Modern Mix Blog Tour

Modern Mix Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blue Nickel today!

I get the special treat today of sharing with you my friend, Jessica Levitt,  and her book Modern Mix.       I first met Jess online through her blog, and then we met in person at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh where she was pitching her first line of fabric, Timber.    Everything Jess does is detailed and very exact.  She was an engineer in her earlier years,  and it plays out in her creativity now as evidenced by clean, straightforward lines and no-nonsense approach to everything (how she stays my friend, I do not know, because I do not adhere to any of those virtues)….probably because we only see each other once a year….   😉

Looking through Modern Mix, I have to say it really is truly Modern! The designs are all very clean and streamlined, if  I didn’t design my own quilts there are quite a few in here that I would love to make.  These definitely shout that these are not the grandmotherly little cottage quilts (which I love too).  These are the NYC loft  type quilts that will be classics for a long time.

That being said, there are two projects that I find truly, truly tempt me….first the wall organizers pictured below.   The Lord knows that I need better organizing skills that’s for sure!!

And the second project that I might make if I have the time (okay….stop laughing now, alright?) would be the camera/phone case (no picture, you have to buy [or win, see below] the book) What I really love about the case is how Jess developed a little chart with the calculations to make this fit multiple little devices…you know the ones that run our world?   Who wants a standard black case when you can make your own in your favorite fabrics?

I did a little interview too with Jess,  so here is that as well.

I figure everyone else is going to be asking all the “relevant” questions….I like to go down a different path….

Besides quilting, you are the party queen as far as I can tell.  Tell the Blue Nickelites about some of your favorite party themes that you have come up with and share a few great photos if you can.

  •  I do indeed love to throw a good party.  I used to design and plan weddings but lately it’s all about my kids’ birthdays.  Probably my favorite is always the last one, which in this case was a Harry Potter Party!  I’m a huge fan of the books and so is my daughter, and last month she got to invite 20 of her friends to come experience Hogwarts complete with classes and Quiddich.  I haven’t blogged this one yet so this picture is a sneak preview.

  • I also loved her Unicorns and Rainbows last year and my son’s Construction Party.

  

How do you include you love for sewing into your party planning?

  • I love to use fabric to decorate because I love fabric so much.  I sew table cloths and runners, bunting, and even favor bags.  After you can re-use the fabric from the tablecloths.  For the Harry Potter party each child got their own robe to wear and take home!

Your most creative time of day? or night?

  • Late, late, LATE at night.  I rarely go to bed before the wee hours of the morning.

Who’s partying with you on your iPod this week?

  • I’m sad to say I don’t listen to much music lately…but maybe it would be any of the Glee albums.

You need a quick meal. Is it Kraft macaroni and cheese, Burger King, or Grilled buffalo burgers with rosemary hollandaise sauce and a side dish from Martha Stewart’s latest ? (you know, something simple and easy to prepare)

  •  Mac and Cheese is most likely.  I do cook sometimes and enjoy getting fancy, but most nights it’s broiled chicken or fish, some veggies, and pasta/rice.

Describe your perfect camping adventure with the kids so far…..okay Glamping…I know you are not a “Camping” person!!

  • This summer we were in the Thousand Lakes region of New York and it was amazing.  First, it’s didn’t rain much like it has the past few years.  The weather was beautiful and our campsite was very pretty and private.  I really loved the air there and there were just enough sites/attractions to see to keep us occupied.  I like a place where we can commune with a nature some, but also go do stuff.

On Heartthrobs: Brad, Johnny, Hugh

  • All of the above.  And you forgot Robert.  But I’ve always been a Brad Pitt fan back to his young and single days… Who can forget Thelma and Louise?

On cookies: Chocolate Chip, Snicker-doodle,  Macroon

  • Chocolate Chip all the way.

Two truths and a lie.

  • 1. My first quilt was teal blue and dusty rose….very 80s.
  • 2. In college I made costumes for my friends and I to be characters from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
  • 3. I’ve never worked in a fabric store.

