A Trend you need to Notice!

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Penny Haren

When three books or leaflets on embroidery stitches are in the Top 20 books, it is time to sit up and take notice!

Whether quilters are using wool or cottons, the trend is here to stay so it is time to showcase this needle art in your shop!

Item #LA56019 Retail $4.95

Item #SS67 Retail $32.00

Item #56002 Retail $4.95

There are almost 1,000 embroidery patterns on our website:

http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?f_cat1=33815&page=1&limit=100&sort=score

and over 200 books:

http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?f_cat1=31863&page=1&limit=100&sort=score

Are you ahead of the trend????

Twelve Classes in One Book!

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Penny Haren

“Sew Gifts” is a compilation of 25 different patterns that can be made – and COMPLETED – in a class!

Item #B1199T Retail $24.99

Choose your favorite 12 patterns – and techniques – to start a gift of the month club. That is the true “Gift” of this book. It is an opportunity to offer classes with value and each project provides a teaching opportunity.

The cover features a zippered pouch and a book cover. Teach strip piecing and how to sew in a zipper.

Teach them how to make handles and line a bag, Make half-square triangles using your favorite method – or demonstrate several different methods and let them try them all.

This pouch is darling and is an opportunity to teach about threads and flosses. Show them how to insert a drawstring.

Introduce your customers to wool and crushed shells for pin cushions. Why not give a lesson on pins – glass head pins, flower head pins, etc…?

This casserole cover is an opportunity to teach them how to sew a double zipper, handles, and pockets. Why not have a pot luck lunch with this one?

These mug rugs provide the foundation for a class in fusible fleeces, simple machine quilting, and binding. It is also a great way to show them a fun way to use stripes!

This simple pillow packs a punch. Teach them how to embellish the leaves with embroidery; use a bias tape maker, and finish a pillow.

This apron is just darling and includes hems, straps, and rick rack insertions on a pocket.

If you sell sewing machines, each project provides an opportunity to teach how to use a different foot or technique on your machines! And, your customers will love having a supply of handmade gifts on hand – a win/win for everyone! These books are due in this week so order now!!!

Peppered Cottons and How to Use Them

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Penny Haren

I fell in love with Peppered Cottons the first time I saw them! Peppered Cottons are the brand name of shot cottons produced by Studio e. Shot cottons are woven with two different threads – one vertical color and a different horizontal color. Since the threads are dyed before weaving, there is no right or wrong side.

Item #PEPPER-49 Peacock

Not all shot cottons are created equal. Peppered Cottons are high quality from start to finish – and my personal choice. I talked to Pepper this week and she sent me a one page informational sheet that covers everything you need to know about these new fabrics – and didn’t know to ask!

She condensed it to one sheet so you can give a copy to all of your customers who buy yardage. It is that value added service that brings your customers back for more!

Peppered Cottons

Studio E is sponsoring a contest. This is a win/win situation. If your customer wins, you also win bolts of peppered cottons! Here is the info in a printable version so you can display them next to your fabrics:

Peppered_Cotton_Small_Poster-FINAL (1)

Studio e has added several new colors will be arriving this month. Place your order now…

Item #PEPPER-00

Item #PEPPER-01

Item #PEPPER-16

Item #PEPPER-20

Item #PEPPER-52

Item #PEPPER-90

Item #PEPPER-91

Item #PEPPER-97

Item #PEPPER-99

These fabrics add texture to any project and give it the look of linen. Give them a try – and be sure to have fat quarter bundles available. Your customers will want them in every color!

The perfect Make and Take It Gifts for the Season

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Penny Haren

Plum Easy Patterns has created the perfect little gift to give to every hostess on your list!

Item #PEP101 Retail $10.50
These hot pads are sewn on a printed interfacing foundation. And, at 8″, they are a perfect size for the holiday table.

