Back in late 2019, I started working on my goal of writing a book. I decided to spend tons of hours secretly sewing and putting together ten block designs for a book proposal. I held myself to the goal of sending it off for review by the end of March.
Well....crap!
So much for well laid plans. I still sent it off even though businesses were not sure what the future would look like and I waited for over 5 long months for them to make a final decision on it. It was not the best book to release during a pandemic. My plans were for a scrap book that didn't look like any books out there and it was kind of a format you had to pick up and look at to see the great ideas it had inside.
So I wasn't surprised (or disappointed) to finally hear they were going to pass. In the five months I was waiting for an answer, I devised a plan B to just create some pdf modules that can be bought and instantly downloaded.
Quilters can just buy the blocks they like or that best fit the scraps they have.
The working title for the book was "Become a Scrap Mixologist". I am just calling these Scrap Mixology Modules. They are specifically designed to help you use your scraps - sorry you will not find any yardage requirements in these modules. Today, I am releasing the first module "Well Suited". It is a 13 page booklet that includes the instructions for a basic block along with a helpful table letting you know how many blocks you need for 4 quilt sizes.
But the pages go on to show you how you can place lights/darks within the blocks to create different patterns in the quilt layout.
You will see I take the Scrap Mixology philosophy further because I also share some ideas for swapping in different components within the block to change the look.
So one block can be made into dozens of different looking quilts...all made from scraps. If you have been following my blog, you know this is a concept I share often.
Now you can have lots of scrappy ideas at your fingertips.
24 comments:
How exciting!! The book may not have been suited to a pandemic but the topic certainly is as so many quilters seem committed to working with what they have!
this is so exciting - i am so happy for you - can't wait to check it all out!!! good on you - and holee cow .. keeping secrets - success!!! ;-)
I am so glad that you were able to pivot and offer another option!
That's a great idea! I love Well Suited and the new plan for the quilt designs. Good luck with the rest of your modules :)
What a great idea! I love this first one and I’m sure the others will be as good. Congratulations !
Well, Dang! Too bad for that company. You don't want to try again with another publisher? I wish great success with the modules. ;^)
I hope you will find another publisher as I love your scrappy quilting ideas and the mixology is a great idea too!!! I just followed your blog on Bloglovin!
That's such a pretty version, Cyndy! I like how you used pinwheels in the center this time and the pretty shades of blue for the corner triangles. This is your superpower - mixing up basic blocks to make amazing designs! 🤗
I just bought and downloaded it. I currently have scraps scattered all over my floorthat I had my granddaughter color sort for me. I now plan on using this module for inspiration. Thanks!
I think you turned lemons into delicious raspberry lemonade. This first module is a great idea! I have scraps galore and need more ways to use them!
Thank you for always sharing your ideas with us.
You go! The modular approach makes sense and now you don't have to create any patterns to conform to an editor's idea of what will sell or what will make a well-rounded book.
This is great! I just bought it! I've been wanting to make a controlled scrappy nine patch and just could not figure out how to do it. You've done all the work and it is appreciated!
It always pays to have a Plan B even if you don't have to use it. Great ideas and I'm looking forward to seeing all the modules. You always have great ideas!
Very exciting! I love the idea of these downloadable modules and I'm always on the lookout for ways to use up my scraps!
I just bought it and love the ideas! Thank you. Hugs,
Glad you had a plan B. I'm sure it will take off.
xx, Carol
So sorry about all your hard work and then being turned down. Very disappointing I'm sure. Love the idea you came up with to make the most of all your effort!:)
I'm sorry the book approach didn't work out for you. You always have creative ideas for scraps and I think this is a terrific alternative, especially in a time when some people are limiting extra purchases a module or two may be more affordable than a book. Good luck with this new adventure!
What an interesting concept, Cynthia! I'm looking forward to seeing what other modules you will release. Best of luck on pattern sales!
Sorry the book didn't work out, but I am very excited about collecting the modules! I have so many scraps that are begging to be made into quilts that I am sure I will put them to good use!
That does sound like a different idea for a book - even better idea for modules! Congrats to you!
Very neat idea! I'm sorry the book didn't work out but releasing as modules sounds brilliant!
Having actually gotten a book published 3 months before said publisher announced they would no longer publish quilting books, I am here to tell you that your personally sold PDF modules are absolutely the way to go. Congratulations to you - off to explore this first release.
Hi Cynthia, too bad about the timing but I think that modules could be very useful. I just bought your first one and am looking forward to making it. Thanks so much for linking up to Free Motion Mavericks' 300th posting party! Take care and good luck.
Post a Comment