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.

Aunties Two Katahdin Tote

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Penny Haren

This newest release by Aunties Two is named after the highest mountain in Main.

The bag is 11 inches tall; 12 inches wide; and 6 inches deep – a perfect size for a travel tote! Make the bag with 28 – 2 1/2″ fabric strips and a yard of fabric for the lining and pockets.

For those – like me – who can’t make just one, the metal stays are available separately as well.

The wide zippers are available in nineteen colors.

Batting strips make the body of the bag.

Katahdin 100% Cotton Summer 3oz 2-1/2in x 25yds

The base and handles are created with In-R-Form.

In-R-Form Plus Double Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer 18in x 58in

Everything will be in stock next month!

Guide to Interfacings

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor has written the absolute BEST pocket Guide to Interfacings! This is a must have for every shop; sales rep; and sewing enthusiast! And, should be a must read for every shop employee…

Let’s face it – the world of interfacings has gotten a lot more complicated over the years. And, to add to the confusion, each manufacturer calls similar products by different names!

In the beginning she explains the difference between wovens; non-wovens; and knits – and the advantages of each.Should you use a fusible or sew-in variety? Kristine will help you choose!

This 64 page pocket guide retails for just $8.50 and lists the type of interfacings, common uses, and the popular name brands of each. Over twenty categories are represented in an easy to follow format.

I love these pocket guides by Landauer – and this is an excellent addition!

Get Organized with Poorhouse Designs

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor is one of my favorite designers. She knows how to use all of those specialty interfacings, etc. that tend to intimidate me. But her instructions are so well done that she eliminates the intimidation factor so truly anyone can do it!

Her Scalloped Baskets pattern is made with pre-cut Bosal. The pattern includes instructions to make three different scalloped bins using Bosal’s pre-cut Scalloped Placemats or Scalloped Squares. They are reversible, can be pieced or made from a solid piece of fabric, and can even be quilted!

What a great shower gift – filled with everything the new mother will need, of course! They are due to arrive this month so don’t forget to order the foundations as well.

Mary Poppins Playmates

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Penny Haren

The new Little Poppins bag is due to arrive next month. It is doubly cute because you can make it in two sizes: 13 x 9 x 6 or 13 x 12 x 6. Who doesn’t love the proportions and style with a classic touch? The pattern includes high quality stays. (Additional stays can be purchased separately).

Achieve professional quality by using a great stabilizer for the sides and bottom.

Now, don’t you want a set of all three???

Poppins Bag could hold Mary!

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Penny Haren

I have seen the actual bag – and couldn’t believe how big it is. It literally will hold a queen size quilt AFTER quilting! It is a great weekender bag, a retreat bag, a beach bag (with enough room for towels, sunscreen, and books for the entire family) or anything you want!

The pattern comes with structural stays so the top pops open – and stays open until you want to close it!

The sides of the bag are stabilized with In-R-Form so it will maintain its shape. It uses a 30″ zipper By Annie which comes in a multitude of colors and has two zipper pulls.

Carol uses a placemat to stabilize the base – which is 12″ x 18″.

Start with quilted fabric or quilt your own – which is another great class. This was quilted in straight lines – a great use for the Creative Grids Slim quilting tool designed by Angela Walters.

I talked to several people who have made the bag and many said that it went together so easy that they were making more! Now that is a testament to a great bag!

Scallops aren’t just for the Beach

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Penny Haren

I am in Portland and the excitement started right when I landed. I ran into Christine Poor of Poorhouse Designs at the airport. If her luggage arrived safely, I will actually get to see the originals tomorrow.

She uses a no binding technique that sounds appealing. I can’t wait to stop by her booth and see how it is done. The purse and clutch are made with one package of Bosal pre-cuts. Buy two because you are going to want to make the placemats as well!

They come in In-R-Form or Craft-Tex. Choose your favorite product or make samples in both so customers can feel the difference!

We have a new baby at our house so I want to make a set as changing pads! Wouldn’t that be adorable??

Everything should be in stock by the end of the month so order them now!

Shop Hops and Shows – Part Two

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Penny Haren

We can’t keep these Hello Pouches in stock! A bargain since the pattern has instructions for four sizes.

Once again, a sample is worth a thousand words – or in this case – patterns! But don’t make your customers search for what they need! Have the Soft and Stable; vinyl and zippers as a part of the display. Include fun fabrics.

One half yard pack of Soft and Stable is enough to make an entire set of four pouches – and it comes prepackaged!

The vinyl comes in a roll – and should be arriving soon. Cut that into 1/3 yard cuts – after all, who wants to stand in line for something so basic?

Two of By Annie’s 30″ zippers will make a complete set so include them in the display as well.

These are also a basis for a great class. Remove the intimidation factors. Teach a machine quilting class that will be used for the bases. (This is a great way to showcase the Creative Grids Angela Walters templates). Then show how easy it is to insert zippers and sew through vinyl.

To see our Shop Hop Guide Event Ideas and Inspiration booklet, click here

Sew Stars for Texas

Posted on October 25, 2017 by Penny Haren

Amy Barickman has been attending Market for over twenty years so Houston, Texas has become a second home. In addition, her mother’s quilt shop was flooded several years ago so she personally experienced the devastation that a flood can bring. So when the hurricane hit Texas, she wanted to help and came up with a brilliant idea.

Amy is donating $1.00 for every Wall Art Stars pattern sold. Think of it as a Texas Star.

Don’t forget to order plenty of interfacing packages as well. These packages include a free ornament pattern as well as a pressing sheet.

Why not add a class or demo to your Fall schedule and collect donations to help the cause? Once your customers know the technique, they will want to have more options. Visit our website to see all of the Fabriflair options.

Camden Bags are Now Even Easier

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Penny Haren

The Camden Bags and Bowls are top selling patterns by Aunties Two. With new products on the market, these projects have gotten even easier! The bottoms are now pre-cut so prepping for a class is a breeze!