See she is pretty incredible, isn’t she? and so is the book… You could buy it…like I did, or you can leave a comment here (Comment on anything you want, no rules on this one)..and on the 22nd after the tour,  I will randomly draw a name from the comments and Stash Books will send you your own copy.  You can in fact sign up at all these blogs to win!!

Here is the schedule for the rest of the tour….Tomorrow check out the Uber-riffic Alissa Haight Carlton.  She’s got game I tell ya!

10/6/2011-Sew Mama Sew  Beth Wilson

10/7/2011-Jaybird Quilts  Julie Herman

10/8/2011-Blue Nickel Studios  Scott Hansen

10/9/2011-Handmade by Alissa Alissa Haight Carlton

10/10/2011-Stop Staring and…Start Sewing   Jona Giammalva

10/11/2011-Quilting is my Therapy   Angela Walters

10/12/2011-Stitch Magazine Blog   Tricia

10/13/2011-Oh Fransson   Elizabeth Hartman

10/14/2011-Gen Q Magazine  Jake Finch

10/15/2011-Quilt Dad   John Adams

10/16/2011-Confessions of a Craft Addict  Mary Abreu

10/17/2011-Amy’s Creative Side  Amy Ellis

10/18/2011-Pink Chalk Studio   Kathy Mack

10/19/2011-Connecting Threads Blog  Melissa Burt

10/20/2011- Keepsake Quilting blog   Betsy Markert

10/21/2011 – Juicy Bits – Jessica Levitt herself

118 Comments

  • I like the sound of the camera bags – with christmas on the way they would make fantastic gifts for friends.

    October 8, 2011 at 2:39 am
  • Henria O.

    Reply

    Looks like an awesome book! I would love to win it!

    October 8, 2011 at 3:58 am
  • Cool Book! I can see many possibilities for the wall organizers.

    October 8, 2011 at 4:25 am
  • Love your blog! I think it’s one that i need to start following!
    Thanks for the chance of the giveaway!

    October 8, 2011 at 5:50 am
  • Nancy in IN

    Reply

    I love to camp and we did a lot with our boys. Now we get to take our grands. Grands love to explore!
    Thanks

    October 8, 2011 at 6:22 am
  • Melody

    Reply

    I’ve seen a couple of projects from this book and it looks wonderful. I may just have to buy it for some Christmas presents.

    October 8, 2011 at 6:33 am
  • This book looks really fantastic. Excited to see all the little glimpses of it.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:00 am
  • Keri P

    Reply

    LOVE the bed quilt. I have been searching for the perfect pattern for my room and THAT IS IT! Ooooh. please pick me!!!

    October 8, 2011 at 7:25 am
  • Sandy A in St. Louis

    Reply

    Thanks for the great interview! Love the green quilt folded up on the back of the chair. So pretty!

    October 8, 2011 at 7:25 am
  • This sounds like a very cool book! Since an iPad is in my future, I’m intrigued by that project, and I do like the folders you showed. I also love the straight line quilting – while I’m working to improve my free motion, her quilting really is quite elegant.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:25 am
  • I am loving the projects I have seen in the book and would love to get my hands on the book to see the rest. Thank you for the chance to win one. Take care and God bless, Cory

    October 8, 2011 at 7:32 am
  • Ah…I do love that quilt on the cover!

    BTW…I’m sure having fun with the Bloggers’ Quilt-UberFest…this is the first time I have ever done one of these…awesome!:)

    October 8, 2011 at 7:43 am
  • Wow, I love the party planning! I am always amazed when people pull together that kind of thing. I always feel like I’m doing a good job when I make the cake myself and have a party at my house. Hahahaha This looks like a great book and I really need to make the wall organizers.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:43 am
  • I always like the two truths and a lie interview questions. I think #3 is the lie, she never worked in a fabric store.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:57 am
  • Looking forward to more pictures of the Harry Potter party. That’s a sweet idea! Very much in love with the books myself. 😀

    October 8, 2011 at 8:02 am
  • Kris

    Reply

    Been seeing this book online, looks like a good one…thanks for the chance.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:07 am
  • Mary Ann

    Reply

    Great interview! I think the lie is #2! And thank you for the chance to win this book, photos are wonderful.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:07 am
  • MoeWest

    Reply

    I love the picture of the orange and white quilt. My sister who ‘doesn’t like quilts’ would love these modern ones I’m sure. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:11 am
  • This sounds like such a great book from your description Scott! I would love to own it! I think the lie is number three.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:22 am
  • robin

    Reply

    I really like the brown & green quilt shown. 🙂

    October 8, 2011 at 9:29 am
  • The items in the book look amazing….Can’t wait to see more. Thanks for the giveaway!!

