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March 2009 Newsletter From Carol Doak
Well, it may be spring in other parts of the country, but today as I write my March Newsletter, we are getting about a foot of snow from our latest Noreaster....But yesterday was a fun day. My perfect granddaughters came by for a visit and Jessie, age 9, asked to make a block. She chose the patriotic heart block from the 300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks book. Next, she chose her fabric and the pieces were cut. Jessie has been paper piecing for a couple of years now and is quite accomplished. However yesterday, her little sister (age 2) wanted to get in the act. We sat her next to Jessie so she could watch and was just all involved in watching the heart block grow. She is a bit young to put in front of the sewing machine, but I've already started her playing with fabric.
Jessie was very pleased with her block. The time she gets to spend with me in my sewing room is a special time for both of us. She feels good about her accomplishments and a job well done.
I think sharing sewing time with young ones is a great way to build their self-esteem. The tasks they are given can be geared to their age and experience. When Jessie began, she only sewed on the lines. Then she graduated to pinning fabric pieces and cutting threads. Then it was ironing and finally rotary cutting the pieces. I think I am passing on to her a love of sewing and creating that hopefully she will pass on to another generation. As for the 2 year old...she has to wait until her little legs reach the pedal!
The Web Store
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The Book of the Month for March is 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars. I chose this book because after teaching the Florida Block from this book in Florida on my recent trip, I remembered just how much fun these blocks are to make.
I've also recently received several photos recently from people who have made stunning quilts from the blocks in this book. There is one 12" block for each state in the United States.
This book also comes with a Video CD that you can view using a media player on your computer to be shown how to paper piece these varied star blocks with perfect points and centers.
There is a Companion Foundation Factory for 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars that is a separate purchase that will let you print the blocks from your computer. If you would like both the book and the Companion Foundation Factory, then choose the bundled item to save a bit.
New Item in the Web Store:
I'm happy to report that I now have the Ball Point Bodkin available in the web store. This little guy is worth his weight in gold. It is the tool that I use to push out the seams to press when making the vests. It also seems to come in handy for all sorts of other uses.
The Carol Doak Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CarolDoakQuiltingGroup/The Carol Doak Yahoo Group continues to be quite active. We are now approaching 4700 members.
I just uploaded the design for the March Block of the Month for the members. Francis in Indy gave March a bright and cheery look with the spring greens and the tuplip setting triangles.
Some members are currently working on a Fat 8th Swap and posting pictures of their blocks.
There is no limit to the creativity in this group. Come and join in the fun.
On The Road Again
I just returned from a wonderful two-week teaching trip to Florida. I share more news about that trip in my blog soon. http://www.caroldoak.com/weblog/I head to Texas next to teach a week-long seminar based on the Mariner`s Compass Stars book. I'm only home a day when I head off to go play with Ricky Timms and Alex Anderson shooting a segment for their online Quilt Show. I finish out the month heading to Springfield, Missouri to teach at Merrily We Quilt shop.
Stay cozy everyone, Spring is just around the corner.
All the best,
Carol