Friday, June 7, 2013

A Quilting Life Book Giveaway and Blog Tour


Hi everyone,
Today is my day to talk about a quilting life on my fellow C&T author and friend Sherri McConnell's A Quilting Life Blog Tour!  I have long admired Sherri's blog by the same name.  In fact, she was one of the first people I met at my first Market in Salt Lake City and she is every bit as sweet as she comes across on her blog!



A Quilting Life is chock-full of projects with Sherri's clean, beautiful aesthetic.  I ordered a copy when it first came out from Sherri's shop and I want to make so many of the projects in it!  (And you know, Sherri, it isn't fair to tempt us in that way!!!!)

I love this quilt called Water Lily in Kate Spain fabrics!  I particularly love Sherri's color placement.


So... even though I am working on some magazine projects, I had to try a project in A Quilting Life.  I decided to sew up the Mod Runner in Holiday Bouquet.  It is such a fun pattern!  My photo really doesn't do it justice but it has been raining here for the past few days and I'm indoor-photo-challenged so I had to make do.  I hope you can see how cute Sherri's design is.  I really had fun fussy-cutting the motifs.  It was simple to piece - I did it while making dinner.



Since Sherri asked us all to talk about how we have a quilting life while driving kids, doing laundry, working, cleaning house, etc.  I decided to talk about how I got this runner pieced and dinner made in about two and a half hours.

One of our kids has a pretty severe dietary limitation so eating out is pretty much not an option for us, even when I'm on a deadline, so I have some simple-go-to recipes that I use.  This one is really simple, but you do have to be home to watch it (which is just perfect because then you can sew at the same time!)

Eggplant, Garlic, and Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

You'll need:

  • Good quality olive oil
  • 3 large eggplants or 6-8 small ones (I like the small ones better - they are less bitter and you don't have to salt them)
  • 4 heads of garlic (yes, you read that right - we LOVE garlic and in this recipe it is carmelized until it is sweet, but you can use less if you want)
  • 1 bundle of asparagus
  • 1 package of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lb. of fresh mozzerella (the little balls save time)
  • 1 lb. pasta - we like spirals or "bow ties" but any shape will work (and if you have anyone that is gluten-free use gluten-free pasta)
  • basil, oregano, salt, and pepper
  • parmesan


  1. About two hours before the meal, peel and slice eggplant into 1/4'' -3/8'' wedges.  Arrange the eggplant slices in a colander and salt each layer - leave them for an hour.
  2. Now this is the important part... while the eggplant sits cut all the pieces for your Mod Runner!  Piece a block or two!
  3. Go back to the kitchen and use dampened paper towels to wipe off the salt off the eggplant.  This helps get rid of bitterness.
  4. Cut off the tail end of each head of garlic.  (This will make it simple to squeeze out the garlic once it is roasted.)
  5. Arrange eggplant and garlic in a large casserole dish coated with olive oil.  Brush the top with more olive oil.  Sprinkle with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Put in the oven and roast for about 45-50 minutes, basting with more olive oil every ten minutes or so - don't let it get dry.
  6. Go back to your sewing area for about half and hour and piece the remaining Mod Runner blocks, running back to baste the eggplant intermittently.
  7. Come back to the kitchen and put the pasta water on.  Steam the asparagus, either over the pasta water or in a rice cooker (I LOVE the rice cooker for cooking vegetables perfectly every time!)
  8. Cook and drain the pasta.
  9. Take out the eggplant and garlic.  Squeeze out the cloves and mash them up with a little more olive oil.
  10. Toss pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzerella, eggplant, asparagus, and garlic/olive oil mixture.
  11. Serve with a bit of parmesan and after dinner go finish your runner!
To enter to win your own copy of A Quilting Life leave a comment on this post telling me which of these statements about Sherri is a big lie.  (The others are true!)
  1. Sherri's grandmother inspired her to quilt by making a beautiful quilt for Sherri's son's bed.
  2. Sherri is a true fan of the double-Irish chain block.
  3. Sherri has been blogging for five years!
To get other ideas about how people have quilting lives (and to get more chances to win a copy of the book) make sure to visit the other blog tour stops.


