Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A Few Bookish Announcements

Well, my book release is just a few short weeks away, readers! I'm busy prepping for the September 1st publication date, and I have a few fun details to share with you.



I'm partnering with Pets Alive, the animal shelter where we adopted our beloved Rosie, to organize a drive to help them. You see, they need some sewn items (bedding and "adopt me" bandanas) and what better way to celebrate the book than by helping an organization near and dear to my heart? Starting next Monday, I will be posting tutorials here on how to sew the things they need. I hope you will join in and help out! I will be posting more details on how to participate along with the tutorials.


Next! I'm having a book release party in New York City at The Sewing Studio on September 15th, and I'll be posting an invitation announcement here. I do hope that you will join me for snacks, cocktails, a book signing, and some sewing fun. Tickets will be able to be purchased for a suggested donation amount, the entirety of which will go to Pets Alive. My friends Coats & Clark, Kollabora, and The Sewing Studio are generously hosting! If you think you may be able to make it, please save the date (and start planning your frock now!).

Lastly, if you've made it through this post, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The book would not exist without your support and enthusiasm for my work. It's so wonderful being able to share all this with you, my dear readers.

More to come!

68 comments:

  1. How fabulous - both the book and the charity!!! I'm not sure if I'll be able to make the 15th, but if not, I'll be there in spirit, and I can't wait to get my book!

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  2. I live in Montana so won't be making the book party but I can't wait for your book!!! :) Thanks for the inspiration and I love what you are doing to help the animal shelter! :)

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  3. I'll be there in spirit also...from Australia! I have your book on pre-order, and now just counting down the days until it is released/arrives. Very excited!

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    1. Me too... I'm another Aussie with the book on pre-order! Have a great launch x

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  4. It's good to see you're giving back by partnering with Pet's Alive. I've pencilled in September 15 and am looking forward to having you autograph my very own copy of your book.

    Bright blessings.

    ~Sewjourner

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  5. I wish I could be there!!! I'm celebrating with you in spirit & counting down the days til I get my pre-order... hope I don't have to wait too long in Canada! lol Love the idea of helping Pets Alive - no worthier cause, IMO :)

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  6. I can't wait to see the book on my mailbox!!

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  7. I am really excited for you!! I hope I can come to the NY event :)

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  8. I wish I could be at the release party! But I will be happy enough with the book. Can't wait!

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  9. I'll be here in Tennessee waiting for your book. What I can do is try to make some blankies for the local rescue shelters.

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  10. i can't wait for your book - i think we get it a few days later in the UK but i have it on amazon preorder! hope the launch and party go really well - great that you are able to give back to a charity so close to your heart!

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  11. If I lived anywhere near that side of the world, I would try my best to make it; that would be amazing! I am EAGERLY awaiting mine in the mail! (I think about it almost every day!)

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  12. Eek! I will be there in physical form! I can't wait! Hopefully it will be warm enough to wear my bombshell dress!

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  13. Great so excited for you! I preordered my book can't wait to get it! My ASG group sew dog pillows using our scrap fabric as stuffing for the local animal hospital so I'd love to sew up a few things for you.

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  14. Happy for you. Sad I can't get the book posted to Sweden. I guess that will be sorted out later on because you have followers all the world!!

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  15. Living in the UK I won't be there in person, but I will be there in spirit. I have my book pre-ordered on Amazon and can't wait for it to arrive - it will be a wonderful birthday present to myself as my birthday is 2nd Sept.

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  16. i can't believe the release of your book is right around the corner. like so many of your readers, i have been waiting anxiously. just when i thought you couldn't be more fabulous, you partner with a shelter. thank you for using your talent and platform to help out these animals in transition. xo.

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  17. congrats! you rock for partnering with the charity!!

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  18. That is a lovely picture of you with Rosie. I hope I can make it to the book release party. I think getting an autographed copy of your book would be a great birthday present for me. :)

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  19. Love the "Pet's Alive" partnering!!! Awesome!! Go Gertie!!

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  20. Oh, that's wonderful! I'm totally coming to the party, I just hope my pre-ordered copy comes by then...

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  21. My daughter and I will love to make things for the animal shelter! I've crocheted blankets for a local shelter several times and can use this opportunity to work on my sewing skills for the book. Although I won't look as gorgeous as you do I can't wait to sew up an outfit!

