Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Patchwork Please Book Preview and Zakka-Along 2.0

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Thank you for your lots of love, encouragement, and pregnancy advice! I feel so much more relaxed about weight gain now. I'm on my 6th month and have gained 18 pounds total. Now I have some shooting back pain to deal with several times a day, but I am discovering some solutions to relief (stretch, hot bath etc), so I am good. I don't feel nausea anymore and my sewing mojo has returned!! I am very much enjoying my second trimester (except for the back pain.) I still haven't figured out the sex of the baby, but hopefully I will this Saturday when I have my next visit to the doctor. It's been so amazing to feel the baby move for both of us. We are so attached to the baby already!

It's the time I gave you some previews of my book, Patchwork Please :)

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I got my very first copy of my book last week in the mail. That was the moment I finally felt it was all real! The entire time I was working on my book, I was so nervous about my projects being good enough. I'd always considered a possibility of hearing from my publisher one day saying "hey, never mind!" Dealing with confidence has been always difficult for me, and this worrying personality didn't help much when I was working on my book. Now that some time has passed and I have an actual copy of my book, I know it was all real. I've finally come to the point I actually feel proud of all the projects in the book. (Meeting my extremely encouraging editorial director, Susanne Woods in Tokyo and having a great talk with her was the huge help too!)

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This book has 19 projects total - 5 projects for the kitchen, 3 projects for kids, 4 projects for the home, 5 projects for going places, and 2 projects for crafting. Most of the projects are patchwork zakka items. There are several beginner-friendly paper-piecing projects. If you have not dipped your toe in paper-piecing world yet, don't fret about it. All my paper-piecing patterns in it are very simple and easily constructed! The book includes great illustrated instructions for paper-piecing as well :)

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I really hope this book will inspire you to make something for yourself and for your friends and family!


You may have already heard about this already, but there will be Zakka-Along 2.0!!!!
Remember Zakka Style Sew-Along? Basically this is round two, but this time, it is through my book! I can't tell you how excited I am about it!!

Lindsey of LRstitched, who did an amazing job organizing Zakka Style Sew-Along will be organizing this Zakka-Along 2.0 with Debbie of A Quilter's Table, who made all the projects in Zakka Style book! They have been working very hard to prepare for the event to kick off in this June!

They've already set up a Flickr page, a Facebook page, and a ThreadBias page! I hope you'll join them if you are interested in the Sew-Along through my book or even just to make us smile :)

The book is available for pre-order through Interweave's Sew Daily shop here.(It will probably be the fastest way to get your copy - March 18th book arrival). You can also find it on Amazon USA here, Amazon UK here, FishPond (Australia) here, and Amazon Japan here(アマゾン 日本) for pre-order! (Pre-order guarantees a great price and free shipping!) I will also give away some copies and sell signed copies once more copies come in the mail. (I have never signed anything for this kind of purpose, so I will have to think of a cool sign and also some little thank you gift to go along with each signed copy.)


Have a great rest of the week :) Thanks for letting me share!



66 comments:

  1. Fun to hear you talk about your book. This is going to be so fun!

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  2. Looking forward this book to the online store in Sweden.Preordered it! Looks so nice.
    Wish you a nice day.
    Ulla

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  3. So exciting to see inside your book! I'm so happy to hear that you and baby are doing well, and looking forward to the sew-along!

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  4. Congrats, Ayumi! Can't wait for the quilt along to start.

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  5. Seems like a great book! And congratulations with your pregnancy, good to hear all is going well.

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  6. Pre ordered your book from Amazon I can't wait to receive it.

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  7. Your book looks wonderful. I am going to look on amazon right now!

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  8. Gosh, Ayumi, every little peek I've seen so far from your book is so fabulous! I am going to want to make every project! LOVE the cute apple bib! I pre-ordered as soon as I heard about your book and just can't wait to have it in my hands. xxx

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  9. I cannot imagine how excited you must be! That little dino child's hat is the funnies cutest pattern and I just love the diagrams-many publishers like to skip these and I am so glad they have drawn such clear illustrations. Excited!

