THE FIRST STATE....

Way back when I was working on the 50 Fabulous Paper-Pieced Stars book, I took stock of how many states I had traveled to in order to teach and lecture. In realizing that there were just a handful of states where I had not yet taught, I was inspired to name each of the blocks in that book for the quilters in each state. My last trip completed the cycle with my first visit to the state of Delaware to teach. It is ironic that Delaware was actually the first state and for me it was my last state.

Donna and Mindy aka Laverne and Shirley...

My first visit to Delaware was absolutely a blast and I can probably attribute that fact to the two people shown above. Donna and Mindy were “in charge” . OK, so maybe they weren’t really in charge…they met me at the airport and the first thing they let me know is that they had never done this before…lol…They were simply perfect, lots of fun and I nicknamed them Laverne and Shirley. Some trips are just more fun than others and these too made this trip a real hoot. It is good to laugh…

Joan and I at the Quilter's Hive

I taught my Delaware class at a really lovely quilt shop called the Quilter’s Hive in Newark, DE. Joan and Linda were such wonderful hosts and a joy to meet.

Fire and Ice block underway

I taught the Fire and Ice quilt from the Mariner’s Compass Stars book.

That is what I like to see….a room full of happy students.

Stars from 50 Fabulous PP Stars

At lunch time we had a bit of show and tell…Wonderful quilt shared by one of the students!

Guild Meeting

That night at the Lady Bug Quilt Guild meeting, students share the beginnngs of their quilts.

Calico and Cotton in Ocean City, NJ

Now, from Delaware I was off to teach for the South Shore Quilters in New Jersey. Jane Pszolkowski was my hostess and forced me to shop at this lovely quilt shop in Ocean City. She also twisted my arm and made me buy those fabrics on the counter. I tried to resist…not.

Coffee?

I had a super time with the South Shore Quilters during the next couple of days. I taught the New Jersey Star and the Perfect Points class. I am not sure why I didn’t snap any pictures during the classes. Guess I was just too busy playing, but that morning we stopped at WaWa to pick up something for lunch…the number of coffee pots blew me away so I just had to take a picture…LOL..coffee anyone?

Many thanks to Donna, Mindy, Jane and all the quilters in Delaware and New Jersey for making my time with you all such a pleasure.
All the best,

Carol

The view from the Strong House Inn

I had this date to host a Quilting Retreat on my calendar for some time. It was to be at the Strong House Inn in Vergennes, VT. Since I live in NH, I thought, this will be very familiar and fun. Well….I started off on Friday afternoon to drive to Vergennes. Since I typically fly to most of my teaching venues, I was looking forward to the relaxing ride. Rather than take the interstate, I thought I would let my GPS lead me through the country roads to Vergennes….first surprize…I was up the mountain, down the mountain, into little towns, pretty rivers, mountain gaps, winding roads and 25 miles per hour speed limits. I was going to meander whether I wanted to or not. When I arrived at the Strong House Inn perched on the hill, it was lovely. The view from the side yard was stunning.

Teaching space

The old Vermont Home was lovely with lots of updates to make it very comfortable. The teaching space in the back was generous and well lit. Mary and Hugh met me and quickly made me feel at home.

Some students had already arrived and were setting up their area in the teaching space. Next surprise…we had students from lots of different places, Indiana, Maine, Pennsylvania, Long Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Maryland and Massachusetts.

I presented an impromptu lecture after dinner and everyone headed to bed in their beautiful bedrooms.

Breakfast

Everyone gathered in the dining room for a wonderful breakfast before class.  I could smell the bacon cooking in the morning!

I was teaching the Fire and Ice class from the Mariner’s Compass Stars book. After a short introduction and demonstration, everyone was off and running. The blocks were coming fast and furious!

Pam had our first birth!

Here comes the “Show and Tell” of blocks

Love those colors!

These are so soft!!

Think we caught this mid giggle…there was a bit of a sparkle to this block.

I think we are really happy!!!

Loved this color combination.

This block is perfect for these colors.

Carmen used a lovely Japanese collection of fabrics.

Our Indiana gals were working on Quilts of Valor

Cathy seemed happy with her block.

