Fast, Flirty and Fun - Easy Quilts from Fabulous Fabrics! Sounds pretty darn good, huh? We live for "fast", we love "fun", and "flirty" is the cherry on top. That's what we thought when the author of this book, Sarah Bisel, emailed us to show us her cover, published by Martingale. Her book has finally arrived, and it does not disappoint! Whether you love appliqué or simple piecing, big focal prints or scrappy strips, modern fabrics or traditional favorites, this book covers it all. Sarah is our guest today on the Jolly Jabber to introduce her first book and to tell us how this big dream of hers came true! Comment on this post with one of your big dreams to win a copy of Fast, Flirty and Fun! We have four up for grabs! Winners will be announced next Wednesday, so good luck!
Hello to the Jolly Jabber crowd, I am so excited to introduce myself and my new book to all you quilters and "want to be" quilters. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sarah Bisel. I currently live in HOT Tucson, AZ, but I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. I still return to SLC often, and I love quilting community there.
Most of my life is filled with mothering. I am the mother to 4 incredible kiddos ages 9, 8, 6, and 9 months. My life is full, my days are hectic, and my to-do list is ever growing. However, quilting helps me to relax. It gives me the opportunity to be creative, to show my personality, and leave a little mark in the world. Plus, I adore the satisfaction that comes with finishing a quilt, crossing something off the list, and then continually looking at this quilt I made and finished. I love the sense of accomplishment that comes with a finished quilt.
There are so many people out there who want to learn how to make a quilt, but have no idea where to start. Many of my friends and family have expressed a desire to spend a day with me learning this fun art. I want to spread the quilt love to more than just family and friends. I want beginner quilters to feel safe, at ease, and comfortable quilting.
When beginning quilters are armed with the knowledge I gained after years of quilting, they are much more likely to feel successful. Seasoned quilters need inspiration too. I hope as they read my book they can look at quilting a new way, find a pattern they love, and be able to make a quilt quickly and love the results.
I have been asked a number of times, what made me think I should write a book? For years, I toyed with the idea of selling quilts, selling patterns, teaching classes, etc. I tried a couple of the ideas and found they really didn't fit in my time schedule. I looked into selling my own patterns and realized there were a lot of unseen tasks involved in that venture. My only avenue left was going to a publisher and pitching my idea. I told myself I would go for it, try it out. If the publishers liked it, GREAT! If not, then I should enjoy quilting as a hobby and move on.
Luckily for me, Martingale wanted to publish my book, even though I was, essentially .... a nobody. Being a first-time pattern writer was an adventure to say the least. Martingale did so much to assist me, and I feel blessed everyday to have had them as a guide in this process.
Of course, we all have our favorite quilts, and I'll show you some of mine.
This is called Cocoa Cakewalk. What I love about this quilt is the statement it makes. It is bold, simple, and it gives all of us quilters a chance to use large pieces of our favorite fabrics.
This quilt is called Sweet Silhouette. I love this quilt because it is so cheerful. I love the scallops and how they draw the eye to the middle of the quilt, where a great piece of fabric can shine.
Circe of Friends is a family favorite in our house. My oldest daughter keeps asking if she can have this bright quilt. I can understand why! Those fabrics are so fun, so fresh, and exciting. Great fabrics really make a quilt, and this quilt has some really fabulous fabric.
Up a Tree is another beloved quilt because it is so "wild." My non-quilting friends love this quilt because it is so non-traditional. It's free and fun, and reminds me to break the rules of quilting every now and then.
What's next for me? I have a number of designs running around in my head. Some of them are already quilts, and some of them are waiting for their time. I would love to write another book, it would be so fun to share more of what I love with others. I still have some big dreams, and would love to design fabrics.
Be Inspired!
Sarah Bisel
Fast, Flirty, and Fun
www.milkandhoneydesigns.blogspot.comLabels: Fat Quarter Shop Giveaway, Quilt Patterns
