Geese in the Cabin

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Penny Haren

Meet Cut Loose Press™ Plus. This pattern has six full pages – when a pattern is just too good to fit on one page – even if it is front and back!

This Cut Loose Press™ Plus pattern features a technique for making Geese in the Cabin blocks from the log cabin blocks created with the Creative Grids® 10-inch Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo by Jean Ann Wright (CGRJAW10).

We have even filmed a video showing how easy it is to transform a Courthouse Block style log cabin created with the Creative Grids® 10-Inch Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo into an entirely new block. AND, you are welcome to share the video!

Once you have created the blocks, twist and turn them in a multitude of ways to create your own masterpiece. The pattern includes suggestions but there are many more possibilities.

Since all 36 blocks are exactly the same – and the magic happens when you twist and turn them – the yardage requirements are the same for every version!

The ruler and patterns are in stock so order them now and let your customers know. We have already gotten requests from consumers who want to know where to buy!

New from Marlous Designs

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Penny Haren

I LOVE this quilt! I was just asked to make quilts for two gals in their early 30’s and this is perfect!

I love the off-set diamonds and the tone-on-tone diamonds. It could be the perfect choice for a wedding or graduation gift as well. The pattern includes yardage requirements and instructions for three sizes: lap, twin, and queen. The diamonds are created with the Creative Grids® Perfect Rectangle Tool #CGRTMT3.

Creative Grids Perfect Rectangle Ruler 9-1/2in Quilt Ruler

Mountain Gems is another asymmetrical design that packs a lot of punch and also includes three sizes.

Both patterns will be available in March so place your orders now!

A Fitted Mask

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Penny Haren

This mask pattern from Cut Loose Press™ #CLKAL013 includes three sizes: small for a child or petite adult; medium for most women; and large for most men and will even accommodate their beard.

The angled nose and chin pieces are cut with the Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6 to ensure a form fit. And wait until you see how she sews the pleat – pure genius! Pattern includes instructions on how to add an additional filter and a mask bar. Be sure to visit the Checker YouTube channel and watch the video before you start.

Many of you already have the Creative Grids® Spiderweb Quilt Ruler since Karla Alexander used it in the Cut Loose Press™ Crazy Christmas Tree, Crazy Hearts, and Coffee Break patterns.

Add an optional mask bar from The Gypsy Quilter.

And, the adjustable elastics also from The Gypsy Quilter come in a variety of colors – and ensure a perfect fit.

Let’s face it – pun intended – masks are going to be a part of life for a long time so find the best fit for your family and friends!

LOL (Lots of Little) Squares

Posted on January 27, 2021 by Penny Haren

The LOL quilt series from RJ Designs are unique variations of the traditional Irish Chain design.
The sixteen-page pattern booklet gives detailed instruction needed to construct bed-sized quilts using LOL (lots Of Little) one-inch finished squares.

RJ Designs has simplified the process to create these awe-inspiring quilts using an innovative method of strip-piecing. The strips can be cut quickly and accurately with the Creative Grids® Stripology XL ruler (Item #CGRGE1XL).

You, and possibly a group of friends, can decide if you want to trade strips for a scrappier look – a multitude of different fabric strips are needed for constructing this stunning quilt. Decide whether you want to stay within a theme such as solid fabrics, reproduction prints, batiks, or totally scrappy- where anything goes (my favorite).

The booklet includes instructions for two twins, a queen and a king size version. You are about to embark on one of your most exciting and unique quilt piecing experiences! The patterns are due to arrive this week so order them now.

Sewing Room Makeover

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Penny Haren

Everyone I know has cleaning and organizing their sewing room on their list of New Year’s resolutions. And that is the perfect time to take stock of what you really have, what you need – and what needs replaced!

Check out the top 100 notions on our website: //www.checkerdist.com/top/notions

This will give you an idea of what other quilters value and brands that have stood the test of time. Now look at your basic quilting supplies – the ones you use EVERY day! Is it time to replace your rotary cutter blades? Why not buy a multipack so you actually cut instead of “saw” in 2021?

Check out your stash of needles and buy your most popular sizes.

Schmetz Universal Machine Needle Size 12/80

Are your pins all bent or is your pin cushion bare? Why not replace them with these extra long, sharp, heat-resistant Cool Pins by The Gypsy Quilter?

Has your mat seen better days? Maybe it is time to replace it – and upgrade to a larger size:

Have you dropped your ruler so many times that there is not a corner left in sight?

Creative Grids Quilt Ruler 6-1/2in x 24-1/2in

If you got a small wool mat to try it, it may be time to admit that it is the greatest notion of the last decade!

Wool Pressing Mat 14-1/3in Wide x 18-7/8in Long x 1/2in Thick

Refresh the notions you use every day and make sewing a pleasure again – just don’t cut your finger with that new blade!!!

Stripology Mixology 2 Book

Posted on November 12, 2020 by Penny Haren

In Gudrun Erla’s own words: Put your Stripology Rulers to work with this sequel to the first Mixology book. You will find 13 great quilts in multiple sizes, made from Precuts. That includes quilts made from 10″ squares, 5″ squares, 2-1/2″ strips, and 1-1/2″ strips. Be inspired to put your stash to work by curating and cutting your own precuts. Full-color instructions for using all three Stripology rulers or regular rulers are included in the 84-page book, along with 13 delicious cocktail recipes. (#GE-515)

Gudrun is quite simply a super star! And this book is a perfect example of the breadth of style she creates, appealing to quilters of all ages! A picture is worth a thousand words so…..

