Diamonds Are this Girl’s Best Friend

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Penny Haren

Remember the name Krista Moser because she is going to be a superstar! This gal has it all, talent, color sense, marketing sense – and the most important of all of the senses – common sense! When a relatively new designer has four patterns in the top 100, I take notice – and you should too!

Krista designed the Creative Grids® newest 60-degree Diamond ruler. This Cut Loose Press™ pattern is so simple, even I could make it. It is all done out of 2-1/2″ strips which makes it easy to market!

Or choose this simple Cut Loose Press™ baby quilt that features the hexie aspect of the tool:

Many of you are already kitting and teaching the Aztec Table Runner which can be made with the 60-degree aspect of the tool as well.

Once you know how to use the ruler, these patterns are a piece of cake. They look like you worked really hard but are actually week-end projects once you know her techniques!

And here is the star of the show – the Creative Grids® 60-degree Diamond Ruler:

Why not start a series of classes, showcasing a different element of the tool each month? Your customers will love you for it!

The Witches are Baking at Kimberbell

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Penny Haren

I ran into Kim from Kimberbell while we were setting up the booth and she told me that Broomhilda was visiting.

The description for this is so darn cute – you can’t improve on perfection so I am not even going to try:

Come sit for a spell in Broomhilda’s Bakery where every ghoul-friend is welcome! Hang your hat and rest your witchy toes, while sampling the spooky sweets like Boo-Berry Pie and Rice-Creepy Treats. Kimberbell’s vinyl and glitter sheets conjure the cutest applique with charming frogs under glass, plus diva witch hats and high heels. All the extraordinary embellishments like Mylar candy corns and flowers, fuzzy fringed spiders, and Broomhilda’s collection of eyeballs will have you screaming in a good way.

Kimberbell’s spook-tacular new quilt features: 26 embroidered blocks, Flying Geese (pieced in the hoop) and three more traditionally pieced blocks include Pinwheel, Four-patch, and Broomhilda’s twist on a Sawtooth block, which she calls the Sweet-tooth Star. Plus 4 pieced picture blocks, where the sections are embroidered separately, then applique images are aligned before piecing the blocks together to make a complete picture. The quilt can be made with the 4×4 and 5×7 hoop sizes.

Broomhilda’s Bonus projects include:
Smell my Feet Tea Towel
Face First Frosted Cupcake Hot Pad (4 sizes)
Suspiciously Sweet Table Runner (2 sizes)
Apothecary Jar Wall Hanging (2 sizes)
Under Your Spell Bench Buddy

And, in typical Kimberbell style, she has included an embellishment kit that includes everything to make this sing!

Don’t have an embroidery machine? It’s okay. there is a version for you as well!

And, of course there is a fabric line to make it all oh so easy!

Everything will be in stock by next month so plan your classes now!

Start a Table Runner Club

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Penny Haren

Kathy Skomp of Lavender Lime Quilting has quite an imagination! She has created 20 table runners – 10 pieced and 10 appliqued – all of them are charming!

The awe factor? Any design from a table runner can be turned into a darling placemat so there are TONS of options! What a great basis for a series of classes! Why not make one a month for a gift that keeps on giving?

A Tray for all Seasons

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Penny Haren

I love these trays – and now Checker carries them!

Dawn Shuck of Sew Cherished uses them to showcase her exquisite wool designs. What a great monthly kit!

Spring Fling and Spring is in the Air

Liberty and Wool Barn

Bless this Home and The Fall Guy

Trick or Treat and Fall Harvest

Making a List and Warm Hearts

These patterns will be arriving later this month so order them now and start a wool club!

Celebrate Every Holiday

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Penny Haren

Janine Babich has designed a whole series of”Made in the Hoop” designs. (The three rectangular shapes require a 5 3/4″ x 8″ hoop). What a great display! Check out the awe factors that she adds to every design:

The frame is sold separately:

Check out all of Janine’s designs on our website – you will be glad you did!

The newest jelly roll rug – rectangle

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Penny Haren

These jelly roll rugs by R.J. Designs have been so popular that they have added a rectangular version for beginners. This version is created with straight strips and does not require any turning so even novices will be successful!

After all, who can’t sew a straight line??? Once you have mastered the technique of folding the fabric around 2 1/2″ strips of batting, you can move onto their top-selling pattern: See how different it looks in different colorways.

Choose to pre-cut your strips or start with a jelly roll; use batting scraps or buy pre-cut batting strips – the optional companions are listed with each pattern so get started today!

Explore your Inner Child – Part Two

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Penny Haren

A trip to the zoo has never been more fun with these whimsical animals from The Whole Country Caboodle. The pattern includes the pre-cut, pre-fused fabrics.

Children of ALL ages will smile! Make one block and add borders for a quilt. Center another design on the side of a diaper bag. Frame one above the changing table. Make a pillow for the rocker out of another. The nursery is done! These are not due to arrive until September but you have nine months to plan for a baby so I wanted you to know these will be available before the due date!

Check out Whole Country Caboodle to see other possibilities.

Birthstone Quilts

Posted on April 10, 2018 by Penny Haren

These gorgeous blocks designed by MJ Kinman showcase the jewels that are the birthstones for each month. Each 17″ block is created with a freezer paper technique which insures success. It is just as easy as paper-piecing without the annoying step of removing the foundation! Check these out:

So different – and oh so beautiful! Wouldn’t these be gorgeous wall art featuring all of the birthstones for the loved ones in your life? The patterns are due to arrive next month.

All of them were made with my favorite line of solids: Painter’s Palette Solid Collection

These solids have a great feel – oh so soft – and available in a wide variety of colors. All of those colors is what makes these jewels come to life!

Want to get all of the patterns? Order a Shop Kit:

Shop Hops and Shows – Part Three

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Penny Haren

Once again, a sample sells! These 5″ x 5″ x 10″ bags are the perfect way to use those novelty fabrics that just don’t seem to work in traditional quilts! The size is perfect for everyone – teachers, fellow quilters, friends who actually take the time to wear makeup…every day…

Display the zippers and recommended interfacings right with the pattern and fabrics. Why make them look for the basics?

When you find a pattern you like, look for other patterns by the same designer. If they are talented enough to have a best seller, there may be hidden gems yet to be discovered. In this case, check out her Sew Square bag:

How cute is this??? You could create the next craze!

To see our Shop Hop Guide Event Ideas and Inspiration booklet, click here

Shop Hops and Shows – Part Two

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Penny Haren

We can’t keep these Hello Pouches in stock! A bargain since the pattern has instructions for four sizes.

Once again, a sample is worth a thousand words – or in this case – patterns! But don’t make your customers search for what they need! Have the Soft and Stable; vinyl and zippers as a part of the display. Include fun fabrics.

One half yard pack of Soft and Stable is enough to make an entire set of four pouches – and it comes prepackaged!

The vinyl comes in a roll – and should be arriving soon. Cut that into 1/3 yard cuts – after all, who wants to stand in line for something so basic?

Two of By Annie’s 30″ zippers will make a complete set so include them in the display as well.

These are also a basis for a great class. Remove the intimidation factors. Teach a machine quilting class that will be used for the bases. (This is a great way to showcase the Creative Grids Angela Walters templates). Then show how easy it is to insert zippers and sew through vinyl.