Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe: A Review of Sorts and A Giveaway (Closed)

More than 1 1/2 years ago, I received an email from an editor at Martingale Publishing asking if I would contribute a quilt design to an upcoming pattern book from bloggers. Of course, I was excited. This was my first big opportunity to start getting my name out there. As a blogger, I've taken a fairly low-key course. I try to minimize the extra things I'm involved in, especially with three little kiddos at home. I haven't aggressively looked for new opportunities because it's been hard enough keeping up with everything else I have going on. But, I immediately jumped at the chance to have a quilt in this book. There were definitely pros and cons to the experience.

Rather than spend the next few paragraphs touting this book, I thought I'd review my experience more than the actual book along with a few pictures of some of my favorite quilts from the book. Over the course of the next few months, I'm sure you'll see many more reviews of the book. I wanted to take a slightly different look at what it is actually like for me to have my name in here.

I've been asked several times, "How do you get published?" Basically my response is always, "Contact the editor, and submit an idea." Publishers, whether it be books or magazines, are always looking for new content. It never hurts to ask. Although, it can be really scary to ask. It was easy for me on this book since I was contacted by Martingale. When I submitted my first idea to Modern Quilts Unlimited Magazine, my heart was pounding as I sent off the email. I was terrified. What if they didn't like what I sent? What if they hated my ideas? 

My quilt

My experience submitting the actual quilt for this book ended up being quite stressful. It came at a difficult point in my life. Lots of other things were going on. I felt like I was in a creative funk just when I had to sew the quilt to meet my deadline. I also realized I did not love my design chosen for the book. It was hard to push through and create something I wasn't "feeling". I had issues with my basting process and my sewing machine. Sometimes it seems that things just aren't meant to be. 

Quilt by Angela Nash from My Three Sons

I barely made my deadline for my quilt and pattern draft. Then the pattern reviews started. Several times I received emails for clarification on my pattern, and they wanted the rewrite within 24 hours. Considering the craziness of life, that kind of turnaround is just hard. 

Quilt by Audrie Bidwell from Blue is Bleu

Despite the fact that this experience was stressful, it was also very helpful in the long run. First of all, I learned that I was not cut out to write my own book any time soon. I was able to get my feet wet and decided it was too much for me to handle right now. I used to think writing my own quilting book would be fantastic. It sounded really exciting. I've changed my mind about that idea for now. I've realized it is a lot of work and a lot of stress.

Between my book submission and the two magazine submissions I've done, I've also learned quite a bit about the pattern writing process. This proved to be invaluable experience as I've begun writing my own patterns. I'm not sure I would have braved independent pattern writing had I not had these experiences.

Quilt by Krista Fleckenstein from Spotted Stones

The compensation isn't great. For the most part, people don't do this for the money. My compensation for the Modern Quilts book covered my materials, shipping, and just a little extra. You aren't getting rich on this. What I didn't know when I made my quilt for this submission is that fabric companies are often willing to ship fabric to you for a specific project that will be published. With copyright considerations, it's generally recommended to seek permission to use a specific fabric line for pattern publication. Just slip in a request for the manufacturer to supply the fabric in exchange for fabric credit in the pattern. It's a win for both parties.

So after all of that, what about the book? 

I admit there is something really exciting about seeing my name in a real book. My mom is proud! I'm sure she even took her copy to work to show her friends. In the course of life, it's really just a little thing, but having my final copy in my hands was exciting. I was part of something fun.  I'm grateful to be included in this project with  many other quilters I know, admire and respect. There are some great ideas in this book. Many of them are simple and perfect for beginners. Am I in love with every quilt in this book? No. But, I can gain inspiration from each quilt in there. I love reading blogs for inspiration, but there is just something wonderful about holding a book in your hands and searching for new ideas. I own 20+ quilting books and have made just one quilt from all of them combined. I may have a different perspective than most people, but I don't buy books for patterns. I buy them for inspiration, and I browse through them frequently. My nightstand is piled with quilting books.

I'm still torn on the title "Modern Quilts". The debate continues to rage about what is modern quilting. I think this will always be up for debate, and opinions will constantly change. According to the new MQG definition, many of these quilts aren't modern, but it's just one definition. I'm honestly no longer sure of my personal definition of "modern quilting". I'm changing my perspective on "modern quilting" and what it means to me to be a "modern quilter". I'm learning to quilt what I love and forget about definitions.

I've been asked multiple times by friends and other bloggers about getting a project published. I am far from the expert, but I've learned it's worth asking. Despite the cons, I can look back and say this was a good learning experience for me. I'm glad I had the chance to take this risk.

The Giveaway (CLOSED)

Martingale has kindly provided me with several copies of Modern Quilts from the Blogging Universe to give away. I'll be giving away four copies this weekend. To enter to win, just leave a comment. Please make sure your email is included in the comment or your profile. Random.org will decide the winners next Tuesday!