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May 2008 Carol Doak Newsletter
Happy Spring everyone! It is nice to see the flowering trees and shrubs blooming with the wonderful colors of nature. I am often delighted to receive pictures of finished quilts from the students in my workshops. This gorgeous quilt was sent to me by Marty Frolli who took the Fire and Ice Workshop based upon my newest book, Mariner's Compass Stars. Marty took the blocks and placed them in this original setting.Carol Doak Quilting Group on Yahoo
The April Block of the Month was very popular with almost 100 photos posted. Cruising through the online photo album of the same block presented in so many different combinations is a wonderful study in creativity. This block was made by Shan from Australia. It was her first 12" block and I do believe she has a winner here!
Jaymie posted a picture recently of all her Blocks of the Month todate. She certainly is going to have one dramatic quilt in the end.I just posted the May block so I am eager to see how our members embrace this block.
Feel free to come and join us! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CarolDoakQuiltingGroup/
Carol Doak Web Store
http://www.caroldoak.com/store.phpNew Miniature Paper-Pieced Patterns
The big news this month is that I have begun to publish the miniature quilt patterns from my out-of-print book, Easy Paper-Pieced Miniature Quilts. The first two patterns are the Scrap Stars and the Rain Bonnet Sue miniature quilts. When I show the miniature quilts, these two always get the biggest reaction. When I introduce mini paper piecing in my classes, all the students agree that minis are actually easier than the larger blocks. It is not harder to sew a short line or a line closer together and the fabrics pieces are huge in relation to the area they need to cover. Each pattern includes the step-by-step directions, all the foundations printed on my foundation paper and the finishing directions. Watch for new patterns to be added in future months.Surprise Sale Items
I can see that many are taking advantage of the Surprise Sale Items I have been frequently changing during the month. Stop back often to see what might be on sale.Book of the Month
300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks is the book of the month. I am asked often if I have created a pattern for this or that and my response is often to suggest this book. There is such a huge variety of patterns in this book offering so many creative options. This book also comes with the Foundation Factory program so printing the patterns in any size permits you to make everything from miniature to full-size quilts. It is on sale this month so take advantage of the reduced price to add this must have book to your library.On The Road Again
If you have ever wanted to travel down under, this McCall's Quilting trip to New Zealand would be the trip of a life-time. Spend 11 days on both the North and South Islands experiencing all that this beautiful country has to offer and in the company of delightful quilters. I was thrilled when Beth Hayes, Editor of McCall's Quilting, asked me to come along next January.
To find out more and reserve your spot, click here. http://www.mccallsquiltingadventures.com/newzealand09.html
In May I will be in Virginia, Michigan and New York. I hope to see some of you along the way.
All the best,
Carol