Newest Release From Creative Grids

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Penny Haren

The newest Creative Grids® tool, Kitty Cornered, developed by Deb Heatherly is simply brilliant! It is one of those blocks that I always paper-pieced in the past because I just couldn’t sew those odd angles accurately. Well, not anymore!

Make eleven different sizes of the Kitty Cornered block – two at a time! Cut the odd angles with the tool, then trim them down to size after sewing. Fast, easy and accurate! Make two Kitty Cornered blocks at one time – the printed cutting chart is right on the tool! Create eleven sizes from 1 to 6 inches – and every half inch in between. The ruler comes with fully illustrated step by step instructions or watch the YouTube video to see a demonstration.

And, of course, there are sooo many companions. Daddy’s Ties is a Cut Loose Press™ pattern and is the perfect choice for a memory quilt. I am making this one with a friend who lost her husband a few years ago. We are using his ties – and oxford cloth shirts for the background squares. What an heirloom!

Combining four of the blocks – and sewing them together like a nine-patch creates this stunning quilt – Kitty Cornered Chained. Don’t you love the larger units as accents in the middle border?

Evergreen Runner is a fast, easy project combining half-square triangles and Kitty Cornered blocks.

By reversing the lights and darks in the block, a whole new design is created in Happy N Blessed.

Nostalgia combined Kitty Cornered blocks with three inch log cabins – created with the four inch log cabin trim tool.

Need a patriotic table runner this summer? Liberty Runner is just the ticket and you can finish it in an afternoon!

I love this Maple Leaf table runner that is cut from 10 – 10″ squares so it is easy to kit for classes! I cut kits for this yesterday and am using a gray background – can’t wait to start sewing!

Aptitude is a full pattern that includes instructions for a lap as well as a queen sized quilt. This pattern uses the Creative Grids® CGRDH2 Strippy Stars Tool and the CGRDH5 Kitty Cornered Tool. Fabric selection is easy! Just choose a background and two additional contrasting colors.

Catagonia also features lap and queen sizes and combines the Cat’s Cradle tool by Deb with the Kitty Cornered tool. The pattern calls for a variety of fabrics in the cat’s cradle units so pull out your scraps!

Sassafras combines the Ultimate Flying Geese tool with the Kitty Cornered Tool for maximum effect. With just three colors, it is oh so simple to choose fabrics.

Pick out 9 Fat Quarters and a background fabric, and use the Creative Grids® CGRDH5 Kitty Cornered tool to make this fun 55″ x 70″ quilt designed by Christine Van Buskirk. Don’t you love the dark background???

Flurry is a 64″ x 80″ Fat Quarter friendly quilt is stunning in blues. Using CGRFCC (6″ Folded Corner Clipper) is also featured in the instructions as an optional tool for the diamond in a square assembly.

The tool and Cut Loose Press™ patterns are in stock. The full-sized patterns are due in any day so place your orders now!

New from GE Designs

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Penny Haren

Gudrun Erla has released four new patterns this season. The hardest decision is going to be which one to make first!

Taylor is an easy pattern you can make from fat quarters or a mix of 10″ squares, 2-1/2″ and 1-1/2″ strips. It is a part of the Stripology Mixer series of patterns. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs. You can tailor the layout to your liking, more uniform or go very abstract. The pattern comes with 5 different size options: crib, lap, full, queen, king.

This striking pattern is so versatile and much easier to make than it looks. The pattern has 4 different layout options and endless variations. Make it with assorted 10″ squares or just 2 fabrics, using the Stripology Squared or the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs and be successful every time. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 5 different size options: crib, lap, twin/full, queen, king.

Gudrun featured this pattern in a “quarantine sew along”. 16,000 quilters participated in this all day event so many shop owners already have their sample made! We think that must be a record!

Elvira is a fun and fast to make quilt from fat quarters. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs and the GEasy point trimmers. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 4 different size options: crib, lap, full, queen.

Hope was also featured in an all day sew along and over 6,000 quilters participated from all over the world. So, once again, many shops have samples completed. For this sew along, Gudrun donated over $35,000 to local charities – quilters could make a donation in lieu of purchasing the pattern for this event. Doesn’t it give you goosebumps??? What an amazing story and what an amazing event!

Hope is a fun and easy pattern you can make from fat quarters or 10″ squares and 2-1/2″ strips. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL or the Stripology Squared ruler by GE Designs. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 4 different size options: crib, lap, full, king.