Jennifer from Maine is a happy camper.As the students worked, the chatter began. It was clear to me we were becoming a group. By the time we broke for lunch, we already had lots in common.

The students returned to the classroom and continued to work on the remainder of their quilts. Some students took time out for a relaxing walk and a few zoomed out to the local quilt shop.

The table was beautifully set by Mary with lots of wonderful goodies to go with our tea.

It was so nice to take the little break and relax and catch up.

The students went back to sewing for a few hours and then it was time to come out and have a few nibbles and wine before dinner….I’m telling you…I could get used to this life!

Some students relaxed and others continued to sew on their projects. By Sunday morning, we could see the tops begin to emerge.

Cathy was first to finish her top!

Everyone was really pleased with all they had learned and were able to accomplish.

Our Vermont Group

However it was really apparent to everyone in the group that although most of us did not know each other ahead of time, we had come together over the weekend as a group. Some came with a friend or friends, some came alone and some came to meet a friend and in the end, we all left as friends. I think that is what we all treasure as quilters…we come together because of he quilts, but we stay because of the quilters we meet.

It is a wrap!

We began talking about the next retreat! So, although I am not going to travel and teach next year except for some major events, I decided this event was a must do again.

Mark your calendars because the next year’s retreat will be even more fun because it will be longer. It  will begin on June 12 (Sunday arrival date) and run through June 17th (Friday departure date)2011. You can sew and play from Monday through Thursday! I can’t wait to go back!!!  I will put the information about next year’s retreat on my Teaching Schedule. There is also lots to do in the area…Shelburne Museum, Vermont Teddy Bear, etc.

Until next time,

Carol

Flowers and Hearts Block

Loving this time of the year and think it is time to have a quick little challenge. The prize: 10 Yards of spring-colored fabric!!!!

The rules:

Go to www.caroldoak.com and download from the Free Patterns section the new Flowers and Hearts block.

Make one block in spring colors.

Go to the Carol Doak Quilting Group on Yahoo…  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CarolDoakQuiltingGroup/

If you are a member already, post a picture of your block in the Spring and Flowers and Hearts Challenge Album. You can post as many times as you like.

If you are not a member, join the the Group by clicking the “Join” button and follow the steps to join and post the picture of your block.

I will pull one winner on May 15 to win the 10 yards of fabric!!!

Option: If you would like to send me your block(s), I will collect all the blocks and pull one winner on May 15 after I pull the winner of the fabric to win all the blocks sent to me. Please include your name and full mailing address with your block. Can’t you just imagine what a darling quilt these blocks will make?  Good Luck everyone!!!

My snail mail address is

Carol Doak

PO Box 42

Windham, NH 03087

The Castle

I just returned from a wonderful week-long teaching trip to Temecula and Fallbrook, California. First of all it was nice to get away from the New England weather for a bit and I had some fun surprises along the way. One surprise was the fun of staying at The Castle, in Temecula. Now, some of you may know that I have been dubbed the “Queen of Paper Piecing” so finally staying in a castle type building was so much fun. First, Suzanne, the inn keeper is a quilter! She and Victor make everyone very comfortable.

The grand staircase

I was lead up the grand staircase to my room. There are lots and lots of rooms. You see, Suzanne also puts on Quilters weekends and retreats.

Straw ceiling

I was there several days before I looked up and saw the straw ceiling.

The lock for my room....I was safe!

Although it took a bit of instruction how to unlock my room…it was fun.

Everything was huge!

I taught two days of classes for the Valley of the Mist Quilt Guild in the sewing room that adjoined the castle and then we would all come out for lunch around noon time.

If you are ever in the area, it is a fun place to stay. You can contact Suzanne with an inquiries at suzanne@quiltersutopia.com

My Fallbrook view...

However, I guess I am getting a bit ahead of myself. Before I went to Temecula, I was in Fallbrook for the Fallbrook Quilt Guild. I am always constantly amazed at the home that hang off the edge of the hills. On this trip, I was at the top of the hill and so on the edge. I survived though and actually began to enjoy living on the edge.

Visions outing

I did have a down day where I had the opportunity to connect with some friends and visit Visions….love those “me” days!

Show and Tell at the Valley of the Mist Quilt Guild in Temecula

Oh yeah…I was there to lecture and teach. Here are some happy students showing of their Sunrise projects!