    October 8, 2011 at 9:33 am
  • I would love to win! Such great ideas!

    October 8, 2011 at 9:39 am
  • DianeY

    Reply

    After hearing about her Harry Potter party, I have no doubt that she made all her friends Willie Wonka costumes for Halloween!

    October 8, 2011 at 9:50 am
  • Deb

    Reply

    I would love to have this book! I love the cover quilt!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:07 am
  • Valerie

    Reply

    This book looks like so much fun!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:10 am
  • Caroline Clouse

    Reply

    I would LOVE to win this book! I have seen a couple of quilts in the pictures posted that I would love to make! Thank you for the giveaway!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:33 am
  • Roberta

    Reply

    You did forget Robert but you could leave Brad off the list. Book looks awesome too! Thanks!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:46 am
  • Debi

    Reply

    Great questions! Thanks for us a different glimpse at the author! Can’t wait to get my own copy!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:49 am
  • Anne

    Reply

    This is one of those books I’d really like to win. Sounds full of great ideas.

    October 8, 2011 at 10:52 am
  • Shelley

    Reply

    Love that bedquilt – may have to add to my to do list in red and black! Please let me win the book so I can start the quilt right away!

    October 8, 2011 at 10:59 am
  • I love that gorgeous first quilt-the book sounds awesome!! Thanks-

    October 8, 2011 at 11:01 am
  • LoLoJo

    Reply

    The book looks absolutely fabulous! Would love to have a copy myself.

    October 8, 2011 at 11:42 am
  • MarciaW

    Reply

    Thanks for the stop on the blog book tour – and like your blog because you are out-of-the-box in your thinking and design great quilts. Yesterday couldn’t download uberfest block so will be off to try. Would also like to have a copy of this book to use so thanks to you both for the giveaway.

    October 8, 2011 at 12:09 pm
  • Oh what fun! Please count me in :o)

    October 8, 2011 at 12:11 pm
  • Rosanne Derrett

    Reply

    I’m definitely going to have to buy this book. I love Jessica’s fabric. I liked Timber, but I fell in love with Kingdom. Time to go and buy some of that too!

    October 8, 2011 at 12:15 pm
  • I love these reviews – so much more information is learned about the book. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to win it Judy C

    October 8, 2011 at 12:27 pm
  • Hannah

    Reply

    Love the quilt pictured. Just started sewing so not sure if this quilt would be too advanced for me. May need to start with a smaller quilt.

    October 8, 2011 at 1:18 pm
  • Cheryl

    Reply

    I love the circle quilt on the cover, the colors are great together. Thanks for the chance to win the book!

    October 8, 2011 at 1:45 pm
  • I came over from quilt dad for your quilt uberfest and stumbled upon your book review and the interview which I enjoyed very much! Thanks for that and the giveaway ;o) Happy quilting!

    October 8, 2011 at 1:50 pm
  • VickiT

    Reply

    Great interview……but which one of the three was the lie? I bet it’s the last one that she’s never worked in a fabric store. I hope you’re going to tell us when the winner is drawn. lol

    Thanks. I really have seen some awesome quilts from this book during the tour already. They are just wonderful. I hope one day to be able to make some that look half as great.

    October 8, 2011 at 2:35 pm
  • Lydia

    Reply

    Got to get my hands on this book, it looks absolutely wonderful.

    October 8, 2011 at 2:36 pm
  • Great Interview – Way to go Jessica!

