love the idea of my friends and family thinking I cut little tiny pieces of fabric when I actually didn't! I love the look but don't have time to take the effort. I can't wait to see your book! Congratulations!!
Elisabeth
Congratulations, Amy! That is so exciting. I will have to get a copy and bring it to London so you can sign it!
grannymaudsgirl
Nooo! Not Tarantino for the movie rights! You'll never get the bloodstains out of your beautiful quilts!<br />I'm so glad to hear you survived the publishing process. I work in publishing and we do try to be nice to authors. Even so, it can be a bit daunting.<br />I am going to judge a book by its cover and say it looks lovely.
littlesparrownest
Amy! What a blessing for You & your family, but for all of us too! :)<br />I'm truly happy for you, and wish you all the success with it
Izabella
Congratulations ! Your tutorials are what started me going about 3 years ago and taught me everything I needed to know. And to make it clear – I had absolutely zero knowledge of the tools or the process, so thank you ! <br />I always wondered why aren't there any books with your name on them, so this is such great news !<br />Going to pre order on bookdepository right away<br /><br />
Erin Quinn
Woo hoo!! Congrats, Amy. I'm betting your book will be fabulous!<br />E xx
verbochka
Огромные поздравления и пожелания успеха книге!!!
Fran
Congratulations, and best of luck with the movie rights 😉 Who would you pick to play you in the film?!?
ipatchandquilt
Wonderful! Congratulations!!!<br />I will gift myself a copy of your book!<br />Esther
Suze
Oh, my! Congrats! What a secret to keep! I can only imagine your excitement. I know I'm excited to see the book. I love your designs and I know all your tips for streamlining the process will be a winner. I'm not waiting for the movie!
Robin
How super cool! I will be watching Amazon for sure. It will be a hard copy buy for sure and not a Kindle download. Best of luck for great success!
Jo
Well done you! Congratulations!!
Tracy
Congratulations Amy! If your book is half as friendly and informative as your Blog then it will be a bestseller. Who will play you in the film version?
Jenni E
Oh wow!! How exciting for you! I can't wait to get my hands on it! I love your designs.
Kathy Felsted Usher
I'd really be interested in this book! It sounds perfect.
Anita
Congratulations! I would love to get it when it is available.
Tricia Phillips
Congratulations Amy!!! Thats so exciting!! I cant wait!
webby
Congratulations! That is so exciting for you, Amy! I can't wait for the book to come out!
Erica Toole
Congrats!! That's super exciting and I cant wait to get my hands on a copy. Good things happen to good people.
Lynn
Can't wait for it to come out! And how did you keep from telling?
Ramona
Congratulations! I'm not much of a movie person at all, so I'm glad the book is coming out first. :)<br />Looking forward to seeing it.
Elizabeth Dackson
I am so excited for you, my friend, and I can't wait to see more of your book!!! Congratulations!!!
Heather
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heather
I had to edit my comment ~ I hate typos! Anyway, what I wanted to say was: Congratulations! This is wonderful news! And I think if you put Clooney in the movie, it will be a big hit!
Kacey
Congrats, Amy!
Archie the wonder dog
Congratulations!!!
NorahS
Congratulations! Very exciting!!!
Sarah Elliott
Congratulations! How exciting!
Sigi G
Congratulations Amy – I'm really looking forward to this book! <br />I'm so excited for you!!
Donna quilts
Congratulations! I'm looking forward to the book. (Books are always better than the movie!)
M-R Charbonneau
That's so exciting! Congatulations! Woo hoo!
DeborahGun
yay! Congratulations 🙂
jlk
How exciting!! I can't wait to see it in real life 🙂
happydancequilting
Wooo hooo!!!! Two collosal and amazing achievements, first not sharing all that yumminess, and then, the book!!! Huge congratulations. Can't wait to see and buy it. -Lettyb
Karen - Quilts...etc.
congrats and had to laugh at your last line!
Wanda
Congratulations. How exciting! I'll be looking forward to seeing your book.
Anna
AMY!!!!!! I love any post titled, 'so I wrote a book', just awesome! I'm super proud of you, holy moly. I cannot wait to see the quilts more. I bet your family is just so excited for you!