This one is even quilted...what no binding?

Until next time…..

Carol

The Quilt Show

My show is now appearing at The Quilt Show. If you have never seen me demonstrate how to paper foundation piece, next week is your lucky week.   The Quilt Show has made it possible for you to watch my show for FREE next week!

The Link to watch TQS Episode 602 for Carol Doak available from January 25th through January 31st: http://www.thequiltshow.com/season6/602/driveIn.php?coupon_number=112284836207

The Quilt Show does such a super job presenting programs that allow quilters all over the world to watch when they want to watch them.

If you find you are loving it, there is a second opportunity.

There is a “Redeem Gift Certificate” button at the top of the page when your go to watch your show.  To receive $10 off the price of a 1 year TQS Membership, you must use Coupon Number #112284836207 when redeeming this gift certificate.

I actually traveled to LaVeta, Colorado last March to film this segment. I have known Ricky and Alex for many years so it was fun to share the day with them. I shared how I paper piece Mariner’s Compass Star blocks. I also shared some tips and tricks along the way. Alex and I also had a bit of fun.

Mariner's Compass Stars Bundle

In honor of the airing of this segment, I have bundled the Mariner`s Compass Stars book, Carol Doak Foundation Paper and the 12″ Add-A-Quarter ruler in a reduced bundled package at my web store.

I didn’t want you to miss out on this opportunity.

After you watch the show, let me know what you think about the show and this format of learning quilting techniques online.

All the best,

Carol

Sunset at Sea

I slotted in on my calendar some time at home this month to catch up on some things. Now, keep in mind, this slotting began about 3 years ago so at the time, I had no idea what I would be catching up on, but knew I needed some time at home to catch up.

Well catch up I have…I have had some ideas for some new workshops so I was able to design the Sunset At Sea Workshop and prepare the supply list and handout for this class designed around the foundations in Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars.

Not Your Grandmother's Feathered Star

Now I do love that book and have wanted to develop a workshop based upon the feathered star type points, but take a new look at the color and design options. The result is the “Not Your Grandmother’s Feathered Star” Workshop.

Scrap Quilts With Attitude

Another book that has lots of creative options is the 300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks Book. I have wanted to play around with the options using a really simple foundation pieced block and scraps for fabric choices. The result is the Scrap Quilts with Attitude workshop. This simple block can be placed in many different ways to produce completely different quilt designs.

Three in a Row - Bingo!

With the holidays just around the corner, sometimes you just want to make a quickie and the various block designs in this book gives you the opportunity to make little quilts feature three blocks in a row horizontally or vertically. Another workshop was birthed!

Sunrise made on The Quilt Show

Another thing that has been on my “to do” list is to finish the quilt that I started as the demo when I did the taping in March for The Quilt Show. My show will air in February and now I have this item checked off!

Stripe from Floral Affair fabric by Northcott fabrics.

Now, with Quilt Market just behind us, my new fabric line, Floral Affair, by Northcott Fabrics was presented. The fabric will not ship until January, but you can get a sneak peak at this fabric collection at this link:

http://www.northcott.net/?sid=2&layout=2col&content=fabric_details&colid=348&colorid=579

Royal Windsor Fabric Collection

Knowing, more fabric is coming my way, I decided to upload for sale in my web store, some fabrics from my previous collections. The first collection I am selling is the Royal Windsor Collection. I will sell this fabric and once it is gone, I will put up another collection.

Asian Vest

Not having any new workshops to develop, having finished my only UFO, I thought I would whip up a new vest to wear when I begin traveling later this week. I found the fabric on the right side of the vest and just fell in love with it. It was perfect for a conservative style vest yet offered the opportunity to include a variety of colors on the patchwork side. I played off the horizontal and vertical lines on the right side to create the patchwork on the left side.

Tweed Vest

Now, I have had this “tweed” fabric on the right side since March. I purchased it in Texas while I was there teaching. It is a really soft cotton fabric that looks like tweed fabric. It is Robert Kaufman’s Quilter’s Tweed. When I purchased it, I knew I wanted to make a vest for the winter. Well, it snow big white snowflakes here yesterday, so I got the fabric out and made my new vest.

