> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Modern Basics, by Amy Ellis (plus insights on a fun blog tour & giveaway)



I was so excited when I heard  that fellow blogger Amy Ellis (Amy's Creative Side) was writing a quilt book.  And, I'm very honored to be able to share insights with you today, and be part of her blog tour for her new book.  I've enjoyed reading Amy's blog for a long time, and have been inspired by her quilts and insights she shares, as well as love all of her well written tutorials.  I have long thought that Amy would make for a great author of a quilt book, and have truly found her "Modern Basics, Easy Quilts to Fit your Budget, Space, and Style" to be a wonderful quilt book.

Modern Basics is published by Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place.    There are 14 beautiful patterns in this book, with each design  made from one easy block.


Amy uses bright, modern prints with cute and simple designs that help new quilters make beautiful quilts and experienced quilters make fast & easy quilts too!  Instructions provided are easy to follow, with excellent visuals, showing step by step.

Insights are also included for Quiltmaking Basics, from selection of tools & fabric, to piecing techniques, adding borders, sandwiching, machine quilting, binding and more.


This is an excellent book for a beginner quilter, as well as experience quilters who are looking for fun quilts and tips on squeezing creativity into your busy life.

Amy has invited several bloggers to participate in a blog hop to celebrate the release of Modern Basics.   Each blogger will be sharing insights about Amy's book, and also hosting a giveaway for a copy of this delightful new book.


Here is the list of other bloggers participating in this book tour blog hop.  I hope you'll take time to visit them on this tour. 
Feb 21st - Piece N Quilt
Feb 22nd - SewCalGal (where you are today)
Feb 23rd - Old Red Barn
Feb 24th - Terri's Notebook
Feb 25th - Crazy Mom Quilts
Feb 26th - Wild Card Quilts
Feb 27th - BumbleBeans
Feb 28th - Fat Quarter Shop
Mar lst - One Shabby Chic
Mar 2nd - Canton Village Quilt Works
Mar 3rd - Diary of a Quilter
Mar 4th - Fat Quarterly
Mar 5th - Amylouwho

And, I hope you have a chance to check out this wonderful new book that Amy has created.  I think you'll really enjoy creating quilts with it.  And, you may know a new quilter, or an inspiring to be quilter, that this book would make an excellent gift to help them learn to quilt.


http://www.martingale-pub.com/

Interested in winning a copy of this wonderful book, personally signed by Amy.  Simply leave a comment on this post and a way for me to contact you (no reply bloggers that can not be contacted are not eligible to win).  The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, February 27th.

278 comments:

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Peach Rainbow said...

I love Amy's blog too - Her book will be amazing, no doubt!
Thanks for the chance :)

Sparky said...

Just received her book in the mail the other day to review. Not bad at all. No need to put me in the draw. I am giving away her book to a friend...won't need another...lol
Good review for her and her designs, and wanted to stop in for your DAY lol

Unknown said...

I would love to have a copy of this book to give to my sister who just started quilting, for inspiration. I have preordered a copy for myself at Amazon long time ago :o)

Gill said...

I love Amy's blog and would love to win a copy of her book!
Thanks

Unknown said...

I too thought that she should put a book together and I am so glad that she took the plunge. Have a wonderful day.

Barb said...

Thanks for the run down on Amy's book....does look interesting.

Cindy said...

I having been following Amy's blog for some time and can't wait to get my hands on her book. Thanks for the chance!

Brita said...

I would love to win this book -- I've fallen in love with the new modern fabrics, and there are some perfect patterns in the book to use them!

Katy P. said...

Looks like a fun book! Will have to check out her blog too!

Erin Marsh said...

This book looks great! I would love to win!

JayTee said...

the pictures are beautiful....the projects look simple and quick

Rhonda the Rambler said...

Did you say give the book away? Ummm sorry but bookaholics like me would never consider this! Unless of course I had a duplicate! I would however consider purchasing a copy for someone...LOL

GabyLux said...

This book looks so great. I'd love to win a copy!
Greats from Luxembourg/Europe

Vicki @ DottyJane said...

Amy has a wonderful blog and I'd love to win a copy of her book! Thanks for the chance!

Happyme said...

I am pretty excited about this book with each sneak peak picture I see. I participate in a quilting group and we are looking for inspiration for the next quilt to make for an charity auction. I think we found a gold mine..Eureka!sraymer1@cox.net

Mommarock said...

How exciting! Love a good quilt book! This looks wonderful.

YankeeQuilter said...