Thimbleanna
You're hysterical!!! I'm thinking you'll need Emma Thompson as your leading lady — no wait — someone much younger, like you, but a younger brit accent is escaping me now — Kate Somebody LOL. Any Fabulously Fast Anglophile designs in there? And does this mean you'll be book signing at quilt market {crosses fingers!} Congratulations Amy!!!!
shelley
Congrats Amy! This will be my first quilt book purchase and couldn't be more appropriate, as your blog was one of the first places I encountered as I entered into the wonderful world of quilting not very long ago. I love your blog, your quilt style, and your willingness to share what you know and communicate it in a way that's so easily understandable for those of us just getting started.
dolores
Consider yourself pinched kiddo!:) Can I have your autograph?:) xo
Jodi
Consider yourself pinched! Ha! And let me add my congratulations to all the above! It's looking gorgeous! I'm always hunting for quick patterns to make as I work full time and there's never ENOUGH time!
Melissa Corry
Congrats, Congrats, Congrats!!!! I am so incredibly excited for you!!!! It is almost here, can't wait!!!! I will be there with bells on for your Schoolhouse 🙂
Mandy Beyeler
you're amazing! what a perfect idea for a book!! Can't wait to get my hands on it!
holly | bijou lovely
Congrats Amy! It looks like a fantastic book, I'm really looking forward to reading it!
Beverly
Congratulations, Amy! It sounds like a book that I would love and I definitely plan on checking it out!
Prima Donna
I'm sure Jennifer Lawrence will be playing you in the movie. Congrats! This looks like a "must have" book. So excited for you.
Wendi
Congrats!
Cynthia
Congratulations Amy, that's so exciting!
Svetlana
how totally wonderfully exciting!!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Irenbjor
Dear Amy, congratulations, I can't imagine a person who deserves it more !!!
Amy
Yay, Amy that is so neat! Congratulations!
Tilda H
Congratulations Amy! That is wonderful. I have always wanted to write a quilting book, maybe I will….but for now I will enjoy yours! Just preordered mine through Amazon! Can't wait!
Di~
Looks great! way to go! I can't wait to see it.
chris
Hooray for you! Congrats you talented girl. 🙂
Aunt Spicy
Ohhhhh, I am utterly giddy for you!!!!
S Staum
Sounds like the perfect book for me! Can't wait until April!! Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment!
Lauren Deel
Congratulations! I can't wait to see these quilts and to get my hands on a copy of the book! I pre-ordered just now. 🙂
Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts
Congratulations Amy! I know the book will be fantastic. So excited for you!
Dana - Old Red Barn Co.
Congratulations!!!
Kim M
That is so exciting! Congratulations! I'd love to hear more about how the whole process works and I can't wait to see more!
Jeanne W.
Congratulation!!! I have been following you for a while and you deserve this! =) Love your stuff and can't wait for your book. It sounds like just the thing for me with my four littles running around!
Anita
Congratulations! Can't wait to see the book and hear more about how you got published! 🙂 Way to go! Now I have crazy rotary cutter images mixed with "Resevoir Dogs" in my head.
Jane
Congratulations Amy's,,,,,,, how exciting!!!!!!!! Can't wait to add your book to my collection!<br /><br />http://janekuchuk.blogspot.ca
Jessie Fincham @ Messy Jesse
Woowee congratulations Amy! What an achievement, all your hard work will pay off in dividends when you feel the 'real' book in your hands!! How exciting! I just know it will be great, xo
Happy Cottage Quilter
Wow! How exciting!! Congratulations…..
Jan
Congratulations! It's difficult to get published, well done. Here's the BN.com link to your book. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fabulously-fast-quilts-amy-u-smart/1116994006?ean=9781604683639 They have the same price.
One English Teacher
Congratulations! I bet this book is filled to the brim with helpful tips and tricks. Who wouldn't want to be able to get a few extra quilts made each year? 🙂
pcflamingo
Wowie zowie! That is really exciting! And it's really real because it's on Amazon 😀 Congratulations on your hard work and creativity, inspiration and perspiration coming together!
M.W.
Congrats. Looks like a fun book. Can't wait to see more.<br />Shawn
M.W.
Congrats. Looks like a fun book. Can't wait to see more.<br />Shawn
Dresden Quilter
Congratulations! The sneak peeks look great!
lilyrose
How exciting! I can't wait to see the book!
Debbie
Very cool. Congrats!
Melissa {polkadot chair}
Congrats! All of your hard work is getting so close to paying off! I'll be picking up a copy for sure!! I'm so happy for you.
james and bess
Congratulations!!! Can't wait to get my hands on your book! :)!<br /><br />Bess
Leila
Yea!!! I can't wait to see more!