Monday June 3rd
Tuesday June 4th
Wednesday June 5th 
Thursday June 6th 
Friday June 7th
Saturday June 8th 
Sunday June 9th
Monday June 10th 
Tuesday June 11th 
Wednesday June 12th

Don't forget that you can enter any of the giveaways on any of the blogs until June 14th after which winners will be announced!

Happy sewing!
Amanda


182 Comments:

At June 8, 2013 at 12:59 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Number 1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 2:44 AM , Blogger Jane said...

I think #1 is the big fat lie!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:12 AM , Blogger Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

I say # 5 is the lie

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:46 AM , Blogger claire said...

I think #1 is a lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:02 AM , Blogger Michele T said...

I am going to guess that #1 is not true!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:12 AM , Blogger e said...

I don't know which one of these is a lie, but my guess is going to be #2

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:23 AM , Blogger Sparky said...

1 is the li, grat job on her book, she is a iwondergul quilter

All the best in her success


 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:28 AM , Blogger Nancy said...

I think the big fat lie is #1. Love the table runner!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:35 AM , Blogger Angie Burrett said...

I think it must be no 1. I love the runner too.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:35 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Your table runner is wonderful...love the colors. I will have to say I think #1 is the lie . Great book!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:44 AM , Blogger SheilaS said...

I think No 1 is the lie. I loved the pasta recipe!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:48 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think that #1 is the lie. Thanks so much for the recipe -I've just added eggplant to my Farmer's Market shopping list!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:55 AM , Blogger rush said...

i think this is the lie: 2.Sherri is a true fan of the double-Irish chain block. it doesn't seem to be the popular choice though!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:21 AM , Blogger Paula said...

I'm gonna go with #2 for the lie.

And thanks for the recipie!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:33 AM , Blogger Sharon J. Hughson said...

#1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:36 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think #1 is a lie. I'd LOVE to win this book---it looks so inspiring!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:51 AM , Blogger Linda said...

#1 is the lie. We all owe Sherri's mother a debt of gratitude for not making that quilt. ;)

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:58 AM , Blogger Just Jadite said...

Sherries home page said she starting to quilt with a gentle push from her grandmother so I think number 1 is a lie
I would love to win a free copy

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:06 AM , Blogger Sandy D said...

I think # 1 is a lie. Love the runner.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:12 AM , Blogger Mo_Chride said...

I guess I'll go with #1 too although after an admittedly quick glance at her blog, I saw no evidence of #2 either!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:29 AM , Blogger Carla said...

She was fortunate to have family who quilted and encouraged her. Not sure about #1 so I'm going with #2
Would love a copy

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:37 AM , Blogger Carrie P. said...

I believe #1 is a lie because even though Sherri's grandmother was an influence to begin her quilting career I don't think it was because her grandmother made a quilt for Sherri's son.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:47 AM , Blogger Sylvia Anderson said...

It's #1 and I just love the runner you made Amanda. Can't wait to see the book in person, either by being lucky enough to win it, or get it from the library when they have it. Just love all these blogs, where so much information is available.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:59 AM , Blogger Anita said...

I checked the "about" section of Sherri's blog and I think #1 is the lie. Thank you for the chance to enter.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:05 AM , Blogger carla said...

Hi!!! I think Number 1 is the lie!!! Thanks for the fun give away!!!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:17 AM , Blogger Jennifer said...

I am going to go with #1 being the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:21 AM , Blogger Pat said...

I am going to guess #1. Also love the Mod Runner.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:22 AM , Blogger goodmoodyogagirl said...

Yep, number 1 not true!
; )
Diana
dpackech@yahoo.com

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:24 AM , Blogger Sandy said...

I think that #1 is a lie. We will see. Love her new book!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:24 AM , Blogger Joni said...

