We’re making changes at Cut Loose Press

Posted on March 16, 2016 by Penny Haren

Cut Loose Press™ patterns are designed for shops to demonstrate products. They are reasonably priced and are easy projects to showcase tools, notions, and techniques.

For instance, Rainbow Swirls was created with the Creative Grids 6″ Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool.

Item #CLPJAW032

Drum roll please!!!! The minimum order has been changed from twelve to six – which means smaller shops can now participate. AND, they have added a hang-hole at the top so they can be easily hung for display. Everything else you loved about CLP stays the same.

For those of you who haven’t tried Cut Loose Press™ (CLP), here is a perfect example of why you should.

This six inch log cabin trim tool designed by Jean Ann Wright is one of a series of trim tools – and is a great demo! The technique? The strips for the logs are cut 1/4″ larger than needed. Each round – which consists of two wide and two narrow logs – are trimmed before the next round is added. Any variation caused by cutting, sewing and pressing are corrected before the next round is added! Perfect results every time!

Item #CGRJAW6 Retail $17.95

Now that you have everyone’s attention, why not offer a class immediately after the demo? Why not offer the class FREE if they buy the tool and kit for Roundabout – this gorgeous tablerunner – another favorite CLP!

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Once your customers see how easy it is to create these intricate designs, they will want to do more. Many of these patterns are fat quarter friendly so it is easy to kit. If you don’t sell a kit, just return the fat quarters to inventory! Absolutely no risk!

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These patterns also suggest other notions that your customers may want. For instance, since these are scrappy quilts, a Bitty Buddy by Gypsy Quilter is convenient because it is a tabletop waste basket that collapses to carry to class.

Item #TGQ007 Retail $9.50

These companion items are listed below each pattern on our website. The yardage requirements for each pattern are shown on the website as well so you can check out the kitting requirements. Why not score a trifecta – fabric, notion, and pattern???

A Machine Dealer’s Dream!

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Penny Haren

When a gal has 10 of the top 100 patterns on the Checker website, Kim Christopherson of Kimberbell has gone from a great designer to a LEGENDARY designer! She not only has an eye for designing appliques that make everyone smile, she has an engineering mind that creates new concepts that make my head spin!

Her latest Pinwheel Parade pattern should be showcased at every summer event!

Item #KD633 Retail $9.95

The pattern includes bonus files for cutting machines as well! These pinwheels come in four sizes and actually SPIN! Who could resist? What a great way to demo sewing machines and Silhouettes this summer!

I was so fascinated by these bags at Market that I had to go to Kim’s booth and see a demo! They are all done in the hoop – even the zipper! Jeanette is the latest addition to this line. Another great demo…..

Item #KD614 Retail $9.95

The flying geese version comes in two sizes.
Small and Medium

Item #KD609 Retail $9.95

Large and Jumbo

Item #KD610 Retail $9.95

This mug rug assortment will be your go to every time you need a quick gift!

Item #KD517 Retail $29.95

This pattern includes 11 different designs…

If you want your customers to upgrade to an embroidery machine, these patterns will get their attention!

Kim has also designed a series of Bench pillows with switchable panels for each holiday. These are a great alternative to the traditional Block of the Month programs.

Item #KD173 Retail $9.00

Check out everything Kimberbell on our website!

“Round Up” these Projects in an Afternoon

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Penny Haren

The latest Creative Grids “Round Up” tool designed by Terry Atkinson is so popular that two of our favorite designers have used it in their own projects.

Item #CGRATK1 Retail $22.45

This place mat designed by Margaret Travis is so fast and simple that you won’t make just one…or two…or four….

Berries and Leaves Place Mat

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This table runner by Deb Heatherly is a simple version of an old fashioned Cathedral Window pattern — and so much easier!

Alley-Oop

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Or combine this tool with the Strippy Stars Tool for a spectacular effect…

Blooming Stars Runner

Item #CLPDHE008

Item #CGRDH2 Retail $17.95

Display these with Terry’s patterns to create a complete display. All, can be completed in an afternoon…

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Orange Peel Table Runner

So striking – and a great way to show off some machine quilting!

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Krista’s Kitchen Hot Pads

I used this pattern as a Make It/Take It in a class last month. Ten women went home and made 56 more for gifts! Now that is a great pattern!

Item #ATK183 Retail $9.50

Terry’s Table Placemats

Can’t you picture these on a table with your favorite Fiestaware? Mixing and matching is even more fun.

Item #ATK184 Retail $9.50

Triplets

The colors in these baby quilts are the perfect choice for the new generations of babies!

Item #ATK185 Retail $9.50

Why not let your customers enjoy creating a project in an afternoon!

Hats with Personality

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Penny Haren

Tis the season. Our town had the first snow day today. What is better on a snow day then to be sitting by a fire doing your favorite needle art. These cute hats can be made in one sitting and have tons of personality.

Item #TTY15MO Retail $8.99

The packaging is irresistible! The yarn automatically creates the stripes and there is even a grommet to hold the little stuffed animal on securely.