Item #PEP102 Retail $11.00
The patterns include full color instructions and a foundation. But your customers are never going to be able to make just one! They are just too fun and easy – and a great way to use up scraps! So, additional printed interfacings are available in packages of 3 or even 12…

Item #PEP201 – 3 Pack – Retail $5.50
Item #PEP202 – 12 Pack – Retail $16.00

These are great kits – and Plum Easy has made it even easier. They have provided complete kitting instructions – Item #PEP104-LIT – for $2.65. This kit includes a link to artwork so your kits will look totally professional.

When crushed walnuts (Item #PEP301; PEP302 if you want lavender scent) turn up in the top 20, you know that there is a great pattern to support it! In this case, it is the Plum Easy Pattern using their techniques to make darling pin cushions.

Item #PEP104 Retail $10.50

Once again, there are additional interfacings available in three packs – Item #PEP203 – Retail $5.50 and, kit cutting instructions – Item #PEP301 – $2.70.

These are so popular that we can’t keep them in stock – which means you won’t be able to either! So order them now because the kitting guides and unscented crushed shells are do in this week. Everything else is already here…..

Bring out that Cowgirl in every Quilter

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Penny Haren

Many of us love Texas! After all, the largest quilt show in the world calls it home each Fall. Pearl P. Pereira of 3P Designs was inspired to design her new applique quilt – Happy Trails.

Complete Pattern Set Item #P31900 Retail #78.00

This 70″ square quilt consists of a 24″ center design surrounded by 12 – 12″ blocks and a striking 10″ border design.

The center block is a work of art all on its own. The cowboy boot filled with Texas bluebells, yellow roses and branding irons; spurs, and a cowboy hat would be beautiful framed as a stand alone piece.

Item #P31913 Retail $6.00

The surrounding blocks are just as spectacular! Look at these six shooters that form a wreath…the stars on the holsters are buttons available separately from Hill Creek. (The entire button collection for this quilt – Item #B1914, Retail $17.60).

Item #P31909 Retail $6.00

This wreath that includes barbed wire, boots, hats, guns – everything cowboy….

Item #P31911 Retail $6.00

Horseshoes form a star…simply brilliant!

Item #P31912 Retail $6.00

Every cowboy/cowgirl needs a saddle….

Item #P31906 Retail $6.00

Roy Rogers would fee right at home…..

Item #P31901 Retail $6.00

To see the complete collection, visit our website: http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?f_v=P042&page=1&limit=100&sort=score

Pearl is an expert in applique and recommends several products that aid in achieving these heirloom quality results.

Her freezer paper comes in 25 sheet packs that can be run through a printer and releases easily from the fabric.

Item #99003 Retail $7.50

She also recommends Roxanne’s Glue Baste It.

Item #RX-GL1 Retail $8.50

Sometimes we love hearing it from the expert, so why not order some of her C.D.’s as well?

Item #P3150 Retail $25.00

Pearl has designed many applique block of the month programs. Why not showcase a different applique block of the month each year? Whether your customers love Baltimore Album quilts, Christmas, Halloween, Fall or Patriotic, Pearl has a quilt for you! To see all of your options, visit our website: http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?v=P042

Gift Card Holders are Part of the Gift

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Penny Haren

Gift cards have become a staple. And, this time of year, it is always smart to purchase some for those unexpected gift opportunities. But why stop there? Why not have some small purses on hand?

These whimsical critters will make everyone smile – not just the little ones in your life. And, at just $5.00, they are great stocking stuffers as well. They come in packages of six. Your customers will want to collect them all! Meet….

Gazer….

Item #BGFAB-8004 Retail $5.00 (Pack of 6)

Rosie Day….

Item #BGFAB-8005 Retail $5.00 (Pack of 6)

Lurp…

Item #BGFAB-8006 Retail $5.00 (Pack of 6)

Item #BGFAB-8006 Retail $5.00 (Pack of 6)

Or, make your own. The Little Wallet by Valorie Wells is always in the top 20 and includes several pockets.