Beautiful fabric choice on the Mod Runner! I think #1 is the falsehood.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:37 AM , Blogger CathyK said...

I think #2 is the lie. Great job on the runner!! Thank you for the chance!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:38 AM , Blogger Joan said...

I think #1 is the lie. Thanks for the chance to win this great book!!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:40 AM , Blogger KMSC said...

I'm guessing that the #2 statement is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:45 AM , Blogger Lisa England said...

I'll say #1 is the lie. This looks like a great book, thanks for the chance.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:46 AM , Blogger Jitka said...

I think number one is lie. I did find any Irish chain block on her www and I know when she start blogging.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:47 AM , Blogger Jackie said...

I think # 1is a lie...
Your recipe sounds really delicious, must give it a try.
Thanks for the chance to win, a great book!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:47 AM , Blogger Linda Crosby said...

I am thinking #1 might be not true.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:53 AM , Blogger Becky_Sharp said...

I'm going to guess #2 is the lie. If I'm wrong, do I still get the book? ;)

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:53 AM , Blogger Janelle said...

#1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:57 AM , Blogger Maxine said...

I would guess #2-big fan of the Irish chain. Don't think I've ever seen one on Sherri's blog.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:40 AM , Blogger Jacklynn Grimm said...

I think number #1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:57 AM , Blogger Donna said...

#1 is the lie. Sherri's book is awesome!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:07 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

#2 is not true.
THANKS FOR SHARING!

msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:12 AM , Blogger barbara woods said...

I choose no. 1

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:28 AM , Blogger Gill said...

I think #1 is the lie!
Thanks for the recipe - it sounds delicious!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:36 AM , Blogger Beth said...

#1 is the lie. This recipe sounds really yummy. Thanks!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:43 AM , Blogger wanda said...

I guess number 3. I like what I see of the book and thanks for the chance to win it.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:44 AM , Blogger Nancy Page said...

I will go with #2 for the lie. Thank you for this great review and for this chance to win.

Have a super great sewing and stitching day!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:44 AM , Blogger B Greene said...

I will say that #1 is the lie. Thanks for the chance to win!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:49 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I just met all of you this week through Sherri's blog. I'm guessing she's been blogging for more than five years.

I love your embroidery, Amanda. Something one of the women in my quilt group promised she's teach me.

And I love that you posted a recipe. Eggplant is one of our fav's, and can never get enough of. Thanks!!

Best,
Anne

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:51 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Love your works and the patterns used. Could be #1 ??
Kisses from Sapin, hope to have luck and win an ebook from Sherry...I will love to have it

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:52 AM , Blogger Carolyn in Kentucky said...

I think that #1is the lie. This looks like a wonderful book to add to my library. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:20 AM , Blogger Ya Ya Dee said...

Printed the recipe.......looks awesome....especially with the fresh veggies from our garden! Number 1 is the lie............

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:27 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think #1 is a lie. I enjoy your blog! And thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:40 AM , Blogger Joyce Carter said...

Your table runner is very pretty. Thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book. I think #1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:45 AM , Blogger OhioLori said...

Believe #1 is the lie.... loooove her book!!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:50 AM , Blogger Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Yum, your recipe sounds very good! I have been following Sherri's blog forever and think the lie is #1. Thanks for the fun!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:05 AM , Blogger Sarah said...

I t hink #1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:10 AM , Blogger Julianne said...

I think #2 is a lie!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:17 AM , Blogger Kitty said...

I think #1 is the lie. Love the runner you made from Sherri's book!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:19 AM , Blogger Barb66 said...

I have to go along with the majority opinion that #1 is not true.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:44 AM , Blogger Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

1 is the lie. What a great way to multi task yet get things accomplished!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:46 AM , Blogger Melissa said...

I think #1 is the lie. I love the Mod Runner!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:01 PM , Blogger Sally said...

I'm going to guess its #2.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:02 PM , Blogger barbara woods said...

i would love to win that book. thanks for the chance

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:06 PM , Blogger Hanke said...

