Time for a Coffee Break

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

Karla Alexander of Saginaw Street Quilts has a new Cut Loose Press™ pattern #CLPKAL012 that is going to fly off the shelves like her Crazy Christmas Tree #CLPKAL009! Look how cute this is …

I can’t wait to make it! Actually, I want to design my dinette around this. Can you imagine covering a cornice board with these and framing individual ones for the wall? Of course, I’ll make the table runner too – but who can stop there when they are so darn cute?????

Just like the Crazy Christmas Tree and Crazy Hearts #CLPKAL011 – they all use the Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6.

Crazy Christmas Tree is the #1 selling Cut Loose Press™ of all time!

Crazy Hearts uses the same ruler and same technique. Why not start a series of classes? These are great classes and demos!

There are TONS of companions for this ruler so check out the patterns shown on the website under the ruler for more possibilities. Why not demonstrate those techniques in class? Everyone loves getting more bang for their buck – but make sure you have THOSE patterns in stock as well.

Boo!

Posted on August 28, 2019 by Penny Haren

Two of The Pattern Basket patterns have hit the top 100 and a new one is expected in September. And once you see how cute it is, it will be too!

Boo is just so darn cute and is just pieced with squares and rectangles.

Pumpkin Season can be made out of five inch squares and is a great way to use up scraps. Once again, simple piecing.

Drumroll please…….This is the newest pattern due in September. Order it now because who can resist???

Set up a display with these patterns and random oranges, grays and blacks

Panels and Purses

Posted on August 25, 2019 by Penny Haren

The new patterns that will be showcased at Market are starting to arrive – and these two are sure to be hits. After all, they are from Aunties Two!

Happy Hauler is a BIG bag that goes together very quickly because the fabric is center stage! What a unique use of a panel – and what great results!

Cork Totes features either an open or zippered top and cork accents that elevates this to a boutique exclusive. Simply stunning!

Both patterns will be available next month.

Stitchin’ in the Kitchen

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Penny Haren

I love, love, love these kts by Bareroots. Each kit includes a high quality Dunroven towel; floss; pattern and the rickrack trim.

What a great foundation for a project of the month program. All of the designs are also available as patterns and additional towels can be ordered separately. Design a program that works for you!

Hatched and Patched

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Penny Haren

Hatched and Patched – don’t you just love the name? And the patterns do it justice. They each have their own personality. The hardest part is going to be deciding which to make first!

A little piecing, a little applique; a little embroidery – what a combination! These patterns are due to arrive this month so order them now!

Applique in All its Glory

Posted on August 18, 2019 by Penny Haren

Organic Applique by Kathy Doughty just blew me away. I love to applique but her designs are breathtaking!

Just look at the cover quilt. She has combined a HUGE elongated courthouse steps block with quirky appliques in stunning colors to create a true masterpiece! And the photography is inspired! Don’t you love the paper umbrellas hanging from the ceiling?

Even her more traditional pattern – a vase of flowers – takes on a whole new look with her choice of colors and borders.

Just look at the variety of projects! Paper-piecing, applique, Broderie Perse – Kathy walks you through every technique!

Opening the first page of this book is like the first time you opened that big box of crayons – and never looked back!

Guide to Interfacings

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor has written the absolute BEST pocket Guide to Interfacings! This is a must have for every shop; sales rep; and sewing enthusiast! And, should be a must read for every shop employee…

Let’s face it – the world of interfacings has gotten a lot more complicated over the years. And, to add to the confusion, each manufacturer calls similar products by different names!

In the beginning she explains the difference between wovens; non-wovens; and knits – and the advantages of each.Should you use a fusible or sew-in variety? Kristine will help you choose!

This 64 page pocket guide retails for just $8.50 and lists the type of interfacings, common uses, and the popular name brands of each. Over twenty categories are represented in an easy to follow format.

I love these pocket guides by Landauer – and this is an excellent addition!

Perfect 5 – the Perfect Companion

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Penny Haren

Its Sew Emma has created the perfect companion to the Creative Grids® Perfect 10 Quilt Ruler – the Perfect 5. This little sister was designed to sub-cut and trim those five inch squares – and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. It even has a diagonal line to square up half square triangles. Versatility is the key

They have designed FIVE new Cut Loose Press™ patterns to showcase the features of this ruler. All of these quilts measure between 36 and 56 inches. My first reaction? Why not start a class and call it Oh baby! Every one of these projects is perfect for a baby/toddler quilt.

Wayside #CLPISE021

Charm Pack Stones #CLPISE020

Bluebird #CLPISE022

Butterfly Patch #CLPISE018

Cotton Candy #CLPISE019

AND, they can be completed in two to six hours! Everyone needs a stash of baby quilts on hand so the class would appeal to all of your customers. And what a great class for beginners! They can learn a different technique each month and actually finish something beautiful!

Since they are all made with five inch squares, just have a large assortment of pre-cuts available with possible border and binding options. No kitting required!

Offer a discount on backing if they bring their completed top to the next class for show and tell. No UFO’s when they are this fast and fun!

The ruler and Cut Loose Press™ patterns are available now. Perfect 5 Quilts from It’s Sew Emma #ISE-933 – a book that features 17 different quilts using one to four charm packs each – will be in stock next month so pre-order it now!

Dresden Plates Reimagined

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

Candyce Copp Grisham has embraced the traditional Dresden Plate block and added her own spin that elevates it to all new heights!

Her simple instructions and techniques create particularly beautiful Dresden plate blocks. Candyce explores four different edge treatments and twenty-five design elements – all possible in a multitude of sizes. Create one of her patterns or use the book as a launching pad to your own heirloom.

Just look at the possibilities!

And, all of these designs are created with the Creative Grids® 18 degree Dresden Plate ruler!

What a great series of classes!

A Trio of Unicorns

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Penny Haren

When three unicorn patterns appear in the top 100, you know they are becoming mainstream! Unicorns are not just for pre-tens anymore! Whimsey is the order of the day!

Nola is a collage by Laura Heine that is the stuff that dreams are made of!

Lisa the Unicorn by Elizabeth Hartman is created with 2 1/2″ strips.

Whether you choose to create a unicorn or horse, Violet Craft’s techniques can help make that a reality.

Each pattern showcases a different technique and would be great additions to your class schedule!

//://www.checkhttpserdist.com/products/QCRMINI

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Monthly Archives: August 2019