It's here! My book, Anna's Quilt, arrived by post today. I'm pretty darned excited. There are five projects -- 2 quilts, 1 table runner, a wool felt table topper and a wool felt wall hanging. All use the essential rose pattern found in my aunt Anna's original quilt that she made in 1936 from a pattern published in 1932. Did it take her that long to finish the quilt? You'll have to get the book to find out. The patterns are designed for all levels of quilters. The applique is raw-edge, machine stitched, so you CAN do it even if you've never appliqued before. Purchase the book at www.pickledish.com now, or ask your favorite quilt shop to order it.

Happy New Year! Have you made your resolutions yet? Mine is the same as last year -- be better about keeping up my blog. I have lots to share; I just don't seem to find the time to sit and right. So my second resolution is to make time for more of the things I love to do.

This is going to be a busy year for me. My work as an editor keeps me busy enough, but this year my own book, Anna's Quilt, will be published in April or May. It is based on a quilt that my aunt made in 1936. Watch this space for more info as the date approaches.

I recently made a trip to Watkins Mill State Historic Site near Kearney, Missouri. Watkins Mill is the last fully equipped 19th Century woolen mill in the United States. Not all of the equipment is operational, but it is all original and a wonderful site to see. The grounds also include the owner's home, farm animals, an apiary, gardens and other out buildings. I was there to shoot photographs for a quilt book that I am editing. The name of the book is Away From Home. It tells the story of the mills in Lowell, MA, and the women who worked in the mills. Watch for it on Pickledish.com in the near future.

Another book you'll enjoy is A Bountiful Life: An Adaptation of the Bird of Paradise Quilt Top in the American Fold Art Museum. The quilt is an appliqued bride's quilt beautifully redrafted by Karen Mowery, and is available now at Pickledish.com. Karen is a folk artist who lives in Georgia and fell in love with the quilt top the first time she saw it. Check out Karen's web site at folkchildren.com and her blog at sewprimative.blogspot.com.

So many books, so many quilts, so little time. Let's all make more time for quilts and quilting this year.