    October 8, 2011 at 3:25 pm
  • I’d love to spend hours looking through this book 🙂

    October 8, 2011 at 3:37 pm
  • Dawn

    Reply

    I think I need the wall files too. Thanks for the giveaway.

    October 8, 2011 at 3:58 pm
  • sharon

    Reply

    I like the cover quilt and I have the fabric from which I would construct it.
    Thank you for the chance to win

    October 8, 2011 at 4:13 pm
  • thank you for the good review and telling about its author, jessica levitt. i am following the reviews and enjoying the blogs about the book. it would be nice to win this book! thanx for the opportunity to do so!

    October 8, 2011 at 4:16 pm
  • This book looks absolutely awesome! Thanks so much for the review.

    October 8, 2011 at 4:20 pm
  • Allison C

    Reply

    This book is on my wish list so I would be stoked to win it! I love modern quilts and I think I would really enjoy this book!

    October 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm
  • Love the photo of that quilt thrown over the sofa. I’d love to be entered for the book.

    October 8, 2011 at 4:44 pm
  • Kate F.

    Reply

    Will we ever get to know which is the lie? I’d guess #3. Also, that bead quilt is making me swoon!

    October 8, 2011 at 5:22 pm
  • I love the rainbow party theme. Thanks for the chance 🙂

    October 8, 2011 at 5:27 pm
  • kim mcintosh

    Reply

    I am new to quilting (and your blog) but am in love with both already. I will be trying my hand at something very soon and would love to make a quilt for my daughter.

    October 8, 2011 at 5:30 pm
  • Shelley C

    Reply

    The cover picture is so important, it needs to draw a reader in and that quilt does just that!!!! I LOVE IT! I need more glimpses into that book.

    October 8, 2011 at 5:48 pm
  • Loretta T

    Reply

    The wall pockets would be handy.

    October 8, 2011 at 6:07 pm
  • Patty

    Reply

    Interesting questions…and the book sounds like one I’d use alot.

    October 8, 2011 at 6:24 pm
  • Beth T.

    Reply

    I love Jessica’s quilts, and from reading the interview I get the impression she’d be a lot of fun to hang out with. (Pardon my dangling preposition.)

    October 8, 2011 at 7:28 pm
  • Kathy Davis

    Reply

    I love to sew and my favorite is making quilts. My dream is to one day have grandkids to sew for.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:35 pm
  • Dacia Reid

    Reply

    Win or lose I am going to have to have that book! I love the quilt on the cover.

    October 8, 2011 at 7:55 pm
  • Tamie

    Reply

    I’d love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the interview.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:08 pm
  • Oh, I just love those wall organizers – I really need them, too.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:08 pm
  • So many wonderful projects to choose from! Thanks so much for introducing us to Jessica and her fabulous book.

    October 8, 2011 at 8:21 pm
  • Jodi Guerrero

    Reply

    Wow !! What alot of eye candy. The mostly white quilt had gorgeous quilting on it. My phone case is holding on by a thread, I’d love a new one.

    Super interview Scott. You always ask great questions. Looking forward to the rest of the tour. Thank you for the giveaway and a chance to win.

    October 8, 2011 at 9:13 pm
  • Deanna

    Reply

    thanks for the post and the blog hop.

    October 8, 2011 at 9:43 pm
  • Kathe

    Reply

    Looks like a real ‘must have’ book for the reference library – thanks for all the info and the giveaway.

    October 9, 2011 at 4:29 am
  • Looks like a great book. Would love to win one.

    October 9, 2011 at 4:45 am
  • Jodi R

    Reply

    Will you tell us which ones are truth and which is a lie? I would love to think that it is that she has never worked in a fabric shop…

    October 9, 2011 at 4:59 am
  • I would love to give this book a whirl:)

    October 9, 2011 at 6:33 am
  • We did a Hogwarts Party and the pumpkin juice was a big hit. Love the idea of re-using the tablecloth fabric. Thanks. Please enter me in the contest

    October 9, 2011 at 10:04 am
  • I agree, Brad Pitt all the way 🙂
    Looks like a fabulous book – its already on my Christmas List!! yay!
    Thanks so much!

