Five Yard Patterns

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Penny Haren

When I see three of the A-OK five yard patterns in the top 100, it is time to take notice! Simply bundle five coordinating prints and let your customers choose the pattern! What a concept – and a way to use short bolts!

These are the newest additions to the line and are due to arrive any day.

The covers are all done in grayscale so you aren’t influenced by color choice. There are loads to choose from – including babies, which use four 1/2 yard cuts. Check out Quiltin’ Tia Quiltworks to see all of the possibilities!

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!

Curves, Curves, and More Curves

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Cindy Abdoo

The three sisters of Sew Kind of Wonderful are simply amazing! Their latest book, due to arrive next month, features 16 projects – and I want to make them all!

Just look at the variety of projects – all based on the same curved block. The book includes detailed instructions showing how to cut, sew, and press the blocks to create perfection! Just check these out:

Every project uses the mini curve tool:

They even have a long arming tool so you can recreate their exquisite machine quilting! This would be a great class!

Simply Redwork

Posted on September 3, 2017 by Penny Haren

Helen Stubbings adds a sense of whimsy to all of her designs and the designs in her award winning book are sure to become classics.

Look at these purses and totes! The all over daisy design blew me away!

This is just a small sampling of the 19 projects that are in the book. Many can be completed in an evening. Helen includes clear instructions and stitch guides which can be learned in a matter of minutes.

What is not to love?

Tools for Aging Quilters – Part Three

Posted on August 6, 2017 by Penny Haren

Traditional irons are heavy and most of the time it is sending a “woman to do a child’s job”. After all, most of quilting is pressing seams that are less than 12″. A smaller, more mobile iron is just the ticket. The lighter weight is a big plus. From Steamfast.

Memory also becomes an issue. These ruler stickers from G.E. Design can be used on mats, rulers, patterns, and fabrics. Keep them EVERYWHERE! Don’t waste time checking measurements for a second or third time….

Last but not least – rotary cutting. The Splash by Olfa offers a quick change blade system that is super simple. You no longer have to take a picture to remember how to put the thing back together – and there are no little parts to deal with!

Although this series is written for aging quilters, young quilters take note! If you use these tools from the very beginning, maybe you won’t develop the issues that we are dealing with now!

Perfect Make and Take Classes

Posted on June 7, 2017 by Penny Haren

Poorhouse Quilt Designs has done it again! Check out her new pattern featuring round and square picture frames – the perfect Christmas tree ornaments!

I have a basket full of old family photos. Wouldn’t it be fun to re purpose them? We all have drawers full of team pics from baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball – you get the picture! Why not make a sports tree this year with all of these pics and write the year and team on the back?

They are so simple to make with her instructions and start with pre-cut coasters by Bosal so how hard can they be???

Once they see how easy it is to work with these Bosal pre-cuts, they won’t be able to resist her Sunflower Topper. The Bosal In-R-Form pack includes 18 leaves – everything you need for the Sunflower just in time for summer!

Everything is expected in stock this week so plan ahead!

The Newest Must Haves from Atkinson Designs

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Penny Haren

You might as well schedule the class right now because who could resist these Hippie Zips? And who could make just one?? We have everything you need -hooks, line and
zippers to create these Market releases!

Bacon and Biscuits – a perfect name for an apron – is pieced and fully lined by turning it inside out through the arm openings. The binding over the raw edges is extended to fit around the neck and create the ties. Simply brilliant and oh so easy! Both of these patterns feature her Creative Grids Round Up Tool.

Although Terry is the queen of fast and fun, her roots are in quilting. Her newest quilt pattern – Birthday Presents – is striking in its simplicity!

Visit our website to see everything by Atkinson Designs. Her designs are truly classic!

Elizabeth Hartman Designs the Reef

Posted on April 22, 2017 by Penny Haren

As I am writing this, Elizabeth Hartman has the TOP SELLING patterns at Checker – and another eight in the top 100! That HAS to be a record. Her latest releases are created with her new Reef fabric line by Robert Kaufman.

Awesome Ocean

These fabrics are just plain happy!

Sea Urchins

These pieced urchins are just plain fun and made with a 45-degree ruler – and Creative Grids® just happens to have that!

The patterns and fabric will be released this summer. Order them now because you KNOW these are going to be hot! To see everything by this amazing designer, visit our website: Elizabeth Hartman

Guaranteed Sales – Part Three

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Penny Haren

Let’s face it! You already know who will want this newest book by Blackbird Designs. This applique quilt looks like it came right off of a bed in a prestigious museum. These large blocks are actually easier than they look!

Jaybird Quilts new Cookie Cutter pattern features her Super Sidekick ruler. What a fun and happy quilt!

Susie C. Shore has a new cat design that is sure to please all of those cat lovers as well as a darling Christmas table runner.

All of these projects are created by proven designers who have produced top sellers over and over again – which makes all of them no-brainers. And, once again, they will be available this month!

Guaranteed Sales – Part Two

Posted on April 15, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love the way Zen Chic adds a modern touch to traditional designs and her newest additions are no exception! Check these out:

Her minimalist look appeals to modern quilters and traditionalists alike. What a great window display to attract a new generation of quilters!

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Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

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