Summer means quality time with family and friends and the perfect time to introduce them to your favorite hobby! All of these projects can easily be “kitted” and the perfect activity for a rainy day at the beach.
FABRIC PUMPKINS
This beginner-friendly fabric pumpkin adds a charming handmade touch to your home! The pattern includes four sizes, and you can easily create more by enlarging the templates. These eco-friendly pumpkins bring cozy, seasonal vibes and can be enjoyed year-round—creating your own fabric pumpkin patch at home! Warning: Once you make one, you won’t be able to stop—you’ll want to make more for your loved ones ( or teach them how to make their own!
CRISS CROSS POUCH SET
Store your favorite essentials in style with this versatile bag, available in FOUR sizes!
This patchwork lover friendly project is a great way to use up your favorite fabric scraps and can be finished in an evening. The pattern includes clear instructions, full-color step-by-step photos, and a bag template. Plus, a YouTube video QR code is included for extra guidance!
WEEKEND SLING BAG
You can never have too many sling bags, and this Flying Geese Sling Bag will be your perfect companion wherever you go! Learn Minki Kim’s Quilt As You Go flying geese method or use your favorite technique to make it your own. And, yes, there is a YouTube video to make it oh sew easy!
Check out these and other patterns by Minki Kim. Her newest releases will be arriving in shops the beginning of June, just in time for Summer fun!
Definition of Hoppy: To jump with joy, to bounce excitedly.
Easter is more than easter eggs, bunnies, and candy. It is a time to remember why we are all here. A time for joy and renewal and love. It is a time to be ‘Hoppy’! So, let’s be hoppy together with this collection of joyful Easter Bunny patterns that will renew your homes décor and fill your friends and family with love.
First, you will need some table runners to adorn your table or one of someone you love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to gift one of these to the hostess of your Easter dinner? Bunny Trail Table Runner by The Tipsy Needle and Easter Bunnies Runner by Patchabilities, Inc.What joy and hoppiness you will bring.
Next, think of how dying Easter eggs with your children or grandchildren might renew your spirit and fill them with so much hoppiness. Make them an apron to wear to avoid getting dye on their clothes, and you will make mom and dad hoppy too. This one, ‘Fun Friends’ by Cotton Ginnys is perfect!
For the younger kids, how about a stuffy? ‘Easter Bunny Buddies’ by Funky Friends Factory is so much fun. Make it in polka dots or their favorite color. They will surely feel the love and demonstrate their hoppiness.
Lastly, imagine your home filled with smiling, hoppy faces enjoying all that Easter brings. You want to hang on to those feelings. So, make yourself a quilt. An ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ quilt by Laugh yourself into stitches. In Easter traditions, eggs symbolize new life, rebirth, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What better way to remind yourself of the JOY, RENEWAL, and LOVE that Easter brings.
Hippity, Hoppity, Easters on its way! Better hurry and get started on these great patterns.
The newest designs by Meags & Me are sure to make you smile. Who hasn’t sung “You are my Sunshine” to a child? Cheerful suns and soft clouds create a cozy quilt for your favorite people. It finishes to 44″ x 48″ – the perfect size for the little one in your life.
And then there is our favorite tongue-twister featuring Woodchuck Chuck.
Bee Happy showcases a modern take on Sunbonnet Sue, surrounded by buzzing bees, flowers and a beehive. Combined with a variety of pieced blocks, this quilt is sure to be a family heirloom.
All of these quilts were created with a new line of fabric from Clothworks, ‘Honeybee’, designed by Meags & Me. It is available in bolts as well as pre-cuts. This vibrant fabric collection features an assortment of honeybee-themed designs, perfect for quilting, crafting, and sewing projects. The set includes a variety of patterns from large sunflowers and honeybees to delicate floral prints and geometric designs, all rendered in a soothing palette of blues, greens, and yellows. The intricate illustrations provide a charming and cohesive look, ideal for creating detailed and eye-catching projects.
The patterns and fabric will be available the end of April so why not let your favorite quilt shop know that you would like it ALL!
