Judy Martin Embraces Lone Star Quilts

Posted on August 31, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love every book that Judy has ever written. She manages to take a classic quilt design – and in this case – create sixteen different versions which will have everyone adding more than one design to their bucket list!

Those aren’t blocks on the cover! Those are miniatures of the quilts! Here is some eye candy that will have you ordering multiple copies in advance since this book isn’t due to arrive until next month!

But, don’t be intimidated. There are smaller projects as well – but they ALL have Judy’s sense of style!

Everything Yoko Saito

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Penny Haren

Yoko Saito is one of my favorite designers. I love the muted fabrics that enhance the nuances of her designs! Checker now has the largest collection of books, patterns AND Lecien Fabrics that I have ever seen. We have just added more to the website and the actual merchandise will be arriving soon.

This Mystery Quilt has hit the top 10 – and it isn’t due to arrive until next month! This is a compilation of patterns that appeared in past Quiltmania magazines.

Check out our website to see the entire collection of everything “Saito”. It has never been easier to create a vignette of her style in your shop. This is a perfect addition to your online store since they have not yet become mainstream!

And now there are also individual patterns which are more affordable and in some cases, a sampling that will entice your customers to do even more!

I don’t know the details yet so, watch your email. Yoko will be doing a book signing in our booth at Houston Quilt Market! I can’t wait to see her!

Quilting Cats and Dogs

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Penny Haren

Quilted Cats & Dogs is a new book by Chris Malone that is due to arrive next month.

Create these cuties with fusible applique – fast and easy. These projects are perfect choices for a mother/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter class. Choose a block or an entire quilt – half of the fun will be picking out the fabric!

50 Shades of Blue

Posted on August 20, 2017 by Penny Haren

Make it Blue by Natalie Bird is simply charming! Just look at these pics!

The photography is stunning! I love projects that combine embroidery, applique and patchwork. Don’t you want to redecorate and make these projects the focus of an entire floor – let alone a room???

In her words: This book has 9 projects including an applique and paper-pieced main quilt – The Blue Quilt, a paper-pieced hexagon quilt, an applique Baltimore style block quilt, needlebook, pincushions, purse, pillow, bag, and an applique and stitchery wallhanging. An optional center block for the main quilt is also provided – with the work LOVE instead of BLUE.

Wouldn’t this make a great nursery??? The muted colors will lull anyone to sleep!

Houses for Any Neighborhood

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Penny Haren

I Love House Blocks is a compendium of fourteen quilts created by many of your favorite designers. Part of the fun is guessing who designed which quilt!

Whether modern or traditional is your style, this book is for you. A picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, fourteen pictures will make this a must have!

Why not make a personalized quilt that showcases the houses that you have called home!

Kaffe Fassett’s Ireland

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Penny Haren

Western Ireland is the inspiration for Kaffe’s new book – Quilts in Ireland. And was he inspired! This book includes twenty projects in his famous colorways.

In their words: West Ireland, with its streets of colorful painted houses and ancient stone walls, provides the perfect inspiration for the richly varied quilt designs in Kaffe Fassett’s Quilts in Ireland. Renowned for his use of color, Kaffe creates color palettes of brilliant hot pinks and reds; deep blues, purples, and greens; and soft blues and whites from his journey to Ireland, showcased in striking quilt designs that are as unpredictable as the landscape of Ireland.

Who can top that??? You know his books are as much about a study in color as they are about the projects. This book is due to arrive next month – and you already know who will want it so order them now!

Crazy Quilting with a Little Help from Your Friends

Posted on July 8, 2017 by Penny Haren

There is a definite surge in embroidery patterns and quilts. For those of you who have enjoyed handwork and appreciate the relaxation of simple redwork, why not advance to the next level?

This wall hanging by Sue Spargo is the perfect beginning project. After all, there is no wrong way to decorate a cup!

Buttons Galore have combined a few of your favorite things in color combinations that you will love. What a great way to embellish your cuppa….

Be sure to include embroidery guides, pearl cottons, and embroidery floss in your display.

Once your customers learn how relaxing handwork can be, they may want to start a true Crazy Quilt. This book is due to arrive later this summer so why not get your customers started now?

Pineapple Play the Jean Ann Way

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Penny Haren

Jean Ann Wright’s newest book – Pineapple Play – is now in stock and brimming with projects and ideas that make the Creative Grids® Pineapple Trim Tool shine!

Everyone has a pineapple quilt on their bucket list so why not be inspired? Whether you choose a traditional version or a block with a twist, the blocks have never been easier!

Patches of Blue

Posted on July 1, 2017 by Penny Haren

Anyone who is an Edyta Sitar fan knows that she has moved to sunny California. Her latest designs are inspired by that change of scenery.

This self-published book is not due to arrive until October but may affect your fabric choices NOW! The book begins with a gallery of antique quilts that inspired our love of this colorway. Edyta has included patterns for seventeen of her own designs inspired by the past.

You already can list those customers who will want this as soon as it arrives so order it now! I usually don’t recommend something sight unseen – but in this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover!

Imagine this Quilt on Your Wall

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Penny Haren

I wrote about Nancy Halvorsen’s newest book – Imagine – a few weeks ago – and now it is #1!

Nancy Halvorsen fans know that her embellishments add the awe factor to all of her designs. And now the button packs are entered in our system. There are individual button packs when needed for each individual block as well as an assortment for all of the buttons needed for the entire quilt.

The button packs and the fabric are all due to arrive the end of this month so order everything you need now so you can start kitting immediately.

Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together???

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