All I can tell you is, when this finally arrived yesterday, I was excited and anxious at the same time. I nervously handed it over to my "trusty assistant" to proof read, so she could break any 'bad news' to me gently. (I'd mentioned the problem I'd been having with it here. ) She eagerly sat down and started going through it page by page. I stood there a few seconds trying to read her expression, listened to the wall clock tick too loudly, and tried to catch my breath. I dashed to the kitchen for
emergency chocolate, to calm my nerves, and found (to my surprise) that these wonderful daughters of mine had baked a gigantic tray of triple chocolate brownies while I was busy working at the other end of the house. Oh my--they were good! What perfect timing. Yum. I was in the middle of my second mouthful, when Grace came running down the hallway waving the book in the air with a huge smile on her face, and shouting "third time's the charm!" We jumped up and down like we were on pogo stix and hugged ourselves and got brownie crumbs all over. It was a sweet moment. And a huge, huge relief. I did it! I feel a sense of accomplishment having done a self-imposed crash course on desk-top publishing. At times, pregnancy and birth (having lasted just as long), seemed easy compared to some of this. I honestly couldn't tell you which was more painful. Though worth all the effort in the long run. I've got a few more tricks up my sleeve that I'm already working on now. 
Ok, so about the book...in case you don't know, Blanket Statement is 100 pages of mostly felt crafts made from a thrifted wool blanket. I'd been sharing these creations on my blog for a couple of years and as I was nearing the end of the project, with nothing but scraps left of the blanket, I decided to put everything into a book. For fun mostly, and for prosperity sake, as blogs will come and go. It's only inevitible. There are pictures and patterns and projects that hopefully will inspire you and will live on, having made the leap from cyberspace to CreateSpace. I hope you like it.So, without further ado, Blanket Statement is currently available for purchase from my e-shop. I'm told that, eventually the cover picture will be added--this is out of my hands. The fabulous news is, the book gets printed on demand. Which is so brilliant, because there's no inventory gathering dust or any pressure to sell it. Delivery only takes about a week. For those already asking for autographed copies, they 'll be available in a few weeks, shipped from *yours truly*. I'm making a list so I know how many to order. If you want one personalized for you or someone else, just email me or leave a comment so I can contact you, and I'll send you a Paypal invoice or something when I get them in.
Congratulations! This is so going on my bookshelf. I will be placing an order this Friday (Payday)! Woohoo!
Posted by: Tracey | November 07, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Woohoo! Congratulations! It looks beautiful!
Posted by: Tamie | November 07, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Congratulations! Just in time for the holidays so Santa can bring one to my house. Looks beautiful, can't wait to see all of it.
Posted by: Cathy | November 07, 2008 at 06:31 PM
So very cool Vicki! I have to go get one now. Congratulations!!!
Posted by: jen duncan | November 07, 2008 at 06:42 PM
What a wonderful accomplishment!
Posted by: jennifer w. | November 07, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I would love to get a copy for myself.
Congratulations! Vicki~
Posted by: Chase | November 07, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Wow! It looks fantastic! Congratulations. I shall be asking Santa to get a copy for me.
Posted by: judy | November 07, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Congratulations to you. I have long admired all of the things that you do, your generous spirit, your love of creating, family and just down right goodness on your part.
Hooray!! You deserve recognition for all of the above. Best to you and your wonderful family.
Posted by: ellen kelley | November 07, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Congratulations :o)
the brownie crumb moment sounded like magic.
xox,
Linnea
Posted by: Linnea | November 07, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Save an autographed copy for me! Congratulations Vicki, what a wonderful accomplishment! I can't wait to see it!
Posted by: jenny b harris | November 07, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Congratulations! It looks so good!
Posted by: Steph | November 07, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Congratulations! what a big accomplishment!! wow.
Posted by: erna | November 07, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Congrats! The book looks so lovely!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | November 08, 2008 at 02:42 AM
Congratulations!
And chocolate is always a good relief !
Posted by: paula | November 08, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Congratulations! I just bought mine.
Posted by: Judy | November 08, 2008 at 06:19 AM
When I got to the link I went and bought one- as is my impulsive nature! I should have read down to the autographed part- it's ok! I am thrilled to have mine with or without - just the fact that you did it all yourself makes ME SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes it seem like anything is possible and I may have to get serious about publishing some of my own things- thank you for giving me hope! But, aside from that, I think that as long as you don't delete this Blog- it will always be here- right? Don't scare me with "as blogs will come and go", please! I know I sound like a whiny baby but I don't think there is another Blog like yours- at least not that I know of and my heart would have a tiny empty spot where your Blog would be if you were to stop...too sad to even consider- especially with this book being born! Congratulations my dear Blogging Friend! Oh- I stopped by to tell you about Lost announced it's 5th season will begin on Jan 21st with a 3 hour show! Yahoo! and Yahoooooooooo! Tell those girls to keep the sweet stuff baking because we're all gonna need some to celebrate!!!!
xxxooo
so very proud of you!'
calamity kim
Posted by: calamity kim | November 08, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Congratulations! What an accomplishment.
Posted by: sassypriscilla | November 08, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Applause and cheers!
I am so impressed and amazed and delighted... emotional! I think it is so cool that you have accomplished this... a real life book! Congratulations.
Posted by: Natalie | November 08, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Congratulations! It looks so fun!
Posted by: Leah | November 08, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Congratulations on your latest creative endeavor!
