Just two short years ago, the thought of ever getting a project I designed and made into a publication was a pipe dream. So much so, that I waited until last year to even try.
Submitting your work for inclusion in a publication is not for the faint of heart. Getting the letter that says, "Although we enjoyed your project, we have received so many wonderful project submissions for this publication that we will not be in need of your work at this time", is hard, but happens (more often than I'd like to say!). Oftentimes, projects that I've made and thought were "soooooo good!", get rejected by the publisher/editor.
For me, the key is to move on and not let it get me down for too long. Sometimes I've gone ahead and made the conceptualized project anyway and only after making it did I realize why it was rejected (which makes me giggle and say to myself "that's why THEY'RE the editors and not me!").
Othertimes, I've submitted the rejected project to another publisher and it was accepted.
For this little quilt, dubbed "diamond lattice" by the editors at Lark, it was accepted right away.
Having designed and made this over a year ago, it is so rewarding to finally see it in print here:
along with so many other wonderful designs by talented artists who are friends!
So the moral of the story is, don't give up! If you've submitted projects for publication and your work has been rejected, keep on creating and inspiring others, and your day will come! I just know it!
I've got that book on my wish list. I can see why the editors loved your submission.
Posted by: Michele | 20 October 2011 at 03:30 PM
Loving that little quilt! So colourful and fun especially with the hand quilting. Congratulations on finally being published! Looks like a great book!
Posted by: Catherine | 20 October 2011 at 03:35 PM
Congratulations. Love the quilt
Posted by: Pam | 20 October 2011 at 03:40 PM
Congratulations Penny!! Your quilt is lovely!
I hope one day I'll have your courage :-)
Posted by: Leila | 20 October 2011 at 03:44 PM
This was a good post to read, and very encouraging. And the diamond lattice is amazing!! Congratulations!
Posted by: liveacolorfullife | 20 October 2011 at 04:09 PM
Congratulations! It's lovely. Your post was encouraging too. If I may ask though, how do you find out about publications seeking material? Thanks!
Posted by: Jennie {Clover & Violet} | 20 October 2011 at 04:11 PM
Congratulations - it is a gorgeous quilt!
Posted by: Kate | 20 October 2011 at 04:48 PM
Lovely Penny!Your fabrics are perfect and the sashiko stitching is gorgeous.
Posted by: Lisa | 20 October 2011 at 04:51 PM
Congratulations Penny! It's a sweet quilt.
Posted by: Amy | 20 October 2011 at 04:52 PM
Ooooh, good for you!! Way to hang in there. Your an inspiration to us all. Your little quilt is a beaut. The book looks like a good one too!
Posted by: Lynne | 20 October 2011 at 05:05 PM
Oh, congrats! That's fantastic - so glad you kept at it!
Posted by: CitricSugar | 20 October 2011 at 05:19 PM
Atta girl, Penny! Glad you stuck with it and succeeded in getting published. Hope you'll still talk to us 'llittle people' now that you hit the big time. Congrats!
Posted by: Jane | 20 October 2011 at 06:08 PM
Very cool - congrats. It's a darling little quilt.
Posted by: Debbie | 20 October 2011 at 06:20 PM
Congratulations, Penny!! It's a cute quilt...
Posted by: hafza | 20 October 2011 at 06:52 PM
LOVE it and so many great fabrics in there! The hand stitching adds so much. Congrats!
Posted by: Lindsay | 20 October 2011 at 06:54 PM
Hurray! Congratulations, Penny! It's a beautiful quilt. How do you come up with your ideas?
Posted by: Carmen | 20 October 2011 at 07:22 PM
Congratulations Penny -- it's adorable!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 20 October 2011 at 07:27 PM
Congratulations Penny, I'm surprised you EVER got a letter like that - but so glad that this darling quilt made it!!
Posted by: Allie | 20 October 2011 at 07:30 PM
Congratulations! Your quilt is beautiful. Looks like a great book.
Posted by: Rachel B. | 20 October 2011 at 07:54 PM
Penny I have a hard time believing anything you've made has ever been rejected. But if it was then it was destined for bigger and better things!!
Posted by: Angela | 20 October 2011 at 09:28 PM
Congratulations! That quilt is gorgeous.
Posted by: Victoria Paige | 20 October 2011 at 09:54 PM
Congratulations!!! That quilt is adorable.
Posted by: Stephanie | 20 October 2011 at 10:13 PM
penny!!! you amaze me, you're imagination is endless. congrats on the publication and here's to many more in your future.
Posted by: anna | 20 October 2011 at 11:06 PM
That's an adorable little quilt!
