Posted on 129 Comments

fun news on a rainy day


I’m not very good with big news but hey, did I mention I’m writing a book? Yep. A big ole book, a real one, full of doll and toy patterns. And it’s going to be a STC/Melanie Falick Books book, pinch me!

I’m happy to be able to spill the beans. I probably could have earlier, or waited a lot longer, but I don’t know what the protocol is. I’m always taken by surprise when I read people are writing books, shocked actually. It’s just seems like such a monumental project to take on. And that’s the shock and awe I wake up to every morning. No, really, it has been a lot of fun so far. Dreaming up projects and sketching and just sewing like a maniac, oh and can’t forget fabric shopping like a crazy person. It’s been awesome, but it is really weird not to be able to share. So I’m sharing! While I can’t really show anything I’m working on, I can talk in code and vaguely refer to things. I can gripe and moan when I’m stuck or ask for opinions or beg for pattern testers and man oh man, wait til you see the “design process”. I’m saving all my rejects in a giant bag. That ought to be good for a laugh when the book is out.

I’m about halfway through the designing/sewing/instructions part and then will come all the writing. You’ll know when that part comes because I’ll probably fall off the face of the earth except for some grumbled curse words on twitter now and again. But no, I’m optimistic. I’m just going to pretend like it’s the blog and write right to you guys and hopefully it’ll come together easy peasy. Do you think they’ll let me say things like easy peasy?

Tim’s doing the diagrams which look amazing so far and I can’t wait to spill who’s doing the photographs, so flippin exciting. So, ok, that’s it, my fun news. I’d better get back to it now.

(and psst, since I’m spilling now while I’m still designing… I do have
pretty much everything decided but if there’s something you’d you like
to see sneak in there, slip me a note)

Cat out of bag!

129 thoughts on “fun news on a rainy day

  1. Congratulations! I can’t wait to buy a copy!

  2. Hillary this is so wonderful!!! Congratulations and do tell ASAP who will be shooting your book!

  3. Awesome!!! As with everything you generate, I’ll buy it. Probably more than one. Good luck!

  4. very exciting! congrats

  5. Yay! Congratulations. That is wonderful and can’t wait to get myself a copy.

  6. Oh my. I seriously cannot wait. I’m currently working on one of your pointy kitties right now. Love all of your patterns I’ve bought. I’ll definitely be a purchaser of your book. good luck!

  7. Oh, yippie! Congratulations! I’ve been hoping for a book from you…. Best of luck with the writing and designing. And if you *do* need a pattern tester…. ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. Can’t wait to BUY your book! Keep up the good work.

  9. YAY!!!!! I am so flipping excited!!!!! I don’t normally pre-order books but I will definitely be doing that for yours. I adore all of your patterns and can’t wait to read all of the witty things that you’ll add to the book! Good luck!

  10. Now that is a book that I would buy!

  11. Just found your site today and I LOVE IT!!! I want to make all the dolls. Seriously. Do you need an intern? j/k. I hope the new book has lots of patterns!

  12. I’m so jealous! What wonderful fun! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

  13. i do not mean to sound like such a gusher, but this is the best news i have heard all year. you are the reason i took up sewing and the reason i try new things. i am so glad you are putting it into print.
    as for suggestions…anything and everything you do it cute, so i think you have it under control…but maybe a few really good things for boys.
    and if you have a moment, i would love to know what the doll hair is in the above photo. it looks perfect on her head, but i would love to get some of that on my needles. or is it under wraps? hope not.
    huge congrats!!!

  14. Yay! This is indeed very fun news. Congratulations!

  15. Congrats! How exciting! I will definitely be buying your book! Can’t wait to see it. How long do we have to wait? ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. Ack!!! So excited for you and for me who gets to buy it! Congrats!

  17. yay! and, um, when you’re ready for pattern testers…me! (*arms waving frantically about like a crazy person*)
    this is awesome news, congrats.

  18. Congratulations to you! This is wonderful news. Good luck with the project and we’ll all be celebrating with you when the book is available.

  19. Fantastic news! Congratulations! I will be looking forward to the release and volunteer to test (big hand raised).

  20. So cool! Congratulations! I can’t wait. Did you say “pattern tester”?!

  21. Wonderful and very exciting news! I can’t wait to see the finished product!

  22. Congratulations! I’ve always thought you should write a book. I’ve read your blog for years now and you are one of the most creative and trend-setting bloggers out there.

  23. This is such great news not just for you but for us, your fans!! The problem with letting the cat out of the bag is that now I have to WAIT.

