so, I wrote a book

(I’ve always wanted to say that)
and it’s finally ready to come out!

I’ve been excitedly waiting to share this with you guys because writing a book is like having a baby, only the gestation period is twice as long. But this baby’s coming! It’ll be in the UK mid-December, and in the US/Canada in April. Here’s some back story….

About a year ago I was approached by a publisher to write and photograph a very specific book; something you might not be expecting. A book all about FABRIC!

It includes over 150 different types of fabric you’ll come across as a modern-day sewer–about 50 of those are cotton! Did you know there were that many types of cotton? The book outlines each fabric, its properties, what it’s used for, handy tips, sewing recommendations, stitch length, presser feet, etc, etc.
The book is being sold under two titles (one in Europe, one in North America).
I know, that’s confusing.

The UK/European release is called….The Fabric Selector: The Essential Guide to working with Fabrics, Trims, and Notions. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon UK now! (click the link for more info about the book and to purchase)
The US/Canadian title is called….Fabrics A to Z. Click on the link for more info about the book and for pre-ordering info. The Amazon US link is HERE; the Canadian Amazon HERE.
If you live in the UK, Australia, and Europe: the UK version of the book is the one you’ll want to get.
If you’re in the US and Canada: hold off till the Spring since the other version will have small details and verbage that fit with North American countries (yards vs. meters, “store-bought” vs. “shop-bought”…little things like that)

—————————————————-
What’s Inside:

When it comes to sewing, many of us get stuck in a “cotton rut” and tend to stick with fabrics we’re familiar with. But there are so many wonderful textiles out there, just waiting for our discovery. And the more we explore, the more our sewing confidence will build.
That’s what this book is all about…arming you with info and details to jump-in and try something new, to reference that fabric you’ve always wondered about, to look outside of quilting cotton for your next project. The book is a valuable resource guide that fits right in your purse! Tote it along with you to the fabric shop to help decipher what fabrics you need and want.
The 1st section of the book is broken down by fabric type and fiber content.
It’s largely categorized into:
– Wovens
– Knits

And further categorized into:
– Cotton
– Wool
– Silk
– Linen
– Sustainable
– Manufactured (Synthetic and Man Made)
– “Other” fabrics (leather, pleather, specialty, faux fur)
– Blended
– Fabrics with Patterns.

The 2nd and 3rd sections outline Notions, Tools, Presser Feet, Resources, Needle Guides, Glossary, etc.
Writing this book has been quite a journey and a huge learning process for me (and my family). It was definitely a group effort since Casey jumped in as Mr. Mom while most of my Tues/Thurs nights and Saturdays were spent at the local library or Starbucks, eating up their free wifi.
I’ve learned a ton and grown as a sewer, writer, photographer, and lover of fabrics and all things sewing.
And the big payoff is seeing it all in print and being able to share it with you….to help you grow as a sewer as well.
Over the next few months I’ll post bits of my writing experience with you.
In the mean time, just wanted to share the officially exciting news.
Oh, and if you were hoping for a Project-based book….there’s actually one in the works. Just signed on for it last month! But that’s another baby down the road.