Posted by: diane | November 08, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Oh my gosh! I am so excited for you! Please add me to the ~autographed~ list! Your blog has a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to receive your book!!!! Congratulations! ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | November 08, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I am adding my congratulations. What an accomplishment! Put me in line for an autographed copy. I have some money left over from my birthday and have been waiting for this moment.
Posted by: Pattie in SF | November 08, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Yours was one of the first blogs I read and I was, and still am, so inspired by you! I really loved your first banner and every time I clicked on your site I knew there was going to be something wonderful to see. You and your daughters are so talented and how lucky you are that you can share all of this with them! I can't wait to get the book! I'm sure we'll all buy anything else you want to publish, too.
Karen
Posted by: Karen | November 08, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Congratulations Vicki! I'm so very happy for you. And impressed! But I've always been impressed by your talent.
Posted by: zenmomma | November 08, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Congratulations!! What an achievement!! Most of us can only dream about publishing our own craft book, well done!!
Posted by: Jo | November 08, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Wow! How inspiring...as always! Congratulations on a job well done!
Posted by: Dana | November 08, 2008 at 05:54 PM
lovely! your book looks fabulous. congrats!
Posted by: rebecca | November 09, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Just ordered my copy!
Posted by: Susan (NotQuiteJuneCleaver) | November 09, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Congratulations. You are an inspiration to all of us!
Posted by: Laura Bray | November 09, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Oh I'm so happy to hear this news! I definitely want my copy autographed, so add me to your list please.
Posted by: Lena | November 10, 2008 at 01:03 AM
Congratulations! I'll take an autographed one also. As I read it, I will be dreaming I am sitting there having a sweet from the girls and getting instructions from you.
Posted by: Sandy | November 10, 2008 at 04:42 AM
What an accomplishment! Congratulations! Your work is lovely. I wish you much success.
Posted by: Cicada Studio | November 10, 2008 at 04:50 AM
Congratulations. I am sure the book is as interesting as your lovely projects.
Posted by: Mo'a | November 10, 2008 at 06:12 AM
How exciting! Love your new book! What an accomplishment! I am putting a link to your blog! LOVE your blog! Hope that's OK! THANKS!
http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | November 10, 2008 at 06:24 AM
Congratulations, Vicki! I have been waiting for this--put me down for an autographed copy, please! :) The thought of not being able to visit your blog makes me very sad--eeek--don't ever leave us! I learn so much and am so inspired when I stop by. Your daughters/brownie moment brought a tear to my eye--complete sweetness. Have a lovely day! :)
Posted by: Sharon M. | November 10, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Congratulations! The book looks lovely. Here's hoping Santa gets my wish list ...
Posted by: Mia | November 10, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Congratulations. You did a terrific job. I just ordered a copy. Thank you.
Posted by: Josette | November 10, 2008 at 08:23 AM
congratulations! I can't wait to see one!
Posted by: joyce | November 10, 2008 at 08:31 AM
Vicki, when your book will ready in Amazon ?
Elisabeth from France
Posted by: ElisabethB | November 10, 2008 at 08:53 AM
the book looks amazing, it is on my christmas list : )
Posted by: lucykate crafts... | November 10, 2008 at 09:03 AM
Oh Vicki, how happy I am for you! All of your hard work has finally paid off. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart. I would love to purchase one of your autographed books. Please put me on your list.
Posted by: Velma | November 10, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Amazing! Must have this one...it looks wonderful and congratulations! :o)
Posted by: Martha | November 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Not sure if I can get an autograph one through the Create Space site, but I ordered one. If so, that would
be dear. I'm so excited for you and the beauty you create!
Bonnie
Posted by: Bonnie Buckingham | November 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Not sure if I can get an autograph one through the Create Space site, but I ordered one. If so, that would
be dear. I'm so excited for you and the beauty you create!
Bonnie
Posted by: Bonnie Buckingham | November 10, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Congrats on the final "do"! I'm excited for you. I've been inspired by this project for quite a while (the start, maybe?) and have a matalasse spread I've been using for projects...think of you every time I cut it! Please put me on your list for the autographed copy! And, the girls too!!!!!
Heidi Woodruff
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | November 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM
This looks wonderful...what a great accomplishment! It's on the list once I get a few things completed from the other wool felting books you inspired me to buy ;)
Paula
Posted by: Paula | November 11, 2008 at 03:21 AM
What a concept, I love it!
Congratulations!
Posted by: amy | November 11, 2008 at 04:07 AM
Congratulations! The book looks lovely and is such a great idea.
Posted by: ellen | November 12, 2008 at 03:47 AM
Put me down for a copy with your John Hancock on it please!! You can figure out some brilliant inscription to me, your the author.LOL!!!!
So happy for you :-)))
Posted by: Suzanne | November 13, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Mine came in yesterday's mail! Congrats and it is LOVELY!!!!
Posted by: Susan | November 15, 2008 at 04:03 AM
how wonderful!
I am just entering this book writing phase and am feeling a bit overwhelmed with what may lie ahead of me, but I HAVE to write this book on felt crafts for little fingers. I had taught classes to little ones (some of them are my own) this past year and made up some cute projects and love them so much I want to put them in a book.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Lori
Posted by: lissilulu | November 15, 2008 at 08:51 AM
BIG, HUG, GIANT CONGRATS! Oh Vicki... this is so exciting! I would like to purchase an autographed copy too!
Posted by: happy zombie | December 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Supposed to be "HUGE"... but a congratulatory hug for you too!
Posted by: happy zombie | December 02, 2008 at 10:56 AM