Tuesday, October 28, 2008

My October Surprise

I'm not running for President so my October surprise won't affect next week's election, but it is pretty significant around here. A while back I mentioned that I had a big announcement to make this fall. And last week I told you all about one of my designs being published in the new Quilting Arts magazine, Stitch. Well today the editor wrote me and told me that the magazine is being introduced at the Houston Quilt Festival this week and has already been shipped to independent fabric and quilt stores. This has prompted me to reveal my exciting news because I included this bit of information in my bio for the article. Several of you already guessed my news, but for those who haven't or don't even know what I'm talking about, I'm writing a book. The focus of this book is patterning and dyeing fabric with wax resist and will include projects as well. I've been steadily working on writing instructions for the various projects and am just about ready to start on the technique chapters. The book is slated to be published by Lark Books in the Fall of 2009.
At first this felt like a huge project, too huge really. But my editor has broken it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, so I'm down to just one anxiety attack per day. Actually, I'm really enjoying the process and am excited to discover something new that I like to do. Part of the reason I felt emboldened to take on this project had to do with the many times folks have asked me how I make my fabrics. The interest in this process that I've discovered here and on flickr has made me feel like I had something I wanted to share and that others were interested. I am truly grateful for the interest you all have shown and the kind words you've sent my way.
This process has affected what I work on and what I photograph and, to a great degree, what images I post here and on flickr. But I can't imagine a post without a photo so...


This beauty is called Bat Face Cuphea. Do you see the bat's face? I love this plant and it's blooming in my garden, like it always does this time of year. Perfect for Halloween.

23 comments:

The WoodLand School said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can't wait to see the book and hear all about the process you use.

If you ever need a tester, I'll be happy to help you in any way I can.

said...

Oh wow! Mazel tov! I can't wait to check out your book!

Lauren The Artist said...

Congratulations! I would love to learn about dying fabrics and your work is excellent. ~jen~

Amy said...

I'm not at all surprised. You are very talented and I can't wait to have a copy of the book. Congratulations on your achievement!

Sarah said...

Oh congratulations! This is great news! I was hoping you would eventually write such a book and I can't wait to buy it. So could you write faster ;)

Kathy - Pink Chalk Studio said...

Congrats Malka! Can I pre-order yet? I immediately thought book too when you talked of a surprise. I was hoping for a fabric line first but I'm patient. You do such beautiful and unique work, can't wait!

Anonymous said...

Great news! Congratulations!
It will be a wonderful and cherished book for sure. You have shared some bits of the dying process here and it is so intriguing. Enjoy writing it! And we have to wait.

Jellybeanlupin said...

Congratulations about the book. I would pre-order it now if I could. (No pressure!!) Can't wait to see it and, yup, I second the wish that you have fun writing it!

Tara said...

Congratulations! I've been so curious about how you dye, I can't wait to read about it!

Anonymous said...

congrats! looking forward to your published work!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Yippeee! You make lovely things! congratulations!!!

jacquie said...

congrats! put me down for an autographed copy!

Anonymous said...

That's great! I eagerly read your blog for inspiration and how-tos, so I will eagerly await your book. Who's your editor at Lark? I'm primarily a fiction writer but have the craft bug as well.

Amanda Jean said...

congratulations! what exciting news! I'm sure you'll do great!

Alix said...

It's wonderful to see your work with cloth evolve, and the success that you deserve accompanying it. And that you're enjoying it!
Congratulations

Unknown said...

Yeah, I am so glad! I will be the first in line to buy the book!

Lisa said...

congratulations! how exciting! I can hardly wait until I can get my hands on this book!!!

Jenna said...

Yea! I would love to learn more about your work, a book is a great idea.

susan said...

congradtulations! i have been looking for a good book for batik using soy wax. of course, i'[d like to buy mine in your etsy store so you can sign it for me :-)

Michelle said...

Oh YAY! I was hoping that was what your big news was. I can't wait, this goes on my Christmas 2009 wish list lol!

FatQuarterQuiltFarm said...

Too bad you're not running for presidency...America needs a textile artist in the White House. Congrats on your new book deal...Awesome Wow !!that's huge news.. hope you have fun with the process..

PatchworkPottery said...

WooHoo! Congratulations on the book! My Goodness I am surprised you have time to do anything else. Writing a book is a heck of a lot of work :o)

Anonymous said...

That is great! I can't wait to buy your book!