When I look back at all that I have accomplished in the past three weeks, even I am amazed. I won’t even go into the replacement of my computer and dealing with the transition and compatibility issues and the fact that my laptop crashed. That meant reinstalling all the programs and operating system upgrades and then putting back all the documents…oh my…computers can be a trial. But, I am almost at the end of my time at home and I am so looking forward to next weekend when I will travel to lecture and teach…I need a rest.

All the best,

Carol

Royal Caribbean Voyager Ship

I am sooooo excited to announce my next cruise which will be March 6-13, 2011 to Honduras/Beliz/Cozumel on the Royal Caribbean Voyager Ship leaving out of Galveston, TX. I will not be traveling to teach during the 2011 year, but this offer was just too wonderful to pass up.

Although I announced this trip in my latest newsletter and to my Carol Doak Yahoo Group, I thought it would be fun to discuss what it is like to go on a quilting cruise. I am often asked about what it is like to go on a quilting cruise when I travel to teach.  I have done several and although the exact format depends upon the group organizing the cruise there are common aspects.

The entire ship is not full of quilting cruisers. The number of quilters in the group range from approximately 50 to 250. Sometimes, it is the quilter and a friend, or a husband or a family member. The classes are typically held only on the days at sea, so the days in port and the evenings are always available to be spent with your traveling companion. Quilters also come on the trip without companions and the organizers can often match you up with another single traveler to share a room.

What makes the quilting cruises fun is that you will be part of a group. Typically there is some sort of a meet and greet event and depending up the ship and group the dinner meal has the group all eating in one area of the dining area. So although you may go your separate ways on the days in port, you will meet up again at dinner time. This can be pretty flexible. The dinner clothing often scares people away from cruising. This has really relaxed quite a bit over the years. Most nights it is “smart casual” which just means show up in something respectable such as slacks and a blouse. On the formal nights (typically 2 nights), that means a cocktail dress or something a little dressier than smart casual. If you wore a black skirt and shell, that would be fine. As I wrote before, it has really relaxed in recent years.

As for the classes, there are conference style rooms on the larger ships and this is typically where classes are held. On some cruises, handwork classes with fewer students might be held in a stateroom.

Some of the cruises do supply sewing machines (typically supplied by a shop) for the cruise. This cruise will supply sewing machines. This eliminates you having to bring a machine. This has been the case on all the cruises that I have taught on. Some have kits available for purchase. This cruise will have a kit available for the classes.

On your down time on ship you can take advantage of all the ship has to offer such as the evening entertainment, the spa, the pool, the library, the casino, the shops, and the list goes on and on.

I had actually never been on a cruise prior to teaching on my first Caribbean Cruise and I discovered I loved it! First, the ships are large and you really don’t feel like you are on a ship. Except, having your morning cup of coffee on the a chair sitting out on the deck looking at the beautiful blue water and the sun rising is so relaxing. The food is fabulous…trust me…the food is fabulous…And you become part of a wonderful group of quilters that gets to play together for a full week! How much you connect with the others in the group is purely up to you. I found that I loved getting to know the others on the cruise and sometimes we made plans to go together on shore excursions.

The route

Deciding where the ship is going and when is also a factor. I live in NH so going on a March cruise where the weather will be warm is a real plus for me. Also, as soon as I heard this cruise was going to Belize, I was in! I have wanted to travel there for several years. Leaving out of Galveston makes it an easy port to get to and that is another plus.

If you want to read more about the details of this particular cruise, just click on this link and tell them Carol sent you…we will leave the light on.

http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/cruise_mar2011.asp

If you have a specific question that I have not answered, please feel free to email me at qcarol@comcast.net or post a comment here.

Hope to meet some of you on the high seas!

Carol

Quilts at Homestead Quilts

OK, so I admit that my Oregon Trail might be slightly different, but when I had the pleasure of traveling to Oregon to teach and lecture for three guilds, it was fun to stop at several quilt shops along the way. After the workshop in Sunriver, Oregon, we stopped at  Homestead Quilts in LaPine, OR. It  is a charming shop.

Just popped in to say "hi"!