Handwork and summer go hand in hand! And these new kits by Jennifer Heynen Creative Co. are the perfect grab and go project for summer. Stitch a flower a day in this 30 day sampler kit. Spending quality time with grandchildren this summer? What a great way to introduce them to needlework one flower at a time!
The kit includes printed fabric, access to a class blog with videos of all of the stitches as well as illustrations. There is a full color stitch guide included in the kit as well. Fabric is 16″ x 16″ and the printed area is a 12″ diameter round circle. It can be displayed in a 12″ hoop when finished.
This is also available in a rectangular version. Fabric is 9″ x 14″ and the printed area is a 7″ x 12″ rectangle.
These newest selections should be arriving in stores in April so why not ask your local shop to order them for you? Can’t wait? Check out our website to see the current selections of ones available now: JENNIFER HEYNEN CREATIVE CO.
Deb Heatherly has designed some of my favorite Creative Grids rulers. Why did she choose Creative Grids? She already used and loved our rulers. So, not only does she design amazing patterns using her own creations, she also designs using other rulers in our line. Case in point, Dresden Delight:
These blocks are a fun twist on the typical Dresden Circle. Setting them off with a darling nine-patch sashing adds that awe factor to the 36″ square wall hanging or table topper. You only need 2 colors and a background which makes fabric selection easy.
Creating the Dresden Circles are ‘sew’ easy if you have the right tool – The Creative Grids 18° Circle Segments Ruler.
The Ruby pattern looks totally different with a few twists and turns of the block.
The layout shown on the back creates the illusion of curves.
The Creative Grids Hunter’s Star Trim Tool will make creating these wonderful blocks easy and stress free. Using simple squares and rectangles, and the trimming lines on the tool, you’ll have Hunter’s Star blocks made in three different sizes in no time at all.
At 60″ x 60″, Stars on the Lake is a perfect throw or table topper. The project gives the illusion of the blocks being set on point.
The cover quilt is shown using 4 shades of blue plus a red and background fabric, but this quilt would be great in shades of green plus a red for Christmas, shades of brown with a gold for fall, or any color combo.
In addition to the Kitty Cornered Tool shown below, you’ll need your favorite tool for squaring up half-square triangles.
Look for these patterns in your local quilt shop soon. Why not ask them to order the rulers and patterns for you?
Susan Marth never ceases to amaze me! She uses her Dresden Plate Templates (available in multiple sizes) in a variety of ways to create quilts and wall hangings that are simply stunning.
This pattern is sewn with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage which will make kitting a breeze. Buttons are a cute bonus! The finished quilt size is 16.5 in. x 21.5 in.
Not all trees are trees; some are actually baskets! Make this quilt with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage. Buttons are a cute bonus! Start by sewing pairs of charm squares and cut using the Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286 used in the pattern above.
This beautiful farmhouse style table runner is 50.5″ long but can easily be lengthened or shortened by adding more or fewer houses & Dresden plates. This one uses the Mini Dresden Plate SUZ186 template. The striped border fabric adds extra interest to the entire project.
Recreate those warm childhood Christmas memories by sewing the cute Christmas Memories quilt! This cute little quilt is perfect for Christmas decorating or perhaps the perfect gift for a little doll! It’s sewn with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage which will make kitting a breeze. Buttons are a cute bonus! The Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286 makes for quicker & more accurate cutting.
Autumn Memories is made quickly & easily by starting with 5″ charm squares which will make kitting a breeze. And, as always, buttons are a cute bonus! This pattern also uses the Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286. Don’t you love it when a template will make multiple patterns?
Echoing Pines features her signature trees. Offsetting the trees and using a variety of green and red make this a stunning wall hanging or throw.The Mini Tree SUZ486 template set makes for quicker & more accurate cutting.
All of these patterns will be arriving in your favorite quilt shop soon. They may already have the templates in stock. Why not give them a call and ask them to order them for you.
Well…DUST bunnies. That is a photo of the dust bunnies you will be swiping away when you use The Gypsy Quilter® NEW Mini Duster. (I didn’t want you to leave the minute I introduced this great CLEANING product, so I posted something cute). Speaking of cute- this Mini Duster is only 7-½” tall and made of genuine sheepskin. Use it to keep your work surfaces dust-free. It will remove dust, lint, threads, AND cookie crumbs in one efficient swipe.
