Glow in the Dark

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Penny Haren

I want to make sure I get this right so in the words of Mettler:

POLY GLOW is a phosphorescent, washable embroidery thread that stores UV and artificial light, making embroideries and seams glow in the dark. The thread is extremely well-suited for extraordinary effects on sports, kids, leisure wear, bags and satchels as well as for embroidering logos and letterings. T

It is a 40 weight thread and comes on 109 yard spools for around $6.00. A 70 or 80 needle is recommended. It is due to arrive any day.

Why not display it with this glow in the dark fabric by Benartex :- due to arrive in March:

Pillowcases and pajamas would make your child smile!

Heartfelt Patterns

Posted on January 27, 2019 by Penny Haren

Hearts aren’t just for February. Any of these darling quilts would be great decorations all year long. Or make them as wedding gifts or a gift for that pre-teen in your life!

Conversation is a large-sized through that is done in rows so it is a perfect block of the month style class. Teach several techniques for basic blocks. Who says a beginning sampler class has to be boring???

These two patterns use jelly rolls and can be made in two different sizes. What a great way to use up scraps! And don’t you love the background? It gives them a modern look!

Look closely at this one because it is actually pencils – and a great way to showcase your solids or tone on tones! What a great quilt to display in your studio!

Why not pull out some of your red and pink fabrics to make a display. After all, it doesn’t have to have hearts on it to showcase the holiday!

Heartfelt with Creative Grids® Rulers

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Penny Haren

The latest pattern by Krista Moser is due to arrive any day. It can be made as a table runner as well as a quilt. In fact, wouldn’t this make the perfect baby quilt??? Her fabric choices are stunning and the strip piecing makes this project a piece of cake!

These projects feature her 60-degree Diamond Ruler by Creative Grids®.

Many of you have paid your rent with the Crazy Christmas Tree pattern from Cut Loose Press™ and ruler. Same ruler – different season: Crazy Hearts pattern by Cut Loose Press. Don’t you love these fabrics???

Made with the Creative Grids® Spiderweb ruler – both the patterns and ruler are designed by Karla Alexander.

Hens and Hearts is a pieced version created by Pam and Nicky Lintott – and features the Creative Grids® Multi-Sized Triangle Tool.

Don’t you love it when you find new patterns for your favorite tools? And these are ALL winners!

Minis are Marvelous!

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Penny Haren

This series of mini quilt patterns are due to arrive next month and are a great way to use up scraps AND perfect your piecing skills. But don’t panic because these little babies are paper-pieced!

All of the quilts measure just six by eight inches! And the patterns are very reasonably priced – that was an unexpected surprise!

Sherri Hisey has developed her own line of foundation paper. It has a rough texture so it doesn’t slide under the pressure foot and comes in two sizes. Both can be run through a printer so no tracing required!

I can’t wait to try this! Why not teach a paper-piecing class and let the students try it? What a great use of those 2-1/2 inch squares and other mini pre-cuts!

Yoko Saito’s Imaginary Garden

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Penny Haren

I love to applique and a quilt like this has been on my bucket list for a long time.

This quilt is a true work of art, and yes, it is mainly aimed at applique enthusiasts as this wild herbarium is composed of dozens of different flowers, cut from a subtle palette of grey and taupes, appliqued directly on a background.

The pattern “Imaginary Garden” was a huge success when it was first published as a three-part series in Quiltmania magazine. As a result of its popularity, it is now available in booklet form!

Image result for imaginary garden by yoko saito

Check out the detail! The little touches of embroidery enhance every flower.

This booklet is actually a library of many of her designs that she uses to embellish purses and small quilts as well. Just think of the freedom! Add any design, any embroidery, anywhere until the entire background surface is covered! This is a true labor of love.

Put a Cork in It!

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Penny Haren

These new five yard bolts of 25-inch wide cork are due to arrive in March. I got to see them at Market – and couldn’t stop petting them – they really are that special!

They now come in designs and colors. Here are just a few examples…..

Pickle Pie Designs have several In the Hoop Designs that support this material. The luggage tags are gorgeous and include vinyl. What a great class – showing them what needles and threads to use to get such eye catching results! Buttonholes and top-stitching? A piece of cake!

The coasters would also be great wall decor in a teenager’s room. Can you see their name or school spelled out above a door??? Or “quilt shop”; “classroom” – you get the idea!

A little goes a long way. Sue O’Very used it to accent and reinforce the corners on this little purse; and as an accent on the zipper. Just a little adds a touch of class.

But let’s not forget the Corky Wallet from Sassafras Lane. It has been in the top 100 patterns for months. What a great Make and Take!

Get organized now! Order the cork, the patterns, and designate a space right by the register. They may have questions – and you will be right there to answer them!

Dress in Style

Posted on January 15, 2019 by Penny Haren

Karen Nye, the creator of the Little Somethin’ Jacket, has now created “One Great Jacket” – and truer words have never been spoken! This new pattern is due later this month and is sure to be a winner!

The pattern includes three different variations in multiple sizes. And look what a difference in the fabric can make!

The simple fit of all of the CNT garments makes it easy to fit AND easy to sew!

Plan for Fall

Posted on January 13, 2019 by Penny Haren

I know – the holidays just ended and I am talking about Fall already! But it is best to be prepared and you will be ordering fabrics soon so lets plan how to use them!

Witches Night Out by It’s Sew Emma is due to arrive in April and is a perfect class! Pieced pumpkins are repeated multiple times in the quilt – a great basis for each lesson. Other Halloween favorites are scattered throughout! Start collecting those oranges today!

Scrap Basket Bounty

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

The Scrap Basket series written by Kim Brackett continues with her latest addition, Scrap-Basket Bounty.

This book features sixteen different blocks. Each block includes three different layouts so there are a total of 48 projects in the book! Now that is a bargain! Here are just some of the surprises inside….

Choose a background fabric and let your scraps shine! This would be a great sew-in. Everyone can bring their scraps to cut – and share. Seeing the different layout options and colorways are sure to inspire everyone. Have plenty of fat quarter bundles available. After all, some of us love scrap quilts but don’t have the stash YET to create them!

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Monthly Archives: January 2019