Geared for Guys Book Blog Tour!

Geared for Guys Book Blog Tour!

I was pretty excited that Emily asked me to be on the blog tour for her first book, Geared for Guys.

 But it didn’t hit me how busy I would be this week with Quilt Market Prep!!  So I don’t have a lot of pictures, but I did get a great little interview with Emily for you. Warning, Emily does not have any qualms about changing the questions by answering with something completely different! I like her already just because of that!

So tell us a little bit about how you named your company. You don’t seem Old or Crazy.
I hope no one is getting tired of hear this story, it’s probably the most often asked question I get. The way the story goes is about  8 or 9 years ago when I was getting serious about quilting I decided in a day that I needed my own quilting/craft room. So I moved my boys into a room together and set up space in the empty room. When my husband came home from work that day he was a bit shocked at all I had done. He came and stood at the doorway and I didn’t even get up from my machine. I look at him, smiled and waved. He just shook his head and asked “Are you going to become one of those crazy old ladies that sits around and sew all the time?” I just laughed. Then about 4 years ago I decided to start marketing my quilting patterns and felt Crazy Old Ladies would be a perfect name. Although I’m sure in time it will apply to me, it’s really a stereotypical reference to quilters in general.

Is Geared for Guys your first book and who published it? did you publish this yourself?

Geared for Guys is my first book. I thought long and hard about the publication process and even talked to a couple of wonderful companies. In the end I decided to self-publish. The main reason was time. I’ve had the concept of Geared for Guys on my mind for a while and I was so anxious to get going on it. I was worried that if I was hung up in the editing process for several months someone else might beat me to it.

Your first two lines for Michael Miller are Going Coastal and Hall of Fame….both are really guy oriented.  What is your next line going to be? any chance it will be “girly”? and when is it coming out?

Well I’m releasing another collection at Quilt Market this week. It’s called Shore Thing and has all the beachy elements I didn’t fit into Going Coastal. I LOVE it!  I think it’s a bit more “girly” with everybody’s favorite pink birds (flamingos!)  but still has a masculine edge too. When I started designing fabric I never thought “Oh, I’ll design fabric for guys” it’s just kind of evolved into that. I’ve got a few ideas for my next collection(s) that will be a nice marriage of masculine and feminine prints, patterns, and colors.

one of my favorite prints from Emily's new line for Michael Miller, "Shore Thing"

How did you approach getting on with Michael Miller Fabrics? When did you think, “oh I should design fabric myself”?

I put my big girl pants on and just went for it. I started designing Going Coastal when I was in a week long isolation following radiation from thyroid cancer. Once I had a collection I showed it to a few quilter friends who encouraged me to “Go for it!” I put together a little portfolio and went to market. I walked into the Michael Miller booth asked if I could show someone my ideas and had a very nerve wracking meeting with Kathy Miller. Obviously it ended well and I’m still pinching myself.
What was your favorite color when you were little? I think everyone goes through color phases but my most consistent one has been green (all shades).

What is your favorite color now? Still green.  😮

And the big one, what is next year’s Color of the Year going to be? Oh gosh, um, I’m always way off on this. But I’m hoping for green.

Do you remember when you first realized that you had an artistic bent? Tell us about it. I may not have cognitively realized it but as a small child I was always caught drawing on the walls. I would draw or doodle on anything I could get my hands on. My Mom would come into my room and clear out stacks and stacks of paper. When I started college I announced to my parents that I wanted to be a History teacher. They told me that they saw me doing “something more creative”. Of course, at the time I took that as my parents not supporting me but obviously at 19 years old my parents knew me better than I knew myself. I think I was always meant to do something with my creative talent, it’s just taken me until now to realize it.

What has been the oddest place you found inspiration for a fabric or quilt design? Let’s see, I don’t know if I’d call it odd, but clothing has given me lots of inspiration. I recently made a quilt based on a pair of men’s board shorts I’d seen at the mall. I also made a quilt inspired by a shirt I saw online. More oddly though, if you were to look through the pictures on my phone you’d see lots of hotel lobby-ish carpet pictures. Hey, look down once in a while- you might see something cool. 😮
Will you write another book? How soon?