Cathy Buono, the owner, was very gracious and we caused just a bit of a stir when we popped in to say hi. Several customers and staff were there just having fun, so we posed for a photo op!

Honestly...I tried to be serious....

We laughed and we giggled and I really tried to be serious before this picture was taken…not.

Sew Many Quilts, Bend, OR

After the workshop in Bend, we were off to Sew Many Quilts. One is never too tired to stop at another shop. As soon as you walk in the shop, the high dramatic ceilings grab your attention.

Charming areas at Sew Many Quilts

It is a large shop filled with little nooks and crannies of areas set up with quilts and fabrics. What more could a girl want?

Tater Patch in Merrill, OR

Having completed my events in Sunriver and Bend, we were off to meet up with the next group at a half-way point…which just happened to be the most charming shop in Merrill, OR. This is definitely a friendly down home quilt shop that is worth the effort to get there.

Tater Patch Quilts

When you walk into a new quilt shop, you want to feel welcome and I certainly felt very welcome in each of these shops. If you are in the area, they all are worth the effort to stop by….tell, them Carol sent you…lol

Gerri putting on the triangles...

I was here to teach and lecture so I guess I should include some of those fun pictures. Here Gerri is putting on the triangles on her France block from the Mariner’s Compass Stars book.

Contemplating a border

Having completed her center, this student is contemplating that to die for border fabric!

Cover Quilt

I always enjoy seeing how others complete my patterns. Here is the cover quilt from my book, Easy Machine Paper Piecing, beautifully done in several colors.

I returned home with very fond memories of my trip along my Oregon Trail.

All the best,

Carol

Before you think I have lost my mind and will be tripping across the dance floor, let me assure you that I will not! However I am excited to spread the news that the brand new Dancing with the Stars Block of the Month that features 15 new paper-pieced star blocks that I designed is now available at the Stitchin`Heaven Quilt site.

Deb Luttrell, owner of the shop, described this new block of the month this way…

Dancing with the Stars spotlights 15 paper-pieced, 12″ star blocks designed by Carol Doak exclusively for Stitchin’ Heaven! You’ll be amazed as you step onto the dance floor, and take a spin with this striking, stellar-inspired quilt. Each block is named for a gorgeous ballroom dance like, the Viennese Waltz, the Foxtrot, and even the Cha Cha, and proudly shows off the brilliance of Hoffman’s batik fabrics. The setting, designed by Deb Luttrell, features a chain block, and two borders, framing this stunning quilt with simple elegance. Like stars on a dance floor, these beautiful, batik blocks will have you mesmerized, as they sparkle and shine with each step of the dance.

During this 14-month program, you will receive the patterns and fabrics needed to make the quilt top including borders and binding. The finished quilt measures 80″ x 92″.

If you would like to jump in and enjoy the dance, just stop by and sign up:

http://www.stitchinheaven.com/stitchin_heaven_pages/block_of_the_month_programs.asp

All the best,

Carol

I'm easily impressed!

OK, so I just returned from a lovely trip to the hill country of Texas and ran across this bull….Thought the title of this blog would grab you.

Downtown Fredricksburg

My first stop on this trip was to a lovely town called Fredericksburg. It is about 1 1/2 hours west of Austin and everything about this town is charming. The Main Street is lovely with lots of beautiful old buildings and interesting shops.

A happy student

My first class was the Perfect Points class from 300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks. Here we have one happy student.

Time to rip!

This student is smiling even if she is doing the frog stitch!

Look at those perfect points!

Gotta love those perfect points!

She is hooked!

Ok, one block done and cutting to makes lots more! I would say she is hooked!

San Antonio Shoes!

I love my San Antonio shoes! Sharon Ashby of the Hill Country Quilt Guild brought me to San Antonio so we could visit the factory store…gotta love a gal who knows how to shop!

Quilt on the wall at SAS

We even found a quilt on the wall inside the store. If they  like quilts, they are good in my book.

Creations Quilt Shop in Kerrville

After one of the workshops, we were off to have the much talked about quilt shop, Creations. Oh wow and wow is all I can say. It is a fabulous shop with lots of rooms each having their own theme…this is a definite stop by if you are within a 100 miles! If you are not close by, you can always visit their web site: www.creations-online.com

Until next time….

Carol