We have lots of new quilters in our guild and this looks like a great book for them to start out with.

Rhanda said...

I am loving the quilt samples already (and it is only day 2!). If I don't win it, I'll likely buy it anyway. :-) Thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful book! Thanks for the chance.

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

Oh, I'm really excited for Amy and I'm excited to read this book. I have a book problem and seem to collect them all!

Malmbergs said...

Such a fun new book! So many inspiring quilts. I's love to win a copy.
barberg@sbcglobal.net

Phyllis said...

I am a fan of Amy and excited about this book release. Thanks so much for the chance to win it.

Hilachas said...

Looks like such an interesting book. I'd love to win it and thank you for the opportunity.

KaHolly said...

Another excellent review of Amy's new book. Judging by the pictures, it is another "must have"!! ~karen

VickiT said...

I totally agree with you saying that Amy would be a great person to write a book. I've followed her blog for a long time now and have always loved how detailed her tutorials are. Her explanations of the different techniques are wonderful and helped me in learning more about quilting as a new quilter. I'd love to win this book as a great reference tool.

vburr at charter dot net

Lee said...

Amys book should be great - would love to win it for my daughter who would love to start quilting! thanks!
butler83ataoldotcom

quiltingnana said...

thank you for the review

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Thank you for the review. I follow Amy's blog and would love a copy of her new book! Thanks for the opportunity to enter your giveaway!

helen-mary said...

I would love a copy of Amy's book. That would make a great birthday present for me!

Janice said...

I love so many quilts in this book. I would love to win a copy.

Thanks for this giveaway

Sunnybec said...

Oh good, that's what I like to hear suitable for beginners...that would be me then, thanks for a chance to win.

Barbara said...

i would love a copy of her book !

Melissa Corry said...

I love Amy's blog! I did my very first quilt-a-long with her. I am super excited for her book :)

Wendy said...

I came over from Amy's blog and I'd love to win this book. I haven't yet tried to make a quilt, I'm a bit scared! I think this would be the perfect place to start.

Millie said...

Her quilts are so pretty. I love the crisp and simple modern style of her quilts. I would love to have a copy of her new book. Thanks for a great review on her book, Darlene.

deborah said...

Amy's blog is amazing, so I know her book is too! Thanks for the great review!

SingleGirlQuilts said...

This looks like such a fun book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!!

Manda said...

Loving the look of the quilts in this book :-)

Tiffany said...

I'm sure Amy's boook is Amazing!!!

Lee Ann L. said...

Thank you for the chance to win! And, for the list of participating blogs -- I'm going to add each one that I do not currently follow into Google Reader so that I won't miss a chance. :-)

Melissa said...

Great review, thanks! I'd love to win Amy's book!

Kristie said...

Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win Amy's book :-)

Susan Mallery said...

I didn't realize all the quilts were made from one block. That's amazing! Really shows what a talented quilter can do with a variety of fabric.

Dana Gaffney said...

Amy's blog is one of the first that I started to follow. I've learned a lot from her. I recommended her to a friend who wanted to learn quilting, her sampler tutorial was perfect for a beginner.

Impera Magna said...

The more I see of this book, the more I want one of my very own! Thanks for another chance at winning one!

Jenny said...

love all these sneak peaks of the quilts!

Amy Menges said...

I'd love to learn more about quilting, especially modern quilting! Thanks for the giveaway.

free indeed said...

From the peek you give us, it looks like a great book with doable lovely quilts. thanks

Dusty said...

Such beautiful quilts! I would love to win! (if not for me, for my MIL)

Heather H said...

The book looks wonderful!

Needled Mom said...

I do love the fresh. clean look of the modern quilts. Amy's blog is fabulous.

audreypawdrey said...

I love her blog, and I know this book will be fabulous, too!

Sandy said...

Love Amy's blog! I would love to win her book! Thanks for the opportunity!=)

WoolenSails said...

Wonderful post on the new book and I love the one with the flowers on the cover.

Debbie

ktquilts said...

Hoping to win one of Amy's books!!!

krisgray said...

Thank you the sneak peek at some projects from the book - very nice!

Karen P. said...

I am a huge fan of Amy's! Would love to win a copy of the book!

DianeY said...

I always read Amy's blog. The pictures you are showing are beautiful! Love to see the book!

Staci said...

I've enjoyed Amy's Blog for a long time, and am really happy she's written this book! I can't wait to see it in person.

Jocelyn said...