Oh yes!  I already have an outline for Geared for Guys 2. I have several patterns planned and can’t decide if I should just dive in and get to work or wait and give it time because my tastes might evolve. Right now in the mayhem of market prep I’m leaning towards taking a little rest.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When someone tells me I can’t do something. Yes, I’m that kind of person. I just want to go out and prove them wrong.

What is the worse movie you have ever seen?  Did you walk out?  If not, why did you stay?   Meet the Parents. Really!? There is no redemption for Ben Stiller’s character- ever. I can’t remember if I saw it in the theatre or not, but I did sit uncomfortably through the whole entire thing. And to think, I could’ve been quilting!

Strawberry-Banana, Kiwi-Lime, or Orange-Mango? Why isn’t Dr. Pepper on the list?

Ryan Gosling, Jason Bateman, or Will Smith? Ryan or Will? Ryan or Will? Ryan or Will?  I can’t decide. But it’s a really close tie between those two.

Mad Men or Downton Abbey? I haven’t seen either. I know, I can hear you all gasping. There are only 2 shows I watch regularly Smash and Glee. And no, I don’t sing.

Cats, Dogs, or Fish?  ELEPHANTS!!! I love elephants, always have. If anyone has a pigmy elephant out there that will stay baby sized- I want it.

So that’s a little bit about Emily, the author of this great book with quilts for guys.  You can hear a little more about my “thoughts” on the book on Friday the 18th when Generation Q gets their day to be on Emily’s Book Blog Tour.  And you can win a copy of Geared for Guys by leaving a comment here about something you enjoyed about Emily’s interview and/or about what kind of prizes you want me to look for at Market for you.   I won’t be drawing for a winner until I get back from Market, and I will be trying to approve comments from Market, but my internet time will be spotty,  so don’t panic if you don’t see your comment show up right away. It’s in there, waiting to be approved….keeps out the riffraff you know.

and for another chance to win the book…go to Konda’s place tomorrow…she’ll be having a giveaway there as well!!

Best of luck!

 

47 Comments

  • Carol F.

    Reply

    Looking forward to Shore Thing and those adorable Flamingos!

    May 15, 2012 at 4:16 am
  • Colleen

    Reply

    I love that the topic for her book for quilts for guys and that she self published! yeah! thanks!

    May 15, 2012 at 4:39 am
  • robin

    Reply

    Geared For Guys is just the PERFECT solution to my quandry about what kind of quilt I want to make for my dad! YAY! I enjoyed the interview with Emily…especially, the stooy of how she got her quilting room! I think many of us moms can relate that one!

    May 15, 2012 at 4:41 am
  • robin

    Reply

    It was fun reading about how she came up with the name “Crazy Old Ladies”. 🙂

    May 15, 2012 at 5:26 am
  • VickiT

    Reply

    Great interview. I really had to laugh about the day she decided to move her boys into the same room and create her studio then just waved at her husband when he came home from work.

    Have a great time at Market. As far as what prizes to keep an eye out for? Ummmmmm fabric? LOL I have so many fabrics on my wish list that chances are fairly high that you’d probably choose something that’s on the list. If I must mention one, I’d say Patty Young’s new line “Heaven and Helsinki”. That looks just awesome. Of course, other than fabric, new tools are always fun to see and win to play with those.

    May 15, 2012 at 5:47 am
  • Thanks for the chance of winning an awesome book. I loved hearing how she got the name for her business and how she went to the Michael Miller booth!

    May 15, 2012 at 6:05 am
  • Wow, I enjoy so much hearing about creative people who design and then self-publish! Congratulations to you!

    Hope I can win this book!

    May 15, 2012 at 6:12 am
  • Lisa Marie

    Reply

    Emily sounds like she has a lot of spunk. I’ll bet she’s fun to hang around with.

    May 15, 2012 at 6:28 am
  • I really loved her favorite animal :p Also bring back lots and lots of contemporary bright bold fabrics!!! :p

    May 15, 2012 at 6:33 am
  • suvi

    Reply

    ooh, that thing about just going and organising yourself a craft room, hee, hee!

