Its All in the Hoop!

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love it when I fall in love with a pattern – and see that it is “Volume One” – which means there is going to be more goodness to come! In Kim’s own words: Kimberbell Noteables are composition book covers that turn ordinary writing paper into a noteworthy journal. Each machine embroidered cover is fully lined, durable, and reusable and best of all, each are made (even pieced!) entirely in-the-hoop!

There are four different options for the small size; two for the medium size; and two for the large. The best news? They are all totally done in the hoop!

Wouldn’t these be great gifts for children and adults alike? Who wouldn’t love a personal journal or diary? Or, personalize them for members of your book club….or make them for your favorite teacher. Have shower participants write encouraging notes to the future brides or expectant mother. The gift possibilities are endless!

The Life is Better in Full Bloom is organized so that you can learn eight different techniques. This 39-inch square wall hanging features yo-yos; three-dimensional pinwheels, and a variety of other techniques. The detailed instructions will guide you each step of the way.

But, this would be a great class as well. Why not teach this in your shop? Kimberbell has provided everything you need to start a shop program.

The shop guide includes:
+ Tips
+ Kit Cutting Instructions
+ Punch Card Reward System
+ Promotional Materials (Build the buzz and you’re going to have higher sign-ups!)
+ A Shop Sample Pattern
+ A List of Possible Add-on Sales

A shop just needs 1 Life Is Better In Full Bloom Shop Guide and can order the accompanying patterns for each participant at your shop.

These patterns are expected to arrive this month so order them now so you can start Spring off with a bang!

Holsters Aren’t Just for Cowboys

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Penny Haren

These “holsters” are designed to organize your sewing, office or craft area. They are made from a patented silicone. The flap sticks to any smooth, clean an dry surface. Once positioned, simply spray with water to secure in place. Drainage holes are included so objects such as paintbrushes can drain and dry. The Lil’ Holster is 3.25 x 5.25 inches and is dishwasher safe – which makes them the perfect organizers for your kitchen sink as well! They are so easy to place, move and clean!

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The Hobby Holster is heat resistant up to 400 degrees so it can actually hold a glue gun. The flap can double as a work mat. Any glue will peal right off- or anything else you want.

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The Lil’ Holster mini measures 2.5 x 4 inches and has all of the great features of the original.

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These are the perfect gift for every quilter who dreams of being organized! Visit the website to see the entire range of colors: Holsters

Crabapple Hill Studio Spring Releases

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Penny Haren

This month, Crabapple Hill Studio is releasing the first of their new mystery quilt. The Girls’ Getaway will be presented in six patterns over the next several months – five embroidered patterns and a final pattern including the piecing instructions to complete the quilt.

What could be more fun than a vintage aqua camp trailer with pink and white striped awnings? Add a vintage pickup, a flower filled window box, some comfy chairs, and we’re ready to snuggle in for a beautiful glamping weekend! This the first block, will finish approximately 31″ x 12-1/2″.

Meg’s last mystery quilt – Mystery of the Salem Witches Quilt Guild – is still in the top 100 patterns so don’t miss out on this one.

My Embroidered Garden is designed to teach all aspects of embroidery. At just 4″ x 6″, it is a sweet little project pack full of happiness! What a perfect baby gift. Don’t all babies arrive in flowered baskets? Or, why not make an heirloom quality pin cushion with beautiful lily of the valley and peony design? Last but not least, this journal cover would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift!

Order them now so you will get the first shipment of these gorgeous designs. You know they will be perennial favorites!

Register Sales That Sell Themselves

Posted on March 12, 2017 by Penny Haren

It’s that time of year again. Time to take a fresh look at the area around your register. Every person that enters your shop will be standing there at some point, so why not make this a pleasant experience?

These three additions are perfect gifts – even if you are treating yourself! This counter display of Bonnie Hunter playing cards contains 12 decks that retail for around $5.00.

The Happy Quilter Word Search includes 72 puzzles with terms that every quilter will love. Who would have thought a puzzle book would crack the top 50 books? Could this be the next coloring book craze???

Every quilter needs these bandages in their first aid kit. Each box contains 30 bandages with five different designs…more due any day….