This book looks so exciting and creative! I love Amy's blog. She has been such an inspiration when it comes to sharing what other people do. Now it is her turn :-)

deserae said...

This book looks awesome! :)

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I always enjoy Amy's blog and this looks like a great quilt book!

Marcia W. said...

Amy's blog was one of the first that I read. Used her ideas as started my quilting. I consider myself a relatively new quilter so know that can use her ideas (already used some from her blog). Thanks for the giveaway - please enter me.
alternate email mlwright29 (at)hotmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I would love to win a copy of Amy's book. Thanks.

Beth Archibald said...

I would love to win this book! I just discovered Amy and admire her talent.

Diane N said...

I would LOVE to win a copy of Amy's book! Thanks for the chance.

Donna~~ said...

I'm looking for some easier ways to whittle down my stash. Please enter me in your giveaway--thanks!

Kelly Rachel said...

Woo hoo!!! Please let me win....

P.S. Every time I see your striped umbrella and sunny sunshine I smile. :D

Dawn said...

I would love to win a copy of Amy's book.

SewLindaAnn said...

I'm putting on my wish list right away in case I don't win one. I love that aqua/brown quilt you pictured. Have a great Tuesday!

Amy said...

This book looks awesome! It would be well used at my house.

Tammy said...

Oh this looks like a wonderful book! I love the quilts that you have shown us on this post. This looks like a must have!

Yumm yumz by patticakes said...

I love the simplicity of Amy's designs - it would be fun to have this book and make a few of my own "Amy's!"

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I would love to win a copy of her book, I have followed her for several years, I'm always looking for another book to inspire me.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Linda E in NM said...

Oow, looks like fun! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

NEAT BOOK-THANKS AMY!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

Beth@seasonsofhome said...

I hope I win!

Diane H said...

Thanks for a chance to win - looks like a great book.

Marci Girl said...

Great giveaway, I have been following Amy's blog for a while, and would love to win a copy of her book!

marcijdebetaz (at) hotmail {dotcom}

Wacky Woman said...

I do love modern quilts. I think it is the simplicity and fresh feeling that comes with the modern look. Will by buying Amy's book.

PersimonDreams said...

I adore Amy as well and would love to win her book! I love the modern feel to it - just my style!

lapaceksorchard at gmail dot com

Sallie said...

I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.

Valentina said...

I am so excited! Congrats Amy! And what a wonderful review, thank you so much. I will keep my fingers crossed! :)

Michael and Rachelle said...

I love Amy's blog and her tutorials. I made her bible for my mother and she loves it. Thanks for the chance to win.

Allison C said...

Looks like a great book! I will definitely check out her blog. Thanks for the opportunity :)

Deb said...

Please enter me for the book; sounds like something I would enjoy. debgiro at wildblue dot net

Laura lok said...

thanks for the review on the book looks like a good book to have

Clothed in Scarlet said...

Ya know I hadn't thought of using it for a gift :0) It would have to be for a gooood friend because I really think I would like to have it for myself lol. Thanks for the opportunity. Sarah

Mary said...

I'm a follower fo Amy's Blog for a few years.. I am amazed at what she does in such a small space. And with small children to keep her busy too. Thanks for being part of the Blog hop. It's fun to find new quilty blogs to read.

Katie B said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

Looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance!

MollyP said...

I am such a fan of Amy's! So glad her book is out and ready to be enjoyed! Thanks for the opportunity.

kt said...

I love Amy's blog. I'm a new quilter, and have learned so much from her and other bloggers. Would love to win a copy of her book! Thanks for the chance!
ktyoung1(at)gmail(dot)com

Linz said...

I am very excited about this book! It looks wonderful!
My contact email is linzsews@gmail.com

Thanks!

sandra said...

I love Amy and have followed her blog for about a year. If I don't get lucky and win her book I will buy one. davidson.sandra0@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Thank You Amy! I am sure the book is wonderful!

Jen said...

I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!

robin said...

Looks like a great book - I'd love to win it! Thanks for the giveaway chance! :)

tropicslady said...

Thanks for the giveaway. My daughter's friend is learning to quilt as her senior project. It will be a great book to gift to her.

A.S.K.-P. said...

I love Amy's quilts and can't wait to get my hands on this book!

smurfy4ever@yahoo.com

webmailaddress2 said...

Would love to win Amy's book. What a great blog tour!

Kendra from missknittas studio said...

So excited about this book! Thanks for the great review and the giveaway!

KatheG said...