    May 15, 2012 at 6:33 am
  • Becky Greene

    Reply

    Emily’s sense of humor shines throughout this interview and makes me want her book even more! Thanks for the chance to win!

    May 15, 2012 at 6:45 am
  • Laura

    Reply

    I really enjoyed learning how her first fabric line came about and how she published her own book.

    May 15, 2012 at 7:03 am
  • Barbara Orozco

    Reply

    It’s really interesting to read how to write and publish a book, that it basically isn’t a clearly structured and organised process, but CREATIVE! Thanks for the interview!

    May 15, 2012 at 9:35 am
  • Kris

    Reply

    Love that she talks about the flamingos in the Shore Thing line, thanks for the chance!

    May 15, 2012 at 10:28 am
  • MarciaW

    Reply

    Elephants on fabric too – but not as a pet. There are other things too but keeping this short. Great patterns = I want to win a copy of this book. THanks!

    May 15, 2012 at 10:44 am
  • Judy

    Reply

    I like the story behind the name. I bet her husband is no longer calling her a Crazy Old Lady!

    May 15, 2012 at 10:53 am
  • Fab interview, and I’d love to see some of Emily’s new line too 😀

    May 15, 2012 at 12:39 pm
  • Ida

    Reply

    I love that she loves elephants. Because loving elephants doesn’t put you under any obligation to share you home with one; provide food, water and exercise for one; exercise one; or pay the vet bills for one. And I really hope I win her book because I share my home, feed and exercise quite a few sons and one really manly husband. So I need this book.

    May 15, 2012 at 1:31 pm
  • Carla G

    Reply

    I like how she came upon the name for her company of Crazy Old Ladies. It’s funny how some comment will stick & become the perfect name for something. Glad she has her own sewing room… I lost mine as I had to split my boys up. Thanks for a chance to win this fabulous book! 🙂

    May 15, 2012 at 1:55 pm
  • Lee Ann

    Reply

    I would love to win a copy of Emily’s book. Her ELEPHANTS response was a wonderful ‘outside the box’ answer. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    May 15, 2012 at 2:29 pm
  • Lisa Wiesman

    Reply

    I agree with her on the movie. I did not like that movie either. I look forward to her book. I see several patterns I would love to make.

    May 15, 2012 at 4:56 pm
  • Interesting that she self published her book.Liked the interview, no pigmy elephant here, sorry – and the book has real great patterns! Thanks for a chance!

    May 15, 2012 at 5:03 pm
  • I love her biggest pet peeve; it’s mine too!

    May 15, 2012 at 5:26 pm
  • Shelley C

    Reply

    Great interview Scott! Lots of interesting answers too 🙂
    I smiled at her answer about oddest places for inspiration since clothing usually gets my gears rolling too. I’ve told my pastor that his ties/shirt/suits get my mind roaming all over the place and not on the scriptures! I REALLY have to discipline myself in church!

    May 15, 2012 at 5:32 pm
  • L Filliter

    Reply

    I love the image I now have of Emily in hotel lobbies, taking pictures of the carpet. I’m tempted to do this all the time-drapery too!

    May 15, 2012 at 6:20 pm
  • Diann Cornell

    Reply

    I enjoyed reading the interview. Never thought of carpets as inspiration before.

    May 15, 2012 at 6:37 pm
  • I’m excited to see her Going Coastal line! It was neat to see how this book came about. Thanks so much for the chance to win.

    May 15, 2012 at 7:01 pm
  • Rhonda H.

    Reply

    I love her patterns in Geared For Guys; I love her flamingo fabric coming out soon; and I found it fascinating to read how she designed her first collection and sort of “sold it” cold. Impressive! Thanks for chance to win!

    May 15, 2012 at 7:12 pm
  • thanks for the great giveaway! love the idea of a pygmy elephant around the house 🙂

    May 15, 2012 at 7:12 pm
  • I really enjoyed the interview. What I like most about Emily is she is brave. I like take action kind of people and she seems to have control of her life and career. I have a little boy at home who thinks I make girly quilts would love to win this book and prove him wrong. Thank you for the chance! Have fun at market and bring home a new cool tool!