Posted by: Michelle | 20 October 2011 at 11:12 PM
Wise words Penny and a very cute quilt- congrats, it looks like a really pretty book, just the start...
Posted by: Kerry | 21 October 2011 at 12:25 AM
Hurray hurray hurray Penny - yayayayayayay xxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Lynne | 21 October 2011 at 02:23 AM
Penny Penny Penny! Ever since you told me about this, I had been so looking forward to seeing your quilt! It's super cute and I love that it's very you! I have to get my hands on this copy for sure! Oh and if you'd let me sound selfish, I would have to tell you that I like this mini quilt partly because it reminds me of the cute quilt you made for me, hehe!
Posted by: ayumills | 21 October 2011 at 03:09 AM
I love this little quilt....think I need to make it!
Posted by: Effie | 21 October 2011 at 03:17 AM
Wow, such an insight into the publication world... I never knew! I though the book people just phoned you up and said, hey, wanna be in our book? Congratulations girl :-)
I love that mini. Its my fave from the whole book I think... Its so your style, which I love :-) And the perle just sets it off so brilliantly!
Posted by: Laura Jane | 21 October 2011 at 04:49 AM
Keep going. That one is absolutely adorable! I love the hand stitching!
Posted by: Jean | 21 October 2011 at 06:08 AM
Good for you! And lots of other people too. There will be lots of people who'll want one just like this and here you go giving them inspiration to go ahead.
Congrats to you, Kido!
Posted by: Arlene | 21 October 2011 at 06:31 AM
Congratulations Penny! Such a sweet doll quilt. Love the big stitch quilting!
Posted by: dawn | 21 October 2011 at 06:41 AM
that is so exciting...congratulations
Posted by: Leslie | 21 October 2011 at 07:06 AM
Yay, Penny! I'm so proud to know you! :-) Congratulations, friend!
Posted by: Dayna | 21 October 2011 at 09:17 AM
Congratulations ~ as a grantwriter, I know the feeling of believing you've done a fantastic job and the work is not "picked" by the powers that be ~ but you are definitely right - we all must continue on and do our best - always.
Posted by: Pat | 21 October 2011 at 09:49 AM
Woot!! Congratulations!! It's darling, and I can see why they accepted this one! Happy dancing for you!! :)
Posted by: Brenis | 21 October 2011 at 09:58 AM
I need that book now! Maybe for Christmas!
your quilt is fabulous!
Posted by: Ann-Marie | 21 October 2011 at 09:59 AM
Way to go Penny! It's an adorable doll quilt that would be fabulous full-sized as well. This looks like a very sweet book full of fun ideas. I am really looking forward to seeing the whole thing in person!
Posted by: krista - Poppyprint | 21 October 2011 at 10:41 AM
Congratulations! The hand sewing makes it especially lovely. :)
Posted by: Alli | 21 October 2011 at 12:56 PM
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you, and your project is beautiful!
Posted by: Jo aka The Hungry Crafter | 21 October 2011 at 01:40 PM
Congratulations! Love it!
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | 21 October 2011 at 01:51 PM
Congratulations, Penny! How exciting!
Posted by: Lynne | 21 October 2011 at 02:07 PM
Congratulations! Of course this project made it, its great!
Posted by: tara | 21 October 2011 at 03:08 PM
Congratulations and what a great uplifting post - just what any potential pattern writer needs to read!
Posted by: Nicky | 22 October 2011 at 01:29 AM
Penny, love your quilt! I'll look for that book!
And thank you for sharing your personal experience in being published, or not. Very enlightening, very encouraging...
; )
Posted by: Marit | 22 October 2011 at 03:30 AM
Love your little quilt!
Glad you persevered! So rewarding it must be to see it in print! Yea!
Posted by: Pamela Nees | 22 October 2011 at 05:08 AM
oh Penny. i love how you show your beautiful work and then use that to encourage others to succeed. sometimes you are so darned sweet it brings a tear to my eyes.
your doll quilt idea is fantastic and beautifully executed. i'd buy a book chock full of your work any day of the week.
Posted by: quirkygranolagirl | 22 October 2011 at 09:55 AM
The quilt is super cute and thanks for the push to get out there and get published!
Posted by: Thearica Burroughs | 22 October 2011 at 02:19 PM
Wow! You deserve this moment. Savor it. We are all celebrating this accomplishment with you.
Posted by: Suzanne | 23 October 2011 at 05:31 AM
I love that little quilt! What a great publication to be a part of. Congratulations!
Yes, always keep trying. In my case, I had beginner's luck. My first submission ever got accepted. However, at least 4 since have been rejected. I'll just keep trying...
Posted by: cinzia allocca | 23 October 2011 at 03:04 PM