Diamonds Are this Girl’s Best Friend

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Penny Haren

Remember the name Krista Moser because she is going to be a superstar! This gal has it all, talent, color sense, marketing sense – and the most important of all of the senses – common sense! When a relatively new designer has four patterns in the top 100, I take notice – and you should too!

Krista designed the Creative Grids® newest 60-degree Diamond ruler. This Cut Loose Press™ pattern is so simple, even I could make it. It is all done out of 2-1/2″ strips which makes it easy to market!

Or choose this simple Cut Loose Press™ baby quilt that features the hexie aspect of the tool:

Many of you are already kitting and teaching the Aztec Table Runner which can be made with the 60-degree aspect of the tool as well.

Once you know how to use the ruler, these patterns are a piece of cake. They look like you worked really hard but are actually week-end projects once you know her techniques!

And here is the star of the show – the Creative Grids® 60-degree Diamond Ruler:

Why not start a series of classes, showcasing a different element of the tool each month? Your customers will love you for it!

Stripology Rules

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Penny Haren

Gudrun Erla of GE Designs knows how to make the Creative Grids Stripology and Stripology Squared rulers sing. She will have a booth at Spring Market so be sure to stop by and see her newest creations.

Emma and Helena are both 10″ square friendly quilts. They look complicated but are always easy when you use Gudrun’s techniques.

Need a gift in an afternoon? Try one of these quilt as you go projects. Lickety Split – start to binding – can be finished in an afternoon. Tree Time is a great way to showcase a novelty print, panel, or that fabric that you just can’t stand to cut!

As usual, these are all great classes as well. Why not give them a try? These patterns are due to arrive the middle of May so order them now!

Shop Hops and Shows – Part Two

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Penny Haren

We can’t keep these Hello Pouches in stock! A bargain since the pattern has instructions for four sizes.

Once again, a sample is worth a thousand words – or in this case – patterns! But don’t make your customers search for what they need! Have the Soft and Stable; vinyl and zippers as a part of the display. Include fun fabrics.

One half yard pack of Soft and Stable is enough to make an entire set of four pouches – and it comes prepackaged!

The vinyl comes in a roll – and should be arriving soon. Cut that into 1/3 yard cuts – after all, who wants to stand in line for something so basic?

Two of By Annie’s 30″ zippers will make a complete set so include them in the display as well.

These are also a basis for a great class. Remove the intimidation factors. Teach a machine quilting class that will be used for the bases. (This is a great way to showcase the Creative Grids Angela Walters templates). Then show how easy it is to insert zippers and sew through vinyl.

To see our Shop Hop Guide Event Ideas and Inspiration booklet, click here

Tula Pink and De La Luna

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Cindy Abdoo

De La Luna is the new fabric line by Tula Pink which is due to arrive in June.

This line not only has striking colors, it also features three colorations of silhouettes which offer amazing design potential. Carl Hentsch has designed three different patterns that highlight these images – or use your own!

The ovals on this quilt were created with the Creative Grids Oval Always tool designed by Karla Alexander.

Or choose more traditional settings:

Everything is due to arrive in June so order now so that everything arrives at once!

Crazy Hearts for Valentines

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Cindy Abdoo

You all bought the Spiderweb Tool #CGRKA6 to make the Crazy Christmas Trees – one of the top 10 patterns! Now Karla used the same technique to create Crazy Hearts. Both are Cut Loose Press™ patterns.

Now that you are familiar with the ruler, it is time to explore the full potential of this gem! Here are the other patterns that support it – and they are breathtaking!

Who would have thought that one tool could create so many different looks???

Quilts of Iceland

Posted on December 22, 2017 by Penny Haren

In this inspirational, full-color book, Gudrun Erla of GE Designs pays homage to her homeland. She has taken several quilters on tours of Iceland and shared the beauty and hospitality of this country.

Now she is sharing that experience with you! Gudrun is also an amazing photographer. As she toured the country with fellow quilters, she photographed her favorite places and the quilts that inspired them. The pictures literally jump off of the page! Here is just a sampling of a few of the eighteen projects created for this book:

All of the projects are created with her time-saving techniques and the Creative Grids® Stripology ruler.

But this is not just a quilt book. Gudrun also shares some of the rich history of this nation as well as beloved recipes from family and friends. Pre-order the book now. Who knows! Santa may be inspired to leave a trip under your tree in 2018!

Sixty Degrees with Style

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Penny Haren

Several new patterns will be arriving soon that feature the Creative Grids® sixty degree triangle.

I love these new patterns by Krista Moser of The Quilted Life. I was not familiar with her work but now will be a follower! She is one of those designers that span all age groups – and that is not easy! All of these patterns look totally different but are all created with the same ruler with an extra one needed for the Champagne and Pearls.

Swirly Girls also has a new pattern featuring our best selling triangle:

Why not start a series of classes showing all of the different ways to use this ruler? Patterns will be arriving soon….

Tis the Season for Trees

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Penny Haren

Tis the season for evergreens – and this is reflected in our top 100 patterns! All of these trees made the list!

Crazy Christmas Trees from Cut Loose Press™ is the perfect family craft project! None of the seams have to match so seam allowances aren’t really an issue. I’m making this with my grandchildren this weekend!

These paper-pieced trees come in two sizes. The smaller version is the perfect door decoration for an Advent tree for your favorite little ones.

Piece Fall colors on the other side to make this tree reversible!

And then there are the three-dimensional versions by Aunties Two and Poorhouse Designs.

All of these projects are simple and can be done in time to deck the halls!

Catch the Wave!

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Penny Haren

The Wave ruler by Creative Grids®, designed by Judy Niemeyer, adds movement to any quilt. In December, Windy Day will be available which features several patterns that use the Wave.

Some of the patterns use Charm Element packs and some don’t. Traditional four-patches and nine-patches are also pieced – and then waved – to create brand new designs.

I just used this tool to curve the outer edge of a baby quilt/table topper and can’t wait to share that with you as well! Stay tuned….

Crazy Trees

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love this! In fact, I love this so much that I am teaching it this weekend!

This is a Karla Alexander design – and is SO her! A little wacky, a little wonky, and a whole lot of fun! This combines every aspect of a great pattern:

It looks hard but is so easy and so forgiving – anyone can do it!
It takes just eight 10 inch squares and eight 11″ x 14″ rectangles of background so it is easy to kit.
It makes a great demo.
AND, it is a Cut Loose Press™ pattern so it is affordable. Crazy Christmas Trees #CLPKAL009

It uses her ruler. Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6

Saturday I am making this in Fall colors – but kitting it for Christmas as well. After all, who can stop at just one! An added bonus? This runner is 17 1/2″ x 40 1/2″ so if I make four of these, I have a great throw!

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