I think 2 is a lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:09 PM , Blogger tpott said...

My vote is #1 is the lie. Great giveaway, thanks! ;-> Toni Anne

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:31 PM , Blogger Helen L said...

I think #1 is the lie, because I'm pretty sure she started quilting before that! :-) thanks for hosting!!!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:34 PM , Blogger Carol said...

I'll guess that #1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:39 PM , Blogger Lyn said...

I'm guessing number 1. and I also love the Water Lily quilt..I think it must be the way the colours have been used, just gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the recipe..

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:43 PM , Blogger Snoodles said...

I;m guessing it's no. 1.....oh how I love that runner you made! Now I have to get some of that fabric! Woot!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 12:55 PM , Blogger Judy said...

I am going with #1. That runner is beautiful! And thank you for the receipe. It sounds delish. jlblvn@gmail.com

 
At June 8, 2013 at 1:20 PM , Blogger Kathy H said...

I think number 2 is the lie. All of your beautiful patterns seem too modern to be a lover of the Irish chain pattern.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 1:38 PM , Blogger Bonnie58 said...

I think # 1 is the lie. Thanks for sharing. The recipe looks good...

 
At June 8, 2013 at 2:29 PM , Blogger Jude said...

I would say #2....thanks for the chance!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 2:34 PM , Blogger annerd said...

I think # 1 is the lie.

Thanks!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 2:52 PM , Blogger Rebecca said...

I also think #1 is the lie. Thanks!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:01 PM , Blogger janequiltsslowly said...

I think #3 is the lie because it hasn't quite been 5 years since she started her blog.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:15 PM , Blogger Sallie said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:24 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think #1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:42 PM , Blogger TADVR said...

LOL, don't have a clue, so I'm guessing #3 just because!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 3:43 PM , Blogger ~Laurie~ said...

I have no idea which is the lie! I'll guess number 2? It's nice to know that Sherrie is as sweet as she seems on the blog - would like to meet her someday!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:07 PM , Blogger Thumper said...

I know her grandmother inspired her to quilt but think #1 might be the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:24 PM , Blogger Karen in Breezy Point said...

Number 1?

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:24 PM , Blogger Karen in Breezy Point said...

Number 1?

 
At June 8, 2013 at 4:26 PM , Blogger Pauline said...

Actually, all three of your questions have something in each that is a bit on the windy side. So, from what I've read the one closest to the truth is number 3. Looks like she's been blogging close to 6 years, so 5 is the most correct. 1 is partly right and I didn't see any mention of yea or nay on the double Irish chain.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:37 PM , Blogger Polly said...

I'll go with #1 as the big fat lie. Can't wait to find out which one it really is. Happy to have found yet another great blog to follow.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 5:54 PM , Blogger Cecilia said...

I will guess that #2 is the lie. Sherri's book looks great. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:19 PM , Blogger Heather B said...

I think #1 is a lie! Thanks for the great giveaway! This book would look wonderful on my sewing table ;)

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:22 PM , Blogger Sonya said...

It has to be #1. She started quilting when her grandmother bought her the Eleanor Burns double irish chain book, and she started blogging in 2008.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:36 PM , Blogger Kathy said...

I think #1 is the lie. She was quilting earlier than that...

 
At June 8, 2013 at 6:56 PM , Blogger Beausoleil Quilts said...

I will go for Number 3- the 5 years are not up until 1st July, so it would ahve been- "nearly 5 years" to be correct.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 7:25 PM , Blogger Patty said...

I will guess and say #1

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:24 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

I am gona say number 1. :) and I Love her blog!!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:24 PM , Blogger HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'n said...

I do believe that #1 is the lie, or at least a twist on the truth :) Thanks for the chance to win!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:42 PM , Blogger Margie said...

#1 is the lie. Appreciate the giveaway.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:45 PM , Blogger DeborahGun said...

I guess #2 is not true.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 8:48 PM , Blogger Linda said...