This is just a sampling of the treasures inside! The book could serve as a lesson in how to combine fabrics to their maximum effect as well! Gudrun’s color sense makes every quilt she creates a stunner! The book will be available next week. The showcased rulers from Creative Grids®: CGRGE1XL, CGRGE2, and CGRGE3 are in stock now.

The Wreath Quilt Sampler

Posted on November 10, 2020 by Penny Haren

To see how gorgeous – and easy – this quilt is, view the video tutorial before you do anything else!

In Krista’s words: The Wreath Quilt Sampler (#TQL10023) is a fun, fresh addition to your holiday decor. It’s composed of six different blocks or concepts, each one teaching a new technique using the Creative Grids® 60-Degree Diamond Mini Ruler. The shapes are simple, and the construction is a breeze, building your quilt block by block with no Y seams! Work from your stash or collect a variety of reds and greens and enjoy the process of shade and color placement to get the complete effect. Finished size: 55″ x 55″.

All of the units are created with the Creative Grids® 60 Degree Diamond Mini (#CGR60DIAMINI). The quilt can be made with the Creative Grids® 60 Degree Diamond (#CGR60DIA) as well – but since the pieces are smaller, it is much easier to manipulate the mini!

Creative Grids 60 Degree Mini Diamond Ruler

Krista does such great support for everything and her latest addition is no exception! She has created cutting charts for the diamond rulers. These charts show how many triangles or diamonds can be cut from each width of fabric strip. And while you are there, stay awhile and check out her other videos. You will be glad you did!

Grids Girls Unite

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

Many of you know Deb Heatherly from her Grids Girls program. Almost 7,000 women sew along with her as she designs projects using Creative Grids® rulers. She is responsible for the design of many of my favorite tools: the Cat’s Cradle and Cat’s Cradle XL; the Ultimate Flying Geese Tool; Strippy Star, Kitty Cornered Tool, and Turbo 4-Patch.

She also loves to play with Creative Grids® tools by other designers. All of these designs were inspired when she was testing and playing with other tools:

Both of these Cut Loose Press™ quilts were made with the Creative Grids® Folded Corner Clipper – one of our most versatile tools!

Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper Tool

These Cut Loose Press™ patterns feature the Creative Grids® Seam Guide – the fastest way to mark half-square triangles:

And, this table topper and table runner feature the Creative Grids® Diamond Mini by Krista Moser.

For those of you who love handwork, she also created this hexie pillow to highlight a favorite photo or block.

Deb is using this quarantine time to her best advantage – designing, creating, and playing in her studio! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

Angela Walters Low Shank Tools

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Penny Haren

Creative Grids® now offers three of Angela Walters’ most popular machine quilting templates in low shank 1/8″ acrylic. These templates have all of the great features of the originals but are 1/8″ acrylic instead of 1/4″ acrylic.

Squiggy is the go-to tool for machine quilting serpentine lines and wavy designs. Use Squiggy for quilting: serpentine lines in both directions in 2 and 3 inch borders and sashings; overlapping serpentine lines; varied serpentine lines; allover ribbons; ogees; clamshells and more!

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Squiggy

This tool does double duty! Inspired by the dome of the Taj Mahal, Taj is perfect for quilting curvy, pointed arcs on your quilts. This versatile tool can be used in all areas of your quilt, including borders, blocks and backgrounds.

Quilt along the outside to create: pointed arches in borders; overlapping arcs or rotate to quilt complex looking motifs. Work along the inside of the tool to create: a leafy allover design; leaves in a row for thinner borders or rotate to quilt flower-like motifs for blocks. By combining the inside and outside, or alternating directions, there are endless quilting possibilities.

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Taj

This tool will become your new quilting best friend. Efficient and beautiful quilting is her specialty! Use Shelley to quilt clamshell designs from either side of the tool – no need to rotate the quilt since you can quilt from any side of the quilting foot. The Clamshell design can be classically quilted for an open traditional feel, or given a modern update by flipping it around to create orange peels. But that’s not all she does! Use Shelly for: quilting clamshells or orange peels; rotate to create beautiful flower motifs, arcs, and leaves.

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Shelly

These machine quilting gloves by The Gypsy Quilter® are the perfect companion for these templates. Gain extra precision control where you need it most with grip dots on the fingertips. Or flip the glove around for maximum control with grip dots all over the palm and fingers. Hold Steady Machine Quilting gloves are breathable and comfortable.

Gypsy Quilter Hold Steady Machine Gloves One Size

Everything is in stock, so order yours today!

The Perfect Technique Class

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Penny Haren

I am so excited to introduce my newest booklet – Dresden Plate Quilts from Cut Loose Press™! Here is what makes this book different!

There are three different quilts in one book – all made with the same Creative Grids® ruler (Item #CGRTKAL45), one 40 pack of 2-1/2 inch strips, and your choice of background, accent, and binding fabric!

Dresden Plate Quilts includes three different variations of the Dresden plate block: one pointed, one round and a split. You have the opportunity to learn three different techniques – and three different ways to use the ruler for three times the fun!

And just look at the quality! The photography is stunning!

This 16-page full-color booklet gives step by step instructions to make all three. And it is affordable! What a great choice for a demo day! Order the booklets, rulers, and an assortment of (40) 2-1/2″ strip bundles. Don’t forget to have some coordinates displayed for the backgrounds and accent fabrics! I can’t wait to hear what YOU do to make it your own!

Browse the pages with Penny.

//www.checkerdist.com/products/CLPBOOK001?openproduct

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Tag Archives: Creative Grids