50 Little Paper-Pieced Blocks

My it has been some time since I have posted a blog but I am determined to get back to posting frequently this year. So much has happened since last year and keeping up with it all was not possible. That meant somethings were put on the back burner and I am afraid regular blogging was one of them.

Let’s see….

I wrote two books, one of which is the 50 Little Paper-Pieced Blocks shown above. I designed the blocks in this book to go with the Carol Doak Keepsake Cards.

The other book is in production…I can’t tell you about it yet, but as soon as I can, I will be sharing lots here about it. It is paper piecing but an entirely new and exciting avenue for this wonderful method.

I moved. Not an easy task moving the studio, office and house…We moved to a smaller house on a lovely lake. Living on a lake has been a life-long dream and I am loving it. Last summer, when I would get tired and warm working on the quilts and blocks for the new book, I would just jump in my bathing suit and go off or a swim.

We having been doing lots of updating to the house. One update included teaching guys who were putting in the new walk, how to create a 9-Patch star.

Our first grandson arrived on the scene….my oh my…he is perfect..

A couple of years ago I made the decision to cut back severely on all the travel/teaching I had been doing for years. I just wasn’t bouncing back from the rigors of my trips and I wanted to spend more time with my family.

I still plan to stay involved in the quilt world, write the books,  create new designs and travel on a very limited basis. This year I have four trips planned. I have already taken the first trip to teach for a week at the Road to California. It was a super trip and reminded me how much I do love what I do.

I am heading off next to Dubai to teach at the Dubai International Quilt show. I know this trip will be exciting and a wonderful experience teaching there. I am sure I will have lots to share when I return.

Until next time…may all your points be perfect.

All the best,

Carol

I am often asked that question….I could respond with all of it! However, I like to take a logical approach to purchasing fabric. If you have a specific project in mind, then knowing the yardage or calculating the yardage is your first step. I typically buy just a bit extra, for the just incase moments.

However, what if you were just buying a fabric because you like it. How much should you purchase? A general rule is to consider the size project you typically make.

If miniatures are your thing, 1/2 yard would be plenty.

If you typically make wall quilts, 2 yards would be plenty.

But if your project is a bed quilt, then consider at least 3 yards. That is 108″ and that would be enough to use the fabric for the outside border of the quilt.

9 Yard Bundles

Recently I uploaded some 9 yard bundles on sale in my web store. I chose 3 coodinating fabrics from my Painted Forest Fabric collection and cut 3 yards each. This would be a good basis for making a quilt. A full-size quilt typically uses about 12 yards of fabric. It would be easy to add some additional yardage to these three fabrics to complete your project.

I will be adding more 9 yard bundles to the web store in the coming weeks. Take advantage of the reduced fabric prices to get a start on your next quilt.

All the best,

Carol

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Some of you may know that I have been offering some of my quilts for sale in the Gallery Section of my web page. That has prompted lots of questions about why I am selling my quilts. Some of been concerned about my health and couldn’t imagine why I would sell my quilts now. I thought I would address those questions and concerns and explain.

As a designer and author I have made lots of quilts for books, magazine features, fabric lines and just for myself. Since I have been doing this for 30 years, I have a huge number of quilts. More quilts than I can store. Recently I decided rather than store all these quilts, why not put some of them in the hands of quilters who will enjoy using and displaying them. You see, for me, it is about control….I want to control who has my quilts. I want them to go to quilters who I know will enjoy them.

Burst of Spring

I have priced them quite reasonably because I do want to sell them. I’ve sold quite a few and will continue to upload quilts for sale until I have distributed the quilts I would like to sell. The rest I will hold on to and enjoy.

All the best,

Carol

At the beginning of the month, I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas to lecture and teach workshops for the Desert Quilters of Nevada. It was a fun-filled three days and I would encourage anyone in the area to take advantage of this wonderful quilt guild. I am sure they will greet you with open arms and their members will inspire and encourage you. I was really impressed to see all that they accomplish.

After teaching for the guild, I began a couple of days of teaching at Quiltique…a wonderful shop in the area. Jan, above is showing off a bra that was made for the Breast Cancer project featuring my free block design. Who would of thought?

The event was held in the shop and you can see they went all out for it.

