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Susan and Kiiora
Kiiora the budgie and I share our baked oatmeal breakfast. Yes, I am in training to be a crazy bird lady.
After bragging about my husband's new novel to some students in Texas, they requested I provide some more information. So here goes:
Given Land cover
The Given Land is a novel inspired by our family's trip to New Zealand. When predators invade their island home, the bird heroes of the Given Land are forced to fight for their existence. Geared to young adult readers (aka our son, Sam), it will appeal to adults as well.
For more information, visit the website:
tomallenbooks.com
susancarlson.com
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Upcoming Classes
Celestial Portraits, May 1-5, Out of Hand and Heart Quilt Retreat, Cambria, CA

Serendipitous Sea Turtle mini-course, May 15, June 5, June 26, Portsmouth Fabric Company, Portsmouth, NH

Maine Springtime Quilt Retreat, May 20-21, Harpswell Inn, Harpswell, Maine

Maine Summer Quilt Retreat, July 9-10, Harpswell Inn, Harpswell, Maine

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April News
Greetings everyone!  

It's good to be home again after a couple of week-long quilting retreats: Quilting Adventures in Texas and Empty Spools at Asilomar in California. One more trip to the left coast before I get to stay home for the summer.

There's still room in the Summer Quilt Retreat (see details below), where I'll be teaching the Cutting Loose class again. Some have asked if they can come even if they don't choose to stay at the Harpswell Inn. That is of course perfectly acceptable, though you'd be missing out on a classic Maine B&B experience. 

Remember that the July retreat coincides with the "Celebrate Summer in Harpswell" Arts and Cultural Weekend event. Over 20 art studios, galleries, and specialty shops will be open to the public--many with ongoing art and craft demonstrations. Other events include garden tours, a Bowdoin College music festival and art walk in nearby Brunswick, and ferry tours. More information on local events can be found at the Harpswell Business Association website.

Keep in touch,

Susan
Maine Summer Quilt Retreat

Sol SoulCutting Loose Class

Saturday & Sunday

July 9-10, 2011

Harpswell, Maine

 

Enjoy a two-day retreat with Susan in her hometown of Harpswell, along the scenic coast of Maine. The class will be held at the charming Harpswell Inn B&B at Lookout Point on Casco Bay, one of the most photographed and beautiful spots in Maine--and just a half mile from Susan's studio.

Retreat Includes 

  • Saturday and Sunday class
  • Saturday and Sunday lunches
  • Morning and afternoon coffee, tea, and snacks 
  • Saturday night dinner
  • Evening trunk show of Susan's quilts
  • Hand and arm massage from a local massage therapist. (Full massage appointments may be scheduled for an extra fee.)
  • Optional morning visits to Susan's studio
This two day class will focus on Susan's Cutting Loose technique as described in her newest book, Serendipity Quilts: Cutting Loose Fabric Collage. Subject matter is flexible, though time-limited to simpler, whimsical designs. Susan's own designs of a sea-turtle, sun and moon faces, fish, butterflies and bugs will be available for a small fee, though she encourages participants to draw their own. Bring your ideas! Design, fabric selection, and the collage process will be the emphasis of this class. Machine quilting and finishing will be discussed and demonstrated.

All of this for $195! 
Lodging extra.

For more information on the class, contact [email protected].

Harpswell InnLodging: The Harpswell Inn charges $120-$259 per night for a double-occupancy room or suite with pull-out couch. FMI, please contact the Harpswell Inn directly.
Harpswell Inn Website


Variations on a (Sea-Turtle) Theme

You may already own my Serendipitous Sea Turtle Pattern (see my website if you don't). Here are some variations I show to my students who attend the class I teach based on this pattern. You don't have to use realistic colors to make an interesting turtle. In fact, the funkier the better, in my opinion. 

 

Sam Close Up seaturtle 2seaturtle 3