My ‘Go To’ Creative Grids®

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Penny Haren

I am demonstrating in Paducah this week and have been asked several times for a list of my favorite rulers. What do I have in my ruler rack besides the Stripology and the CGR24 – 6 1/2″ x 24 1/2″ rectangle?

The CGR48 is my favorite ruler when I am sub-cutting blocks or trimming a few half-square triangles. I work with five-inch squares a lot so this ruler is the perfect companion. The white line down the center of the ruler is at 2 1/4″. I use it to square up four-patches and is the width I like to cut my bindings. I use the angled lines to trim half-square triangles made from five-inch squares and sewn with a scant quarter inch seam.

The CGR312 is 3 1/2″ x 12 1/2″. I just finished a bow tie quilt with over 500 three-inch finished bow ties. I used the centering line on this ruler to square up the blocks instead of a 3 1/2″ square. The length was easier to hold onto and protected my hands from the rotary cutter blade. The centering line at 1 3/4″ is also the width of strips if you are making the eight-inch log cabin blocks with the Log Cabin Trim Tool – an added bonus!

And then there is the CGR212 – the 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ ruler. Once again I like the added length to protect my fingers when squaring up blocks to 2 1/2″. But my favorite feature? The centering line at 1 1/4″. I use that line to cut 2 1/2″ strips in half when making four-inch log cabins with the CGRJAWMN4 or mini pineapples with the CGRJAW3MINI.

What rulers are your go to rulers – and why?

Quilter’s Book Club

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Penny Haren

There are several new books which have just hit the shelves or that will be arriving soon that I can’t wait to get my hands on. For instance, who doesn’t love anything by Kathy Schmitz? Her new book of stitching designs is simply charming and celebrates my favorite time of year.

Carol Hopkins and Linda Koenig have joined forces to create 182 four x five-inch blocks – all you need to create an heirloom quality quilt with style. These rectangular blocks use a variety of techniques and would be a great class for those Dear Jane fans. Why not invite friends on this journey? They have included tips to help you set up your own block exchange or club. This book has 208 pages – a rarety these days – so be prepared to be inspired!

And then there is this coffee table book that is soon to be released by Martingale. American Quilt Treasures includes 65 stunning quilts from the permanent collection of the International Quilt Study Center & Museum. These historic quilts are simply breathtaking. This is scheduled for a Fall release so it would be the perfect holiday gift!

Paper-Piecing is Hot

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Penny Haren

Paper-piecing has become main stream and it is due to designers like Cindi McCracken. She has shown a new generation of quilters that accuracy and precision are easy to achieve. Any of her new releases would be great classes to introduce your customers to this technique.

All of the patterns include the paper-piecing foundations and since they are repetitive designs, your students can actually finish an entire block in class. Each pattern also features an awe factor.

In the Echo table runner, the blocks can be placed horizontally or vertically to create totally different looks. Have your students complete a block and run color copies of it so they can play with block placement.

Desert Wildflower is set on point – another opportunity for a teachable moment. And look at the pieced border on Off Kilter – a two for one learning opportunity. And look how modern Starlight Pathway looks because she created a secondary pattern with the background fabrics. These patterns are all due in by the end of the month.

Elizabeth Hartman Designs the Reef

Posted on April 22, 2017 by Penny Haren

As I am writing this, Elizabeth Hartman has the TOP SELLING patterns at Checker – and another eight in the top 100! That HAS to be a record. Her latest releases are created with her new Reef fabric line by Robert Kaufman.

Awesome Ocean

These fabrics are just plain happy!

Sea Urchins

These pieced urchins are just plain fun and made with a 45-degree ruler – and Creative Grids® just happens to have that!

The patterns and fabric will be released this summer. Order them now because you KNOW these are going to be hot! To see everything by this amazing designer, visit our website: Elizabeth Hartman

Sassafras Lane is Spicing Up Market

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love everything that Sassafras Lane does – and this Market is no different! They bridge the gap between the traditionalists of my generation and the sassy style of theirs – and they do it beautifully! Check these out.