These blocks can be laid out in a multitude of ways to create dynamic quilts!

I love these stickers – and use them all of the time on my rulers and cutting mats. They now come in three “Fruity Fiesta” colors.

G-Easy Ruler Stickers - Fruity Fiesta Palette

Everything is due to arrive June 20th so place your orders now!

Creative Grids® Mats in Stock!

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Penny Haren

I am so excited! The mats – in all sizes – are back in stock! If you did not get one in your hot little hands when they were first released, let me tell you that they are amazing! Gudrun Erla and I designed these – so I am a little prejudice – but the response has been amazing! We have both had ours for several months and can’t believe how nice they are!

Creative Grids Cutting Mat Assortment With Rack

The rack is still free if you order the assortment but you can order them individually as well:

The three larger sizes feature two sided printing – one side is designed specifically for the Stripology series of rulers:

In case you want to do an email blast on these, here are the highlights:

The Creative Grids® Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat is double-sided. One side features one-inch grids with eighth-inch markings over the entire surface. All numbers are printed outside of the grid area, so they are always visible. Popular 1-1/2″ cuts are highlighted with white stars; 2-1/2″ cuts with white squares. Eighth, quarter, and third-yard cuts are marked with dashed lines for easy reference.
On the three larger sizes: The other side is designed to use with the Creative Grids® Stripology series of rulers. Line up the fabric and rulers on the spaced horizontal half-inch grid lines. That is all you need – no other distracting markings and lines are needed!

Hexies are Heavenly

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

Matariki is the Maori name for the Pleiades constellation which appears in the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It signals the changing of the seasons to a new planting year. Like New Year in the Northern hemisphere, Matariki marks the time for reflecting on times past and looking forward to the future. Hence, the title – Hexies are Heavenly is perfect for this quilt! Matariki is a ‘Block of the Month’ by Sheila Christensen Quilts #SCQBOMCOMP.

Matariki Block of the Month Pattern Complete Set

You can bring back the rich colors of civilizations past with the Museum colorway, or look forward to the future with the Spectrum colorway, the choice is yours and the resulting quilt will look very different depending on which you choose.

All of the pieces for this quilt are cut from strips and use the Creative Grids® 60-degree Triangle 12-1/2in Quilt Ruler #CGRT12560. Everything is straight seams so it is a perfect choice for machine piecing but it can be hand pieced as well.

. Everything is straight seams so it is a perfect choice for machine piecing but it can be hand pieced as well.

This quilt is made up of 18 hexagonal blocks each measuring 12” high with setting triangles in between. It is written as a 10-month block of the month program. What a great way to introduce your students to the possibilities of a pieced hexie!

Creative Grids 60 degree Triangle 12-1/2in Quilt Ruler

New Creative Grids® Cutting Mats are in the House!

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Penny Haren

It took almost two years to get it right – and boy did we get it right! I have been working with a prototype for a few months now – and they are WONDERFUL! All sizes, rack, and assortment are in stock and starting to ship today.

The three larger sizes of the Creative Grids® Rotary Cutting Mats are double sided. One side features one-inch grids with eighth inch markings over the entire surface. All numbers are printed outside of the grid area so they are always visible. Popular 1-1/2 inch cuts are highlighted with white stars; 2-1/2 inch cuts with white squares.

The other side of the smallest 6 x 8 inch mat is blank – perfect for trimming blocks.

The other side of the three larger sizes are designed to use with the Creative Grids® Stripology series of rulers by Gudrun Erla. Line up the fabric and rulers on the spaced horizontal half inch grid lines. That is all you need – no other distracting markings and lines are needed!

Now all you have to do is choose your size: 12 x 18; 18 x 24, or 24 x 36 inches.

You may want more than one!

Coffee for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Coffee Break from Cut Loose Press™ by Karla Alexander is so much fun to make! I got out my Fiestaware and started throwing out fabrics that coordinated. It turns out, I couldn’t stop at a table runner. They are just way too much fun – and I am a little OCD…

So what is a gal to do? Make 35 more and turn them into mug rugs for gifts for coaches, teachers, principals….you get the picture. And, if you have a good relationship with your machine quilter, she may even add their names.

But, I live in Ohio – and they are #1 so…..