Item #VWD52 Retail $3.00

This cell phone wallet is one of the top selling Cut Loose Press patterns.

Item #CLPSMA001

Or, make one of these new Cut Loose Press bags that are perfect for organizing the clutter in your purse.

Cat’s Meow

Item #CLPHVA002

Doggie Bag

Item #CLPHVA002

Owl

Item #CLPHVA003

For those of you who are old school, all of these options hold cash as well…….

Clean and Fresh – Quilter’s Staples

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Penny Haren

Bear Thread Designs has added another staple to every quilt shop. Sew Fresh removes the odors from all of your textiles. This all natural product is a must have for machine quilters as well. It is odor free – but removes the musty smell from quilts. Better yet, it removes the smell of cigarette and cigar smoke so you can quilt without holding your breath!

Item #BTD217 Retail $10.99

They also produce a product that removes marks and stains from quilts. That’s right it removes many of the pencil and pen markings that may still mar the beauty of some of your projects. A friend says it also removes pet stains – and swears by it. The orange scent is fresh and clean.

Item #BTD207 Retail $10.99

Keep these at the register so your customers know you have them. Soon they will be recommending them to all of their friends so get the conversation started.

Meet the Sidekick

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Penny Haren

Hexies and 60 degree angles are definitely the hottest trend in quilting for 2013.

The Sidekick cuts 60 degree; diamonds, and half triangles with just one tool. And this newest companion to Julie Herman’s Hex n More (Item #JBQ201) has launched two patterns in the top 20.

Item #JBQ202 Retail $17.95

Rock Candy is a charming table topper that measures 20 1/2″ from side to side; 23″ from point to point and is the perfect center piece for any table.

Item #JBQ135 Retail $6.50

Night Sky showcases 60 degree diamond stars and is striking in these color choices. The pattern includes instructions for baby to king size.

Item #JBQ137 Retail $10.00

Julie has also designed a block of the month program that utilizes both rulers. It is not due until January so why not start with the projects above too familiarize your customers with the tools. Then they will be waiting in line to sign up for this one…..

Item #JBQ139 Retail $29.95

Cut Loose Press Place Mat of the Month Program

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Penny Haren

The Quilt Branch are the proud inventors of the House and Cottage rulers by Creative Grids. This ruler literally cuts every shape under the roof! We wanted to give you an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of this ruler in a series of demos and classes.

Item #CGRQB1 Retail $26.45

Each Cut Loose Press place mat features a different shape that can be cut with the ruler. The entire series consists of six patterns and are numbered accordingly.

Morning Flight

Item #CLPQBR001

Happy Hour

Item #CLPQBR002

Power Point

Item #CLPQBR003

Gemstone

Item #CLPQBR004

Hot Tin Roof

Item #CLPQBR005

45th Parallel

Item #CLPQBR006

Why not use different battings in each place mat – and label them accordingly? What a great opportunity to educate your customers about Soft and Stable, Stiff Stuff, InsulBright, 100% cotton batting; the 80/20 blends, etc…

For instance, in the photos above, the black binding could showcase a Halloween fabric on the backing. Power Point; Hot Tin Roof and 45th Parallel feature red bindings so the backing could showcase patriotic, Valentine, or Christmas fabrics. Happy Hour could feature St. Patrick’s Day or Easter fabrics….you get the picture. With a little bit of planning, you can showcase – and sell – focal fabrics as well.

Don’t forget to include tips on binding; using basting sprays; and machine quilting. Have fabric options available for backings. Each place mat can showcase a holiday fabric on the back as long as the binding coordinates with both.

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

A Trend you need to Notice!

Twelve Classes in One Book!

Peppered Cottons and How to Use Them

The perfect Make and Take It Gifts for the Season

Bring out that Cowgirl in every Quilter

Gift Card Holders are Part of the Gift

Clean and Fresh – Quilter’s Staples

Meet the Sidekick

Cut Loose Press Place Mat of the Month Program