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  22. So excited for you and your book release. You deserve all the best! And what a great thing you are doing with the animal shelter! It's so important to always give back!

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  23. I think it's just awesome that your going to be supporting an animal shelter. And during such a exciting and important time for you. Can wait to buy the book!!! Yay!

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  24. I'll second the comment that it's a lovely photo of you and Rosie. Your matching frocks are beautiful and I love your expression. It reminds me of one of the gorgeous vintage pattern envelope drawings. Can't wait for your book!

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  25. So excited for you, and what a year you've had! Can't quite wangle a trip to the States at the moment, but I will have a glass of something fabulous for you on the 15th! Come on Amazon UK, don't keep us waiting too long.

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  26. Congratulations! And I think it is wonderful to combine this event with a local charity. Good on you!

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  27. This Canuck will be at the book launch is spirit. I can't wait to get your book! :)

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  28. Congrats on your book. Am from the UK, so wishing you all the best on the 15th Sept.

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  29. Can't wait for the party and the book! Yay!! And I'm so excited that you're partnering with a rescue organization-- as the owner of a rescued dog, that's a cause that's very dear to my heart. :)

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  30. Your book party sounds soo lovely. Too bad that I'm not in NY until the 23rd.
    I'll be there in spirit and buy your book in NY ;)

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  31. Damn, Gertie. You are gorgeous, inside and out! What a great photo, and a great cause! I'm sorry I won't be attending your party, because I will be busy pouring through your book as soon as it arrives on my doorstep! All kidding aside, can't wait to help out Pets Alive! Bring on the projects! Woo!

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  32. Every time I go to my Amazon account I see your book waiting there, and I get sooo excited! I'm glad the date is almost here!
    Yaay for you for supporting the animals and their rescuers. Isn't it amazing and wonderful how the animals become such a huge part of everything we do? We also have a group here in Phoenix - Quilted Critters - that makes blankets and quilts for animals in shelters and foster care.

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  33. I wish I could join your party :( I'm looking forward to your book.

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  34. So exciting!! Congratulations!! Wish I was closer :)

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  35. So happy for you and the pets! And so happy for me . . . that I will soon have my Gertie sewing book!

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  36. Your success is well deserved, anyone who follows you knows how hard you work, congratulations, can't wait any longer for the book!

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  37. I am SO freaking excited for your book release...I have pre-ordered & hope it gets to me in Australia post haste!!
    I just want to hug it already.

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  38. If only Montana wasn't so far from New York, I would be first in line!! Dangit.
    Erin

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  39. I'd love to sew something to help the puppies and kitties, so I hope there is something small enough on the list for me to sew and mail from Australia... and unfortunately I won't be able to make the book party, its just a little too far to fly :) but all the best! I've been putting of buying my pre-order copy until it was closer to the release date, and I think its close enough now, so off to buy my copy!

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  40. I am also from Australia so will not be able to make the launch party, looking forward to sewing EVERYTHING. You have worked so hard for this may it be a wonderful exciting time, and well done for passing some of your joy onto a charity that looks after those who cannot ask for help. Go Gertie Go!!!

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  41. My fingers are crossed that your book is my birthday present from my SO. If not, I'll be treating myself! Also, random fact: your craftsy class is awesome.

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  42. I can't wait to get my hands on your book, Gertie. I pre-ordered it a few months ago. Good luck with everything!

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  43. Another Australian here- we'll all be there in spirit! This will sound pretty mushy, but I'm so pleased for you and glad your hard work is paying off.

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  44. Only sorry that I live in New Zealand other wise would love to come, got my copy ordered and can't wait for it to arrive, best of luck for the launch

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  45. It looks like the Southern Hemisphere is well represented! Another New Zealand fan here. You are such an inspiration! How wonderful supporting the animals. I had a project going with my students (I teach teenagers with intellectual disabilities) and teacher assistants making knitted and sewn blankets for our local animal welfare centre (SPCA). I love the "adopt me" idea! I must get everyone busy again as I guess it doesn't matter where, we can still make a difference. I'd love to come to the launch party, but I'll have to have a wee party of my own when your book arrives in my mail box. XXX

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  46. Congratulations! Very happy and excited for you. I have every intention of attending your event. Really looking forward to meeting you and other lovely sewing blogoddesses, and I'd be happy to contribute to your cause. This is all so wonderful. All the very best to you.

