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August 2009 Newsletter From Carol Doak
I can't believe it is already August, but the dog days of summer are upon us. I just uploaded the August Scenic Block of the month last night to the Carol Doak Yahoo Group and was pleasantly surprised to see that Sharon of of NY just couldn't wait to jump in and make it. This block may look like "not day at the beach", but is really is.
I hope you all have been enjoying the summer. The weather has been really warm in some parts of the country and a day at the beach is welcome relief. I recently visited Texas and was treated to 108 degrees. Air conditioning was my new best friend.
The Web Store - Click Here to Visit
I have a new item in the web store that I think is pure genius. The Mini-FoldAway is a convenient 7" x 7" cutting mat on one side and non-stick ironing surface on the other side. How cool is that to have both your cutting area and pressing area right next to your sewing machine?
You can use it at home and when you go to a workshop, it closes neatly and clasps with velcro for one neat little package.
Another new item in the web store is an improved version of a tool that I always use when I paper piece. The Curved Pointed Snips are now improved with a cushioned handle. The picture at the left shows the pink cushions around the handle. This provides better gripping and a more comfortable handle. It doesn't hurt that the bright pink will make the snips easier to locate in your work area. Pretty much last call on two items....The Rotary Point Cutter and the 40 Bright & Bold Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks. I have about a dozen boxes left of the cutter and only two cases left of the book.
Book of the Month
It is time to announce the new Book of the Month. This month, for the first time, it is the Easy Reversible Vests-Revised Edition. When I wrote the first Easy Reversible Vests in the early 1990's, we did not have the type of fabrics that we currently have available today. What you will find in this new updated version of this best-selling book, is new block designs, new block sizes, new block shapes, two vest patterns that will fit Petite to X-Large and lots and lots of inspiration.The methods are so easy, but the results are stunning. The vests can be casual or dressy and perfect for gifts.
I love the fact that I can again make vests and wear them when I travel to teach. Making them reversible gives you two vest options, not just one. Take advantage of the "on-sale" price this month to add this one to your library.
Carol Doak Yahoo Group - Click Here to Visit
With over 5,000 Members, this group just continues to amaze me with their creativity, helpfulness and simply joy of quilting.The quilt at the left is the expanded version made by Cathy in Maryland of the recent Mystery Quilt I uploaded for the group. To see all the pictures of the completed quilts and the variations made by members, is just mind boggling.
Members are participating in monthly lotteries and new swaps and challenges all the time. You can join and just sit by the side lines or you can jump in and play. It is all about what works for you.
You will find a welcoming group and lots of free patterns and fun.
What's New?
My new fabric line with Northcott Fabrics, Floral Affair, is in the works. Just can't wait to get my hands on the actual fabric. Look to see it in the stores in January. In the meantime, I am working on patterns to feature this new fabric. Lots of opportunity to show it off with a variety of different styles.
Also my Episode for the Quilt Show will air January 18, 20010. Looks like January will be a fun month.
New Free Pattern
I just uploaded a new free pattern called Celebration Wreath. I created this design for the Carol Doak Yahoo Group when we celebrated our 2nd Birthday. It is a fun little quilt to make and only uses one block design in two sizes. It can be made in the colors of the season or scraps.Enjoy!
On the Road Again
I will be teaching at the Lowell Quilt Festival next week, then lecturing for the Belknap Quilts in New Hampshire. Then I am back to the hill country in Texas and wrap up the month teaching at a shop in Maryland. I hope to meet some of you along the way.All the best,
Carol