The Gypsy Quilter Magnified

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

Cutting fabric accurately is the first step in creating quilts that lay flat, points that line up, and pieces that fit just right. Spot On Dot Magnifying Lens Set allows you to see exactly where you’ve lined up your fabric on your ruler by giving you magnified visibility at the point that matters most. For precision-perfect accuracy, Spot on Dots is the perfect tool for you! 3X Magnification

Place Spot on Dot adhesive side down onto your favorite ruler at the spot you want to magnify.

The reusable adhesive ring will prevent the Spot on Dot from shifting while you make precise cuts. The Spot on Dot stays in place until you remove it. Store in its case after use. You can reactivate the grip on the Spot On Dot by simply washing with mild soap and water.

These are coming out in February. I can’t wait to use them on my Creative Grids® specialty tools!

New Villa Rosa Designs

Posted on December 21, 2019 by Penny Haren

These post card sized patterns are affordable, easy and fun. Here are the latest additions due to arrive early next month.

If you haven’t carried them yet, you should! Have a display of these at the register and they will fly out the door. At this price, no one can buy just one!

Collage is King

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Penny Haren

And Laura Heine has created his prince – and it couldn’t be cuter! “Whatevers” are eight in blocks that can be turned in to WHATEVER you want! Let your creative juices flow!

And, then there is Burt! These are numbers seven and eight in an ongoing series. Wouldn’t they be darling on the wall of a nursery?

Christmas is next week but we still have at least three more months of winter weather. This snow globe inspired project is just the ticket for a class!

All of these patterns are due to arrive this month so order now!

Yoko Saito’s Houses

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Penny Haren

The title says it all! Yoko Saito loves houses in every shape and size. Some are pieced, some are appliqued – but all of them are stunning and will make you smile.

The book includes twenty projects, all featuring her whimsical style in all kinds of ways. Here is just a sampling:

Why not use this as inspiration to design your own village? Shouldn’t one have your quilt shops name on it???

The Little Things

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Penny Haren

Sometimes it is the little things that make me happy – and this one is brilliant!

Thread Cutterz Ceramic Blade Zipper Pull Cutter

In their words: This Thread Cutterz Zipper Pull is convenient, safe and efficient. Attach it to a lanyard, purse, backpack, keychain or any zipper and it will always be there when you need it. Its double-sided blade quickly and efficiently cuts from either side and is recessed to prevent accidental cuts. Use this unique tool to easily slice through thread, yarn and embroidery floss cleanly with no fray. Note the zipper pull’s sleek, ergonomic design includes a non-slip finger grip for increased stability and control. It is durable, machine washable, and has no moveable parts to wear out. Enjoy this handy tool for years to come.

I can’t wait to teach a bag class – the Clam Up bag would be perfect.

The students can choose their ideal size. Personally, I want a small one that I can take on a plane with needle and threads and my latest applique project! With this zipper pull, I don’t need to worry about anyone confiscating my favorite scissors!

Half Square Triangles made easy

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

I love Triangles on a Roll – and now they have a new home! Its Sew Emma is now producing them in ten different sizes from 1 to 6 inches.

And in typical Its Sew Emma style, they support them with a wonderful book featuring sixteen different projects. Eight different sizes of half-square triangles are showcased.

These Triangles on a Roll come in seventeen different sizes from one to seven inches and multiple half and quarter-inch sizes in between. Check out our website to view all of the possibilities: Triangles on a Roll

Quilt Cadets

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Penny Haren

This is such a brilliant idea that I wish I would have thought of it! For those retired Girl Scouts among us, this will make you smile!

Why not start your own Quilt Cadet program? There are twelve badges – each supporting a different skill. There are even age-appropriate patterns! Some are beginner level but as their skills grow, the projects include more techniques.

Why not start a group in your shop next year???

TAP is Back

Posted on December 7, 2019 by Penny Haren

TAP is simply amazing! This is not our Grandma’s transfer paper – unless you want it to be!

Lesley Riley's TAP Transfer Artist Paper 5pk

It is available in five and eighteen sheet packs. This is totally new to me so here it is in their words: Iron-On image Transfer sheets are 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Inkjet print, paint, stamp, or draw images onto TAP. Iron the image onto virtually any surface. The transferred images are crisp and colorfast AND are washable and crack-resistant on fabric.

Lesley Riley's TAP Transfer Artist Paper 18pk

That means you can transfer a design onto fabric, wood, leather, paper – you name it! Just look at a few possibilities!

Just think about the possibilities! What a FUN demo for your Christmas Open House.

Annie is Organized!

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Penny Haren

Protect your cherished sewing machine with its own quilt! Each cover features slip pockets on front and back, a zippered pocket on the left side, and a mesh slip pocket on the right side. For easy access to the sewing machine handle, there is an opening at the top. Flaps with magnetic snaps cover the opening.

The pattern includes complete step-by-step instructions for covers in three sizes to fit many popular machines:

SMALL: Fits machines measuring 12½”H x 15½”W x 6½”D (such as most current BERNINA 3 Series machines)
MEDIUM: Fits machines measuring 13”H x 17¾”W x 8”D (such as most current BERNINA 5 Series machines)
LARGE: Fits machines measuring 14½”H x 20½”W x 8”D (such as most current BERNINA 7 Series machines)

The pattern and Add-on Video include instructions for measuring your machine and making adjustments as needed to fit your particular machine.

Add-on Video notice: There is an Add-on Video available for this pattern. The Add-on Video is specially designed to support specific parts of the pattern and help you learn our best techniques. It doesn’t replace the pattern — it will enhance the sewing experience.

If you are a machine shop, this is a no-brainer. A featherweight club will love this! Actually who wouldn’t love it????

Coffee for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Coffee Break from Cut Loose Press™ by Karla Alexander is so much fun to make! I got out my Fiestaware and started throwing out fabrics that coordinated. It turns out, I couldn’t stop at a table runner. They are just way too much fun – and I am a little OCD…

So what is a gal to do? Make 35 more and turn them into mug rugs for gifts for coaches, teachers, principals….you get the picture. And, if you have a good relationship with your machine quilter, she may even add their names.

But, I live in Ohio – and they are #1 so…..

These individual cups measure approximately 8″ so I cut an 8″ square of fabric, folded it in half, and used it as a pocket on the back. I’ll put coffee gift cards in the pocket as a homage to Karla. After all, she lives in the Pacific Northwest and KNOWS good coffee!

You still have time to finish six or six dozen by Christmas so get started!

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Monthly Archives: December 2019