What is Red and White and Embroidered All Over?

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Penny Haren

Natalie Bird has created a variety of whimsical designs that add a whole new twist to Cottage Chic! Combining embroidery with simple piecing creates nostalgic projects that are sure to make you smile!

Every project has that awe factor. Whether it is putting a new take on a traditional penny rug; adding wide rickrack to a tote; creating the perfect shape on a pin cushion to accent the design to its best advantage; or adding tiny touches of embroidery to a framed miniature to add texture and detail, this book has it all.

This book is expected to arrive the first week of January – just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Inspirational International Quilts

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Penny Haren

Quiltmania is not just a popular magazine. They also publish books featuring some of your favorite international designers. Inspiration from these quilts can bring a fresh new look to your next project!

Irene Blanck’s Focus on Applique includes 16 different applique designs that are featured in her quilts – or can be the foundation of your next creation.

Primarily Quilts by Di Ford – another Australian designer features medallion quilts – her favorite style. They remind me of the Baltimore Album era quilts.

I love the muted tones Chosen by Reiko Kato for The Newest Adventures of Sue and Billy.

Norma Whaley includes traditional pieced blocks with a twist – as well as beautiful applique blocks.

Check out all of the Quiltmania magazines and books on our website! Let the inspiration begin!

Creating Mini’s with Proven Techniques

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Penny Haren

I love everything by Lynne Hagmeier. Fall is my favorite season and her color pallette sings to this Midwest gal! Her latest books feature these tones – but would translate into your favorite color tones as well.

Item #KT-15116 Retail $12.95

All of these minis are made with 2 1/2″ squares. This book should be included with any pre-cut display. Whether you buy pre-cuts or use your scraps, it is a great way to play with color. Choose any of the seven miniature quilts and three bonus projects.

Lynne incorporates her signature techniques that make working in miniature a breeze! Why not use this book as a series of classes to introduce everyone to these methods???

Bees ‘n Blooms includes several smaller projects as well as some larger quilts.

Item #KT15115 Retail $15.95

In this wall hanging, she pieces the background and adds applique that looks like it came directly from a collection of pressed flowers. The combination gives this quilt a very eclectic feel!

This charm quilt looks like a mosaic or cobblestone path. The occasional light fabric makes the quilt sing!

Many of the embellishments in this book were created with her Melon Template (Item #KT99906 Retail $9.95)

Hexies are still hot!

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Penny Haren

Combine hexies and 60 degree triangles to create true works of art.

Item #B1235T Retail $26.99

Katja Marek created 52 paper-pieced 6 inch blocks. Anyone can create these 60 degree kaleidoscope works of art. Simply amazing! In this case, a picture is worth a thousand hexies….

This is a great modern quilt – or would add interest to any backing!

Solids with black are always a winning combination and show off these designs beautifully…

Don’t you love the prairie points on the topper?

This is not your grandmother’s version!

Or, make a twin size quilt.

A perpetual calendar is due out in July – just in time for Shop Hop season. (Item #C147, Retail $23.99). Order it now so you get it as soon as it arrives!

Snow Happy

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Penny Haren

As record breaking snows hit the East coast, Robin Kingsley of Bird Brain Designs has released her new book – Snow Happy. Why not sit by a fire and stitch one of these projects while you are longing for Spring?

Item #B1338T Retail $24.99

This collection of hand embroidered designs are sewn into a wide variety of projects from towels to totes.

I love everything Robin designs! And did I mention that she is one of the most charming ladies I have ever met? These designs are so charming you will want to incorporate them into other projects. Why not stitch them up into your favorite design today? Order now – these books will be arriving any day!

Jo’s Little Favorites

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Penny Haren

You all ready know who will want this newest release by Jo Morton so make sure you order enough! This book of minis is due to arrive the first week of February and would make a great class series – kitted of course!

Item #B1357T Retail $24.99

These 13 classic quilt designs include tips to make piecing in miniature a breeze. The photography is worth the price of the book! Each quilt is displayed in vignettes that would add charm to any decor.

Most of the quilts are smaller than 36″ square so you can stitch these versions of her classic patterns in no time at all. Here is just a sampling…

Which one will you make first????

Choosing Fabrics from your Stash Successfully

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Penny Haren

Stash Lab by Tonya Alexander is as much a study in color as it is a collection of spectacular patterns.

Item #B1335T Retail $24.99

Learning how to choose fabrics from your stash – which crosses fabric collections – is an art that can be learned by following Tonya’s simple sorting techniques. After all, we know that when scraps are combined effectively, you achieve the results featured in her projects. The photographs speak for themselves!

Whether you love the look of traditional or modern quilts, this book covers the spectrum of spectacular! Start organizing your scraps today.

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