Deck the Halls Part Two

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Penny Haren

If you are like me, every year you get out the Christmas tree and regret that you didn’t plan ahead and make a new tree skirt. Here are several of my favorites that can literally be made in an afternoon. Most come in multiple sizes and can be used as table toppers as well.

Triangle Frenzy showcases wonderful Christmas stripes and is easy to piece since it uses the Creative Grids 12 1/2″ sixty degree ruler. Happy Holidays also uses a sixty degree ruler and is fast and easy to piece.

Be sure to display the ruler next to the patterns. It is our best selling triangle!

Or piece this darling Dresden version created by Erin Underwood – who also created the Creative Grids 15 degree ruler that makes piecing it a breeze. And, it is a quilt as you go technique so you CAN finish it in an afternoon!

This is my go to when I need a quick wedding gift. What couple won’t be thrilled to find this under their tree! The whole tree skirt only has 48 pieces! This one features the Creative Grids 30 degree triangle.

Or get out your strips and piece strip sets that are then cut with the Creative Grids 120 degree ruler. So this one is a piece of cake!

Why not get started and give these as “Thanksgiving” gifts so they will have them when they are setting up their tree?

Cup of Christmas – the Perfect Gift

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Penny Haren

These newest mugs by Quilt Happy are a guaranteed winner. They are the perfect size, proportion and thickness that everyone loves. The color gradates and becomes lighter as you reach the top and the Scandinavian influence will appeal to knitters and quilters alike!

These 16 ounce mugs are due to arrive any day. Why not set up a register display and fill the mugs with rolled holiday fat quarters? Tie a decorative bow to the handle and your customers will have the perfect gift for their secret sis!

Christmas Fabrics Have Arrived

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Penny Haren

I can tell that the Christmas fabrics have arrived by the number of Christmas patterns that are in the top 100! Here they are – order them now and get your samples ready. Christmas is less than four months away….

Many of you have paid your rent with the Triangle Frenzy table topper patterns. Now Bunnie has given you a choice – you can put it under the tree with stunning results. This pattern features the Creative Grids® 60 degree ruler in the larger size – CGR12560.

Aunties Two Christmas Trees can be embellished with Fairy Lights – and yes, we have those listed as companions to the pattern!

Or paper-piece your tree with these patterns by Cindi Edgerton. I want to make the smaller version for my grandchildren’s bedroom doors so they can decorate their own trees!

Ornaments are always popular and make great package tags for those special friends. Charcoal Mittens includes everything you need for these six styles. Or use the pre-cut square and round Bosal coasters to make these Fold and Stitch ornaments.

These bag patterns from Kimberbell can be used year after year and are a great way to use up those Christmas fabric scraps! Go Green!

Now is the time to offer classes while your customers still have time to make them!

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.

Primitive Christmas from Primitive Gatherings

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Penny Haren

I love everything by Lisa Bongean – and her newest book does NOT disappoint! Honestly, I think it is the best book she has written in years – and that is saying something!

This book has just the right mix of small projects and large quilts – but they ALL will be treasured by your family for years! When I first started looking at images, I didn’t think it had a Christmas feel. Many of the projects don’t scream “holiday” so they can be used any time.

Christmas Rose is available in two sizes – a one block mini or a four block version. Wool quilts are available for both (#PRI-1002 and #PRI-1003)

The detail in the smaller projects added the awe factor to an already spectacular book! The embroidered berries and pines add that detail that we have grown to love.

These simple ornaments remind me of the silhouettes that were so popular in cross stitching years ago….

And who could make just one of this sweet little lamb???

These embellished “bulb ornaments” would be a great favor for a holiday get together. Let your guests pick their favorite!

These stacked ornaments are a perfect family project. Now that you know you HAVE to have the book, the only question is – what are you going to make first???

Another Winner by Poorhouse Designs

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor of Poorhouse Designs has three patterns in the top 100 – and the sales of these patterns have paid the rent for more than one shop!

Her latest pattern – Fold’N Stitch Leaf Topper (#PQD-213) is due out this summer – and in my humble opinion is the cutest one yet!

This time, Bosal is packaging the pre-cut leaves (#495-8B) and they will be available at the SAME TIME as the pattern!

This candle holder measures 17″ across. Order it now so you can be one of the first to have the sample done before those Summer travelers arrive!

A Quilter’s Biggest Fan

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Penny Haren

This one is short and sweet – and features the perfect register display this summer! The average age of a quilter? Early 50’s. The average age of the onset of hot flashes? Early 50’s. Enough said! These little babies plug into your phone and REALLY work. Any menopausal woman will bless you. They are available for iPhones (#SMRTPHN-IPHA) and Android (#SMRTPHN-ANDA) phones and at $11.00 retail, you won’t be able to keep them on the shelves!

Ring Around the Wreath

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Penny Haren

When Poorhouse Designs wreaths are the #1 and 2 top patterns and the Bosal forms is the #1 interfacing, it is time to shout it from the rooftops!

With just three fabrics, this is the Fold N Stitch Wreath (#PQD-210) is the perfect pattern to kit in a variety of seasonal fabrics! They won’t be able to buy just one! Include the Bosal pre-cuts in the kit. These are cut to the exact size they need – in the quantity they need so who can resist this time saver?

This hexagon version (#PQD211)is simply darling – and is a smaller version at 14″ (The original is 21″). Once again create the perfect kit: three fabrics and the Bosal pre-cuts a(#437-12B)that are such a time saver!. Have plenty of these ready for your upcoming summer events!

New Pop-Ups for Graduation Gifts

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Penny Haren

T-Shirt quilts have always been a great graduation gift – but they are too much of an investment for everyone on your list. These new pop-ups are the perfect gift!

The pattern gives lots of suggestions for layouts. The rings designed for the original Pop-Ups work with this as well.

Item #FQG128 Retail $12.00
Item #FQG126 Retail $38.99 (three piece set)
Item #FQG121 Retail $8.99 (Small)
Item #FQG123 Retail $10.99 (Medium)
Item #FQG124 Retail $12.99 (Large)
Item #FQG125 Retail $16.99 (XLarge)

The Basket Pop-Ups are new as well, and support the small, medium, and large Pop-Up springs. What cute organizers. These should be arriving soon so place your order now. Be sure to have plenty of the springs in stock because they are not going to make just one!

Item #FQG129 Retail $9.00

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