World War II Quilts

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Penny Haren

We owe an incredible part of our quilting history to Sue Reich. I have her first book – World War II Quilts. It is sooo well done! She shares the quilts and stories of the quilts that represent a generation. Many of these quilts are just surfacing. As Sue says, when they returned from the war, these quilts were placed in cedar chests – and in many cases forgotten. Thanks to Sue, they are now receiving center stage.

In Sue’s own words:

“Since this book was released, Many American women made warm and attractive quilts to honor and benefit US soldiers during the period 1940-1945, either as outright gifts or as raffle items to raise money for the war effort. This book reflects extensive original research of newspaper and magazine articles of the era, and authenticates the patterns and designs available to quilt makers, anchoring the quilts historically in time. Color photos and descriptive text identify many colorful and patriotic quilts made for donation to the Red Cross and organizations such as Bundles for Britain. When possible,original patterns and designs that inspired the quilts are included. The quilts can now be interpreted from factual and objective perspectives, enhancing their historic and emotional importance.”

This book is due out in May. What a great gift!

Gift Tags for Every Occasion

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Penny Haren

You know I love everything Kimberbell and LOVE this new machine embroidery pattern – all done in the hoop! There is a style for every gift giving occasion.

The CD includes eight different sizes and over 30 different printable gift tags. Choose from a variety of sentiments: Hello, Congrats, Thanks, Happy Birthday, or Thinking of You!

Choose a gift tag or holder for a gift card. Or, make a larger size that is big enough to hold treasures such as a favorite book, note cards, lotions, or your favorite things.

These are so cute that a gift of giftables would be a gift in itself! Who wouldn’t love to receive their own personal supply? Change the fabrics to change the entire look – and holiday!

For the Book Nerd in Your Life

Posted on February 4, 2017 by Penny Haren

There are several pics of “book” quilts showing up on Facebook. And when I say books – take that literally! For that book lover in your life, why not make them a throw to cuddle under while they read?

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This quilt is a simple paper-pieced pattern so everyone will be successful. Make a nice sized throw or add “books” to create a bed-sized quilt. Wouldn’t this be great in Tim Holtz fabric? It is designed to be fat quarter friendly.

I love this quilt because it gives you the perfect opportunity to personalize it. Write the titles of their favorite books on the binding. Or, write a favorite quote on the cover. What a great gift for a favorite teacher. Change up the fabrics to make a perfect masculine version!

Easter Should be on your radar

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Penny Haren

These wooden eggs in three sizes – and two colorways by The Bee Company will be arriving next month.

These eggs can be purchased individually or come with a pattern for a cross stitch banner.

But my first thought? Wouldn’t these be an adorable way to personalize Easter baskets? Machine embroidery instead of cross stitch would be darling – and give you the opportunity to showcase features of your sewing machines! Carry Silhouette machines? Design your own with that machine as well! Think outside the box and your customers will make ALL variations! What darling decorations for an Easter tree!

Fast, Easy and Adorable

Posted on January 21, 2017 by Penny Haren

Need a quick gift – or several gifts? Check out these bibs and purses by Easy Peasy. All of these can be made in an afternoon so they are great choices for classes – and would be great ways to demonstrate sewing machines!

To make it even easier? Use the pre-cut bibs by Bosal and the darling trims with crocheted edging by Vintage Door.

Or use these trims to create these darling purses:

These purses use the pre-cut mug rugs by Bosal. Wouldn’t these be darling Easter gifts for those little darlings in your life??? Both would be great classes – and a great way to showcase these trims!

Christmas Throughout the Year – Part Two

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Penny Haren

The holiday season is all about food – and the gifts can be as well! These gifts can add that awe factor as well. Invited to Thanksgiving dinner? Why not give the hostess a table runner for a hostess gift? This Triangle Frenzy Runner is a great way to showcase a beautiful stripe and can be completed in an afternoon! It only has 14 pieces so you can definitely make more than one!

Giving a kitchen related gift? Why not include a set of place mats? Here are two great options! Take Four uses four fat quarters so it is easy to kit and fast to make! Inside Out Mats feature a no binding technique that means a set of four can be completed in an afternoon!

Baking cookies a family tradition? Why not make matching aprons for everyone? I love this version which comes in Mother/Daughter sizes and is lined. Why not make the lining a light fabric? Then everyone can sign each other’s aprons as a lasting memory!

Do you give gifts of candy? Why not present it in a Fat Quarter Pop-Up? The gift that keeps on giving!

Think outside of the box!

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