If you are anywhere near Henderson, NV, don’t miss stopping by this gorgeous shop. The people who run it are pretty gorgeous as well, both inside and out.

The first day I taught the Bright Stars class from the Simply Sensational 9-Patch Stars book. Sandy is really pleased with her progress….where is that corner block Sandy?

The second day I taught the Sunrise quilt from the Mariner`s Compass Stars book.  OK, so where is that missing piece? Seems to be a theme here in the Las Vegas area….but I am not telling.

And as if spending several days with wonderful quilters, teaching in a gorgeous shop and classroom was not enough…I had the chance to see Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. I can’t say enough about how fabulous it was!

I came home with lots of great memories and unfortunately because it happened in Las Vegas….mums the word.

All the best,

Carol

Wendy's Fabric Matters Quilt Shop Dublin

On October 1st, I set off with a group of quilters from around the United States to help lead a week-long trip to Ireland. We all met for the the first time in the gate area at JFK and quickly found it was easy to get to know each other. Upon landing in Dublin and gathering our luggage, we were met with our guide, Eunan and our the McCall’s Tour Guide, Steve Grace. Steve, knows how to plan a trip for quilters. Our first stop was at a quaint quilt shop in Dublin, where Wendy welcomed us to her Log Cabin shop and treated us to tea and goodies.

3" squares printed on fabric

Right away I spotted some charming fabrics that would be perfect for the new Carol Doak Keepsake Cards. These had to come home with me.

Brazenhead for lunch

Having worked up an appetite we were off to the oldest pub in Dublin for a fabulous lunch.

The Book of Kells

The rain did not dampen our spirits as we headed next to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. The images here were amazing and the artwork and detail astonishing….but it was the library with the volumes of books ranging from the floor to two floors up that was difficult to comprehend.

Lace Museum

On day 2 we headed toward Northern Ireland stopping at the Sheelin Antique Lace Museum along the way. You have to appreciate all the work that goes into the intricate lace items.

Sweets

Having worked up an appetite, we stopped at the tea shop next to the lace museum for a few sweets.

LOL, better not give up my day job.

So green

As we drove through the countryside, the sites were just amazing and the shades of vivid greens gorgeous.

Typical Home

The typical Irish home was sparse and heated with peat back in the day.

Next we heaaded to the Ulster American Folk Park. The visit here was so really amazing. First, we saw how life was for the Irish people and how many people died in the great potato famine. There was also an exhibit of needlework on display.

Steve Grace and Carol

But learning of their hardships and exactly what it was like to be aboard one of these ships coming to the US for a better life was truly touching. I can’t even imagine…

The Mission Quilts in Derry

We arrived in Derry and went by The Mission Quilts in Derry. Margaret Lee and everyone made us feel so welcome in this charming shop.

Show and Tell

Sandra Montgomery treated us to a Show and Tell of several of her lovely quilts and shared stories about making them. The treats were delightful as were the friendships.

Isn’t it just amazing how quilters connect almost immediately. Sandra and I had a chance to chat and I could see so much of myself in her when I first ventured down the quilting road.

The next day we were off to County Donegal where we were treated to several weaving demonstrations. Can’t even image how they keep that all straight!

At Triona, we not only saw a weaving demonstration (and purchased sweaters and beautiful woven jackets), we were treated to the most yummy Irish Coffee!

This weaver, Eddie Doherty of Ardara,  made gorgeous pieces.

As we traveled we were treated to many rainbows!

We traveled the Antrim Coast and saw the Dunluce Castle…

We saw (and some crossed) the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The formations at the Giant’s Causeway were really interesting.

As we headed back to our hotel in Derry, we were driven by the murals in Derry that depicted the troubles in Northern Ireland. This one was particularly touching because it is of a young girl who was killed in the crossfire on her way to school. Our guide gave us all such a better understanding of the trouble that had existed and the great strides being made to have peace.

We were all strangers when we embarked on this trip, but we quickly became friends. Here are some of us out to dinner and having fun.

That night, our group was visited by a group of quilters from the Irish Patchworking Society. We gathered around in a circle of chairs and shared quilts and quilt stories. It was  lovely evening.

The next day we were invited to a meeting of a group of American woman living in Ireland. The speaker was Sherry Nugent, Editor-in-Chief of Irish Quilting Magazine. The quilt above from the magazine was displayed. It means “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes”.

