Simple Friendships – Jo Morton and Kim Diehl

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Penny Haren

I blogged about this book – sight unseen because I knew it was going to be a top seller. And now that photos are available, I am SURE it is going to be number one when it is released in February. Simple Friendships #B1351T.

This book includes 14 different patterns designed by two of the top creative geniuses in our field! What is not to love? You can see the influence of each designer in these quilts.

I love the combination of piecing and applique and instantly loved the idea of showcasing a single applique block in a wall hanging surrounded by miniature pieced quarter-square triangles. The scrappy look is so appealing! Use these quilts as a launchpad for your own designs.

Red, White and Black Never Looked So Good

Posted on October 31, 2016 by Penny Haren

This newest pattern by Quiltworx says it all:

This queen size quilt is stunning – and I am only using that word because I can’t think of a word that would truly do it justice! What a dramatic three color quilt. And, I have it on good authority, that the fabrics used in this quilt are premiering at Quilt Market and will be available at Checker on Saturday…

The book – Redesigned – showcases several of their patterns shown in this new colorway. (Patterns available separately.)

The red and white quilt craze has been wildly popular since the Red and White exhibit in New York, but finding true reds to make these quilts has NOT been easy. And, batik red, whites, and blacks? Non-existent so you know the book, pattern, and soon to be released fabric line are instant winners!

Guaranteed Winners

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Penny Haren

I normally don’t encourage you to buy books sight unseen but these women are legendary – and, based on their reputations, you want to order now so you are guaranteed to get the first shipment! And, I mean this literally because no pics have yet been released! Some are not due out until February but I am ordering my copies NOW!

Kim Diehl and Jo Morton are joining forces to create 14 spectacular quilts all based on classic blocks. These women are sensational alone so I can’t wait to see what happens in this collaboration! Simple Friendships is aptly named!

Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie’s Quilt Company is releasing twelve of her favorite quilt patterns in one collection! Miss Rosie’s Farmhouse Favorites is sure to be a compendium of exceptional scrap quilts. She has such a talent for combining literally hundreds of fabrics into stunning quilts – studying her projects is comparable to getting your masters in color and design!

You already know who will want these so order accordingly!

A Compendium of Quilts Blocks

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Penny Haren

Block Genius by Sue Voeglin provides everyone with the skills to dissect blocks into units that are easy to piece in multiple sizes. Most of the 200 blocks are classics but there are a few added bonuses designed by the author herself!

The blocks are divided into sections that play well together- those based on two, three, four and six grids. Then measurements are provided to cut and sew them into six; nine; and twelve-inch blocks.

Over a year in the making, this book is a true labor of love! Sue is an amazing photographer – and therefore has a phenomenal sense of color. Seeing the blocks in different colorways makes this a resource guide that is a pleasure to browse as well. Here is just a sampling of the treats that are hidden inside.

Clear instructions and exploded diagrams make cutting and sewing these designs a breeze. But, there are detailed instructions on how to make half-square triangles; quarter-square triangles; flying geese units; square in a square and parallel blocks.

Many of the blocks are old favorites but many of them are antique blocks that deserve a spot in the sun once more. This is a reference guide that is destined to be a must have in every quilter’s library!

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!

Plant a Garden with Edyta Sitar

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Penny Haren

It’s Sew Emma and Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts have combined forces in this new book – due to arrive this month. Quilter’s Patch is a perfect choice for a series of classes.

The book is chock full of techniques that will improve your piecing skills and others that will have you thinking outside of the box! I love quilts that are created from blocks – but the blocks are so well hidden that the quilt flows into an entire scene. This quilt has taken that concept to a whole new level!

So why not plant your garden….one block at a time!

Three Books in the Top 100 – Congrats!

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Penny Haren

Drumroll please!!! Stripology; Stripology 2; AND Stripology Squared are ALL in the Checker top 100 books today! That is simply unheard of – and a testimony to the success of the Stripology ruler. Gudrun Erla is a super star!

This ruler has literally paid the rent for many quilt shops – and Gudrun is a great promoter. Check out these YouTube videos for some of the projects in Stripology Squared! Share them with your customers and you won’t be able to keep them in stock.

Take a video book tour with Gudrun. Then watch the videos to show how easy it is to make these quilts: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-5tWlwQfiY

These videos are AMAZING!!!
Prisms //www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3IzPNLhy-g
Matrix //www.youtube.com/watch?v=jinGy-dC__w

These videos are the best promotion I have ever seen for a book! These techniques will wet their appetites for her first two books if they haven’t seen them already.

You could literally do a class a month based on these quilts and never run out of new ways to use the ruler!

Baby Makes Three… #2

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Penny Haren

Kim Diehl and Pat Wys are both Martingale authors who are best known for their distinctive country styles so this book is a pleasant departure. Their unique sense of proportion and color combine to create a unique setting for any nursery. This books brings the entire package – quilts and darling gifts that would be the perfect shower gifts.

Any of these projects would be adorable in Kim’s new baby fabric line – Ric Rac Paddywack Flannels.

And Baby Makes Three Separate Posts … #1

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Penny Haren

Baby quilts and projects – and books about them – are all over the top 100 books. New ones have joined the favorites that have been on the top of the list for several weeks.

One of my favorites is the newest entry from Kim Schaefer. Playtime, Naptime, Anytime Quilts . These fun and sassy quilts will make every mother to be smile…

Kim’s imagination soared – literally to outer space in this sequel to her popular Quilts, Bibs, Blankies…Oh My! And these latest 19 quilts and diverse projects will decorate that nursery in style!

Check out these favorites….

Notice that this book isn’t just about quilts – there are growth charts, wall hangings, pillows – you name it! Why not pull those bolts of bright, happy fabrics and display them with this book. Fat quarter bundles appropriate for the appliques would be a solid seller as well.

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