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  47. Congratulations on getting your book nearly published! You deserve a fabulous victory dance when it is out.

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  48. Hoping you get a good crowd at your booklaunch, I'm too far away to come (France).)
    And a lovely idea to link with dog-rescue.
    For anyone sewing items for dogs, in my experience, the circular padded beds(washable) are best.I think you made one for your cat.

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  49. I have a question about your book. :) I learned a few things about sewing many, many years ago in Home Ec and have never had any other instruction. Since the birth of my daughter, I have sewed a few simple things, but I would like to make more clothes for myself. I think your book sounds very interesting, but frankly, I'm afraid of being out of my depth. Can a beginning seamstress navigate its pages and projects or would it be better to start with another oeuvre? (I bought Stitch Magic because of you, and while I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, I know I'll be able to recreate the projects/looks therein.)

    I'd take classes, but I'm moving oversees in 2 months and so far my online searches for them in my new place of residence haven't turned up anything...

    Thanks!

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  50. Gertie, I'd love for you to come to The Sewing Studio in Toronto! I took lessons there a couple of years ago and it was great!

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  51. Yet another reason to wish I could get to The Big Apple! I'll have to "make do" with ordering your book shortly & to sewing something up for my local SPCA in your honour. All my kitties come from there. Thanks for everything you share with us Gertie!

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  52. I'm on the wrong coast in L.A., but best of luck at the book signing. My copy is pre-ordered so enduring the wait! Love shelter pets!

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  53. Well, Portland OR is kindof a long bike commute, so I'll have to think of you and eagerly await my pre-ordered copy. :)

    My ASG group has sewed dog beds before for a local shelter - we'll have to do that again. So many shelters are in need. It's wonderful of you to think of them.

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  54. What a neat and generous idea! Looking forward to the posts and tutorials.
    All our pets are of the breed "rescue"!

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  55. EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!! I just got an email from Amazon telling me that YOUR book will be shipping earlier than originally planned! I will get it within a week!!!!! I'm so excited!

    Oh, and YES! I'm excited to help my lovely four legged friends, too!.

    Thank you, Gretchen!!!!!

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  56. Wonderful news about the book! You must be very excited. Here's wishing you insanely huge sales!

    Andrea
    www.unsungsewingpatterns.net

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  57. I just got notification from Amazon that my copy of your book should be coming this week. I'm so excited!!!!

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  58. Hi there Gertie,

    Congratulations to you both on the book and your amazing collaboration with the doggies..........we are with you all the way on both fronts......We have had many kitties over the years from sanctuaries.

    Can't wait for my book to fall through my letter box.

    Much love to you and yours
    Marysia. AKA Smockerlady.xx

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  59. Guess what was delivered to my house last night! It looks lovely . . . can't wait until I have time to savor it!

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  60. Amazon just informed me my book will be at my house....tomorrow, August 23! I have a terrible Dr's appt early in the morning and I'm so glad I have something exciting to look forward to while I'm being tortured :) Thanks, Gertie!

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  61. Hi Gretchen! I sent you a message on Facebook asking where I could pre-order your book and then DUH, it occured to me to come to your blog. I don't believe in Amazon and ordered directly from the publisher, so hopefully it will be here soon! I'm totally making new dresses for Houston! It was great meeting you, and maybe I'll see you around Cleveland again! Congrats on the book, everyone I know is excited for it. I'm babbling now. I'm quitting now. :)

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  62. Congratulations! I can't think of a more deserving person :-) I love your blog, and loved you craftsy course, honestly, you have such a natural charm. Despite my book buying ban, I made an exception for yours! Sitting here beside my own rescue dog and cat, wishing you all the success and happiness in the world! Amanda

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  63. After my appointments Saturday, I am rushing home and hopefully the postal person will leave your book at my door, as Amazon sent a text that it will be delivered tomorrow! I will have the weekend to look at it--perfect! I know it will be a hit, as will your release party next month. Bless the rescues and thanks for caring.

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  64. I'll be there in spirit! How do I make a donation on your behalf if I cannot attend? I pre-ordered your book the second you announced it, and I have gobbled up every page. I cannot WAIT to make myself something!

    Karen

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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