Avoca was are next stop. It is the oldest weaving mill in Ireland, 1723. Here are the threads used to make this…

And this…Aren’t the colors gorgeous?

Then we were off to Ballyknocken House and Cookery School for scone-making classes…of course we got to eat our scones too!

Even Eunan and Steve got into the scones and tea. I just have to say, that Eunan, our Irish guide added so much depth and enjoyment to this trip, by sharing the culture and history of Ireland with us. He also shared lots of fun with us too. And Steve, he not only created an amazing trip, kept us on track and delighted us all.

We came to this beautiful country, saw its sights, met its friendly and fun people, learned of the struggles past and of the positive impact many Irish immigrants made on the United States. On our last evening in Dublin, we sang the Irish Folk songs and watched them dance and came home with such fond memories of our friendships.

All the best,

Carol

Sewing Studio

I just returned from Bloomington/Normal, IL where I lectured and taught for a wonderful quilt guild, the Hands All Around Quilt Guild. Because of the flight options, I chose to fly in the day before presenting my evening lecture. That meant I had a free day to shop. I know, it is a tough job, but I muddled through with the help of my two new best friends, Barb and Virginia. First stop was the Sewing Studio where we shopped for 30’s fabric, Virginia’s favorite and I was looking for some batiks to work into a cruise project. Everyone was delightful and Virginia hit paydirt with some “sale” fabric.

Peddler's Way

Then we headed to Washington, IL where we had a delightful lunch …we needed it to have strength to shop at the lovely Peddler’s Way. We wandered through the various rooms and even climbed the stairs to an entire new level of fabrics. I found some perfect batiks.

Virginia and her new BOM

Virginia found a Block of the Month that made her heart sing!

I found a fun pumpkin patch

Next we were off to another quilt shop in Morton, IL called The Quilt Corner. However, we were traveling through the farm country and stopped at a fun pumpkin patch. Virginia bought a gourd and I contemplated this fun squash…should I buy it?, my…how would I get that on the airplane????

The Quilt Corner

Surprisingly, the Quilt Corner is not on a corner. It is in a mall. I walked in the door and saw all the lovely quilts hanging around the shop and remembered that I had been here once before. Amazing how you can remember how a particular shop looked. A really fun shop full of lots of kits and super fabrics!

Happy Mariner's Compass student

But I was here to teach classes after all…..so on to classes. The first day I taught the Sunrise Quilt class and geeze…we are so busy, I forgot to take any pictures with my camera. I did take a few with my phone though.

On Saturday, I taught the Sunset at Sea class. Everyone came with their fabric precut and ready to jump in and sew.

Trish was really serious…she was making hers larger…wait until you see what she accomplished…

The students were sooooo much fun….we did have lots of chuckles…

Pat seems surprised that she made this….great colors but pretty much along the sample colors…

Brenda used a completely different color combo…

Blocks moved along pretty quickly…

Loved this color combo….This one is going to sing tropical….think she was inspired by that apple?

Here is another combo that will take on a neat look.Look what Trish accomplished! She was a house afire with her sewing machine.

Whoops...delivery.

So class is ending and I am offered the opportunity to visit yet another quilt shop. I am never too tired and to shop. So off to the Treadle in Bloomington, IL we go. We were warmly greeted by the owner, Vicky.

Looking for setting triangles.

We walked in the door and it was apparent that Vicky had some fabric. Barb headed off one aisle looking for the perfect batik to use as setting triangles for her Sunrise Block.

Marcia was just scooting down the aisle...

Marcia and Virginia had a different mission. Ooops, watch those fat quarters…

You want it, we have it.

Me, I just kept smiling…

Such a happy place!

I even saw one of my out of print books on the shelf.

I could get lost in here.

But I understand Vicky knows exactly where everything is. Amazing mind.

Aisle Two

Vicky and Carol

I scootched in to stand behind the counter with Vicky. If you are looking for a particular fabric or book, my bet is on Vicky that she not only has it, she knows where it is in the shop. If your hubby thinks you have too much fabric, bring him here, he will think you are a Saint!

Thanks Hands All Around Quilters for a really fun trip!

All the best,

Carol

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