They come in a wide variety of choices….

Item #TTY15PE Retail $8.99

Item #TTY15SB Retail $8.99

Item #TTY15SF Retail $8.99

Item #TTY15SM Retail $8.99

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Display these at the register. Your customers will want one – one for each child that is! Visit our website to see the entire Top This collection!

Critters are all the rage

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Penny Haren

Yes, critters are the rage in nurseries these days – and these critters by Cheri Leffler are irresistible. Animal Parade 2 is her latest book that combines simple pieced quilts with appliques with personality!

Item #B1328T Retail $26.99

In this case, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words so I will stop typing now!

All of these quilts make great wall hangings as well so you don’t need to stop at just one! Why not add the appliques to a diaper bag, bibs, burp towels, etc.

This book is a follow up to her first book – Animal Parade. Your customers are sure to want this one as well. Both books should be a part of every quilter’s library. Let the new Mom pick her favorite!

Item #B1192T Retail $26.99

Once again, check these out….

All of these quilts are adorable without the appliques as well so you may want to take a picture to hang next to your sample so everyone can see it both ways. Your customers may decide to machine embroider designs on these patterns instead!

“Quilt Shop” is a Misnomer

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Penny Haren

If you truly are just a “quilt shop”, you are missing a wealth of business! Over 80% of the top 100 patterns on the Checker website are NOT quilts. Creating a quilt is an amazing experience but everyone wants instant gratification. Why not offer a series of classes that can actually be completed in class? And, as a bonus, choose projects that make great gifts as well. Make one in class, and then send them home with the supplies to make them for all of their friends!

Here are my top six choices to get you started:

This apron pattern is one of my favorites. It comes in two sizes so kids can have fun in the kitchen as well….

Item #ATK176 Retail $9.50

These Sweetpea Pods can be made with 10″ squares. Talk about easy to kit!

Item #LGD135 Retail $10.00

The hardware is included in the pattern:

Item #LGD137 Retail $13.50

It just takes a fat quarter – and the hardware is included in the pattern! How easy is that???

Item #FQG120 Retail $13.00

This is the new version of he classic Diva Wallet. Choose a different option – with the same great clasp.

Item #SMC824 Retail $10.00

This placemat or table runner has a classic look and is quilt as you go!

Item #TLP1234 Retail $9.50

Why not help your customers have a stockpile of gifts for the coming year? These would all be great Valentine’s Day; birthday; Mother’s Day gifts…

You can make ALL of these samples in the amount of time it would take to make ONE quilt sample! Use your time wisely. Don’t forget to take the time to display all of the companions with the projects and include pre-cuts!

A Decoration for Every Season – Part Two

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Penny Haren

This pattern is the perfect companion to the jaw dropping centerpiece that is on everyone’s to-do list! Yes, it is listed as a Christmas ornament – but wouldn’t it be darling hanging from the light over the table to accent EVERY holiday table?

Item # PQD196 Retail $9.00

These are so easy to kit! Each ornament is made with one pack of the Bosal Craf-tex Coaster sets.

Item #437B-6CR Retail $6.47

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Why not offer a class where they make one of each. Guess what – there is a pack for those as well…

Item #437B-8CRS Retail $11.29

Embellish the ornaments with her bead sets.

Item #PQD103S Retail $5.00 (Silver)

Item #PQD103G Retail $5.00 (Gold)

No one has time to make ornaments at Christmas, so why not start now???

A Decoration for Every Season – Part One

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Penny Haren

This pattern is the perfect example of how Social Media can work for you! A shop posted a pic of their shop sample on Facebook, it went viral – and the rest is history!

Item #PQD-210 Retail $9.00

It instantly became the #1 pattern on Checker and sold out instantly. No one could have predicted this so Kristine of Poorhouse Designs was not prepared for the demand either – but she is now – and more patterns are due in this week! Are you posting classes, kits and shop samples on Facebook to share with your customers? If this pattern doesn’t inspire you, nothing will!

The Facebook pic showed it as a centerpiece.

This was the variation that appeared on the back of the pattern – and is obviously the viewer’s choice!

Kristine is such a sweetheart! She instantly did this pattern in different fabrics to make it a holiday pattern for EVERY occasion!

This is the perfect class because it can actually be DONE in a class – and I mean totally done and ready to put on the table! It features a product that may be new to your customers – In-R-Form single sided fusible foam stabilizer – which is a teaching opportunity.

Item #495BS-18 Retail $11.00

This product is available on the bolt and in the package. Choose what works for you.

Be sure to have these bead packages on hand. Kristine has packaged them in either gold or silver and they are the perfect size for the pattern. Let’s face it, this is an impulse buy because no one knows if they have them at home – let alone where they are!

Item #PQD103G Retail $5.00

Item #PQD103S Retail $5.00

Why not schedule YOUR class today? Don’t forget to post it on Facebook!

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Category Archives: Class Ideas