Thank You!

From Embroidery Companion

Thank you so much to every single person who came out to Powell's last night for the book signing. You guys, I was SO nervous! But everyone was incredibly nice and very encouraging and just generally awesomely cool that I wound up eventually forgetting my nerves and having the best time. So thank you for coming out and smiling up at me and gobbling cupcakes and waiting in line forever while I wrote novels in everyone's books, because I am truly touched to have you there (and here). Thank you also to those of you who said you wished you could come, and who have sent me such kind and thoughtful emails (and comments), and left reviews of the book. I am sincerely grateful for your generous words. Making a book can feel kind of lonely at times — as I said last night at the book signing, my books, more than just being about whatever their subject matter is, always feel to me more like the other-but-secret half of the blog, somehow. Signing books for people in real life truly feels magical to me because it makes everything come together, somehow. As scared as I am to speak in front of everyone, at the end of the night I'm always so grateful that I get to have that experience in my life. So thank you for that, 'cause that's just cool.

There are signed copies of the book from Powell's available, and a big thank you again to Powell's for having me. If it weren't for Powell's, Embroidery Companion would be a different book, since so much of the research I did and inspiration I got for it came from stacks of used and out-of-print embroidery books I bought over the last ten years straight from their shelves.

Eeenyhow, and now for something really exciting: The Avett Brothers just this morning announced (thanks Becky and Fiona for the head's up!) that they are playing a surprise benefit show on Monday night at the Crystal, so go get tickets real quick because they just went on sale and we'll see you (again) there!

Comments

[Delilah]

You deserve every good thing. You are such an inspiration to us all.

[mary]

I agree, you are inspirational!

[Angela]

I am so happy that the signing went so well and that you could see how you inspire us all so much. I live on the other coast so I couldn't attend. Congrats!

[Annette]

I second Delilah! Also, I wanted to be there last night so badly. My friend and I had planned to drive down from Seattle to check out some of the fabric shops and then head over to the signing but she bailed on me at the last minute. I'm glad you had a good time. Any chance we can persuade you to come up this way? ;)

[Shelley (Pink House)]

Wish I could have been there....if only I still lived in Portland. I'll have to settle for buying the book when it makes its way to Montana stores...or Amazon.

[ashley akers]

I can't wait to see the book in person. My Borders hasn't had it, but maybe they just sell out each time they get one in!

[Cat]

I just ordered a signed edition of your book and I'm excited to start a project! Thanks for sharing your craft and your gift of writing. You never disappoint! Sending best wishes from Tennessee:)

[Connie]

I might be nervous if I had the chance to meet you... just like you were nervous to meet that author months ago... //but then again maybe I wouldn't be nervous because how could I be nervous to talk to someone who is so nice?... So, the next time you have to speak in public or sign books, remember that the folks who come to see you might be nervous as well. That might put you more at ease.

[Rebecca]

Natie and I had such a good time and I have been thinking about the things you spoke about all day...the cupcakes were yummy too! My mind is spinning with the thoughts of what I will make and for whom from your wonderful books! It will be a Merry-handmade Christmas! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us. P.S. We both thought Andy was even cuter in person :)

[Carla (from Alabama)]

Alicia, I have both of your books and I love them both. I do not sew or embroider but I am interested in both crafts and skills. Your books are so plesant and have such beautiful pictures they are great for reviewing these crafts and daydreaming that I am making the projects already. I love your blog and the way you write and that is another reason that I purchased your books. I think it is really great that you did your own photos and used friends and family. I love the pictures of Andy and Arden (not sure I spelled her name right, forgive me if I didn't). Your newest book feels like looking through a photo album of a friend because I am familiar with your home and projects and family from visiting your blog. I was thinking about that one day and I thought that it is odd how we can feel so "friendly" with someone that we have never met. I am glad to have met you through your blog and share in your excitement about your books. I look forward to a new one soon. Congratulations!

[DeeDee]

Thanks for being your wonderful you. You're (and Andy) are even more adorable in person than I imagined. (Not that I spend my days day dreaming about you guys, but you know, right?) I've loved your blog since my daughter (the former Greek)introduced me to it and I loved your first book (made KatieBelle Rudie from it). I'm so looking forward to starting the Farmstand Bibs for my new grandbebe! Thanks for all your inspiration.

[DeeDee]

PS: LOVED the cupcakes, too! That frosting...swoon.

[Emily@theNest]

Well done, and I'm delighted you had such a lovely night! I haven't embroidered since I was a (much younger!!) girl, way back when we had nuns in long navy habits teaching us genteel needlework, but your book is just calling me to start something anew, as the evenings rush in and our stove is showing dancing flames and little ones and a fluffy dog are doing their best to help and knock over my tea!!! Thank you for the inspiration XX

[Live a Colorful Life]

I so wish I could have been at Powell's for the book signing. It would have been wonderful to meet you in person at such a cool place. Love Powell's. Love Portland. (Yikes--it is 111 degrees down here in Fresno today--what I wouldn't give for a cool and overcast day in Portland.) Anyway, your blog is fabulous and inspiring, and I'm looking forward to getting your book as well.

[rachael gregg]

I really wished i could have been there! I'm glad you had so much fun! cant wait to snag a signed copy!

[Jan Richards]

Congrats on the book signing. I too wish I had been there. My husband and daughters cannot understand my need to follow blogs when I do not really know the people.......they obviously do not read your blog!!!
What they are missing is that you do get to know a person by reading their blog. As I read your posts each time, I can see you there working on projects for a daughter to be....we waited for 6 years to have our first daughter and I so understand the waiting and planning and making things for a little someone someday. Your photography is wonderful and I love the new studio re-do...tis an inspiration to the rest of us. Just know that many of us enjoy reading about your days and your pets and dear Andy too.

[Jessica]

So bummed I missed your book signing but I'm glad to hear it went well! I'm planning on heading over to Powell's this weekend to pick up my copy.

[Irmhild]

This looks like the perfect birthday present for my friend!

[Amanda]

I wish I lived closer so I could have gone to the signing. I love the book and have been sharing it with everyone. It was exciting to get the signed copy in the mail from you, it felt better than Christmas! My husband laughed because I came home from the mail box dancing. I am so happy for you and all the great reviews of the book because you deserve nothing but the best!

[Teresa Sheeley]

So thrilled for you! :) I received my copy from you last week and have just devoured it since. It is so comforting. It brought me back to that warm summer day sitting at the kitchen table with my mom learning my first embroidery stitches and eating Chicken in a Biskit crackers during the mid 70's.

[Lisa]

Now that your second book is complete - don't you think it's time to start another?!
I am thinking a book with a HOLIDAY theme would be spectacular!
All those sweet projects for the many holidays we celebrate each year . . .

[Melissa T.]

You were, as always, lovely and charming and witty last night at Powell's. And I know I said this last night, but that dress was totally adorable! Congrats on the new book - it's almost as fabulous as you!

[Claire Ashworth]

sigh... if you ever make it to charlotte, nc, give me a heads up!

[Tess]

I can't believe I missed your Powell's appearance by one freakin' night. I was tempted to extend my stay in Portland, and that was before I knew there were cupcakes involved!

[Cori]

Alicia,

You did so great last night! You are a terrific speaker because it all comes from the heart. You are so inspiring, and I can't wait to start embroidering again. Thank you for coming out and getting our creative juices flowing. I read the book from cover to cover just before dawn, and really love it. Cori