Janet M.
Congrats! I can't wait to check it out!
Books_Bound
Congratulations, Amy! Yours was the first quilt blog I ever read, and you're still one of my favorites. 🙂 Can't wait to see the book!
Kati from Kati's Quilting
The warmest congratulations to you, Amy in these exciting times! I can only imagine the joy you feel about your new "baby"! It sure looks like it's gonna be a great one!
Regina Rose
Congratulations, Amy! I can't wait to get a copy! I have been following your blog for quite some time and always love what I see! We met once last year, I was the star-struck quilter with her husband in the elevator at Fabric Fest, lol! Thanks a lot for always being a source of inspiration and I look forward to getting a copy of your book this April.
Tamie
Congratulations. I can't wait to see it in print.
Lynne Tilley
Amy, I'm so happy for you! I have this book written in my day planner for April (coincidentally the month my newest grandchild will be born!) and I plan on buying the book. I'm a huge fan of yours and I can't wait to get my hands on the book! Congratulations!
Mrs Quinn
Congratulations! I am definitely in need of some fast quilts so I will be on the look out for your book.
Amy
Congrats on the new book! Can't wait to get a copy!
Rebecca Grace
First, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! :-)<br /><br />Second, I know you were kidding about Quentin Tarentino doing a quilting movie, BUT… Seriously, now that I'm thinking about it, I can't think of a single movie that has ever had a quilter character, and certainly not one like you or me. Someone really SHOULD write a movie about quilter momma entrepreneurs, don't you think?
Cristina @ Pretty Little Quilts
I saw this on Amazon the other day when I was browsing!!!! Congrats! What an amazing accomplishment, and I can't wait to get a copy:)
Suzi
OMG! I am so excited for you! Congratulations! I love your quilts and have yet to make one. But I did preorder your book. Can't wait for it to arrive so I can make one of your quilts.
Pétra
Congratulations that is so wonderful and such a good book concept!
Lana
Congratulations!!!! Where do I stand in line to get a copy?????<br />CAN NOT WAIT!<br />Seriously, so happy for you… 🙂
~Diana
Congrats! That is awesome!
Jean
Congratulations! I don't have very many books and never know what one to get. This one, I will be getting. With 3 kids at home I am always looking for quick patterns. Can't wait for this to be on the shelves!
CathyK
Congratulations, Amy!! I am definitely going to order it! I just love your quilts.
Elizabeth
Congratulations! I am looking forward to getting the book.
Steven and Ginger
So excited to see your book. I love to visit your blog all the time! Would really love to go to the sewing summit in london with you! Congrats!
charlotte
Congratulations Amy! Can't wait to see it!
Jenny
I KNEW you were gone from here a lot last year! Congratulations! I cannot wait to hear more about it!
jetvic
I'm so very happy for you Amy. Congratulations!
Lisa E
Love the cover quilt. Fast quilts are a good thing in this household. I snorted out loud about your movie rights comment. TOO funny!
felicity
Big congrats to you, Amy!
Elena
Cannot wait! Great job!
Live a Colorful Life
SO excited about this one! I just know it will be special.
Katy Cameron
Oh how exciting, huge congrats :o)
tabbiegirl
Congratulations, Amy! Can't wait to see the finished product. Wishing you all the success in the world!
Nancycim
I can't wait. Congratulations!
emily and logan
YAY! This is THE book!!? 🙂
~Sue
Pretty. Darn. Cool.
RaeLyn
***SQUEAL*** So Exited, for me and for you! This is fantastic! I'll pre-order it for sure! I know anything you do is amazing, so it's on my list. And, the premise, fast quilts, I'm so excited about. I'm a homeschooling mama of 6, and have all but given up on my quilting obsession, I think I can do a few of these. Thanks for the help and inspiration!!!
Karen
Well, RaeLyn above said EXACTLY what I was going to say — SQUEAL! AND that I am so excited for both you and me. I have already made a couple of your quilt patterns and love how fast they are and how fabulous they look. Congratulations on the new arrival!! Way to go!
Cindy
Congrats, Amy!! So excited for you!! I have been following your blog for a long time now and love it and your quilting!! So excited about your book!
