Baby Makes Three… #2

Kim Diehl and Pat Wys are both Martingale authors who are best known for their distinctive country styles so this book is a pleasant departure.  Their unique sense of proportion and color combine to create a unique setting for any nursery. This books brings the entire package – quilts and darling gifts that would be the perfect shower gifts.

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  B1358T_8     B1358T_5

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Any of these projects would be adorable in Kim’s new baby fabric line – Ric Rac Paddywack Flannels.



 

 

 

 

 

 

And Baby Makes Three Separate Posts … #1

Baby quilts and projects – and books about them – are all over the top 100 books.  New ones have joined the favorites that have been on the top of the list for several weeks.

One of my favorites is the newest entry from Kim Schaefer.  Playtime, Naptime, Anytime Quilts .  These fun and sassy quilts will make every mother to be smile…

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Kim’s imagination soared – literally to outer space in this sequel to her popular Quilts, Bibs, Blankies…Oh My!  And these latest 19 quilts and diverse projects will decorate that nursery in style!

Check out these favorites….

 

 

 

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Notice that this book isn’t just about quilts – there are growth charts, wall hangings, pillows – you name it!   Why not pull those bolts of bright, happy fabrics and display them with this book.  Fat quarter bundles appropriate for the appliques would be a solid seller as well.

Trade Out your Register Display

All of these notions are less than $10 so they are perfect for a register display.  And that gives you the opportunity to tell your customers about them when they are checking out.

These Mini Wonder Clips from Clover are available in a 10 pack for just $6.95.  They are also available in bigger packs – but this is a great intro to the line.

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Genius idea!  This seam ripper comes in a base which serves two purposes!  It is easy to find and can be used to cut threads when chain piecing.  If you want to use it as a traditional seam ripper, simply take it out of the stand!  this chain ripper retails for just $5.00, who wouldn’t want one???

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This simple product cleans the fuzz created by cutting fleece, Cuddle, and flannel from your cutting mats.  And for just $6.00 for each cutting mat cleaner – why not???

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These Needle Beetle Threaders are not only cute – they come with a light for those of us who are experiencing changes in eye sight as we age….

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If you put these over on your notions wall, many of your customers will never even see them!  They will literally be hidden in plain site!  Give these gadgets their day in the sun. Your customers will thank you for it!

 

Primitive Christmas from Primitive Gatherings

I love everything by Lisa Bongean – and her newest book does NOT disappoint!  Honestly, I think it is the best book she has written in years – and that is saying something!

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This book has just the right mix of small projects and large quilts – but they ALL will be treasured by your family for years!  When I first started looking at images, I didn’t think it had a Christmas feel.  Many of the projects don’t scream “holiday” so they can be used any time.

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Christmas Rose is available in two sizes – a one block mini or a four block version.  Wool quilts are available for both (#PRI-1002 and #PRI-1003)

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The detail in the smaller projects added the awe factor to an already spectacular book!  The embroidered berries and pines add that detail that we have grown to love.
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These simple ornaments remind me of the silhouettes that were so popular in cross stitching years ago….

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And who could make just one of this sweet little lamb???
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These embellished “bulb ornaments” would be a great favor for a holiday get together.  Let your guests pick their favorite!

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These stacked ornaments are a perfect family project.  Now that you know you HAVE to have the book, the only question is – what are you going to make first???

Swoon over these Bags

The Swoon bags have those added touches that turn homemade into designer original – for a fraction of the cost.  They add pleather accents; metal magnets and buckles – this attention to detail makes all the difference.

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The Blanche Barrel Bag includes side pockets for keys and a cell phone as well as piping and leather trim to add that designer touch.  The City Tote is simply a classic!

Paradiso Designs has a wide variety of Pleather to choose from in several textures to give your bag that special touch – and protect the bottom of your bag.  It is easy to cut and easy to sew.

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Not all of the bags have leather trim.  They can be just as dramatic with a coordinating fabric.  Some of these Swoon bags are in stock, more are expected later this month.  And, did you know that we have over 600 Bag and Tote Accessories to choose from?  Check them out today.