I'm guessing that #1 isn't true. I enjoyed looking over your blog. I will have to visit you often. I have enjoyed the blog tour and to check out Sherri's blog. I would love a copy of the book. May just have to go get one.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:03 PM , Blogger Beverly said...

I think #1 is the lie. I am new to all these blog tours but I'm enjoying learning abut all of this! I live in Charlotte so maybe I will 'run' into you sometime!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:17 PM , Blogger Elaine said...

I have no idea which one so I will say #1 is the lie. Love your runner and would really love a copy of this book! Thanks for the the chance!
satterfieldfamily at sbcglobal dot net

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:57 PM , Blogger Darlene said...

Love your runner!

I believe #1 is a lie. Keeping my fingers crossed - thank you for the opportunity to win.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 9:58 PM , Blogger Chris said...

Not sure, but I would guess #1. I love your cooking style!

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:01 PM , Blogger kc said...

I think number 1 is a lie. Not because your grandmother didn't inspire you but because if she had it would have been long before you had a child of you own. More likely by a quilt she had made for you when you were a child.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 10:35 PM , Blogger Judy1522 said...

Number 1 is the lie.

 
At June 8, 2013 at 11:02 PM , Blogger Rachelle said...

No idea, but I'll guess #1

 
At June 9, 2013 at 1:04 AM , Blogger Deb said...

I'll pick #1. I'd love to win this book. Thanks for the eggplant recipe...we're planting eggplant in our garden for the first time this year so I saved your recipe.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 5:50 AM , Blogger Trish said...

I think #1 :)

 
At June 9, 2013 at 7:06 AM , Blogger Ramona said...

It must be #1. I know Sherri has been blogging since 2008 and I can't imagine Sherri not being a fan of the Irish Chain block. How fun to visit your blog and see your fun and colorful quilts - looks like you have a great book to check out too but thanks for the chance to win Sherri's book.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 8:06 AM , Blogger Robin T said...

My guess is #2 is the lie. I don't think her grandmother would be involved in a lie. Thank you for the chance to win a beautiful book!

 
At June 9, 2013 at 8:09 AM , Blogger Gretchen said...

I'll go with #1 being the lie. Thanks for the chance at the book!

 
At June 9, 2013 at 9:14 AM , Blogger Reb Thack said...

I'll go with #2...

 
At June 9, 2013 at 10:36 AM , Blogger Diane Kelsey said...

I would guess that #1 is the lie.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 11:25 AM , Blogger Mary Ann said...

I am saying #2 is the lie.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 11:30 AM , Blogger KeyQuilter said...

#2 ???

 
At June 9, 2013 at 11:40 AM , Blogger Grandmasewnsew said...

I'm guessing #1 is the lie. I'd love to win!

 
At June 9, 2013 at 12:06 PM , Blogger Karen said...

I think #1 is the lie. What a great way to get us thinking!
krseitz at earthlink dot net

 
At June 9, 2013 at 12:22 PM , Blogger Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I will have to go with number one being the lie.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 12:23 PM , Blogger Regina Harris said...

I think No. 1 is the lie

 
At June 9, 2013 at 12:23 PM , Blogger KT said...

I think #! is the lie! Thanks for the chance

 
At June 9, 2013 at 12:35 PM , Blogger Angela said...

I say #2 is a lie.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 2:22 PM , Blogger Jaime P said...

I'm guessing number one

 
At June 9, 2013 at 3:31 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hello, I think #1 is the lie. Thanks
(smjohns63 at yahoo dot com)

 
At June 9, 2013 at 4:04 PM , Blogger Terri said...

No 1 is the lie.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 4:16 PM , Blogger Katie said...

Number one!

 
At June 9, 2013 at 6:10 PM , Blogger Nancy Sue said...

#2 is the lie. Lier lier quiting pants on fire :)

 
At June 9, 2013 at 6:31 PM , Blogger Anda W said...

Number 3 is the lie!? awolk at rogers dot com

 
At June 9, 2013 at 8:45 PM , Blogger Karrie said...

I'm going to say 1. Thanks for the chance to win.

