Thursday, February 14, 2013

The book blanket - The last few squares






Somehow we've found ourselves in the middle of February and all those book deadlines that I've tried to put out of my mind for so long are upon us. 

Last Tuesday my publisher and designer came here for a visit. 

I'd been so nervous about their visit since we made the arrangement all those months ago. I was scared they'd expect me to be a photographer instead of the photo taker I am. I was nervous I wouldn't be able to shoot on demand and I guess I feel so inexperienced in this book making thing that I was terrified they'd see it for themselves and wonder. 

But after scrubbing the kitchen from top to bottom, vacuuming, a tantrum and a sleepless night, they arrived and we spent a really lovely day together. We talked nitty-gritty book stuff and made plans for my last month on the job. We set up and took photos, we made plans for more photos, we looked at things from different angles and we talked about shops and launches and promotions. And in between we spoke about Girls, and travel, and food and life and children and pets. 

For a week before they came I'd been wishing for it to be Tuesday night 6pm and for that day to be over already. But once it was over I realised that I'd actually had a really gorgeous day and that if they had thought me inexperienced, they hadn't shown it. And truth be told, I really hope they come back and visit me again sometime before this whole thing is done and dusted.

Isn't it funny how we work ourselves up into unnecessary frenzy sometimes. Well I do anyway.

So now I have a list of photos to take and bits of design to look at as they are sent through. 

We're nearing the end, I can feel it. I saw a first mock up of the front cover this morning with my name on it and everything. Oh my goodness!!

And the book blanket too is coming to an end I think. The last couple of squares to hook up, lots of ends to sew in and then a border to consider.

What a crazy, exciting, terrifying, humbling, nerve-wracking, awesome adventure. Sometimes I still can't quite believe it's really happening. A book!!


So what have you been up to?
Is it hot and dry where you are, or snowy and freezing?
Are you making anything crafty or foodie?
Are you reading a good book?

Big love you guys. 

xx

49 comments:

  1. Oh my I really can't wait to see this book, the hype is getting to me and I don't even know what it's about, but I'm nervous excited right along with you! And your blanket is looking great, almost complete is the new chapter of your life, can't wait to see the end result of completion! :)

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    Replies
    1. oh thank you so much Karla, that means so much!
      my book is about vintage caravans and family road trips and food and craft.
      i hope you like it. x

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  2. ..so so happy for you!!!!!
    happy valentine's day, xxxx Ale

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    Replies
    1. oh of course, happy, happy valentines day to you too. xx

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  3. Your photos are beautiful and so are you, of course they loved you! Getting exciting Kate! Any plans for a Sydney launch?!

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  4. How wonderful the book is going to be and how beautiful the blanket already is!! Much excitement on this side of the Tasman.

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  5. So hot. So dry. Just starting to do my head in. I'm actually glad about this strike day as it means my two over tired Little Misses have a day of head space in the middle of their busy-ness.
    Can't wait to see your book. Really really truly.

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  6. I can relate. Quietly talking myself out of stuff (and working things up to be more than they are) is one of my greatest gifts.

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  7. So looking forward to seeing your book Kate, if the photos on here are anything to go by, I'm sure the images will be just gorgeous!
    Loving that blanket too! I'm glad you had a great day with the booky people, such an exciting process you lucky, talented thing! Have a great week, Julie x

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  8. Woohoo. Seeing a mockup mush be beyond exciting!

    I seem to be wasting days here at the moment not getting much done. My excitement for today was getting my long hair chopped off into a short bob.

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  9. I get into flustered quite frequently. And then I end up enjoying myself! :-)
    How exciting to see a mock-up with your name on it! I'm going to have to get hold of this book when it's finished :-D

    S x

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  10. Oh my! I love it all pieced together and hanging there - it looks wonderful! So pleased for you that the book is coming along well! What an accomplishment! :)
    It's everchanging here, warm as anything on day then misty and rainy the next! :)

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  11. You're awesome, Kate! Great writer and lovely photographer. I'll be buying a copy for sure! xK

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  12. How completely exciting Kate, the book will be wonderful I just know it. Your blanket looks lovely and that old shed is treasure isn't it?

    Finally a little bit of rain at our place...so welcome! Hubby and I have been discussing picking our tiny apple crop and I was telling him about your advise over breakfast this morning x

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  13. It's warm, humid, showery, I'm knitting a scarf..blues and cream stripes..in preparation for wintery winds. I'm having a happy week and wish you one too. All the best with wrapping up the book!

