Microwave Bowl Cozy

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Penny Haren

These bowls are great gifts – and now have never been easier. The Gypsy Quilter™ has chosen 100% cotton batting that is microwave safe – and even cut it to shape. The darts are even cut out!

Just place pre-cut batting on the wrong side of a 10.5 inch square of cotton fabric. Using 100% cotton thread, fold and stitch darts 1/4 inch away from the batting cut edge. Trim out fabric excess. Repeat with the second square of cotton and pre-cut batting. Put right sides together and stitch around the outer edge. Leave an opening for turning. Turn and stitch the opening closed. That’s all there is to it! OR sew five 2 1/2″ strips together to equal 10 1/2″ and make two bowls from a strip set!

One package is enough to make four bowls.

Quilt Cadets

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Penny Haren

This is such a brilliant idea that I wish I would have thought of it! For those retired Girl Scouts among us, this will make you smile!

Why not start your own Quilt Cadet program? There are twelve badges – each supporting a different skill. There are even age-appropriate patterns! Some are beginner level but as their skills grow, the projects include more techniques.

Why not start a group in your shop next year???

Coffee for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Coffee Break from Cut Loose Press™ by Karla Alexander is so much fun to make! I got out my Fiestaware and started throwing out fabrics that coordinated. It turns out, I couldn’t stop at a table runner. They are just way too much fun – and I am a little OCD…

So what is a gal to do? Make 35 more and turn them into mug rugs for gifts for coaches, teachers, principals….you get the picture. And, if you have a good relationship with your machine quilter, she may even add their names.

But, I live in Ohio – and they are #1 so…..

These individual cups measure approximately 8″ so I cut an 8″ square of fabric, folded it in half, and used it as a pocket on the back. I’ll put coffee gift cards in the pocket as a homage to Karla. After all, she lives in the Pacific Northwest and KNOWS good coffee!

You still have time to finish six or six dozen by Christmas so get started!

Pillow Talk with Edyta Sitar

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Penny Haren

Your interior style is ready for a makeover with Edyta Sitar’s next book with It’s Sew Emma, Pillow Talk! 25 dazzling pillows cover different holidays, seasons, styles and sentiments. Sample different techniques, including paper piecing and applique, in these quick projects with tips from Edyta.

Why not do a series of classes teaching a different technique each month? Kit the “pillow of the month” in different colorways so they can choose a kit to match their decor. Many of these designs are quick and easy designs – instant gratification!

Jelly Roll Rugs are not just for the Floor.

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Roma of RJ Designs has added a new pattern to her popular jelly roll rug series – Pillows, Placemats, Coasters and Trivet Too!

What a fun and easy Make It/Take It class for the holidays! Roma has endorsed the new Gypsy Quilter Jelly Roll Tube Maker that removes the tedious folding step.

I don’t want to miss anything so I am quoting the description:

To make the Fabric & Batting Tube, place a thin batting strip on the wrong side of a 2 1/2″ fabric strip. Feed the layered (fabric & thin batting) strip, batting side up, into the wide end of the Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker. If needed, place a sewing awl in the slot on the tool to pull the layered strip through. Then fold the now magically folded, layered strip in half as it comes out the other end & place under the sewing machine presser foot ready to stitch. Keep the Jelly Roll Tube Maker close to the sewing machine & slide along as you sew.
The metal Jelly Roll Tube Maker may be used with or without an iron (with caution) for other similar technique projects.

Endorsement:
“As the creator of the original Jelly Roll Rug & subsequent patterns, I have dreamt of the production of this amazing, helpful notion. The strong, sturdy & durable Jelly Roll(tm)Tube Maker will ease the sometimes tedious & painful folding process of creating the fabric & batting tubes. The Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker will save time, produce consistent width tubes & help to provide amazing results.”

You won’t be able to make just one!

Time for a Coffee Break

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

Karla Alexander of Saginaw Street Quilts has a new Cut Loose Press™ pattern #CLPKAL012 that is going to fly off the shelves like her Crazy Christmas Tree #CLPKAL009! Look how cute this is …

I can’t wait to make it! Actually, I want to design my dinette around this. Can you imagine covering a cornice board with these and framing individual ones for the wall? Of course, I’ll make the table runner too – but who can stop there when they are so darn cute?????

Just like the Crazy Christmas Tree and Crazy Hearts #CLPKAL011 – they all use the Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6.

Crazy Christmas Tree is the #1 selling Cut Loose Press™ of all time!

Crazy Hearts uses the same ruler and same technique. Why not start a series of classes? These are great classes and demos!

There are TONS of companions for this ruler so check out the patterns shown on the website under the ruler for more possibilities. Why not demonstrate those techniques in class? Everyone loves getting more bang for their buck – but make sure you have THOSE patterns in stock as well.

Pillow Case Kits

Posted on July 14, 2019 by Penny Haren

What a brilliant idea! I love Susybee fabrics. They always have a shop owner in mind – smaller collections that are affordable. Now they have taken many of these collections and created pillow case kits!

Each kit includes 3/4 yards of the main fabric – printed so it works perfectly as a pillow; 1/4 yard of a contrasting band fabric; and a strip of fabric for a decorative falange. The best part??? Each kit comes with directions to make a pillow case with French seams using the “burrito” method AND there is a video tutorial as well!

What a great mother/daughter class – and a great first project for any beginner. Once your customers know how easy this technique is, they will make them to match ALL of their quilts!

Plum Easy Bauble and Bling Ornaments

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Penny Haren

Deborah Miller created a craze with her Folded Star technique and has modified it to create stunning ornaments. What a fun, easy method!

The pattern includes a 12 page booklet with instructions for three different styles – all using a printed interfacing foundation so placement is easy! The r:ibbon can be 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches wide, The pattern includes two interfacing templates. A six pack can be purchased separately.

What a fun family project! Everything is expected to arrive later this month!

Quilt as you Go with Susan Marth

Posted on March 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

These table runner patterns are simply darling! Don’t you love the way the hearts and stars interlock?

The subtle striped backgrounds add texture to these designs. And, since they are 18 inches wide, one backing can be used for both of them!

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Category Archives: Home Decor