I Survived Writing My First Book
One year ago I had a deadline and some serious doubts. Between working a full time job, running Charitysub.org, and maintaining a happy marriage, I was already busy. Fitting even one more thing into my life seemed impossible. But when I was offered the opportunity to author my very own book, I just had to figure it out. This was an opportunity of a lifetime after all!
One very difficult year later, I am glad to report that I'm still standing. I just packed up all my samples and sent my completed manuscript to my editor. I feel light as a feather! I couldn't be more excited about the collection, and can hardly wait for its release. If you want updates about the release of the book and my upcoming appearances, please sign up for my newsletter.
Over the past year I had a lot of time to think about the direction I want to take KnitDarling. Now that I have all this free time, I feel energized and ready for my next big project. I already have some big changes in the works. I'm taking a little break from pattern design to focus on a shiny new website design. I am also creating a ton of new video content which I am incorporating into my existing patterns. The videos will be mostly technique tutorials as well as some demonstrations of my designs so you can see how they really look on a person. I'm curious if you have any opinions about knitting videos, or maybe is there something that you haven't seen that you'd like me to cover?
In addition to that, I'm taking some time for a few personal craft projects. I love doing hand embroidery, and finally have a little time to devote to it. When I finish this little green piece I'm going to sew it into a small zippered pouch purse. If that turns out well, I'm going to give it to a friend as a thank-you gift.
I'm also working on my first ever pieced quilt. I was at The City Quilter in Manhattan shopping for work, and saw some super cute lion and cub coordinating quilt prints that I just couldn't resist. It's going to be a gift for my adorable 3 month old nephew. I purchased some light blue flannel for the backing, and some thin cotton batting for the fill. I haven't decided if I'm going to hand quilt it, or just do try to do it on my machine. Do any of you quilters out there have any tips for a novice?
Comments
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elise
over 11 years agoSO proud and delighted! xoxo! re: the quilting - two words, lex.... walking foot. also, hand quilting is, in my opinion, more beautiful but so not worth the time! unless you love hand quilting, then go for it.
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Alexis Winslow
over 11 years agoThanks Elise! I don't have a walking foot for my sewing machine, but the I just finished the quilting part and it turned out great anyway. Maybe the fact that I used flannel for the backing made the whole thing stick together a little better. Now I'm working on the binding. I'll try to post some pictures of the finished projects after I complete them.
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Sascha
over 11 years agoI have a finished quilt top, but I do not get the whole quilting bit post-piecing. Wanna get together so I can pick your brain?
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Sascha
over 11 years agoPS: LOVE that embroidery!!
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Marcus
over 11 years agoCongrats! I'm super-proud of you!
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Sarah
over 11 years agoYou're so awesome Alexis! I love seeing all the new things you're doing and can't wait to see what's next.
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Alexis Winslow
over 11 years agoSascha, I'd love to see your quilt top sometime. Also, we should take a trip to City Quilter and ogle their prints together!
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Alexis Winslow
over 11 years agoSarah, Thanks so much! It's so nice to hear from you. I'll be sure to post more often now that I've got a little extra free time.
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Carrie Mitchell
over 11 years agoHi Alexis! I am soo excited about your book! I remember when you tried to teach me to knit many years ago, maybe I can try again to figure it out. I am interested to see how your quilt turns out. I made one a few years ago for a friend as a baby gift, and it was a lot of fun, and very gratifying in the end. I machine pieced the top, and then hand quilted the layers together. I added an embroidered border (hand done) to add some extra flair, and each of the blocks were quilted in a different pattern, since all of the squares were different fabrics. It turned out really nicely, and my friend almost cried when she first saw it. I really think you would get way more enjoyment out of hand quilting, especially if you aren't in a time crunch to finish it. It is actually really relaxing, kind of like knitting is (for some people!) :)
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Alexis Winslow
over 11 years agoThanks Carrie! I really hope you try picking up knitting again. Sounds like your quilt was beautiful. I went ahead and machine quilted the layers together on mine, but I'm thinking about embroidering a little patch to put on the back with the baby's name and birthday. I am in a little bit of a time crunch, so we'll see I guess!