Long time, no see. OK, so that's an understatement.
It would take a pretty long time to wrap up the past several months that have passed since my last entry, so howzabout I don't try. Instead, let's just jump right back into updating regularly...yes?
That said, there are three big changes in my life I feel the need to share immediately. Here we go...
My new book is out TODAY! I haven't gone to the bookstore yet to see it on the shelves, but at least one of my friends (big ups to Rachel in Austin!) has run out to purchase it. It's a little unreal to me that it's finally out there in the world. Craziness! If you pick it up, please be sure to tell me what you think!
I've started a new venture with my friends Billie and Tootie from ReForm School here in Los Angeles. We've teamed up to add a new "Home Ec" department to their flippin' fantastic shop. Last night we kicked off with the first in a series of amazing craft and how-to classes taught by a slew of artists, crafters, and designers. Home Ec will eventually have it's own website (we're thinking within two weeks) but for now you can read up on the classes here. Our opening party happens later this month, February 20, were we'll also be hosting a book signing for yours truly. If you're local I hope you can stop by!
I think this one speaks for itself. Meet Dizzy, who came to me from the Pasadena Humane SOciety. She's six months old and the best thing that has happened to our household in a long time!
WELCOME BACK! I have been watiing and I'm so excited about your book!
Posted by: Cherry Tree Lane | February 03, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Hurrah! I was so stoked to go get the book today (something just special about getting it the day it comes out, ya know) I went to Barnes & Noble and they had three copies - I wanted to grab one and stick it face-out on the top shelf. ;)
I love it! Pardon the pun, but it's so darn cute! I mean ... really. I'm totally making the sewing machine cover. I have a perfect vintage embroidered table cloth I got at the Knitten Kitten - when I saw that project, I thought, "FINALLY! I know what I'm doing with that table cloth!"
Congrats! I hope you have had a fun day and have been able to soak up the big event. :)
Posted by: Rachel | February 03, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Love your book! Great photos. Great colors. Bought it yesterday! I definitely plan to pass along the recommendation to my friends who are new to sewing. Good luck!
Posted by: Marisa | February 04, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Yay! My copy of your book came in the mail today and just made my day! I've been waiting by my mailbox for weeks...
Thanks for sharing your designs and ideas. I can't wait to make that cute square bear!
Alex
Posted by: Alex Duenkel | February 04, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Welcome back!!
I saw Rachel tweeting it today.. must go check it out :)
Posted by: dot | February 04, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Welcome back and congrats on the book release. Oh my! What a cute puppy!
Posted by: Amber | February 04, 2009 at 07:05 PM
i have a dizzy too! except mine has bigger ears ... check her out on my site!!
Posted by: jill | February 05, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I just bought this book yesterday, and really love it! I have tabs on at least four projects that I really want to make - all today! Congrats on adopting that adorable puppy from the humane society.
Posted by: Terriaw | February 06, 2009 at 01:02 PM
I love the book! It's been on my Amazon wish list for a long time, so I was happy that I could purchase it, and now it's here! I can't wait to make the Square Bear for my boys! Oh, and the dish towels, oh and that really cute apple tree collage. Cute dog too!!
Posted by: Julie | February 06, 2009 at 06:12 PM
congrats on all the exciting news Jenny! can't wait to get your book. and that little dizzy is the cutest.
Posted by: christina | February 07, 2009 at 07:00 AM
I just picked up your book this evening. I love it. I can't wait to try out some of the projects. I'll link ya when I do.
Congrats on the new puppy! Pets bring so much joy into our lives. They are a real treasure! ;)
Hugs,
Dana
Posted by: Dana | February 07, 2009 at 05:21 PM
It was on the end cap display in San Antonio! LOVE IT...can't wait until I can pick it up!
Posted by: Jessi | February 07, 2009 at 07:16 PM
I didn't realize the book was brand new! (it was through it I found you!)
I LOVE it! You did a wonderful job.
Posted by: Teri | February 08, 2009 at 08:03 PM
AW!! Dizzy is so cute!!!
Posted by: Laura | February 09, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Hi, I just wanted to compliment your very appopriately titled book. I can't wait to begin the projects!
Posted by: Anne | February 09, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Jenny,
I was in Barnes and Noble tonight (in the craft & sewing section, of course) and I came across your book. I loved the cover immediately and as I was flipping through the pages, I thought, "I have to have this book." Then I got to page 62 and I thought, "Wow, I sold that exact vintage terry cloth to a girl months ago. Now I have to have this book." Then when I got home I read your bio and realized that YOU are the girl that I sold that terry cloth to! And then I squealed when I saw that you put us in your resource section!!!!!! I had to hunt down your blog and thank you - I'm going to have to add more vintage fabric to the shop! I absolutely love the book and I hope we can carry it in our B&M shop. Congratulations on a fantastic book! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Posted by: Emma Farrell | February 15, 2009 at 08:53 PM
Hello! I purchased your book today. I have never read your blog so I discovered you backwardly I guess. I was just at B&N and fell in love with your book. THEN I visited your blog. I decided I'm going to make all my gifts handmade this year. Your cover caught my eye because I need "sweet and simple."
Posted by: Carolyn | February 18, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Your new book is awesoeme, Jenny! I blogged it on Boing Boing.
Posted by: Mark Frauenfelder | February 20, 2009 at 10:36 AM
I purchased your book today. I can't decide what to create first!! Great projects and ideas.
Congrats to you.
Posted by: Annie | February 21, 2009 at 07:24 PM
I went to the bookstore about 2 weeks ago and saw your book. I ordered one from Amazon.com the same night. I love your book!! It's so, so, so, so cute. I am starting one of your projects tonight.
Also another thing, your new puppy looks just a cross between my white chihuahua and my white jack russell!!! They are rescued as well btw.
I cannot wait to see your second book!!!!!!!!
Congrats!!!!!
Lita
Posted by: Lita | February 24, 2009 at 02:34 PM
I bought your book at Barnes & Noble in Frederick, Md. I just love it!! My first project will be the "Ladylike Laptop Tote". One for me and one for my sister-in-law. There are so many other projects I will be doing also. Thanks for your "awesome" book.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Duex | March 02, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Congrats on the book. I will check it out! I am always looking for fun things to create with my kids.
Rolane
Posted by: Rolane | March 02, 2009 at 01:31 PM
I purchased my first sewing machine last Thursday night...but the sewing machine purchase in no way matched the enthusiasm I felt when I came across your book! I was so excited to see cute, simple and perfectly detailed instrcutions in a book that my daughters and I could follow! I absolutely LOVE IT! My 12 and 11 year old daughters and I have had so much fun making the sunglasses cozy. (We bought the book on Sunday- and have already completed 3 projects in less than 3 days!!) I hope that you have many more ideas up your sleeve and are already working on a follow-up book!!!
Thanks for the inspiration, the easy instructions and beautiful pictures.
Posted by: Casandra | March 18, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Welcome Dizzy...such a lovebug.
Posted by: Jennifer | April 02, 2009 at 10:57 AM
I bought your book at Barnes & Noble in GA and LOVE it!!! Thank you! This has so many projects great for me and my granddaughters that have started showing an interest in my crafts.
I love all the pics and most of all the very easy to understand instructions! Thank you again!
Deborah in GA
Posted by: Deborah | April 08, 2009 at 07:15 AM