The Newest from Atkinson Designs

Terry has single-handedly changed every quilter’s perception of zippers.  She has made their installation so simple that everyone can install them successfully the very first time.

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In her latest pattern – Bubbly Bags – zippers add that awe factor when they are used as the handles in these great gift bags.  And since each bag only uses two fabrics, they can be made to carry that gift the day of the party!  Don’t you love it when the “wrapping” is part of the gift???  And, what a great way to use up scraps!

 

 

 

 
ATK-791She also released three new colors of 22 inch zippers.

Terry is such a great merchandiser!  It occurred to me that her zippers in the appropriate colors would look great in any holiday display!

Why not pull zippers that match the Christmas fabrics that just arrived and display them with this pattern?  What a great quick class.  You know they can’t make just one!

Japanese Style – Part Two

Akemi Shibata’s book – Quilted Bags and Gifts features 36 projects that prove that  the best gifts DO come in small packages!  Her eye for detail is reflected in every single gift and turns every day into heirloom quality – but most can be completed in a week-end.

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And at just $22.99, this book is a BARGAIN!  We carry many of the leather handles which gives each piece that professional look.  They are listed as companions for the book. Akemi combines taupe fabrics with colorful prints to create true works of art.  Why not incorporate a sense of style into YOUR every day life?

Japanese Style – Part One

When three books in the top 50 are by Japanese designers, you know that their sense of color and style has become main stream worldwide!

Yoko Saito’s “Scrap Valley” and “Traditional Block Patterns” will be in stock later this month.

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You know you love them already!  The muted fabrics allow the actual patterns to take center stage.  Scrap Valley includes multiple projects big and small:

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This book is simply beautiful from cover to cover!  The photography is exquisite!

Yoko’s block book includes 64 different blocks combined in different projects and settings.  Could the quilt made from these blocks be this generation’s Dear Jane?  I can’t wait to find out!

Critters, and Monsters, and Monkeys Oh My!

I was lucky enough to speak and demo at the Shipshewana Quilt Festival right along side of Margaret Travis of Eazy Peazy Quilts.  This woman rocked it!  She sold out of everything!!!  The only thing behind her were empty hooks!

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Her new Zip It Critters and Zip It Monsters patterns were the hit of the show – and are so easy to make with the Bosal eight inch round shapes that are fusible on both sides.  You can make two monsters from each pack.

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Be sure to order plenty of her other patterns that use these circles as well.  These don’t include zippers so for those who are intimidated by the Z word, these may be a great starting point.  At this class you can remove the intimidation factor by showing how easy it is to incorporate zippers into this project!

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Or introduce this technique with one of her Cut Loose Press™ patterns.

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Why not introduce these as a mother/daughter class this summer?  They can learn how to sew zippers; make bias binding; and applique – and finish the project in class!  Hang them from their book bag for a great way to store lunch money or notes that need returned to the teacher!

Log Cabin Cutting Tips

I love, love, love the series of Log Cabin Trim Tools from Creative Grids®.  The width of the strips varies depending on the size – and I didn’t like doing the math when I was cutting out multiple strips!  But then I realized that I didn’t have to!

The eight inch log cabin requires strips to be at least 1 3/4″ wide.  Guess what!  The center white line of the CGR312 or the holes down the center of the Quick Trim Tool are 1 3/4″ away from the edge!  Cut strips to this width – no more math required!
CGRJAW1  CGRMT1The same thing applies to the CGRJAWMN4 – the four inch log cabin trim tool.  The center line of the CGR212 is 1 1/4″ away from the outside edge.  Since that is half the width of a jelly roll strip, I can use this line to cut strips from yardage – or cut 2 1/2″ strips in half.  They don’t have to be perfect because there is a fudge factor built into these trim tools.

CGRJAWMN4   CGR212

Since I have been sharing this tip, about half that buy the tool also buy the companion 3 1/2″ or 2 1/2″ wide rulers.  After all, they are a great size as stand alone rulers as well.

There is tons of support for these rulers.  Check out the companions that appear below each ruler on the Checker website.  Here are a few of the new Cut Loose Press™ patterns that support the four inch version…..

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