Thanks for the giving - would love to win - and love your site. Thanks.

Carla G said...

Looks like an awesome book. I'm just starting my first quilt and these quilts look like something I'd like to try. Thanks for a chance to win!

KatheG said...

Thanks for the giving - would love to win - and love your site. Thanks.

janice said...

I'd love to win the book. I'd give it to my 20 something daughter who I've been trying to get interested in quilting since she is very creative and artistic.

Anonymous said...

I love Amy's stuff! Thanks for joining in the fun :)

LindaW said...

I follow Amy!s blog regularly and would love to have a copy of her book. Thanks for the chance to win.

Mom on the Move! said...

Love the peeks at the patterns - makes me want to just buy it!!! But I'll hope for winning first!

Beth said...

The more I see of Amy's book, the more I want to have a copy on my bookshelf...or, by my bedside, more likely. :) Thanks for the giveaway.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Cammie said...

What fun! Thanks for the giveaway too!

theredkiwi (at) yahoo (dot) com

Bec Clarke said...

Oh pretty please I sooo hope I win!!! It looks like a wonderful book.

Patty said...

I'd love a chance to win. Thanks for the giveaway and great blog.

Chancy said...

Those quilts look awesome. I would love to win a copy!

chancyf at gmail dot com

Brenda said...

I recently have added quilting to my long list of hobbies. In the last month, I've completed one quilt and have started two more. I am hooked! Thanks for a chance to win this beautiful book for beginners!

Marie said...

This is my type of quilt - thank you for sharing.

Kathy H said...

The quilts look so refreshing and it is nice to make some quilts with fewer fabric choices.

Heather said...

Amy's blog has been so helpful to me as a newer quilter! I can't wait to see her book!

bethanndodd said...

I have no doubt Amy's book is amazing! I would love to win a copy! Thanks!
beth.dodd(at)att.net

Sherryl said...

I really love clean simple designs. Guess that means this is the book for me, huh? (love that last one with the bright little squares on the white background...)
sunshdws@yahoo.com

9patchnurse said...

Oh I can't wait to see all of this book. The peeks I've seen so far are gorgeous! I just love her style.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great book; would love to win a copy
annstorlie@yahoo.com

Wonky Girl said...

Interesting book! Patterns look fast and easy. Would love a chance to win :)

Christine said...

This book looks great!
Christine
ChristineCapps09@yahoo.com

BeachQuilter said...

I would love to have this book, it looks like it's filled with inspiration!

Paula Lemos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paula Lemos said...

I follow Amy's blog and would love to win her book. Thanks for the chance!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

Nancy Page said...

Amy's blog is wonderful as is yours. Her book looks to be super good.

Have a super great sewing day.

Jana O'Brien said...

I love her blog and would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks for sharing this information.

matate10 said...

This book looks just like the kind of quilts I like to make. I would love to win!!

Amy DeCesare said...

Thanks for the sneak peeks - this looks like a must-have book!

Eileen said...

what lovely quilts. especially love the little squares floating in a sea of white! thanks for the opportunity and have a great day

Anonymous said...

It looks like a great book & I too love to stop by Amy's blog! How Fun

Teresa said...

Love Amy and her blog.

Joanna said...

I took part in Amy's Sampler Block Quilt Along last year, and I made one of my very favorite quilts. Her instructions are excellent.

Jen said...

Thanks for the chance to win! Looks like a GREAT book!

SoSarahSews said...

I look forward to this book! Thanks for posting!

scottylover said...

Love the quilt on the couch! And the others, too! I think I could find lots to make with this book. Thanks for the review!

Sandy A

Quiltin' Sandy said...

This sounds like a fabulous book! :)
sandangels1945@hotmail.com

Sarah Craig said...

This book has been on my short list ever since I heard it was coming out! I'd love to win a copy!!

jane said...

Looks like a great book. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

Debora C said...

I love, love, love the quilts. I hope I get a chance to get the book!

Kate said...

Amy's book looks easy and fun. Thanks for hosting the Blog Tour.

Tiff Blakey said...

Just the pictures make me want this book. Thanks for the chance.

A Gal Who said...

Thanks so much for this opportunity to win. The book looks wonderful and inspiring.

Christy said...

Yes please! I would love to add this book to my 'Inspiration and Motivation collection'

ytsmom said...

I love the idea of quilts that go together quickly. Sometimes your just need to get something finished!

Anonymous said...

Looks like the perfect book/gift for a new quilting friend. Lovely!!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I would love to win!

manybooks said...

