I don't think words can express how excited (and anxious, nervous, thrilled, and seriously joyful) I am to announce that I have a book coming out! It's called Stitched Gifts and is a craft book published by Chronicle with projects that will have you stitchin' up gift-worthy embroidered keepsakes. I've been dying to tell you for the longest time, and have hinted at it so many times. Since I just got my own copy about two weeks ago (and cried like a happy fool while opening the box on a park bench in Brooklyn), I knew finally it was time to share. It feels epic to me – a book I wrote and photographed, and poured all my energies into for the better part of a year. I really hope you can feel this happy excitement from where you read this...
I've been creating custom embroideries for weddings, new babies, anniversaries, birthdays and just because for a while now. My arm has been sore for about 5 years straight, so I thought it was about time to share my embroidery know-how so that everyone can make beautiful embroidered gifts, too. The projects are customizable, so you can personalize each piece! I wanted you to have lots of flexibility with these patterns, which I love so much! You get a bunch of alphabets to customize your embroideries, step-by-step instructions, lots of info on transferring patterns, detailed stitch images, creative ideas, and delicious photographs.
I couldn't be happier with the book – Chronicle has done such an amazing job designing a book that feels so me. I am so very grateful. It's aesthetic, clean layout, and subtle design elements are so nice. Here are a few peeks inside, but I really can't wait for you to be able to see it in your own hands....
The book comes out in October, but is available now for pre-order on Amazon. Please head on over to pick up a copy now, or to just "like" it - it'd mean so much to me!
I'll be sharing more about the book process: behind the scenes images, sneak peeks, my inspirations and such. Let me know if you have any questions & I'd love to hear what you think...
Congratulations, what an accomplishment! Your book looks amazing, can't wait to get myself a copy. This would make a great gift too! Thank you for sharing with the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meredith! really nice of you. I also like the idea of the book itself as a gift...
DeleteThis is SO exciting! The book looks lovely! Good job you!!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting. I keep saying that, but there's no better way to describe it. Thank you...
DeleteCongratulations Jessica! Can't wait to see the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carol!! Can't wait either....
DeleteCongrats! The book looks great!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I just saw the photo of you and your book on Flickr and had to hop over and see this for myself. What an amazing accomplishment! You must be over the moon. Congratulations....I can't wait to see it in person!
ReplyDeleteTotally over the moon with excitement & anticipation. I"m also no good at keeping secrets so this one is great to share, thanks!!
DeleteStunning! I am a big fan of your work and I can't wait to get this book!
ReplyDeleteSo very nice to hear, thank you Marirob!
DeleteFANTASTIC!!! you dreamed the dream and now it's reality! amazing! i definitely want to order it since i'm planning to add more embroidery to my knit and crochet items.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thank you so much birdy!!
Deleteso amazing! can't wait to place my order!
ReplyDeleteyay! thank you!!
DeleteCongratulations on your first book! I am looking forward to buying it, perfect timing for those winter months I will be keeping warm, following the book and stitching away :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely nice to imagine snuggling up on a cold night & stitchin away... Thanks Natalie!!
Deleteit looks lovely! can't wait to see inside! people often ask me for a good embroidery book recommendation... i think this will be it!
ReplyDeletereally!? so rad, thanks Cal! can't wait for you to see it in person....
DeleteThis looks terrific. Are you going to end up speaking at Squam next year?
ReplyDeleteHa! If they'll have me, I'll take any excuse to be at Squam! Thanks!
Deleteyou are one amazing lady!!!!! I am so friggin excited for you!!!!! Remember when you quit your day job!!! YOU are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteTotally remember that, and I remember you gave me one of my first blog posts- remember that? Love that you got to see MR from the very beginning- thank you Jen!!
Deletejessica, it looks so gorgeous! so, so pleased for you. big old flying high five coming your way...
ReplyDeleteyeah! virtual high five received, thanks Regina!
DeleteThis is so awesome and such a great accomplishment! Very happy for you Jess :) The book looks beautiful..xo
ReplyDeleteso great to hear, thank you Melissa!
DeleteYou are such an amazing little rhino! I am soooo happy for you. It's going on my Christmas list, which I begin compiling on 12/26 each year. :)
ReplyDeleteLove being called a little rhino & thanks so much Robin!! Those papers stacked in the very first image of the open book (with my cat) are the papers YOU sent me! How rad is that?!
DeleteTHIS IS AWESOME!!!! I'm so thrilled for you, Jessica! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Camille!!
DeleteCongratulations! How exciting; your first book. I can't wait to get my copy!
ReplyDeleteEks! So very nice to hear, thank you Lizette.
DeleteOH my gosh, I couldn' be more excited for you, Jessica! And can't wait to order my copy! Big hug!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteBig hug backatcha, thanks Brenda!
DeleteI just read this on Instragram and hustled across the Internet to read more about it here! Jessica, I'm so happy for you! How thrilling! And after reading about your wonderful Squam classes and being bummed that I was all the way out on the west coast, I am SO excited to get a copy of this book in October and learn projects and tips from you through its pretty pages. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the image of you hustling "across the internet" ha! Thank you Georgia, you're always so kind & i love the idea of stitching together although we're on opposite coasts....
Deletecongratulations! the book looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica! (ps there are paper+thread projects in there! just sayin'!)
DeleteJessica - this is a beautiful book! Congratulations! You are so talented.
ReplyDeleteThanks Molly! Great to see you at Renegade for our yearly meet up!!
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo so happy for you, Jessica! I cannot wait to get a copy and a new hobby!
THANK YOU Nix! So rad to hear from you, love your work so much...
DeleteI am SO happy and excited for you!!! I just pre-orded the book & liked it on amazon! :D
ReplyDeleteahhh! thanks Kate! makes me so happy!
DeleteWOW! Congratulations! You're good at keeping a secret, I would have been exploding with that one! Can't wait till the book comes out, will be sure to buy myself a copy. Thank you so much for teaching me to embroider!
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome Samanatha- thanks for taking my class!!
DeleteI'm proud of you, Jessica! I know you poured so much into your book, and it is GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you Julie!! such a great compliment, cause I know you see lots of crafty books...
DeleteYay, Jessica!! This is utterly thrilling – I can't wait for my copy to arrive. In the meantime, I've told all my blog readers to pre-order their own too: http://www.plurabellecalligraphy.com/blog/archives/2050.
ReplyDeletexo
Molly
Love!! Thanks so much Molly!
DeleteJust pre-ordered it! Congratulations Jessica! Can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteme either! Hope you enjoy it & thank you so very much Amy!!
DeleteJust pre-ordered it! can't wait to see it! xo
ReplyDeleteJessica this is fantastic, beautiful and soooo you! Absolutely wonderful news. Congratuations.
ReplyDeleteKara/Kara no Te