  24. my girls just ran to the kitchen when they heard me shout, “yes!”…and i woke the baby. but, hey, it’s all worth it because you.are.writing.a.book. !!!!! which of course i will buy. ๐Ÿ™‚ i’m sure that you have a ton of offers already, but i would love to pattern-test for you again (hurricane season is still a long way away!). xxx

  25. I would love some simple and adjustable paterns for doll clothes. I just don’t seem to figure them out by myself. ANd I think you would do cute ones…

  26. that is fantastic news, yay you! (i guess i’m a little surprised this hasn’t happened sooner!) anyway, i look forward to it.

  27. Fantastic and Terrific News!
    I will test sew anything for you, if you need it!
    Congratulations!

  28. What an undertaking! Congrats-I only wish I had that sort of talent-can’t wait to see it! I’d love to be a pattern tester too ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Congratulations on your wonderful news.

  30. Oh my gosh, congratulations! I am so very jealous. Can’t wait to see it.

  31. Congratulations Hillary!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you… :0)

  32. FANTASTIC news! Congratulations and I can’t wait to purchase my own copy.

  33. Eee! That’s super news! Congratulations! ๐Ÿ˜€
    All I can say is: about time!

  34. I do believe future festive moments (Christmas, bdays, etc) will be very good for the kids in my life.
    Thanks for making that happen.

  35. Congratulations!!! I can’t wait for the book to come out either. How long must we wait? So excited for you!

  36. Hand sewing patterns too please!
    I’d love to test patterns for you.

  37. oh that’s so great. I’ve been wondering when is it your turn to do a book, since all the other famous bloggers are doing it. congrats!

  38. congrats! so exciting. can’t wait to see it in real life.

  39. I just love the way you and your husband design things so I know I’ll be pre-ordering this book! Congrats! Also, can I pretty please be a pattern tester? I need some inspiration and every time I look at something you’ve made I am thinking I would be so happy making something like that.
    I would love to see a pattern for a tall spotted giraffe in the book. I made up a song for my little boy about one and so I really need to make one.
    I can’t wait to see it best of luck.

  40. The pull toys have always been a favorite of mine. I’d love to see those!

  41. Awesome. It is about time a publisher figured out you’d make an excellent craft book author. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

  42. Finally!
    (And many congratulations!)

  43. Yay!!! So fun. Congrats. I look forward to your book! ๐Ÿ™‚

  44. Oh how exciting!!! This will be one book I will be SURE to buy right away! Congrats Lady! :):):):)
    Btw, I’m happy to be a pattern tester for you ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. What great news! I can’t wait to see what projects you’ve come up with. Waiting is not my forte …

  46. Congratulations and good luck with the writing/designing! Melanie Falick Books are so well-done – beautifully designed and photographed. What a wonderful publisher for your first book. Can’t wait to see it!

  47. Holy cow I am SOOOOOO excited!! Let me know when I can preorder.
    And really?? Beg for pattern testers?? HAH!!! YOu will have people begging to do it (I will be one of those beggars! Really I would set all other projects aside for a Wee Wonderful pattern)

  48. Holy cheese puffs! I’m so excited! I’ve been saving a space on my bookshelf for just such an occasion!

  49. Wowzers!!! That’s brilliant, and might I say, very impressive! I cannot wait to see what is in it. ๐Ÿ™‚

  50. i am so so happy for you! you are the reason i took up crafting, sewing, everything. and it has changed my life (and left my pocketbook a little lighter, ahem). I can’t wait for it…the wait will be awful. I **love** the girl in the photo she looks like the girl in my plate & book from childhood, joan walsh something?
    I know your book will be wonderful and I will give it out to everyone for presents with a kit. I am so proud to own two of your actual dolls…and many more of my own from your patterns, they are always the cutest! I still think you should do a children’s story book with your characters though.

  51. ABOUT TIME!!! WOOOHOOO!!!!!!
    Seriously, I was wondering how could book editors be so blind as not to beg you to write a book, since you have such a tremendous ammount of super cool, creative, FRESH stuff going on!!!!! Congratulations!!! I want to be a pattern tester, if you please. Pretty please with a cherry on top?

  52. wow! Congrats. Melanie Falick’s books are AMAZING–I’m sure you’re an incredible team.

  53. Ohh, exciting news! I will be snatching that one off the virtual shelf as soon at it goes on sale!
    If you ever need a pattern tester, I’m up for the job. I have a few of your other patterns now that I’m working on, so I’m becoming familiar with your work. Just give me a shout if and when you need an extra helper. ๐Ÿ™‚

  54. Congratulations! Writing a book is crazy. I’ve been a part of writing a book, albeit a cookbook, but it’s hard. My advice: Work, every single day on it. I’m so excited for you and will buy a ton of your books!!
    Wanna see my cookbook?
    http://www.amazon.com/Diabetic-Gourmet-Cookbook-Homestyle-Restaurant/dp/0471393266/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236728472&sr=8-1
    Congrats again. It’s awesome news!