    May 15, 2012 at 7:33 pm
  • Patty

    Reply

    Emily and I would get along great. My favorite color is green also. It would be fun to dig thru her pile of greens!!

    May 15, 2012 at 8:47 pm
  • Donna Joy

    Reply

    Great interview , and I like that she would like a pygmy
    Elephant. When you need a sewing room, ya just gotta to whatever it takes.
    Would love a book of guy quilts, as I have sons and brothers to quilt for. Thanks .

    May 15, 2012 at 9:01 pm
  • Ooooh! I love ‘Going Coastal’ & will be so looking forward to Shore Thing. 😀

    And why isn’t Dr. Pepper on that list?

    May 15, 2012 at 10:35 pm
  • Jennie P.

    Reply

    Well, I for sure loved that she said she already has an outline for Geared for Guys 2!! So glad to know there will be another book. Even though I don’t have this one yet, from what I can see is really awesome!

    May 16, 2012 at 12:43 am
  • Sharon Buford

    Reply

    I loved reading the interview it is interesting to see how quilting can evolve into so many other things. Can’t wait to see her lines in my LQS!

    I have to agree – ADD Dr. Pepper to the list 🙂

    May 16, 2012 at 5:42 am
  • Jennyroo

    Reply

    Ooooh, keep on the lookout for those mini charm packs of upcoming fabric lines! It is so amazing to be able to get an early sneak peek (and when you’re done enjoying them, feel free to give them away to your loyal readers!! LOL!).

    May 16, 2012 at 11:23 am
  • Sandy A in St. Louis

    Reply

    I love that she gets her inspiration from clothes! How neat is that?! And that flamingo print is wonderful!!

    As for your trip to market, have a wonderful time! I’m sure whatever you find will be great. I love hearing about all the new tools and rulers that are out there, so if you see anything really neat, be sure and share about it!

    May 16, 2012 at 7:28 pm
  • Erin Hutchinson

    Reply

    I laughed out loud when she said she used to get caught drawing on walls!

    May 17, 2012 at 6:07 pm
  • I like that Emily put her boys together in one room to make space for her sewing room.

    May 17, 2012 at 7:12 pm
  • Kira

    Reply

    This girl has guts! starting a fabric line while recovering from cancer?! Inspirational!

    May 18, 2012 at 6:32 am
  • usairdoll

    Reply

    I always love your interviews Scott. Of course I loved hearing how Emily came up with her company name, commendeared her boy’s room for her sewing room and how her parents knew that she should be doing something creative. I remember my Dad saying many times, “the older you get, the smarter I get” which was very true. My Dad was a very smart man.

    Thank you and Emily for an awesome giveaway and a chance to win a super book.

    May 18, 2012 at 10:07 pm
  • SO cool hearing how she got the name for her business!!! Wow! This is such a perfect opportunity! My only son has recently asked for a quilt for his new home and I’ve been racking my brain with color schemes and design ideas for him so this book ‘popping up’ is ideal! I would love the chance to win it – thank you!!!

    May 19, 2012 at 1:46 pm
  • Great book, great giveaway. I love that there are more guy patterns and fabrics coming out, partly cos I like making for guys, and partly cos I am not a girly girl so they often work for me too. I loved how Emily managed to degenerate the interview into saying whatever she wanted, love that attitude, make up your own rules!

    May 19, 2012 at 6:02 pm
  • Naomi A.

    Reply

    Loved her comments about Dr. Pepper and Elephants. She sounds like a really fun lady, always thinking outside the box. 🙂

    May 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm
  • Really love the Shore Thing line.. also love how she talks about drawing on the walls as a kid. 😉

    May 20, 2012 at 7:36 am
  • Carol

    Reply

    The book is definitely a ‘must-have’.

    May 20, 2012 at 2:22 pm
  • Lisa leBlanc

    Reply

    Im a Cajun girl and still love the going coastal line…I still can’t bring myself to cut into it! Lisa in Texas

    May 23, 2012 at 8:13 pm

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