Clay Court is a wonderful study in color. Piecing the triangles out of 2-1/2″ strips adds texture and the triangles are created with the Perfect Square and Perfect Rectangle Ruler.

Alligator Alley is done in this generation’s version of a blue and yellow quilt. Sixty-degree angles never looked so good!

Darby Road looks like a funky hexie and is actually paper-pieced so it is simple! And who wouldn’t love to adopt Elsie? And the next time someone tells you to – Just Focus – make them this quilt!

Look at the detailing on this Bugsy Backpack! Talk about a fashion statement!

All of these patterns are due in the middle of May – just in time for your Market event!

Guaranteed Sales – Part Three

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Penny Haren

Let’s face it! You already know who will want this newest book by Blackbird Designs. This applique quilt looks like it came right off of a bed in a prestigious museum. These large blocks are actually easier than they look!

Jaybird Quilts new Cookie Cutter pattern features her Super Sidekick ruler. What a fun and happy quilt!

Susie C. Shore has a new cat design that is sure to please all of those cat lovers as well as a darling Christmas table runner.

All of these projects are created by proven designers who have produced top sellers over and over again – which makes all of them no-brainers. And, once again, they will be available this month!

Guaranteed Sales – Part Two

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love the way Zen Chic adds a modern touch to traditional designs and her newest additions are no exception! Check these out:

Her minimalist look appeals to modern quilters and traditionalists alike. What a great window display to attract a new generation of quilters!

Guaranteed Sales – Part One

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Penny Haren

As I am writing this, Laura Heine has 13 patterns in the Checker 100! To see all of Laura’s patterns click on this link to visit our website. Laura has three new releases that will be arriving any day.

Welcome Billie, Chirp, Chirp and Hazel Nutt to her line of top selling patterns.

All of these would make great classes. Why not pre-order yours today?

Create with Cardboard

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Penny Haren

Rinske Stevens Designs provides everything you need to create heirloom quality covered boxes for every room in your house – and every occasion!

Or make a collapsible Victorian sewing box or journal cover.

What makes these special is that they also sell the hardware to give each piece that heirloom quality look.

Can you imagine featuring embroidery designs on these projects? What a great wedding gift, Mother’s Day gift – you get the picture! Visit our website to see the entire line of Rinske Stevens Design products.

Its All in the Hoop!

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love it when I fall in love with a pattern – and see that it is “Volume One” – which means there is going to be more goodness to come! In Kim’s own words: Kimberbell Noteables are composition book covers that turn ordinary writing paper into a noteworthy journal. Each machine embroidered cover is fully lined, durable, and reusable and best of all, each are made (even pieced!) entirely in-the-hoop!

There are four different options for the small size; two for the medium size; and two for the large. The best news? They are all totally done in the hoop!

Wouldn’t these be great gifts for children and adults alike? Who wouldn’t love a personal journal or diary? Or, personalize them for members of your book club….or make them for your favorite teacher. Have shower participants write encouraging notes to the future brides or expectant mother. The gift possibilities are endless!

The Life is Better in Full Bloom is organized so that you can learn eight different techniques. This 39-inch square wall hanging features yo-yos; three-dimensional pinwheels, and a variety of other techniques. The detailed instructions will guide you each step of the way.

But, this would be a great class as well. Why not teach this in your shop? Kimberbell has provided everything you need to start a shop program.

The shop guide includes:
+ Tips
+ Kit Cutting Instructions
+ Punch Card Reward System
+ Promotional Materials (Build the buzz and you’re going to have higher sign-ups!)
+ A Shop Sample Pattern
+ A List of Possible Add-on Sales

A shop just needs 1 Life Is Better In Full Bloom Shop Guide and can order the accompanying patterns for each participant at your shop.

These patterns are expected to arrive this month so order them now so you can start Spring off with a bang!

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Monthly Archives: April 2017