  55. yay hillary!
    you and STC – match made in heaven. can’t wait!

  56. Excellent! Congratulations. Be sure to leak as much as you can ๐Ÿ™‚

  57. Congratulations!

  58. WOW! Congratulations! I can’t wait to pre-order it!

  59. Yay! So glad you’re joining the book “club”! You picked an excellent publisher.
    I like the idea of showing the rejects someday, I’ve got a closet full myself. Every time my boys would come into my studio when I was struggling with a particular book project, I’d say “I created a monster!”. They would ask the next day, “So how’s that monster coming?” ๐Ÿ™‚

  60. Congratulations Hillary! That’s great news!

  61. Congratulations! I have been *waiting* for this. Can’t wait to get my hands on this. It goes without saying, but do keep us updated.

  62. OMG! Thanks great. Can’t wait to pre-order! I loved to see somethings in there for little truck crazed, lego addicted, why do you always makes stuff for my sister, 5 yr. old boys.

  63. Hooray! Congratulations! I was hoping you would. ๐Ÿ™‚

  64. I know it’s all been said here, but one more “I’m excited” from me won’t hurt! I AM excited about this. I love your designs a. lot. A whole book full. Wonderful.

  65. I said to my husband a few months ago, “She’s writing a book.” But Melanie Falick – that’s the best. Congratulations, Hillary!

  66. Congratulations!!! Also, that doll has the best hair of any doll, anywhere. I love it!

  67. That’s terrific news! VERRRRRRY exciting!!!!

  68. This is sooooo great! Congrats! You deserve a big fabulous, successful book with all of your super cute patterns in and I for one can’t wait to get a copy!

  69. How exciting. I know the book will be a huge success.

  70. Congratulations! That is so exciting. I can just imagine with all your fabulous work that this is going to be a fabulous book. (I would also love to see that bag of “rejects.”)

  71. So exciting! Congratulations.
    I think they’ll let you say things like easy peasy. It’s your voice and it would sound all wrong if they tried to make you talk otherwise.
    Looking forward to it and please count me in if you need any testing/proofreading. I’d be delighted to help.
    All the best for the work ahead ๐Ÿ™‚

  72. OMIGOSH THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

  73. Hooray! Congratulations! So many people are going to be thrilled to have a book full of your patterns!

  74. Congratulations!!! What fantastic news. I quite literally CANNOT wait to buy a copy! ๐Ÿ˜€

  75. Congratulations!!! That’s so wonderful!!! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now, and really loving all of your work. If you ever need a pattern tester… :O)

  76. Yay! This is so fabulous. Your designs are meant for a book, one of those definitive classics that will sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay in 25 years. And STC! You go girl! Enjoy the whole thing, xo Kathy

  77. yyyyiiiiiippppppeeeee!!! congrats, congrats, congrats!!! just a bit jealous and nervous, and excited all at once.

  78. Not shocked in the least, about dang time, I’d say! :0)
    (That’s what you’ll be saying when poor Phoebe finally gets my package, right?! Sorry, life’s been all about school fundraising and runny noses, lately.)

  79. Congratulations! That is sooo exciting, I can’t wait to buy the book ๐Ÿ™‚

  80. Wow, that about all I can say, is Wow!

  81. Wonderful!!! Your wonderful website is the reason my sewing machine was dragged out of the closet and dusted off! I even went to a Quilt sewing class tonight So you Go Girlie!!! I’m getting in line to buy a first edition. ๐Ÿ™‚

  82. yahooooooo! congratulations!!! twill be a goodie!

  83. Congratulations! That will be something to look forward to!

  84. You know, I was wondering why your posts had gotten short N sweet.
    I am eagerly looking forward to your book and I hope that you include ideas for boys. It is so hard to find things for my little guys.

  85. Congratulations! I wish you lot of success!

  86. congrats! You can do it!!
    If you need a tester I would love
    to! What I would love to see is
    a baby doll carrier for child and
    a carrier for your doll to carrie
    her own baby, if that make any sense.
    Good luck, I am so excited for you!
    Rane
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~

  87. Great news for us! And congrats to you.

  88. A cat…
    (Can you share your son’s roads quilt?)

  89. CONGRATS! How exciting!! That is very fun news indeed– can’t wait to hear more about it!

  90. I’m also excited about your book! Please, please put in some good doll patterns, and I second (or maybe third) the idea to add in some cute patterns for boys. I have three nephews and a niece and would like more ideas about what to sew them.

