Time jumps forward at lightning speed when you are flying, teaching, lecturing, quilting, facing, shipping, and flying again.
What? I know. It is all too much.
Or another way to put it is—when you say YES. Sometimes the world says HELL YES back at you.
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
So, I wrote a book and copies of it are now stored in a warehouse in Pennsylvania. . This means that the book is available for purchase—it exists and you can buy it. You can order it on Amazon or at C&T Publishing or directly from me if you want a signed copy.
Or, if you are feeling lucky, you might win a copy here by answering the following question.
I would like to create a hashtag for Instagram so that people who have used my book to make quilts can share their work. What should that hashtag be? #improv is really kind of a generic label. I’d like something a little spicier.
You can also just tell me why you would like the book. That is good too.
I will use a random number selector to select the winner.
You can also visit the following blogs to read reviews of the book and post comments there too.
BLOG HOP CALENDAR
October 16—C&T Publishing
October 18—Yvonne Fuchs at Quilting JetGirl
October 19—Amy Ellis at Amy’s Creative Side
October 20—Deborah Boschert at Deborah’s Journal
October 21—Kathy Doughty at Material Obsession
October 21— Terri Lucas at Generation Q Magazine
October 22— Wendy Hill at Wendy Hill’s Blog—Fun Quilts Stuff & More
October 23—Cindy Grisdela at Cindy Grisdela Art Quilts
October 24—Heather Pregger at Heather’s Blog
October 25—Maria Shell at Tales of a Stitcher
That is ten chances to win.
If you have the book and you like it, I hope you will leave a review on Amazon.
All of these quilts were made just for the book, and I have been sitting and sitting on them. It feel good to share!
As I write this, I am flying over the Rockies and headed south to Houston and my first ever Quilt Market. What does that mean? I don’t know the details yet. I do know that it will involve a LOT of meeting new people. Hello people. My name is Maria Shell, and this is my book, or something like that. Stay tuned….
Good luck, Maria. Break a leg in Houston. They’re gonna LOVE you!
#makingbits
#shellimprov
Love the book!
#shellimprov
Love images of your quilts!
#dynamiclines
Congrats Maria! I am so excited for you! I need to get an autographed copy! Have a great time in Houston!
I think your book looks wonderful and I look forward to reading it.
I really like your use of color and both the stripes and chevrons! Thanks for the chance to win it.
How about #improvWOW or #improvKAPOW or #zestyimprov.
I read your article in Quilting Arts magazine and totally appreciated how you had “recipes” to start out the improv work…None of it comes naturally to me. My attempts at improv have been unimpressive (!), so having a guide seems like the way for someone like me to start. I’m sure you’ll do fine in Houston!!
I see that you (and a few others) have been using #improvpatchwork , so I think that is one obvious choice. But no one has used #dynamicimprov , yet! Enjoy being a celebrity at Market!
I read your article in Quilting Arts Magazine and totally appreciated how you had a guide to help the improv process.. My attempts in the past were less than impressive, so I find having a guide to help the beginner like me would be very helpful. I’m sure you’ll knock their socks off in Houston!
Maria, I ordered your book from Amazon and have it with me on a month-long retreat in southern Oregon. I brought only my stash of Marcia Derse solids and will dive into the book, make some of the examples, and I know I’ll learn a ton about color and design. Thanks.
I guess its not spicy, but it would be easy to remember: #mariasimprov. I am hoping to win the book. I think I’ve read and commented on each blog 🙂 But the book is already in my amazon cart, so if I don’t win, it’ll be on its way to me 🙂 Congratulations, Maria! I wish I was going to be in Houston this year to congratulate you in person.
Have enrolled in 2 of your classes at Festival and look forward to seeing you in real life.
My suggestion: # SolidEnergy
#dynamicimprov #dynamicquilts #dynamicimprovquilts You are #dynamicmaria!
Great book, Maria…congratulations!
#talesofimprov
#colorplay! I was going to put it on my Christmas list so my kinda clueless husband would be able to pick something I like. Don’t think I can wait that long….. Nope, gotta run, if I order in the next hour I can get it by Friday!
#shellprov!
I’ve followed this blog hop and am inspired by every project shared! Improv is my favorite quilting technique and I’m always looking for new designs to try out. I’d love to win your book and lock myself away in my sewing room for a week! #improv4life or #improvpatchwork or #improvme!