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  10. congratulations, Ayumi!! Your work is always sooooo amazing! And you are a very talented quilter and designer! and I can't wait to have your book in my hands!!! this preview that you showed make us more excited to have it!!!
    Congratulations also for your new baby!
    a large huge from your brazilian friend,
    Sil

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    1. Thank you so much Sil!! I really hope you'll enjoy this book in person :)

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  11. Squeee! your book!!!

    ahem, congratulations on your publishing debut.

    (did that sound more grown up? ;-) )

    that dino hat better be able to be sized up for grownups, cos I know someone who will be wanting one.

    Glad Orange is letting you sew, but I'm sorry about the back pain.

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  12. congratulations all around :)
    can't wait to get your book! it looks great :)

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  13. Congratulations!! How exciting to finally have a copy of your book in your hands. Hope all continues to go well with the pregnancy too.

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  14. The photography looks as good as the projects. Look after your back Ayumi as everything gets a bit looser especially around your pelvis. Warm packs and baths can help.

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  15. Congrats on your book and also feeling better with your other project:) Can't wait to get the book, looks great!

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  16. Your book looks like so much fun! I am looking forward to it. You must be so thrilled to hold it in your hands...not as thrilled as you will be to hold your little baby though!!

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  17. I've preordered your book! Anything by you has to be a kickin good time. I love your ideas, your instructions and your fabric.
    So glad you are feeling well (firstly for you and your comfort and secondly for my own selfish reasons...) and glad you are back to blogging. I come here every day and "dang, still week 15 post"...but not today!
    Can't wait for your book and all your other new adventures that will come with your little one.

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  18. Hi Ayumi! Your new book looks fantastic - you can be very proud! I'm happy to hear you are fine and send my warmest wishes to you! x Teje

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    1. Thank you so much Teje!! It's been amazing to feel good and sew something :)

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  19. I preordered your book when you first blogged about it! And, someone contacted me from the flicker group about joining up for the Zakkalong (which I did, of course). So excited to get your book. I may have to order one from you just to get it signed!
    Glad to hear about the progress of your baby ~ such a wonderful time when the baby starts to kick and move around. Sorry to hear about the back pain tho. Doing stretches and baths are a great way to take care of yourself!

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  20. Ayumi, your posts are so wonderful. I love seeing all the photos of your projects, but it always amazes me when I read that you worry about your work being good enough! You're so humble about your incredible talent...I really love your blog and I can't wait to buy your book:) And of course, best of luck with your pregnancy!

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  21. Silly, your makes are lovely! I can't wait to buy your book. I'm especially excited about the apple coaster!

    Congrats all around!

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  22. I'm so happy you are feeling better...well, except for the back pain :( But you are sewing again YAY!!!! I can't wait until your book is released. April isn't going to get here fast enough =P

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  23. My copy has been on order since December. Can't wait to get my hands on it. So glad you are feeling better. It will all get better!!

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  24. Hello Ayumi! It is great, that you are feeling better! :)
    Your book looks really great and I hope I will receive a one (my husband looked at your blog!) :)
    Have a lovely time, Jolana

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  25. Ayumi, the books looks so wonderful, you should be so proud!! My favorite so far is the flower quilt, so beautiful. Can't wait for the sew along!!

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  26. Sooooooo looking forward to getting my hands on my copy - pre-ordered so long ago!
    All the projects look beautiful, really excited for you xxx

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  27. http://papodabru.blogspot.com.br/

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  28. Congratulations on your adorable book! I'm so excited for its release and the zakka-along. I can't wait til my copy arrives; there are so many things I want to make!

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  29. ooooh it all looks fantastic Ayumi!! So many cute projects I can't wait to make!!

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  30. congratulations! It looks fantastic - I love the flower quilt and the kids hat - my middle son will DIE for that hat.

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  31. Eeeek! Gives me chills (the good kind) to read your post, Ayumi! So glad you're feeling better and OM, your book looks fantastic! So excited for the zakka-along!

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  32. Congratulations!
    So happy for you with your pregnancy and so excited about your book!
    Thanks for all the peeks at some projects...I love the little hat...don't know who I will make it for yet but it's so fun!!!
    The quilt with the little black triangles looks intriguing... and I adore the breakfast and dinner cloths as well....it all looks beautiful!
    Can't wait to buy my copy!!!!