These individual cups measure approximately 8″ so I cut an 8″ square of fabric, folded it in half, and used it as a pocket on the back. I’ll put coffee gift cards in the pocket as a homage to Karla. After all, she lives in the Pacific Northwest and KNOWS good coffee!

You still have time to finish six or six dozen by Christmas so get started!

Terry – the Queen of Designs

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

The newest patterns by Terry Atkinson are easily recognizable – they just exude her style! Floating Peaks can be made from fat eighths or 10″ squares. The points are floating so they will be perfect every time! The finished size is 15.5″ x 38″ – which means the backing can be cut from the width of fabric. Or, since you won’t be able to make just one, two can be backed with just 1 1/4 yards of fabric.

This pattern features the Creative Grids 60 degree triangle ruler.

Creative Grids 60 Degree Triangle 8-1/2in Quilt Ruler

Pint Size Parking is perfect for holding pint sized canning jars.Pick a pretty pair of fabrics – a fat quarter of the main fabric and a half yard of the lining and contrast – is all you need! These little treasures are the perfect copliment for picnics, parties, or any room in the house.

Both patterns will be available next month!

Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Penny Haren

Krista Mower’s top selling Creative Grids 60 Degree Diamond Ruler now comes in a mini size! This little ruler is packs a lot of punch! You can cut 60 degree triangles, trapezoids, diamonds and hexies up to 4 1/2″!

Creative Grids 60 Degree Mini Diamond Ruler

I Krista’s own words – and who could say it better: Up your quilting game with this charming pattern! Bumblebee Blossoms gives you a complicated look without tedious piecing. Gain confidence with angles and color placement. This quilt is constructed of three main blocks: the flowers, the bees, and the leaf blocks. Each one illustrates a different technique which are valuable additions to your quilting skills library. Use ombre fabric to get the most out of shade and value, or use scraps from your stash for an eclectic look!

Simple and classic, this table runner, placemat and tree skirt set is made entirely out of 2-1/2in strips. You’ll be pleased how quickly these go together. Use a variety of greens for the trees or make them all the same for a timeless look. The pattern includes cutting, piecing and pressing instructions designed for the best possible outcome. You’ll gain confidence with angles without the daunting task of a big project.

Need a quick and easy pattern that can be whipped up in a weekend? Rock’n Rollercoaster is so fun and foolproof you’ll want to make it again. Use a favorite jelly roll or a Jr. Jelly Roll, plus a background color, to showcase this simple modern design. The pattern includes cutting, piecing and pressing instructions designed for the beginner to achieve the best possible outcome. If you have been sticking to squares and rectangles, this is a good next step!

And then there is this strip friendly Cut Loose Press pattern. Just twenty 2 1/2″ strips and 2 yards of background make this eye catching quilt!

These patterns are literally flying off the shelves! Nore are on order, so if they aren’t in stock now, they will be arriving soon! Add these to your Fall teaching schedule!

Grids Girls Take Note

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Penny Haren

This new book by Deb Heatherly is flying off the shelves but don’t worry – more are on the way! Her newest book – Creatively Yours – features 10 quilts in a multitude of sizes and four table runners.

This book is a must-have for all of you gadget gurus! These quilts combine several different Creative Grids® tools with stunning results.

This book is a perfect companion to any Creative Grids® or Grids Girl program. Demonstrate a different ruler each month and build as they learn to show how they all work together to create the quilts of your dreams!

Time for a Coffee Break

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

Karla Alexander of Saginaw Street Quilts has a new Cut Loose Press™ pattern #CLPKAL012 that is going to fly off the shelves like her Crazy Christmas Tree #CLPKAL009! Look how cute this is …

I can’t wait to make it! Actually, I want to design my dinette around this. Can you imagine covering a cornice board with these and framing individual ones for the wall? Of course, I’ll make the table runner too – but who can stop there when they are so darn cute?????

Just like the Crazy Christmas Tree and Crazy Hearts #CLPKAL011 – they all use the Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6.

Crazy Christmas Tree is the #1 selling Cut Loose Press™ of all time!

Crazy Hearts uses the same ruler and same technique. Why not start a series of classes? These are great classes and demos!

There are TONS of companions for this ruler so check out the patterns shown on the website under the ruler for more possibilities. Why not demonstrate those techniques in class? Everyone loves getting more bang for their buck – but make sure you have THOSE patterns in stock as well.

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