    October 9, 2011 at 10:14 am
  • MaryBeth

    Reply

    What a cool book. Thanks for sharing.

    October 9, 2011 at 10:43 am
  • Thanks for a chance – looks like a fabulous book.

    October 9, 2011 at 11:05 am
  • Lisa Marie

    Reply

    A very entertaining interview! I love blog tours for books because I can really get a feel for the book to see if it’s something that interests me. This one looks great!

    October 9, 2011 at 11:34 am
  • Carol Y

    Reply

    I love the wall pocket organizers – so much nicer and personable than the ones in the office supply stores. Thanks for the chance to win!

    October 9, 2011 at 12:37 pm
  • Claudia

    Reply

    The wall pocket organizers will make nice Christmas gifts. I can personalize them by jobs and hobbies with appropriate fabric.

    October 9, 2011 at 2:01 pm
  • Carole B

    Reply

    My creativity isn’t quite on the scale of Jessica’s :0), but I’m also most creative in the middle of the night/early morning –perplexes my German husband infinitely. Thanks for the interview and a chance to win!

    October 9, 2011 at 6:54 pm
  • anne

    Reply

    What a simply fantastic book. I would love to win. Thank you and have a great day!

    October 9, 2011 at 9:05 pm
  • Cherie

    Reply

    Looks like an amazing book! I love the picture for the Rainbow & Unicorn party — so creative!

    October 9, 2011 at 9:13 pm
  • Mom C

    Reply

    So, which is the lie? I go in cycles, some weeks I’m early to bed, early to rise, others it’s late into the night and then I struggle to get moving in the AM. I have a walking companion, 6:00 AM unless it’s too icy, then we go indoors unless it’s too icy to even drive. We both have an hugemougus fear of falling! It takes forever to recover once you pass 50.
    I love the pictures and the ideas sound great.

    October 9, 2011 at 9:49 pm
  • Joyce Mitchell

    Reply

    Would love to win a copy of the new book. Thanks for the giveaway.

    October 10, 2011 at 3:35 am
  • Becky

    Reply

    I share your need for organization! Great interview and I love that you participate in the blog tours – of course, I would love to win the book, too!

    October 10, 2011 at 6:47 am
  • Connie

    Reply

    Looks like a book I’d like to have in my sewing room. Thanks for the chance to have it.

    October 10, 2011 at 8:00 am
  • That wall organizer does look like a must-do project. Who couldn’t stand to be more organized. Well, okay, maybe Martha Stewart, but I’m not her lol.

    October 10, 2011 at 8:37 am
  • Jeannie

    Reply

    I LOVE the quilting that is showing in the photographs. I think I could do this and save $$$ instead of quilting with my credit card!

    October 10, 2011 at 8:37 am
  • Donna Joy

    Reply

    What a wonderful book to add to a quilters library.
    Thanks for sharing. I am having so much fun checking out everyones blogs and the quilt block they made. I will have fun sewing.

    October 10, 2011 at 8:44 am
  • Kate

    Reply

    Gorgeous book! Thanks for the fun interview 🙂

    October 10, 2011 at 9:29 am
  • Nancy D.

    Reply

    Looks like a great book. Thanks for a chance to win.

    October 10, 2011 at 10:15 am
  • Sally

    Reply

    This looks like a great book.

    October 10, 2011 at 1:25 pm
  • Carla G

    Reply

    What a great looking book! Those wall organizers look like something I need too! And the green & brown quilt looks like a pattern I’d love to try! Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂

    October 10, 2011 at 2:40 pm
  • This seems to be such an interesting book and I just happened to stumble upon this book tour! I too want to make those wall folders and I love the idea of a chart to make the pouches in the size to accommodate many devices. That is a big downfall I find with so many patterns I want to make, since a mathematical fabric wizard I am not!! Thanks!

    October 10, 2011 at 6:08 pm
  • Margaret

    Reply

    Love the looks of this book. Regarding two truths and a lie, my guess is that #1 is the lie.

    October 10, 2011 at 6:52 pm
  • June

    Reply

    I love doing theme parties too. Great ideas you had and would love to see more of the pictures.
    Thanks for the opportunity.