And while we’re cleaning, why not add these The Gypsy Quilter® Every Nook and CrannyCleaning Tools. These can be used IN your sewing machine, whereas the mini duster should only be used ON and around your sewing machine. Silicone bristles are soft yet effective in cleaning your machine, as well as your home appliances and electronics. The variety of tips in the package gives you several options for reaching all the tiny, hard-to-reach areas.
You know you probably haven’t cleaned your cutting mat in a while and those cookie crumbs often fall there too. So, while we’re at it, let’s get out The Gypsy Quilter® Mat Cleaning Pad. NO, it’s not to hold your cookie!
This handy little heart shaped scrubber easily removes dust and fabric fibers from your cutting mats allowing the self-healing mats to heal. Simply slide fingers into the opening and rub along the surface to easily remove fibers and dust that keep your mat from healing. The different ridges on the cleaner make this a hard-working scrubber.
Once you have cleaned and made ready your sewing and cutting areas, you can reward yourself with a cookie. Just eat it in the kitchen.
Not everybody is familiar with the term ‘Zhuzh’ so let me explain. To zhuzh it up is to make it more attractive, interesting, or stylish. It is always fun to see the most zhuzhed up quilter in the class, or at the retreat. Who doesn’t want a little style added to their quilting stockpile?
So let me introduce you to the newest counter displays of MATCHING pincushions, scissors, pattern weights, and tape measures. They are the bee’s knees! By the way, if you want to hang with the cool kids, use zhuzh and NOT bee’s knees.
First, these amazing Fabric Pincushions with Wood Base from HTL. I love those beautiful fabric tops, and those bees?!!! I would buy them all. So, grab the one you like best and then notice (in a sing songy voice) the scissors!
To have a pair of matching Embroidery Scissors from HTL to use with your pincushion sitting right there next to them will make you a BOSS for sure. You’re already the envy of the group and then you show up with a Retractable Tape Measure from HTL that also matches! I mean, who IS this woman? She is so zhuzhy.
And just to throw them over the edge, you bring out your Cotton Fabric Weights from HTL. Not because you’re cutting out a fabulous dress (heck you’ve never even made a dress), but because you need them to hold your fabric pieces down to keep them from blowing away when everyone walks by and blows a heavy sigh because they aren’t as zhuzhy as you are!
Have I convinced you yet that you MUST have these on your counter?! Come on- show them your zhuzh.
It’s quickly becoming retreat season, and we all know what that means. We need to have our small ironing stations gathered and ready to go! Which small iron do you want to take? We’ll explore a few and then you can decide. You might want them all- they’re THAT good and each is unique.
Mighty Travel Iron
Anti-Stick coated sole plate
Temperature indicator light
Steam Knob
Heats quickly up to 428 degrees
Dual voltage
Includes storage bag
Includes measuring cup
Ergonomic grip
Dritz Mighty Travel Iron steam iron is an innovative steam iron and is great for home, craft, dorm, and travel use. This one has been around for a long time and is tried and true. It gets 5 stars from reviewers on the Checker website. It is HOT! In more ways than one.
As a bonus, you can get this cute Travel Iron Tote to make for transporting this iron. It comes complete with heat resistant fabric lining so there is no burning through AND you can use it as an ironing pad! Talk about clever.
Compact Steam Travel Iron
Compact iron with all the benefits of a full size Rowenta.
Powerful Steam with burst of steam button to remove tough wrinkles.
Stainless Steel Soleplate with precision tip
Full range thermostat
Vertical steam capability
Transparent tank holds more than 2 oz. of tap water
Dual Voltage
Travel pouch included.
This one can steam your clothes AND flatten your quilt blocks. You’ll look as good as your quilts! If you are a steamer, this iron might be perfect. It’s handle folds down to make it even more compact and easy to fit in your suitcase that is probably loaded with wine and snacks leaving very little room for the essentials, and wrinkled clothes to boot.