  91. Yay, im soooo happy and excited about your book! Sooo looking forward to get a copy of it! Have a lovely merry day and love to you and yours!

  92. That is great news! Congratulations! I can’t wait to have it!

  93. Wow!! How wonderful!! Any idea when it will be done? I’m soooooo excited!!!
    ๐Ÿ™‚

  94. Wow! Congrats! can’t wait to get my hands on your book! How exciting!

  95. awesome news, congrats! my hand is up up up for pattern testing~!!

  96. Congrats!! What great news – the world needs a hard copy of the wee wonderfulness you conjure up.

  97. Finally! Congratulations, I can’t wait to see the finished product.

  98. so excited and happy for you (and selfishly for me) cause I KNOW how awesome it’s going to be. grammie is super excited too-
    congrats!!!

  99. How fun! I’d love to be a pattern tester when the time comes. Good luck with that, I can’t wait to buy YOUR BOOK!

  100. Oh this is great news! So many talented people are writing books these days, and I am so glad to see you added to this list! I have been waiting, thinking you would be next. I am sure your book will be fabulous…I will totally be buying a copy!

  101. CONGRATULATIONS! I’m super excited about your book- i know it’s going to be fabulous! Can’t wait to get a copy!

  102. If they don’t let you write things like “easy-peasy”, then you need to request a different editor. ๐Ÿ™‚
    So pleased to hear you’re writing a book! It’s one of those all-is-right-with-the-world kind of moments.

  103. Aww Congrats on the book! That is so awesome.

  104. Congratulations! That’s wonderful news ๐Ÿ™‚

  105. Congratulations! Can’t say that I’m all too shocked at the news. Don’t forget to breathe, and have fun.

  106. YES!!!!! I’m sooo excited for this book!!! ๐Ÿ™‚ How long must we wait???
    thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

  107. That’s so great. I’ve so wanted to find a good new doll making book. I’m sure your’s will not disappoint. Of all the wonderful things you make, your dolls have always been my favorite. Good luck!

  108. Wow! I was thinking just he other day “Wouldn’t it be great if Wee Wonderfuls had a book?” and then I checked you site and you are making one! I can’t wait to see what kind of yumminess you put inside (and you talk in your book the way you do on here it’s going to be a wonderful read).

  109. Congrats! I can’t wait to buy it!!!!
    (are there going to be boy dolls too? nudge nudge, wink wink! ๐Ÿ˜€ )

  110. can’t wait to buy your book!! Congradulations!!! i love all your patterns! Hurray~~

  111. This is the best news EVER. I have a few of your patterns and they are my favorite … I can’t imagine a whole book full. Good for you. I would love to test a pattern … I’ll keep my eyes open for that post. Cheers.

  112. Congratulations!!! that’s a wonderful news. Can’t wait to see it ๐Ÿ˜€

  113. Pattern tester…oh pick me! I am an advanced beginner when it comes to dolls so should be just about the target audience…lol. Don’t ya think?

  114. This is fantastic!!! Of the craft blogger books out there I always thought you would be the best. I figured maybe you were happy self-publishing and that’s why you seemed to be the only blogger without a book deal. Your designs are so terrific and the patterns are so well constructed and will make a great book! I’m thrilled it will be by STC, that means the photos will be amazing!!!

  115. Oh WOW!!! Congratulations! I am sure it will be amazing.

  116. Hip Hip! Yeah for you! I love bean, spilled ones too….
    Can a girl have too many pattern testers?
    Heidi

  117. Congrats! I just *knew* it had to happen sooner or later and I know it will be excellent – can’t wait :o)

  118. congratulations, hillary! i’m very excited for you!

  119. How exciting! I am THRILLED! What wonderful news for all of us! You are so talented and this is a great achievement!

  120. Congratulations! I can’t wait till it’s available. I hope the doll in the picture will be in there!

  121. Wow. I am so excited for you. I will definitely buy that book.

  122. awesome hilary.
    congratulations!
    oh, and it’s about time:)

  123. Awesome awesome awesome! I am so thrilled for you! You are brilliant so I am sure your book will be a masterpiece!

  124. Hillary, all I can say is its about time you did a book! I am so excited! I hope there will be some of your extremely inspired quilts in there.

  125. Please PLEASE do a signing at a local Arlington heights, iL store! I would love to meet you!
    HUGS and Congrats! Nan

  126. Congratulations!! I can’t wait.

  127. Congratulations on the book deal! I can’t wait to see it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE STC/Melanie Falick books and, of course, your work! Congratulations, again, and good luck!!!

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