Three New Patterns—They're Ready!

Where did the month of October go? I wasn't blogging because I was busy proofreading my newest book—see below—and finalizing the three new patterns in my pattern line (Jo-Lydia's Attic at http://www.joyofsewing.com/) so they'd be ready for Quilt Market. Working on the directions, reviewing the illustrations, and taking photos for the cover sheets took lots of time, but I'm pleased with the results and hope you will like them as much as I do. (We also celebrated our second anniversary and our birthdays--October is a busy and happy month for Stan and me.)

Without further ado, here are the new patterns with descriptions and price. As a special offer to my blog readers, you can order any of these for $1.00 off the retail price listed for each one, plus FREE shipping and handling. Send a personal check or money order (US funds only) to the address provided below and I'll send them right out!

Make checks to: Barbara W. Talbert
Send to: 10410 NE 33rd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686

The Quilted Traveler's Tote

The perfect carry-on or tote for class supplies

Quilt your own fabric—complete directions included for quilting each tote section before assembly; or use already quilted fabric

Zipped security pockets inside and out

Zip-top panel drops down inside when you just want an open-top tote

Retail: $12.00 (special to readers, $11.00 plus free shipping and handling--see ordering info above)

Sew 'N' Go Sewer's Wallet

Neck wallet with multiple pockets on both sides for travel docs

and/or sewing tools

Great for travel or for sewing classes

Retail: $8.00 (special to readers, $7.00, plus free shipping and handling; see ordering info above)

The Magic Tuck Market Tote

Stitch-and-flip, stand-up, fold flat tote; packs flat to take along in your suitcase

Completely lined inside finish

Zipped inside pocket, plus cell phone pocket and one pocket on outside

Easy stitch-and-flip construction

Jelly-roll friendly (2½" pre-cut strips)

Quick and easy to make in multiples for grocery totes—what a great gift!

Retail: $12.00 ($11.00 to readers, plus free shipping and handling (see ordering info above)

The Quilting Answer Book--It's coming in the spring!
The last week of October found me winging my way to Hartford, CT, to join my husband on a business trip—first his, then mine. After his meetings in Waterbury, we drove north to North Adams, MA, to visit Storey Publishing. They are publishing my new book, The Quilting Answer Book, in April, 2009. I've seen the first page proofs of this 436-page handbook and am so pleased with the results.

While at Storey, I met with the Editorial Director, sales staff, and the publicity department. Exciting news—the book will be the featured selection in an upcoming book club catalog! I reviewed the cover idea and can't wait to see it in its final form! Stay tuned for more information on the release date for this nifty handbook that is jam-packed with quilting how-tos, but small enough to tuck in your handbag or your sewing tote! I'll post the final cover design as soon a I have it so you'll know what to watch for in your local quilt shop.

Now I'm busy at work on the manuscript for a companion volume--The Sewing Answer Book!

After a lovely lunch with the folks from Storey, http://www.storey.com/, Stan and I headed north to Vermont and then east across the Hogback Mountains into New Hampshire and then on to Portland, ME, where I once lived. Stan knocked off four New England states he hadn't yet seen in just one day. It was a bright, sunny late fall day and there was plenty of "color" along the way—not as bright as it would have been if we had been a week earlier, but beautiful just the same—as evidenced by these photos. I love these fall color combos, don't you?

It was great to see my dear friends there (Beth and David, Gene and Anita, and Sue and Dana) and introduce Stan to all of them since they were not able to come for our wedding two years ago. We both caught colds, which put a damper on sightseeing, but we did take a little drive out to Portland Headlight (see photos) in Cape Elizabeth—one of my favorite places when I lived in Portland during the 70s and 80s.

That's it for now! Until next time,

Keep sewing and smiling!
Barbara