Modern Basics book review and giveaway

Welcome to the end of the line of Amy's blog book tour!

Amy and I go waaaaay back! Well I like to think we do. I remember "meeting" her because I think we were both fairly new to the crafty-blogging scene and she was one of the first blogging friends I made. And a few months later when I visited Utah, I emailed her to see if she wanted to meet up and hang out. I remember her telling me her husband was worried I was some crazy person who may or may not be trusted. Little did he (or we) know the online sewing community is full of such niceness! And that more than 2 years later we would still be good friends!  It has also been fun to quilt with her in an online quilting bee.  And I can't talk about Amy here without acknowledging her part in inspiring Sew & Tell!

If you haven't heard yet, Amy has written a book!

I was so excited to see the book in person.  It is chock full of simple sophisticated quilt designs that even the earliest beginner could tackle.  The first page of each pattern has a photo of the quilt laying flat, supply lists, clear cutting instructions and suggestions for different sizes.

I love this window pane effect!

I've always loved a postage stamp quilt and this variation doesn't dissapoint.

This is the first project I have earmarked to make from the book!

 
I asked Amy a few questions so we could all get to know her a little better.

How and when did you learn to sew?
I learned to sew from my mom and 4-H.  Mom is left handed, and didn't want to teach me backward.  I was 10 when I started, and haven't stopped except for a few years in college.

What is your favorite thing about quilting?
I really love all of it, but my favorite is finishing the binding.  My husband has watched me lay a corner out, and see the first finished corner. Watching it be finished, is magic!

What is your favorite non-quilt thing to sew?
Bags!  I like to think up my own shapes/patterns and sew a new bag for each season.

What or who inspired you to start this book writing project?
As I started sewing more and more quilts, I was looking for simple and interesting patterns that could be finished easily in a week or two, instead of a month or year.  I wasn't finding them, and started sketching my ideas, which eventually turned into a book proposal.

Is there any sewing project or skill that intimidates you?
I'm not an expert at applique, but I don't let it intimidate me!  I keep trying it in small doses to gain the experience.

What is your biggest hurdle in completing projects?
Like any of you...TIME!  There's always a project, or two, on my brain waiting for the time.

What is your biggest asset in completing projects?
I'm very systematic in my approach, this helps keep me organized, and makes it easy for me to pick up where I left off. 

Are you indeed, superwoman? ;)
Hahaha, no.  I wish.

Fruit or Chocolate?
Chocolate - for sure!

Naps or sewing?
I wish my kids still napped!  I rarely nap, and much prefer to sew with my free time.

Thanks so much Amy for letting me a part of your tour! You can check out the rest of the blog tour posts here - there may still be giveaways open to enter! And if you are too impatient to find out if you win a copy, you can always purchase a copy here.

Amy has offered up a copy of her book to one of you!
To enter:  Leave me a comment telling me how long you have been sewing and if you have ever finished a quilt.  
Giveaway ends Tuesday March 8, winner announced on Wednesday! Make sure you leave an email in your comment if you are a no-reply blogger.  Winner will be drawn by random.org.
I love finding things out about you guys!  Good Luck!