#mariashellinspired or #inspiredbymshell
I would love to win your book. I’m so excited to try this technique and all the reviews say your book is great. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
#patternplay – – it’s on the cover of your book! Looking forward to meeting you in Houston and getting your autograph in person😊
I took one of your classes during Quilt Week in Paducah, and I have looked forward to getting your book since then. #swellshell
Maria, Your quilts are so beautiful. I will definitely be getting your book. First, I need to catch up on the promotional posts that have been running around. Have a great time in Houston. I really thought about going, but alas, we have our last child doing college applications right now and it’s a bad time. Next year perhaps…. Meanwhile, for hashtags, why not just go with #shellimprov. I also like the #improvme above from Kathy E.
Each review of your book peaks my interest more. Process over pattern is a win every time. My suggestion #dynamic_improv or #improv_dynamic
How about @shellgame
#mshellimprov You need to keep it personal.
I recommend the obvious but unmistakable: #improvpatchwork
Cute names get lost, misunderstood, and misspelled.
I couldn’t wait, Maria. It’s been on my list for purchase all year and I just received it. Thanks!
It looks wonderful! So I just ordered one, and I’m so happy for your new fame & fortune, Maria. You’ve earned it.
Sue
Your work is so incredibly inspiring. Love how graphic and yet real it is! Congrats on your new book. It’s on my wishlist for sure! #savortheimprov ??
Looks like a fun book. Have a good time at Houston.
Everyone knows you as Maria Shell so why not #mariashellimprov
Congratulations!
And, thank you for the inspiration! (All SO much colorful fun!)
My first thoughts were #DynamicImprov and #DynamicImprovQuilts…
And, then, #BoldImprovQuilts came to mind…
But, then, as gericon and Linda mentioned above, keeping it personal and with your name might be a good idea?… #mariashellimprov or #mshellimprov… ??
Have fun in Houston!
Pat T.
#dynamicquilting It’s not taken yet!! And it’s so YOU!
#hellsbellsshell is my thought. your sense of design is the opposite of hell! I find your work so inspiring
What about a play on your name? Some play on “coming out of your shell”?
Your book is on my amazon wish list for Christmas! Congratulations!
#madeimprov #patternimprov Excited to get my hands on this book!
#mariasimprovlines
#improvbits #colorbits #improvmaria
Maria congrats on your new book and wishing you great success at Quilt Market. I have adored your work ever since I saw it several years ago. I marvel at your tiny piecing and color explosive works of art.
Wishing you the best and keep being creative.I will keep adoring all of it.
tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I vote for #mshellimprov or #dynamicquilts . I like the sound of #dynamicquilts. On the other hand, I really believe using your name helps people remember.
I would LOVE to win a copy of this book. It looks like a REALLY good one. I’m terrible coming up with titles for my quilts and just as bad coming up with Instagram hashtags.
How exciting that you get to go to Houston. have fun. Love to have this book and to learn with you. I like #mshellimprov or #mariashellimprov because I could not forget the hash tag and what it was about.
I think a hash tag with your name included works good, there are already some great suggestions.
I love your use of colors, and would like to learn more about your technique
Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it will be a visual treat!
WOOOOO published book! Congratulations!!!
I already have a copy, and while I haven’t had a chance to try anything I’ve been reading through it and itching to get things out and work through them.
Have a great time in Houston!
Have a great time at Houston/IQM- I know you will. It’s been fun being part of your Blog Hop!!!! Of course, I’d love to win a book and have it in my hands, but if not, I’ll go out and buy myself a hard copy! See you next summer if we don’t cross paths before then. PS: Like many other comment boxes, it does not recognize my URL, wendyhill.net or wendyhill.net/blog or either of these two with www in front.
Your book sounds great! Congratulations 🙂
#puttingitalltogether
I pre-ordered your book in July as I love your work/art. And, it came a few days ago. I couldn’t wait to sit down and read it cover to cover. I did and I loved it! So inspiring (as your quilts always are) and you shared so much detail on your technique that I actually feel like I can attempt an improv quilt now. I’ve been wanting to do it for awhile. And, best of all-I was actually fortunate enough to get in to two of your classes at the Houston festival! See you there. Thea Choate