Tanya Quilts in CO
I can't wait to see your quilts and buy your book! I always need quick quilts and want to learn some of your tricks. Congratulations!
RaeLyn
Sooo, did you see that your book is the #1 seller on Amazon for Patchwork today? So awesome, you have inspired so many people. You totally deserve it!
Katie
Congratulations on your new book! I'm looking forward to getting a copy!
Vicki
Congratulations! Can't wait to see it. 🙂
June D
Congratulations!
Quilter in the Gap
Congrats you deserve it!
manicmumdays.com
ooooh yayy!!! Good on you!!<br />Just pre-ordered my copy! Can't wait to get it now 🙂
Cindy
Yeah! So happy for you Amy!
Ulla's Quilt World
So lovely! <br />Greetings from Finland!<br />Hugs, Ulla
GabiP
Congrats! I will be certain to purchase to add to my increasing library of quilt books! I am all about fast and fabulous!
CraftyBeth
Wonderful news Amy! I teach full-time (college ESL) and always have LOTS of grading, so looking for things that simply processes is great for me. I can't wait to see the book. Congrats!
Jennifer
This is so exciting! Congratulations! I just preordered it and can't wait.
Kathy
Very exciting! I'm going to put it on my Amazon wish list next!<br />Congrats!
I am Just One Mom
Ordered mine 2 wks ago on Amazon. Can hardly wait! Congratulations!
adaisygarden
Wow, that's exciting! It will be a Best Seller! 🙂
Calli Makes Do
I am so happy and excited for you Amy! I can hardly wait to get my copy, I know it is going to be wonderful! As for the movie, I'm secretly hoping Wes Anderson buys the rights. Can't you just see Owen Wilson organizing a quilting bee?
Kay Losh
I'm adding my congratulations to the many you'll receive! Looking forward to this book. I don't buy a lot of quilting books, but I will buy this one! I love your blog!<br />
Kay Losh
P.S. I'm now finishing my quilt made from your Virtual BOM, and I have compliments on it already!
Bennett and Graves
Congrats on your book, I can't wait to get one! I've used your tutorials, credits to you on my flickr postings of course, and your instructions are so great every time. Amazing accomplishment!
Anita
How exciting! Congrats! Can't wait to see it 🙂
LynCC
Haha!!! Quentin Tarantino and rotary attacks. . . seriously, those things are dangerous! Very exciting about your book – I'll be looking for it!!
tracy_a
so very exciting! congrats.
Natalia from Piece N Quilt
Congratulations Amy!
Linda
I love that you shipped it off and stopped for tacos. I just put it on my Amazon Wishlist. Congrats!
Cara
Aaaaaah!!! Yay you! That is just so much awesomeness in one blog post. 🙂 Can't wait for it to come out–mama with kiddos here, so the fast thing is a good fit for me right now.<br /><br />Congratulations, congratulations!
jenni
Good for you! I am so excited!
Afton Warrick
Congratulations! What a great premise for a book.
Erin Hentzel
Congratulations! It is a wonderful accomplishment.
therese
Congratulations Amy, what an achievement. Be proud of yourself!<br />Can't wait for this to come out. April ? great month – it's my birthday then. Guess what I'll be getting!<br />Therese (the Australian with the mad American Jane Obsession!).
Siobhán
A huge congratulations to you, Amy! It's so nice to see talented and kind people do well. You've given so much to the quilting community through your blog and I know that the book will do the same. Congrats!
Michele
That is fantastic news. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
Sharon
Wow! Congratulations! That must have been a really hard secret to keep. Can't wait to see your book, sure it will be wonderful!
Jésabelle B.
Way to go! I'm happy for you and wish you great success. One more for my collection!
Alexis
Congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment. I'm excited for you and can't wait to get my hands on it.
Lori Landenburger
I am so very glad for you!!! Yay yay yay!!
Kay
Wow!!! Congrats on your wonderful book. I can't wait for it to arrive in England.
Amy
Oh wow! How exciting for you. Congratulations !!!!
Amy
Oh wow! How exciting for you. Congratulations !!!!
MaterialGirlQuilts
Amy, this is such awesome news and I'm so happy for you!! Can't wait to get a copy in April!<br />Amanda
Sarah
Congratulations! I had wondered why we didn't see much sewing from you last year. Oh come on, a Tarantino quilt movie would appeal to a much wider audience.
diane
Congratulations my friend. I'll be pre ordering this one for sure.