Elizabeth Hartman Has Increased Her Zoo

Posted on February 18, 2017 by Penny Haren

As I am writing this, Elizabeth has seven of the top 100 patterns – and they feature her favorite pieced critters. Drum roll please……three more are arriving this month!

ALL of these are darling. Don’t you love it when they occasionally wear glasses?

Look how cute the pillows are – and those can be made in an afternoon. Who says you have to have full size samples of everything? She has such a following now that her animals are instantly recognizable. One is enough to get their attention! This is the perfect time to put together some fat quarter packs in fabrics – browns and plaids for the dogs; antler choices for the deer – you get the picture. Order them today so you can get started on your samples and schedule classes today!

Miss Rosie has Scrappy Style

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love everything this woman does! Studying her quilts is like getting a Masters in color. She is the queen of combining a multitude of fabrics that are somehow pleasing to the eye. Just look at these quilts:

Olio has a template to make this pattern easier. And the Jumble patterns are charm pack friendly.

Some of these quilts were made with specific fabric lines – and when that is the case, they are listed on the pattern – but ALL of them are great stashbusters! Take some time to really study the color pic of each quilt before choosing your own fabrics. See how she uses lighter fabrics and blocks to make the entire quilt glow?

Separate your stash into country fabrics, brights, batiks…you get the idea. Then start cutting! Or, buy a collection of your favorite fabrics as a base palette. Then add complimentary fabrics from your own fabrics to make each quilt truly your own!

Sharp Blades at a Sharp Price

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Penny Haren

I wrote about these blades a few months ago when we first started carrying them. I ordered them and shared with over a dozen of my quilting friends. Drum roll please! They could not tell the difference between this brand – and the brand that they were currently using! They ALL wanted to order them! And at this price? You will change your blade when it needs changing so rotary cutting just became a lot easier.

The blades come in four types or sizes: the most popular 45 degree; 60 degree; 28 degree; and a 45 degree skip blade. The skip blade cuts holes 1/4″ apart so it is the perfect choice for those who would like to crochet an edging on Cuddle Spa, fleece and flannel.

The RETAIL price is less than half of the wholesale price of many brands so why not do your own test??? You and your customers will be glad you did.

Aurifil Introduces a New Cotton Thread

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Penny Haren

This eighty weight Cotton Thread by Aurifil was the talk of Market! For those who have gotten to try it, the response has been a resounding yes! No, I was not one of those people but I can’t wait to get my hot little hands on it when it arrives in January.

What is all of the fuss about? It is thin, so it is the perfect choice for applique and English paper-piecing. The stitches simply disappear!

And it is strong enough to use when machine quilting. I am currently working on a series of miniature quilts – and this will be the perfect choice. After all, we know there is a thickness to thread and traditional threads don’t translate well when working with tiny designs. But it works well when quilting traditional quilts as well.

But, first and forermost, it is the perfect choice for machine piecing – which is the most common use for any thread. So this is not a specialty thread. It is touted to become your go to thread of choice for ALL of your needs. With that in m ind, it comes in a wide variety of colors. And who can resist the return of WOODEN spools?

Quilts with Funk

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Penny Haren

I love it when one of our babies – in this case the Creative Grids Circle Savvy ruler – takes on a life of its own. When the designers came to us, we were blown away by the possibilities. But, in this case, once they had a chance to play with it, the true potential of this tool emerged! Karla Alexander of Saginaw St Quilts has a vision and a style that has become instantly recognizable.

My circles never looked like this!!!!

Who would have thought that both quilts were made with the same tool????

These quilts are much easier than you think! Piecing large curves is a piece of cake – especially when you have the right tools and patterns! Moon Shadow and Polka Box have a more traditional look – and may be the perfect transition class to move your customers toward more artsy, free form quilts.

Why not challenge your students in the new year – and offer classes that will challenge them to try techniques that they may not be comfortable with. For our industry to continue to grow, we must continue to learn! And these quilts appeal to everyone – and bridge the gap between tradition and art!

Happy Hollow Designs is about to Enter the Building

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Penny Haren

Happy Hollow Designs just make me smile! They have become classics when decorating for holidays. Their whimsical charm comes through in every design. Each pattern has a finishing kit which adds the “awe” factor to every design.

Here is just a sampling of some of the Santas in their line. Whether you want to decorate a table or a door, they have the perfect choice for any decor.

Visit our website today to view the complete line. Short on time? You can also purchase samples. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Remove the Intimidation Factor With Smaller Projects

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Penny Haren

There are few legends in our industry – but Judy Niemeyer is definitely at the top of that list! She has an instantly recognizable style that is famous all over the world. Over the last few years she has introduced several patterns for table toppers – smaller projects that are great for class projects.

For those of you who have a Double Wedding Ring quilt on your bucket list, try this Wedding Star Table Topper. It is a great companion to a bed sized version but will give you the confidence you need to tackle the bed quilt!

These Broken Daisy Place Mats can be finished in an afternoon and offer an opportunity to learn additional techniques – combining blocks on the curve.

Wrapped Ribbon is a great introduction to the Mariner’s Compass style…

These smaller projects remove the intimidation factor. “I can’t do that” or “I don’t paper-piece” are no longer valid excuses! This is a great way to introduce your students to Judy’s techniques and organizational methods that make all of these projects possible – one step at a time!

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!

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

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Uncategorized