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  33. A BOOK???!!!! You HAVE been busy! ;p Congratulations!

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  34. Oooh how exciting, this is kind of like your second baby! Waiting patiently (ish) for my copy to arrive :o)

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  35. Congratulations Ayumi chan! I've pre-ordered your book, and can't wait to receive it! Glad to hear that you're feeling much better now - 引き続きお大事にね! 

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  36. Congratulations - that's such an amazing achievement!
    Maria x

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  37. Congrats! The book looks great. Glad to hear you are feeling better and are crafting again. :) xx

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  38. It must have been so exciting to actually see your work in print - I look forward to having a copy and joining in round 2 of the Zakka SAL.

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  39. So happy for you Ayumi :) It is also avaiable through thebookdepository.co.uk I bought mine (pre-order obviously) in September... and they always do free shipping

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  40. I am so happy and excited for you! So much really cool changes coming you way! Enjoy it all. <3

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  41. Preordered the book and I can't wait for it to arrive in a few weeks. I am teaching sewing to my daughter and granddaughter and all the things in your book are just what I need to tease them into wanting to sew more often.
    Glad to hear you are doing well. Very Happy for you.

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    1. Oh thank you so much Katy! I hope this book will inspire them to start sewing! It will be great that you will be able to teach sewing to them!!

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  42. It looks so good, what gorgeous projects! So excited for you xxx

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  43. Ayumi, I really can't wait to get my hands on your book! All the projects I've seen so far look just fantastic!

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  44. Love every sneek peek of your book, Ayumi! The yellow quilt with all the books ? are my favorite so far. Can't wait to hold your book in my hands. Looking forward to the zakka along. So glad you are feeling better, too.

    xo

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  45. Hello Ayumi,
    How good to hear that, aside from those back pains, you're feeling much better and got that sewing urge, too. Thank you so much for the preview of your book! The pages look very enticing and inspiring.

    I've yet to do any paper piecing, although the technique really does interest me. I need another two days in each week to try all the various crafting techniques that I love, plus paint, draw, and...get to and from my regular job! It is fun to be busy. xo

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  46. Congratulations on the release of his book and the baby too.

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  47. I've pre-ordered mine and I know I am going to love it as I love all your creations.

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  48. je viens aussi de le pré-commandé chez amazone et je vais l'attendre avec impatience et félicitation pour le bébé,

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  49. Ayumi!--So glad you are feeling better!--That first trimester can be no fun! Add me to the list of those anxious for your book!--It will surely be amazing! Your first book and a new baby all in one year--how exciting!

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  50. Your book projects are adorable, Ayumi! I am waiting for my copy from Amazon. It will be so much fun to be part of the sew along too. I am looking forward to it. So nice to know that you are feeling better. I hope your back pain heals well soon. Take care! Thank you for the sneak peek of the book :)

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  51. I've ordered my copy! Love your work! :-)

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  52. Congratulations, Ayumi! I am so happy for you, especially about the Zakka along. I'm sure it will be so rewarding to see your book put to good use right away. I look forward to getting my hands on it!

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  53. I ordered the downloadable book. I am excited to download it tonight and see your wonderful work. I'm so proud of you. It looks fantastic.

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  54. The book looks so wonderful... I can't wait to get started on some projects. And huge congratulations on your pregnancy, I missed the news before..

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  55. Oh I can't wait to see your book and make your beautiful creations Ayumi! So happy for you and so happy you are feeling well. You are just adorable pregnant!

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  56. Jenniifer@Ellison Lane...she is adorable anyway (and I bet she could help you with your tunic)! Ayumi, only 13 more days!!! I can't wait to see the whole book! Hope you are having more fun being pregnant now that you are feeling better

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  57. such pretty things in your new book.

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  58. You are an incredible artist - You have just the right touch!! Congratulations on your beautiful book - I hope to purchase it soon. Blessings to your family.

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    1. Aww thank you so much Jane! I really hope you will like the book :)

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