S is for Stitch
September 12, 2012 Ok. (deep breath)
I have something to tell you. I've rewritten this announcement a bazillion times and there is no other way to say it except straight up.
Well, currently writing is more accurate.
Hmmm, no ... that's not right either. The actual writing part was done about 9 months ago. Now I'm at the final editing stage.
It's an embroidery book called "S is for Stitch - 52 Embroidered Alphabet Designs + Charming Projects for Little Ones".
I was going for a gentle, timeless sort of feel while I dreamed up the two alphabet-themed sets of little embroidery designs - one for a girl and one for a boy - and made them into two different quilts.
Wanna know how big those designs are? Each stitched object you see on the cover photo above is no bigger than 1.5".
To help you have even more fun with my stitchery designs, I give lots of ideas on how to make framed art for the nursery, apply the designs to premades (clothing, linens, etc.) and other cute stuff for kids.
All the stitches in the book are considered basic - nothing complicated. But I spent hours and hours making every design interesting to stitch. And pretty to look at. And - most importantly - appealing for children. My daughters, who were 7 & 9 at the time, served as my most excellent creative consultants. If I was stuck for an idea, they helped me out. If they didn't like something about a design, I changed it.
Truth be told, this book started out as not even a book, but simply as a way for me to pass the time while on a long holiday with my family a few years ago. I couldn't bring my sewing machine along, so I took all my embroidery supplies with me instead. I had absolutely zero design ideas while packing. No big plan. No grand ambition. Not even a blog. I just knew I would go banana nuts crazy if I couldn't keep my hands busy.
I came up with the girl alphabet collection and was simply going to make up a quilt for my girls to play with. But then something kept telling me to make a boy companion quilt. So I did. It was more of a personal challenge than anything else.
And now C&T Publishing is making my "just for fun" creations into an amazing Stash Book. (My hands feel all woozy as I type this.)
Even though it's still another 3 months until it comes out in December/January, Amazon already has it available for preorder ... (yes, I will be selling signed copies in my shop!) ... and word is spreading and ... well ... it just seems wrong to not say something about it.
Out loud.
Here.
To you.
So I am.
I feel like I've been pregnant with this book for a very long time. And I still have a few more months of waddling to go. But when the labour pains are over and the book is finally delivered, I promise I will share more about it with you.
Until then ...
Eeeeeeeeep! :)
PS: If you're going to be at Quilt Market next month in Houston, C&T Publishing has organized a book signing for me on Sunday 28th at noon. Please come by and say "hi". I'd really love to meet you!
Reader Comments (71)
I googled your name before your patterns came out and saw the book. I was wondering when you were going to share your wonderful news! So happy for you! Now give birth to that "baby" so I can start stitching! Lol. I'm on bed rest with our third little bundle (by the way, our first girl) and I would love to have something to keep my hands busy since I can't sit at the sewing machine. Have a great day!
Krystine! I feel like popping a bottle of champage in your honor. WAY TO GO! You are so talented and yet very humble about your talents. Luv your blog and hope you keep it going - even when you become Rich & Famous! :) Will be ordering a signed book. Cheers to you!
Wow your own book!!! Looks great, congratulations.... :-)
You just made my day! My 9 year old was chatting to me earlier, she has been stitching for a little while now. As I was reading your blog she was looking over my shoulder and announced that your book was exactly what she would like from Santa this year. When I asked her why that particular book she told me that her own drawings aren't quite good enough to turn into stitching yet and my drawings are too complicated for her to sew but these look just perfect! Praying that your book will be available in time for Christmas and if not Santa will have to send it a little late, as though it managed to fall from his sack to the bottom of his sleigh and was discovered during annual cleaning. Well done Kristyne, there are 2 people in this house who are looking forward to the 'birth' of your first book, much love x
Waaay to go Kristyne!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!! I wish you every success with this book.....and future ones?!
whoo hooo congradulations!!!! cant wait to see it!
I am can hardly wait to buy your book!
Is it available as an e-book?
Keep up the great work as you are an ispiration to all of us. :0)
The best news I have heard all week!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Will definitely want a signed copy! The sky is the limit my dear - go for it!!!!
You must be so proud, the book looks gorgeous, and such a great concept!
Congratulations! I'll be anxious to get my hands on this book. Look great!
I have never really tried embroidery before. Your book will be a real good start for me! Congrats and I'm feeling so happy for you! Waiting for a signed copy!^_^ xo wynn
SOooooo very happy for you, Kristyne! A huge Congratulations to you! I'm doing a little happy dance for you here in Wisconsin. Wish I were going to Houston....I'd love to meet you!
Sew exciting! Congratulations !
Xo
I NEED this book! Yes, NEED! and I'd sure like to borrow your top banner to show on my blog- not to keep it, just to *show* it. OK? See....our last name is KEY and you've got keys in your pic! LOVE it!
oh my. I can't decide whether to pre-order the autographed copy NOW, or do my best to see you at noon on Sunday the 28th Oct! Decisions, decisions!
Congratulations! Can't wait to read this book! How exciting!
Hi Kristyne,
I'm just catching up on my blog reading and wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming book!! How wonderful. You have such talent, and it's great that you'll be sharing it with the world through a book. May there be many more to come! Congratulations!
Wowww! Amazing news for you! I'm so pleased for you, I know it will be a big success! ;) Jessie, xo
So HAPPY for YOU!!!
Sooooo cute - such talent! I just might have to buy it too!