 
At June 9, 2013 at 10:12 PM , Blogger Rhonda said...

I'm guessing its Number 1!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 4:53 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm going to say 2 is the lie.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 5:23 AM , Blogger Renea said...

I think #1 is the lie. Thanks for the giveaway.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 5:45 AM , Blogger Pattie Crum said...

I going with #1 as the untruth.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 7:13 AM , Blogger Lisa said...

I'll go with No#1 being the lie.

Thanks for the recipe it sounds great!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 7:27 AM , Blogger karen k said...

I choose #1. Thanks for the chance to win.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 7:44 AM , Blogger Lisa said...

I went to her blog and it would seem #1 because she has sewn most of her life! Thank you!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 7:57 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

My SWAG is number 1. I love you blog and your great use of time. I am looking forward to trying your pasta recipe, sounds yummy!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 7:59 AM , Blogger Cindy said...

First of all - I LOVE your Mod Runner...ooh, one I'd make immediately! I'll say #1, especially because Sherri's Grandmother told her "no" and had Sherri learn on her own.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 8:13 AM , Blogger Anne said...

LOL what a fun post! Great looking book! You don't really lie, do you? How about # 2!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 8:25 AM , Blogger KittyKwilter said...

Number 1 is the lie.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 8:57 AM , Blogger Lynette said...

Number One is a lie!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 9:41 AM , Blogger Learn How To Make Quilts said...

My guess would be that # 1 is a lie.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 9:52 AM , Blogger SewLindaAnn said...

Your recipe looks yummy, thanks for sharing.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 10:27 AM , Blogger sue said...

This is a total guess I would say #2. Thanks for the recipe can not wait to try it.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 10:54 AM , Blogger Abby said...

I'd have to say #2 is a lie.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 11:14 AM , Blogger Sallie said...

#1 is the lie.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 11:39 AM , Blogger M.W. said...

I think #1 is a lie.
Shawn

 
At June 10, 2013 at 12:22 PM , Blogger Nita said...

I'll vote for #1. fun post!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 12:35 PM , Blogger Meredith said...

I think #1 is the lie!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 1:03 PM , Blogger Jocelyn said...

I am going to guess #2 is the lie. I know she has been blogging for at least 5 years.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 2:26 PM , Blogger Karen said...

I'm not sure but 2 and 3 sound true.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 3:01 PM , Blogger Marilyn S said...

I will guess #2. I don't know why. Just a guess.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 3:35 PM , Blogger Barbara McD said...

Completely a guess: Number 1

Thanks for the giveaway!

 
At June 10, 2013 at 5:04 PM , Blogger ThreadCatcher said...

I think #2 is the lie! Thanks for the chance.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 6:22 PM , Blogger Sarah_L_N said...

I think number 1 is the lie

 
At June 10, 2013 at 6:58 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think #1 is not true.

 
At June 10, 2013 at 9:29 PM , Blogger Emily C said...

I'm going to vote for #2 being the lie.

 
At June 11, 2013 at 5:23 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think 3. Thanks for recipe

 
At June 11, 2013 at 6:14 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm going with #2! Thanks for a chance to win Sherri's book!

 
At June 11, 2013 at 7:30 AM , Blogger mvink said...

My guess is #1 is the lie. Thank you for the chance!

 
At June 11, 2013 at 7:35 AM , Blogger Quiltsmiles said...

Number 1 is false. Love her style and patterns. Jane

 
At June 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Number 2 is the lie!

 
At June 11, 2013 at 10:28 AM , Blogger Barb said...

well i have never seen your blog and i love it so i will just guess that #1 is the lie!

 
At June 11, 2013 at 11:03 AM , Blogger Audrey said...

I think it's #1! I love all these projects I am seeing on the blogs. From a table runner to quilts to tote bags they all are great. And I will be making your recipe real soon - my husband LOVES asparagus and eggplant. Please include me in the drawing - winning this book would be awesome!

 
At June 11, 2013 at 11:36 AM , Blogger Vicki in MN said...

