Tag Archives: Road to California

In a clutch, choose Annie Unrein

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Frankly, I was always intimidated by Annie Unrein’s patterns.  After all, I saw the samples – and they were perfect.  She is an expert seamstress and teaches threadology classes.  I bet she even makes tailored clothes!

But then, I saw her demonstrate at Road to California – and she made it look so simple that I thought I should give it a try.

As soon as I got home, I ordered her iCases pattern.  This one has a zippered pocket to hold the cord and has instructions for two sizes – exactly what I needed.PBA218 Item #PBA218  Retail $9.95

Annie has created a technique that makes all of her bags doable by anyone – even me!  It turns out that you create everything in panels.  Then the panels are placed on top of each other and bound together like a quilt – now that I can do.

And I did!  And now, I feel like my last name should be Bradley.  Friends came over last night and thought I bought my first project.  I consider that a win!

Soft and Stable – another Annie product – provides just the right amount of body and made the binding lay perfectly.
PBASS2018 Item #PBASS2018  Retail $11.95

Why not add some of these projects to your class schedule?  Once they see how easy it is, they will want to make more.  I immediately ordered three more patterns.  These will make great gits – and I already know I can’t stop at just one!

These “Open Wide” Pouches come in three sizes.
PBA246 Item #PBA246  Retail $9.95

Bling It On! is the perfect carrying case for jewelry or anything small!PBA248 Item #PBA248  Retail $9.95

Or, start them out with a simple Cut Loose Press jewelry case.  Believe me, they will be thrilled with the results!
CLPAUN001 Item #CLPAUN001

Gift giving just got a lot more fun!

Square on Square – the hit at Road to California

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I demonstrated the Creative Grids® Square on Square rulers at the Road to California show and they loved them!
CGRJAW8
Item #CGRJAW8  Retail $19.95

Why does everyone LOVE this tool?  For the same reason, they love the entire line of Jean Ann Wright’s trim tools.  All of these tools solve the problems quilters face when piecing blocks that start with a center square.  These blocks tend to become skewed because of cutting inconsistencies; variations in seam allowances; and distortions while pressing.

The triangles are cut slightly larger and trimmed to size AFTER cutting, sewing and pressing – and the end result is spectacular!

Check out this new Spinning Snails pattern by Lynn Roddy Brown.  Yes – this is the first tool designed to create the Snail’s Trail block.  It is simply the color placement of the triangles.  And don’t you love the scrappy look and the rail fence border???CLPLRB001
Item #CLPLRB002

Sunflower Trails creates movement by piecing the Snail’s Trails blocks out of just three colors.
CLPDKR014
Item #CLPDKR014

Jean Ann Wright’s blue version makes me want to go to the beach!
CLPJAW041
Item #CLPJAW041

But this tool is named Square on Square for a reason!  Don’t forget that the traditional blocks make striking quilts as well.
CLPJAW039
Item #CLPJAW039

Look what happens when you piece a block and center it in a square on square.CLPJAW040
Item #CLPJAW040

The additional bells and whistles make this a must have:
1.  The cutting instructions are printed right on the tool. (The outside edge of the block is always on the straight of grain.)
2.  Create a 4″ block by stopping after two triangles or complete an 8″ block by adding four rounds of triangles.
3.  Use the squares on the ruler to piece or fussy cut a 2″ or 4″ finished square.

These added features expand the design potential exponentially!  Why not give it a try?  It also comes in a six-inch version.  (Item #CGRJAW7).  Whichever size you choose, you will be happy with the result!