Oliso Mini Iron With Trivet Kaffe Fassett
For appearance this one takes the prize. Am I right? And let’s talk about that collectors tin! For a limited time (meaning, hurry if you want it) the iron comes packaged in the tin. This is just one of the NEW Oliso Mini Iron With Trivet M3PRO irons. There are three other colors to choose from- Aqua, Coral, and Pistachio.
Warranty 3 years from consumer purchase
Illuminating precision tip for better vision on small details with the patented LED ProLight
Full-size iron in a sleek, compact design
Diamond Ceramic-Flow soleplate
Dual steam capabilities
Rapid heat with 1000 watts of power.
30-minute vertical standby mode with safety shut-off.
10-minute horizontal standby mode with safety shut-off
2-inch detailer tip
Easy view fill tank for 1.7 oz of tap water
This iron has a lot of features to covet. It comes with a trivet to make it easy to set it down without fear of burning anything, and the trivet secures nicely to the bottom of the iron to store. With this iron, you can purchase some great bags to tote and store it in.
Also made by Oliso, these Carry Bags for Travel Irons cannot be used with hot irons. The irons must be cold before storing. All the hand embroidery people out there can have tons of fun embellishing these bags because they look and feel like wool. I’ve seen them turned into adorable mice.
You’ll also need a good Wool Pressing Mat like this one from Checker’s The Gypsy Quilter ® line. They come in many sizes for convenience and make ironing sooo much quicker.
Press any pieced or embroidered block with ease. The density of this high-quality 100% felted wool mat localizes heat to the seams and stitches, effectively pressing both sides at once. A extra bonus? The texture of the wool stops fabrics from shifting so there is no distortion when pressing.
Tips and Tricks For best results.
* Use a dry iron when pressing.
* When pressing an embroidered block, iron on the wrong side. The wool mat will cushion the stitches and retain the texture of the embroidery design
And while you’re at it, why not bring some Magic Iron Cleaner along? This stuff works great in any sticky situation. Well… not when you are stuck listening to someone ramble on about their political opinions, UGH! But it WILL get the sticky stuff off your iron before you ruin your new wool pressing mat.
I think that about sums up your ‘ironing at retreat’ needs. And that’s only because I know you’re already familiar with Best Press. You’re not? Oy. Maybe next time.
Get ready to “squeeze the day” with Kimberbell’s You’re the Zest design! Our Punch Needle Plus kit is fresh, fabulous, and so much fun, with all the supplies you need to completely finish your project. Enjoy punching lovely lemons and leaves with the included tool, preprinted monks cloth, applique fabric, yarn, faux wood frame, and detailed video tutorials!
Our strawberry patch is the perfect pick! Kimberbell’s So Berry Happy Punch Needle Plus kit includes all the supplies you need to completely finish your project, including the tool, preprinted monks cloth, yarn, applique fabric, faux wood frame, and detailed video tutorials. Punch three sweet strawberries and make two more with adorable applique fabric!
Yee-haw! Let freedom ring with Kimberbell’s Americana Cowgirl design! Our festive Punch Needle Plus kit includes all the supplies you need to completely finish your project, including the tool, preprinted monks cloth, yarn, hoop, rhinestones, applique fabric, and detailed video tutorials. Punch a sassy cowgirl boot, fill with a spray of wildflowers, and add rhinestones for a patriotic pop!
It’s the Stars & Stripes Forever! Kimberbell’s patriotic Punch Needle Plus kit includes all the supplies you need to completely finish your project, including the tool, preprinted monks cloth, yarn, hoop, applique fabric, rhinestones, and detailed video tutorials. Punch a traditional quilting star in the upper left corner, add adorable applique stripes, and finish with punched satin stitches!
Punch two darling designs for your Patriotic Party! Kimberbell’s Punch Needle Plus kit has everything you need to complete two coordinating projects: a pretty pinwheel and a sweet cupcake. Your kit includes the tool, preprinted monks cloth, yarn, applique fabric, ribbons, video tutorials, and more! Frame each design in oval faux wood hoops (also in your kit).
These kits are so portable, and perfect for summer stitching. Some are due to arrive in May, others in July. Check our website for details!