I'll say #2 is the lie.

 
At June 11, 2013 at 12:10 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

I think #3 is the lie.

 
At June 11, 2013 at 3:07 PM , Blogger MoeWest said...

#1 is a lie.

 
At June 11, 2013 at 4:52 PM , Blogger Theresa N. said...

I'm thinking #3 is a lie.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

 
At June 11, 2013 at 7:33 PM , Blogger Thim3 said...

#1 is a lie. I really love the table runner...very pretty. I am going to try the recipe...sounds really good. Thanks you for the chance to win this lovely book.
thim3@hotmail.com

 
At June 11, 2013 at 8:12 PM , Blogger cat said...

I'm guess on number 1. Thanks for the giveaway.

 
At June 11, 2013 at 9:39 PM , Blogger Judy said...

I think #1 is the lie. But then I could be wrong.

 
At June 12, 2013 at 2:33 PM , Blogger Mary W. said...

I'm definitely thinking #2 is the lie! Looks like a beautiful book!

 
At June 12, 2013 at 4:10 PM , Blogger Donna Allen said...

Number 1 is the lie!

 
At June 12, 2013 at 4:37 PM , Blogger NancyL said...

I think #1 is the lie! Thanks for the giveaway!

 
At June 12, 2013 at 9:10 PM , Blogger Mom C said...

I'm thinking #1 but I don't know how long Sherri has been blogging. I've only been reading her blog for 3.I didn't know your tip about eggplant. Thanks

 
At June 12, 2013 at 9:25 PM , Blogger Jodi - usairdoll said...

Great post! I love it! A recipe that has step by step directions for cooking combined with the step by step directions for the runner, hehe. I think this is a super idea for a quilter's cookbook! Sherrims book looks awesome. I believe #1 is the lie. Her Grandmother wouldn't even make her a quilt but we are so happy that she taight her how.

Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

 
At June 13, 2013 at 4:21 AM , Blogger Joy said...

No 2 is a big fat lie. Thanks for the opportunity to win Sheri's fab book
Joy UK xx

 
At June 13, 2013 at 7:29 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm guessing #2 is the lie.
kcannon@anwsu.org

 
At June 13, 2013 at 8:26 AM , Blogger Inch Worm Fabrics said...

#1 maybe--- I'm not sure... beautiful blog!

 
At June 13, 2013 at 9:09 AM , Blogger Dolores said...

After checking out Sherri's blog, I would have to say that #2 sounds like it could be a lie.

 
At June 13, 2013 at 3:54 PM , Blogger Becca said...

#2? No idea...what a fun book, though!

 
At June 14, 2013 at 6:02 AM , Blogger Sherry VF said...

The first comment is not true. Sherri asked her grandmother to make her a quilt and clever Grandma said 'No.' Grandma offered to help her make her firsts quilt.

 
At June 14, 2013 at 2:06 PM , Blogger Kerry L. said...

I think #1 is the fib! Would love to win Sherri's book!

 
At June 15, 2013 at 3:22 AM , Blogger Joan and Kevin said...

I have no idea I will guess #3.

 

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A Quilting Life Book Giveaway and Blog Tour

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Hi everyone,
Today is my day to talk about a quilting life on my fellow C&T author and friend Sherri McConnell's A Quilting Life Blog Tour!  I have long admired Sherri's blog by the same name.  In fact, she was one of the first people I met at my first Market in Salt Lake City and she is every bit as sweet as she comes across on her blog!



A Quilting Life is chock-full of projects with Sherri's clean, beautiful aesthetic.  I ordered a copy when it first came out from Sherri's shop and I want to make so many of the projects in it!  (And you know, Sherri, it isn't fair to tempt us in that way!!!!)

I love this quilt called Water Lily in Kate Spain fabrics!  I particularly love Sherri's color placement.