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  14. I can't wait to read your book!!
    The photos here look fab - just keep doing what you're doing I say!!

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  15. I definitely understand that feeling of wishing I was on the other side of something. And I feel likei can't relax till its over. It is hot and dry here, I've got figs I've boiled in syrup out drying in the sun, and tonight we are off to dinner at the cafe in a neighbouring town. There is nowhere to have dinner in our town and in the other little town the cafe has just started opening for dinner once a week, so we are going to check it out. It's our valentines dinner but the kids are coming with us. I'm glad you enjoyed the day you were dreading. Mx

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  16. I am so excited for you! I hope your book will be available over here in the UK because I would really like to buy a copy just lately I have been sewing and knitting a pair of socks which were meant to be for my daughters Christmas present! The weather is wet and cold but hopefully some sunshine today! I recently got a copy of housekeeping to read but haven't managed to get stuck into that yet! Good luck with finishing up your book it is going to be great!

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  17. Can't wait to see this book! Inspiring!
    I'm knitting a Griffin vest by Tikki in Noro in this hot, humid Melbourne day! insane but hopelessly addicted.
    And attempting a chapter of Alain de Botton's The Consolations of Philosophy. Brilliant writing.

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  18. Like everyone else here I am super excited about your book Kate!

    Every time I see pics of your blanket it makes me want to crochet a blanket of my own but alas here in Perth Summer is having its final hurrah! Or at least I hope its final hurrah- 5 days of 38+ temps is too much for this pregnant mumma!
    I bought some fabric the other day as I am going to try & make a little patchwork blanket/quilt for this baby. I have never done it before & am worried it will be terrible but I think it will be a nice little project for when I finish up work in a month & wait for this boy to arrive. Fingers crossed I can do it :)

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  19. Loving the blanket Kate ~ it is beautiful. Looking forward to this book too ~ will it be on sale in the UK? :O)x

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  20. oh it's getting close...when does the book hit the stores?? Oh I'm so excited for you...what an amazing opportunity. gorgeous photos too - nothing to get yourself into a tizz about really xx

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  21. Kate, I'm not sure if I've said it - but yours would have to be the craft book I'm looking forward to most ever in my whole long legged life. Can't wait to see what you've cooked up.

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  22. i work myself up like that too! Easily done. I'm sure it will all be super fabulous and I can't wait. PS I just finished the first series of Girls. Would love to hear your thoughts x

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  23. So exciting. That sounds like a normal reaction.
    Enjoy the ride.
    Well done.
    I have followed you for a long time, you deserve it.
    Robyn

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  24. I know just what you mean about getting het up and then it all being OK - but then you were ready when they came and all the prep wasn't wasted and it will be easier next time. I'm looking forward to seeing the published book :^)

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  25. Sounds like a great day! I'd have a melt down, scrub the house, decide I should jump off a cliff, and have to have my husband talk me down off the imaginary cliff. I'm glad you enjoyed the day.

    It's nearly 40F here, snow on the ground but melting a bit, and sunny. I pruned a few of the apple trees this morning, writing this afternoon.

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  26. Congratulations on the upcoming book, will be sure to get a copy!
    To answer your questions, we've been starting our own little business (come visit our stall at Wesley Hill market tomorrow, and Daylesford Market on Saturday- Dr Chan's Feeling Good Tibi!), it has been very hot and humid surprisingly here in Yandoit, but right now we are being blessed by glorious rain filling up our dam right before our eyes! As for foodie adventures, I made a pretty kick arse spicy minestrone soup and since we stocked up on serious urd dahl and red lentils when we were in Melbourne, time for some Khidchiree with asofetida methinks! Come over and have some!
    Hugs and warm thoughts to all of you lovelies!

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  27. So close Miss Kate and so exciting. A real life actual book cover ..... Did you squeal a bit on the inside?

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  28. Oooh! Book book book!
    I'm so excited!

    I'll bet you just needed to relax and be your lovely self and they would love you like we do! xx

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  29. I am infautated with your crochet photography. Always makes me smile!

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Thanks so much for stopping by...

I do read every single comment you leave and appreciate it very much, but I should let you know that I can be a wee bit on the useless side when replying to comments, that's just me, everyday life sometimes gets in the way....so I'll apologise now, just in case.

Kate XX

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