With a title like that, who could resist??? Stacy West’s newest book – due out in February – is sure to be a winner!
The book includes 25 patterns with a vintage feel. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is just a sampling of what you have to look forward to:
Each one is cuter than the next! But, since they are smaller projects, why not treat yourself to one a month?
Lisa Bongean is famous for working and wool and her eye for detail. She adds that awe factor to everything she touches. Her latest book – shipping this week – is full of all of the tips and tricks Lisa has learned along the way.
Ditch the trial-and-error and learn from Lisa’s decades of experience step by step: wool appliqué, embroidery stitches, and much more. Filled with close-up photos of Lisa’s hands working her magic, this book will show you how to master each technique down to the tiniest detail.
Start with Lisa’s fabric tips; then move on to her favorite tools, templates, threads, and needles. How does she create her slim vines, pretty pennies, and flower appliqués? It’s all here, along with a dozen embroidery stitches in photos so clear, you can’t go wrong.
I LOVE this! I have had my big board for years and loved being able to press entire quilt tops with ease. But, when the wool mats came out, I had THREE so I could put them end to end to iron tops. Not an ideal solution, but once you’ve used a wool pressing mat, nothing else will do. Then I got a phone call from the folks at Gypsy Quilter asking me what sizes they should add to the line! Well, that was a no-brainer – and the Big Board size was born!
This wool mat fits the Big Board perfectly – and guess what, we have those too…..
You can buy just the Big Board by Tracy’s Tables which is made to fit over your existing ironing board, or in my case, on a counter in my sewing room.
Or, you can buy the Big Board with it’s own collapsible legs.
Now, they even have a fabric corral so the fabric does not fall on the floor!
And, now there is a new portable size of Big Boards which will fit in your car. This size is perfect for retreats and classrooms!
Remember, every seam you sew has to be pressed and pressing can make all of the difference! Quality products make that difference!
Rebekah Smith has designed two wool mats that can add a spark of color to any decor. Folk Hearts has two options – both so charming you will want to make both!
This table runner is stunning in Fall colors but would be gorgeous in Spring colors as well. The shape adds that awe factor and highlights the design as well.
Summer is beginning and is the perfect time for a bit of handwork. Wool is the perfect choice for a take along project!
For all of you who already own a wool mat from The Gypsy Quilter and LOVE it, two new sizes are now available. I travel and teach most of the year and see you with your tray tables next to you for an ironing station. Now there is a mat to fit the most common size of table: 13 x 19-1/2 inches!
Please remember: These pressing mats can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.
Perfect for that quilter on the go! But what about when you are in your sewing room? We have the answer for that as well! There is now one big enough to fit your Big Board – a whopping 22 x 59 inches! This 3/8″ wool mat is the perfect choice for pressing entire quilt tops.
If you haven’t tried these yet, here are the details and why you should:
Press any pieced or embroidered block with ease. The density of this high-quality 100% felted wool mat absorbs seams and stitches, effectively pressing both sides at once. Block knitted projects as well by pinning them directly to the mat. An added bonus? The texture of the wool stops fabrics from shifting so there is no distortion when pressing.
Tips and Tricks
The pressing mat can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.
Never place the mat on a rotary cutting mat when pressing. The heat could warp the cutting mat.
If mat feels damp after use, hang to air-dry before storing. Wash the mat occasionally by rinsing it in cold water and hanging the mat until dry – especially if using spray starch.
Safe surfaces include Formica, Corian, stone, and metal (an ironing board). Wood and painted surfaces should be avoided.
A wool mat is a handy tool for quick pressing when kept next to your sewing machine.
Rachel’s of Greenfield has three ornament kits in the top 100 patterns this week!
The kits include everything you need to make six ornaments – right down to the gold hanging thread. They are perfectly sized to fit in a gift card so they can stand alone and BE the gift or be used as the embellishment on the gift!
Wouldn’t these be fun to have at a holiday get together? They could make an ornament to take home with them as a memory of the party. They are all in stock so you can get them in time for this holiday season!
This is the third in a series of books by Little Red Hen which features mini quilts.
The book includes instructions for six minis – many have wool and embroidery accents.
Use them to add a charming vignette to any room or group them on a wall. What fun and satisfying projects!
I love these trays – and now Checker carries them!
Dawn Shuck of Sew Cherished uses them to showcase her exquisite wool designs. What a great monthly kit!
Spring Fling and Spring is in the Air
Liberty and Wool Barn
Bless this Home and The Fall Guy
Trick or Treat and Fall Harvest
Making a List and Warm Hearts
These patterns will be arriving later this month so order them now and start a wool club!
These are designed as door banners but are great anywhere in your house! I love everything that Stacy West of Buttermilk Basin designs – and with this series, she has outdone herself.
I enlarged one of the patterns so that you can see the details that make each hexie banner so charming.
There are twelve in the series – one for each month – but many can stand alone. May, for instance, spells out SEW; June spells out HOME; and August spells FARM. These are perfect stand alone banners that would be great gifts.
These banners measure 9″ x 23 1/2″ and would be great kitted in the Henry Glass wool line by Stacy herself! These have been so popular that they sell out quickly but a new order is due to arrive this week so order NOW!
I know when a book is in the top 50 at Checker – and isn’t due to arrive until March, we have a winner. And, in this case, the reputation of the author and designer speaks volumes!
Kathy Brown of Teacher’s Pet has created fourteen of the most adorable projects that really can be completed in a lunch hour or two. Look at these charming examples:
We all need that little something throughout the year to let people know we care. Why not teach a wool class – and kit these projects for a register display. These are the type of projects that everyone will make in quantities. After all, who could resist making journals for everyone in their book club? You get the idea! The book arrives in March – just when customers are looking for handwork for vacation travels. Stock up on wool now!