So... even though I am working on some magazine projects, I had to try a project in A Quilting Life.  I decided to sew up the Mod Runner in Holiday Bouquet.  It is such a fun pattern!  My photo really doesn't do it justice but it has been raining here for the past few days and I'm indoor-photo-challenged so I had to make do.  I hope you can see how cute Sherri's design is.  I really had fun fussy-cutting the motifs.  It was simple to piece - I did it while making dinner.



Since Sherri asked us all to talk about how we have a quilting life while driving kids, doing laundry, working, cleaning house, etc.  I decided to talk about how I got this runner pieced and dinner made in about two and a half hours.

One of our kids has a pretty severe dietary limitation so eating out is pretty much not an option for us, even when I'm on a deadline, so I have some simple-go-to recipes that I use.  This one is really simple, but you do have to be home to watch it (which is just perfect because then you can sew at the same time!)

Eggplant, Garlic, and Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

You'll need:

  • Good quality olive oil
  • 3 large eggplants or 6-8 small ones (I like the small ones better - they are less bitter and you don't have to salt them)
  • 4 heads of garlic (yes, you read that right - we LOVE garlic and in this recipe it is carmelized until it is sweet, but you can use less if you want)
  • 1 bundle of asparagus
  • 1 package of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lb. of fresh mozzerella (the little balls save time)
  • 1 lb. pasta - we like spirals or "bow ties" but any shape will work (and if you have anyone that is gluten-free use gluten-free pasta)
  • basil, oregano, salt, and pepper
  • parmesan


  1. About two hours before the meal, peel and slice eggplant into 1/4'' -3/8'' wedges.  Arrange the eggplant slices in a colander and salt each layer - leave them for an hour.
  2. Now this is the important part... while the eggplant sits cut all the pieces for your Mod Runner!  Piece a block or two!
  3. Go back to the kitchen and use dampened paper towels to wipe off the salt off the eggplant.  This helps get rid of bitterness.
  4. Cut off the tail end of each head of garlic.  (This will make it simple to squeeze out the garlic once it is roasted.)
  5. Arrange eggplant and garlic in a large casserole dish coated with olive oil.  Brush the top with more olive oil.  Sprinkle with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Put in the oven and roast for about 45-50 minutes, basting with more olive oil every ten minutes or so - don't let it get dry.
  6. Go back to your sewing area for about half and hour and piece the remaining Mod Runner blocks, running back to baste the eggplant intermittently.
  7. Come back to the kitchen and put the pasta water on.  Steam the asparagus, either over the pasta water or in a rice cooker (I LOVE the rice cooker for cooking vegetables perfectly every time!)
  8. Cook and drain the pasta.
  9. Take out the eggplant and garlic.  Squeeze out the cloves and mash them up with a little more olive oil.
  10. Toss pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzerella, eggplant, asparagus, and garlic/olive oil mixture.
  11. Serve with a bit of parmesan and after dinner go finish your runner!
To enter to win your own copy of A Quilting Life leave a comment on this post telling me which of these statements about Sherri is a big lie.  (The others are true!)
  1. Sherri's grandmother inspired her to quilt by making a beautiful quilt for Sherri's son's bed.
  2. Sherri is a true fan of the double-Irish chain block.
  3. Sherri has been blogging for five years!
To get other ideas about how people have quilting lives (and to get more chances to win a copy of the book) make sure to visit the other blog tour stops.


Monday June 3rd
Nanette at Freda’s Hive 
Tuesday June 4th
Sinta from Pink Pincushion 
Wednesday June 5th 
Jodi from Pleasant Home 
Thursday June 6th 
Judi from Green Fairy Quilts 
Friday June 7th
Lissa of ModaLissa 
Saturday June 8th 
Amanda of AmandaMurphyDesign
Sunday June 9th
Anna of Thimbleanna 
Monday June 10th 
Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter 
Tuesday June 11th 
Kristyne of Pretty by Hand 
Wednesday June 12th
Sherri of A Quilting Life 

Don't forget that you can enter any of the giveaways on any of the blogs until June 14th after which winners will be announced!

Happy sewing!
Amanda


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