Those quilts are so nice - the colors are fabulous! So inspirational and the patterns look do-able for a beginner like me :)

Nicole said...

This looks like such a great book! Would love to win one, but it's now on my wish list if I don't :) Good luck everyone.

Jessica said...

I would love to win! Thanks for the chance :)

Lily of the Valley said...

Love your blog and Amy's too!!

Kim said...

Congratulations Amy on your book!
I wish you continued success.

Thanks so much for a chance to win and
Happy Sewing

Lynn W. said...

The book looks like a winner (and I hope it is). If I don't win I'll be looking for it. Thanks for sharing your insight.

Lynn W. said...

Thanks for a lovely revivew. The book looks like a lot of fun and full of good ideas. Always looking for those! If I don't win I'll be looking for it locally.

Shannon said...

Thank you for the chance to win her book. I can't to get this book.

Nancy said...

Love the look of this book. I think it would be just what I need!

Debbie said...

Really good review, Darlene. Thanks for counting me in.

Jill said...

This book looks like fun. Loved the first quilt you showed.

Michele said...

This looks like such a great book! I am in love with all three quilts you showed, but especially the second one. Thanks for sharing!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I'm definitely interested Darlene!

yenni said...

i'm a beginner for quilting...and i'd love to get a copy..^^

momto2wasd said...

I've been following Amy's blog for some time now, and it's great that she has a book! It occurs to me that it would be a wonderful gift for a friend that is a new sewist!

Just Sew Sue said...

Can't wait to see a copy IRL.

QuiltSue said...

I'd love to win this book to give a friend who has just started quilting.

Karen said...

I love Amy's blog and the book looks great! Thanks for the chance :o)

amy said...

One of my daily reads, would love to win her book :)

Bev said...

The book looks great! Thanks for the chance to win!

Deonn said...

Wow, what a great review of Amy's book. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy! Thanks.

Rustic Barnyard said...

Those quilts look great. I'd love to enter the contest.

Thanks, Heidi
ahmotz at xplornet dot ca

Jen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jenashford said...

I "sew" want to win! Thanks for hosting the giveaway & your awesome inspiration.

Jenashford at swbell dot net

Jen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen said...

Super excited. Her book looks awesome!

Quilt Genius said...

The book just looks awesome!

Mary
iammaryburke@gmail.com

http://www.ourhoppyplace.com

Ladybug said...

I would love to have a copy of this book. It looks like a real winner.

What Comes Next? said...

I love Amy's blog, and would love to win a copy!

Julie S said...

This book looks like a winner!

heleen said...

I love the book. It wiil be an inspiration to go on quilting.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful book. I have also enjoyed seeing Amy's work on her blog, looking forward to seeing her book.

Barbieann said...

I love Amys site as well. thanks for the offering. You have a great blog as well. You offer so much to a lot of people.

Robin said...

Blog tours are so awesome as they really help give a reader a good idea of what to expect between the covers. Thanks so much for sharing. I can't wait to get my copy! :)

trish said...

This book looks perfect for me, a newbie quilter!

epban said...

Been following Amy's blog for quite awhile. Looks like some great quilts in there.

Rachel said...

Love Amy's blog and this book looks great!

Tamar said...

This looks like a great book! I haven't stumbled upon Amy yet so I'm excited to learn about her.

Lynnette said...

I would love to win this book. Thank you for the opportunity.
nettecan at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

good books are always welcome in my home and this is one of that kind

quiltzyx said...

The quilts shown from the book are delicious!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

Nathalie said...

thank you for showing some quilts from this book. they are beautiful.
neillna at yahoo dot com

Rebecca said...

Looks like lots of eye candy for quilters in that book! THANKS for the chance!
ourbusylittlebunch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am really liking the quilts that are in this book.

K8 said...

Thanks for the chance to win!

Michelle said...

It looks like a fun book!

Unknown said...

Hi!
I'm a great fan of your blog too! the book is packed full of fun and quick quilts!

hugz
Pam

CJ said...

I'd love to win this book. The quilts look like something I could do!

Christine said...

I enjoy Amy's blog too. I can't wait to see a copy of her book. I love all her quilts. chrmar406@optonline.net.

Thanks.

WandaFish said...

Thanks for the insights you've shared on Amy's book - it sounds great and I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity!

Andrea said...

I live quilts, books and bloggers so I'm sure I will love this book. This year I really want to bust some stash with some great simple designs and this will really fit the bill. Thanks xx

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