Looking for a Large Quilt?

Posted on January 26, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love quilts that actually fit a bed and this 106 inch square pattern called Forest Floor is the perfect size for a queen or king size bed. Forest Floor by Wing and a Prayer Design is simply stunning! This block of the month quilt has such an unusual setting that you don’t even realize it was designed for a series of classes.

Made from a Timeless Treasures batik line, it is truly affordable since it only has eleven different fabrics! And just look at the fabrics…..once again, simply stunning!

This is striking in Batiks but would be amazing in other fabrics as well. Why not make it in more than one colorway?

Riley Blake is on it’s way!

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Penny Haren

We are so excited to announce that we are now distributing Riley Blake fabric and notions! They have amazing designers on board and the best pre-cut selection I have ever seen. They add that awe factor to their packaging as well. Check out these Crayola boxes for instance – who could resist??? When I first saw them, I thought they were sidewalk chalk – they were so realistic! This is the best packaging for fat quarters that I have ever seen!

Their other pre-cuts come in a variety of sizes that will make every designer drool. They don’t just have five and ten inch stackers — they have three and a half and seven inch squares as well. And the number of squares in a pack can vary as well so make sure you order the right set! Rollie Pollies are strips that come in 2 1/2″ and 3 1/2″ widths.

They also have fat quarters and one yard cuts! ALL of this is in addition to the bolts! Don’t forget to pick up some of this eye candy to display with the complete collections! They are in the process of loading all of the images. Call your sales rep to make an appointment!

Cork Fabric is Hot – and we are getting it!

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Penny Haren

Many of you “winers” have heard, most wineries are going to screw top lids instead of corks. What are they going to do with all of that cork? Turn it into fabric of course – and it is arriving in September!

It comes in approximately 5 1/2 yard rolls that are 54″ wide. At around $60 to $80 a yard retail, this is definitely a statement piece – but oh what a statement it makes!

Laurie is the buyer for this and is also a machine embroiderer. She LOVED it so I can’t wait to see what the machine shops do with it!

We already have designers working on samples using your favorite patterns so we will keep you posted. But for now, I just wanted you to know it was coming – and start dreaming of possibilities. We would love to hear YOUR ideas! And look at these colors and textures!

Let the creativity begin!!!

Swoon over these Bags

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Penny Haren

The Swoon bags have those added touches that turn homemade into designer original – for a fraction of the cost. They add pleather accents; metal magnets and buckles – this attention to detail makes all the difference.

The Blanche Barrel Bag includes side pockets for keys and a cell phone as well as piping and leather trim to add that designer touch. The City Tote is simply a classic!

Paradiso Designs has a wide variety of Pleather to choose from in several textures to give your bag that special touch – and protect the bottom of your bag. It is easy to cut and easy to sew.

Not all of the bags have leather trim. They can be just as dramatic with a coordinating fabric. Some of these Swoon bags are in stock, more are expected later this month. And, did you know that we have over 600 Bag and Tote Accessories to choose from? Check them out today.

Meet the Newest Member of the Creative Grids® Family

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Cindy Abdoo

Drum roll please…… It’s Sew Emma designed their first Creative Grids® ruler! This Starburst 30° Triangle ruler #CGRISE30 can be used for all of the traditional fan and Dresden Plate blocks. (Cut and sew together twelve units to create a kaleidoscope; six to create a half Dresden; or three to create a fan.) BUT, check out the angled A and B lines on the ruler. These lines are used to add that “awe” factor to your favorite kaleidoscope style blocks! Place them on the seam of a strip set and magic happens. A whole new world of pinwheels is born. Watch tthe demo.

This is the first time that a Creative Grids® ruler is featured with a release of a new Block of the Month pattern AND a new fabric line called First Blush from Windham.

#ISE-9113

First Blush is the perfect name for this charming pastel line that includes a variety of mini prints that are great choices for your mini quilts as well. Be sure to order extra bolts of the Daisy Dot (#41955-6) background fabrics in aqua; pink, and white on white- these are sure to become a line of basics soon! And these checks (#41957-3) set on point are perfect binding fabrics! These fabrics are the perfect foundations and finishing touch to a gorgeous quilt! The fabric is not shipping until November, but you can order a shop kit now that includes the fabric, binding, patterns and ruler. Wouldn’t it be great to have your sample done and ready BEFORE the fabric arrives? (Shop Kit Item #42324-X) AND a new fabric line called First Blush from Windham.

#41955-6 #41957-3

Aurifil has released two thread lines to match these Spring colors. Choose 10 small (#KJ50FB10) spools or 12 large spools (#KJ50FB12).

You don’t have to wait, however, to create with this ruler. It’s Sew Emma has created three Cut Loose Press™ patterns which are simple patterns that are great choices for samples and classes. Whether you create a large Dresden Plate; a fan quilt; or a spinning variation, we’ve got you covered!

#CLPISE008 #CLPISE009

Promenade is an extensive pattern that includes instructions in three sizes.

#ISE-163 #CLPISE010

For everyone that wanted a smaller version of our popular 30° ruler (#CGRSG1) – this one with extra bells and whistles perfect for smaller blocks – is the one you’ve been waiting for!

Everything Kim Diehl

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Penny Haren

I love everything Kim Diehl – and her new book and fabric collection are spectacular! Welcome Wagon, her new fabric line due out in June, supports her Whatnots club – but will shine in any design. This fabric line is due to ship in June.

Here is a sampling of the patterns and colors in this new line, starting out with her signature teal.

Item #6561-77

Item #6566-66

Item #6567-66

Item #6563-88

Item #6562-88

Item #6564-30

Item #6568-22

Item #6565-77

To see the complete Welcome Wagon collection, visit our website.

These prints would be right at home in the quilts featured in her latest book – Simple Christmas Tidings, due out in May.

Item #B1330T Retail $28.99

The best part? These fabrics and most of the projects don’t scream Christmas so they can be displayed year round.

Batiks at their Finest

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Penny Haren

We just picked up this pattern line by Janine Burke of Designs by JB and I am totally impressed! These highly graphic quilts are not only striking, they are a great study in color play!

Whisper is all done in shades of gray and black – but look how the light fabrics make the quilt glow. It looks like there is light showing through from within.
Item #JBD7295 Retail $10.00

Now look what happens with the same color pallette when she adds touches of color in A Bit Askew.

Item #JBD1011 Retail $10.00

Look what happens when she adds some Lime to the shades of gray. And you have to love the name!

Item #BUS2380 Retail $10.00

Or, add blue to that field of gray. The light shades are once again placed toward the top of the quilt to add a feel of light.

Item #BUS2472 Retail $10.00

But shades of gray is not her only color palette. Modern Thinking and Athena’s Puzzle look like they were created from the same fabrics as well. Wouldn’t this be a great combination on bunk beds? Each would have their own quilt – but everything would coordinate beautifully.

Item #BUS1031 Retail $10.00

Item #BUS1040 Retail $10.00

Mega Mod and Vibe are studies in red. All I can say is WOW!

Item #BUS2571 Retail $10.00

Item #JBD7349 Retail $10.00

These quilt patterns need to be displayed in the batik section. These fat quarter quilts would be great bundled with the patterns! A little help with fabric choices is always appreciated.

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Fabric lines