Category Archives: Class Ideas

Jelly Roll Rugs just got rounder!

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For those of you who have made the jelly roll rug patterns the #1 and #2 on the Checker site, drum roll, please….

The Colossal Round Rug comes in two sizes: a 38″ version that uses one jelly roll and a 54″ option that uses two. This is a slightly more advanced version because you have to learn how to stop cupping when sewing the curve – not hard, just a different technique!

Why not start a series of classes beginning with the easiest – the rectangular version:

Then offer a second class for the oval – which is an introduction to curves:

All three patterns use the pre-cut batting strips and jean needles. The newest version is due to arrive the middle of November so plan now!

Diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend!

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Going to Market? Be sure to go to Krista Moser’s school house:

Room 342D at 3:45:

Come learn about all the ‘bells and whistles’ on the NEW Creative Grids® 60 Degree Diamond Ruler… including a trunk show of BRAND NEW patterns, and a Block of the Month!

Check out the dramatic way she uses these stripes!

Made with 2-1/2in strips, the Semaphore Stripes quilt is the perfect way to use striped fabric to make a secondary design without all the complicated piecing stripes typically require, and it’s jelly roll friendly! This quilt combines strip-piecing with a few well-placed Y seams to get the most dramatic effect. The pieces are large and uncomplicated, letting the fabric do the talking.

The Big Sky Bloom quilt is perfect for a little girls room, or as a cheerful answer to any room’s dreary decor. This pattern uses several features of the Creative Grids 60 degree Diamond ruler and has beautifully illustrated easy to follow instructions. Strip piece, then cut diamonds and triangles in different sizes to get the full effect.

This is just a sneak peak of the new releases at Market! Bring your calendar because you are going to want to book a class!

Splendid Sampler 2

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In their own words: More than 28,000 quilters have joined the Splendid Sampler online quilt-along–and now Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson return with 100 all-new block patterns to inspire quilters all over the world, all over again!

Along with blocks from Pat and Jane, quilters will find beautiful designs from superstar quilters including Lissa Alexander, Carrie Nelson, Jenny Doan, Susan Ache, Betsy Chutchian, Rob Appell, and more. Patchwork, appliquéd, embroidered, and foundation-pieced blocks provide plenty of opportunities to try new techniques, while a quilt gallery offers fun ideas for arranging blocks. Quilters can share their progress online and experience the joys of quilting with this very special community of quilters.

In case you need to catch up, here is the original 100 blocks:

     

What a great way to learn! Join the online group and you have a multitude of experts to help and provide inspiration!

Crazy Christmas Tree Farm

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I love the Crazy Christmas Tree! It has three of my favorite things – it is fast, fun, and the perfect gift! I have made and taught this multiple times in a multitude of fabrics. Use two backgrounds, two tree colors, the same tree color, or eight different colors. The truth is I never saw a tree that I didn’t like!

Therefore, I was thrilled to see that Karla Alexander has expanded on this technique to make an entire quilt! The Tree Farm uses groups of color to create a stunning quilt. The backgrounds of one tree create a tree in another block! The lights and darks are simply stunning!

This quilt measures 52″ x 66″ so a Shannon Cuddle at 60″ wide is the perfect backing!

Both patterns take the Creative Grids Spiderweb tool so you get more bang for your buck! Order them now so you can start your quilt as soon as the pattern arrives and have it done in plenty of time for Christmas! The really is a day project!

Block of the Month or a Weekend

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I love everything this gal does! Krista Moser has so much talent and personality – she is destined to be a rock star in our industry! Just look at what she has created with her new Creative Grids®  60 Degree Diamond Ruler!

This quilt combines the techniques that are featured in many of her patterns and removes the intimidation factor. Each diamond pattern is repeated twice and takes just a few hours.

Why not feature this at your next retreat? Share a technique, give them a few hours to sew….repeat! Better yet – invite Krista to teach at your shop or guild. Contact her at The Quilted Life. Her personality lights up a room. And, she loves to share her knowledge of quilting and longarming. What a combination! The pattern is due to arrive in September so order now!

A Blank Canvas – Literally

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I totally missed the boat on this one! I looked at these totes and aprons by Kimberbell and thought they were great for machine embroidery – but didn’t consider all of the other possibilities!

These canvas totes come in natural and denim and are totally finished except for the side seams which are serged! When you are done decorating, just stitch up the sides with a straight seam!

My grandchildren are coming down for “grandma camp” in a few weeks. My idea? We are going to cut pockets from old jeans, pinking the fabric beyond the pocket so we can attach them to the tote easily. They can embellish them any way they want and then we will stitch multiple pockets on each side. We may even add a few to the inside!

Kimberbell has those assortments of adorable trims as well. Adding ribbon to the tops of some of the pockets might be fun too! Who says they have to be just for machine embroidery???

And then I saw these blank aprons in adult and children’s sizes! Craft aprons with multiple pockets? What do you think???

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are all affordably priced and in stock! I just placed my order!

The Perfect Kitchen Accessory

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Lisa Amundson of Around the Bobbin has created a designer oven mitt that makes a great class! All you need is two fat quarters, some cotton batting and the pattern – which includes the transparent food grade silicone overlay.

The silicone is designed to withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees!

Here are a few tips that Lisa shared with us:

It is easy to sew through the silicone – just use a Schmetz Microtex needle 14/90. Since the silicone is sandwiched between two layers of fabric, stitching is a breeze!

When sewing the cuff, the silicone fits over most free arms.  For those of us who don’t have a free arm, it is easiest to turn the oven mitt inside out to do the top-stitching along the cuff.

But who can stop at just one? Refills of the silicone are available:

 

 

 

 

 

 

This pattern has been so popular that Lisa is planning some new releases for Fall Market so teach your customers how to work with the silicone now! I, for one, can’t wait to see what she has in store!

New Meaning to Block Party

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Stitch Happens is the perfect wall hanging for a sewing room. It features several quilt blocks – which make it the basis of a great class.

Now welcome the big sister! This larger version features even more block designs and is a throw size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both are in stock and ready for your next block of the month series!

Twisted Trays by the Twister Sisters

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This tray is such a fun afternoon project! It really can be done in an afternoon because no quilting is required. Use 4 1/2″ squares or 5″ charms to piece the design in the center of this 9″ x 11 1/4″ tray.

Use a pre-cut package of Heat Moldable fusible for each tray.

Create the design with the Mini Twister tool:

 

 

What a great class! They could actually go home with a finished project. And what a great gift! Fill the tray with some favorite candies, cosmetics, magazines, books – you get the picture!

 

Graphite and Granite

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This new Block of the Month quilt by Whirligig Designs is simply stunning! The instructions include yardage for four sizes from wall hanging to king.

The cover quilt was made with a line from Timeless Treasures called Graphite(sceduled to be released in July).

The pattern is due to arrive in June so order it now so you can plan your block of the month program. This one will have people lining up at your door!