    October 10, 2011 at 8:05 pm
  • Love the look of this book. I’m guessing #3 is the lie

    October 11, 2011 at 12:48 am
  • Pat H

    Reply

    Love the great party ideas! This book is a must have!

    October 11, 2011 at 2:15 pm
  • liking those wall organizers! excellent idea and execution!!
    now how can we get some music happening for you ?….

    October 11, 2011 at 8:09 pm
  • Deb

    Reply

    Awesome book! I’d love to win…thanks for the chance!

    October 12, 2011 at 8:03 am
  • byrney

    Reply

    Love those wall organisers….think I need them! fingers crossed and thanks…

    October 12, 2011 at 12:01 pm
  • roccagal

    Reply

    I love the whole look of this book! I would love to own it!!! Thanks for the chance!

    October 12, 2011 at 7:55 pm
  • gorgeous – would love to have fun with this one!

    October 13, 2011 at 1:57 pm
  • I would love to win this book. I need help in clean lines! Well, clean anything, but that’s a bigger deal than just quilts.

    October 14, 2011 at 8:36 pm
  • Allison

    Reply

    The book looks awesome! Its definitely going on my buy list…if I don’t win it!

    October 15, 2011 at 9:37 am
  • The book looks awesome! I love those hanging folders!

    October 15, 2011 at 11:46 am
  • PJ

    Reply

    would love to win this!

    October 15, 2011 at 1:59 pm
  • Xandi

    Reply

    I love those gorgeous large scale blocks.

    October 16, 2011 at 4:40 am
  • DeAnn Oliekan

    Reply

    What a fun book!

    October 16, 2011 at 6:36 am
  • Laura K

    Reply

    Great interview questions and answers! I would love to win the book; all of the projects you featured look appealing.

    October 16, 2011 at 9:35 am
  • This book appears to be very fun. I too love the wall folders. So, just pick me and I will make them. 🙂

    October 17, 2011 at 6:38 am
  • I’d love to win a copy as the pictures or the projects are so good. Great interview!

    October 18, 2011 at 3:32 am
  • Donna Joy

    Reply

    Great blog tour, wonderful book, would love to win it and start sewing. Thanks.

    October 18, 2011 at 7:41 pm
  • karen

    Reply

    The book looks gorgeous. I would love to win it!

    October 19, 2011 at 5:56 am
  • Penny

    Reply

    I have enjoyed this tour. I like the wall organizers as well. Thank you for a chance to win.

    October 19, 2011 at 6:47 am
  • Faye Nettles

    Reply

    Great book. The projects look awesome. I have some Moda Buttercup an Coral that would look great is some of these designs.

    October 19, 2011 at 7:05 am
  • Marcia

    Reply

    Fun interview questions…and answers! Now I am anxiously waiting to find out which one is the lie? (Is it the one about not working in a fabric store???!)
    Your Kingdom fabric is fit for a QUEEN! (Sorry ’bout the pun on words!) And your book looks AWESOME! Will continue to follow this tour and keep my fingers crossed! 🙂

    October 19, 2011 at 12:05 pm
  • I’m lovin’ all the descriptions and pictures of the goodies in this book! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

    October 19, 2011 at 7:27 pm
  • Karen Linton

    Reply

    The lie is #3, fo’ sho.

    October 20, 2011 at 6:11 pm
  • Nancy Sue

    Reply

    What a great book ! It’s been really great reading all the questions and answers and seeing the teasing pics. (Note to self to not drool on keyboard)!

    October 20, 2011 at 9:48 pm
  • I’d love to get my paws on this book!

    October 21, 2011 at 10:22 am
  • Carmen

    Reply

    I love your questions – very funny! Thanks for the chance to win!

    October 21, 2011 at 10:51 am
  • Prairie Whimsey

    Reply

    Every blog keeps getting me more and more excited to delve into producing something so zen as clean straight lines and pure colors! I think I’ll request that our library purchase a copy!

    October 21, 2011 at 10:08 pm

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