Checker Newsletter

As in the past, we will be posting daily during Spring Quilt Market in Portland.  Please join us to see the latest in  patterns, fabric and notions.  We’ll bring you slide shows and maybe some videos.  Penny will be busy walking the floor, taking pictures and interviewing people.  Join us daily to feel as if you are there with us…only you won’t have sore feet!

 

Ten year ago, a couple of friends of mine started collecting books of miniature blocks.  There were a lot of them on the market, but they all had one thing in common - no instructions!  When they started accumulating books and didn’t know how to make them, it somehow became MY problem. 

You see, everyone in my family is a math geek, so we think we’re perfectly normal.  My friends think differently.  If they need someone to figure a quilt, I get a phone call.  Frankly, make me lunch and serve me coke in a frosted glass, and I’m yours!  So, they sucked me in and I started writing instructions and figuring out ways that anyone could make these 4 1/2″ - 6″ blocks.  And, I do mean anyone - we started it as a beginner class and have never looked back!

Pieced by Jan Creekmore, Quilted by Cheryl Lorence

 Jeramy Landauer approached me after Spring Market last year and asked me to write a book on the techniques I created to make it possible to obtain perfect results when piecing “little”.  “Penny Haren’s Pieced Applique was born!” 

I am first and foremost a teacher and believe that if we don’t teach the basics, we are turning every frustrated quilter into a knitter.  They must know why they are doing something so they can transfer that knowledge to their next project! 

Therefore, the book consists of twelve different chapters.  Each chapter focuses on a different technique and presents a new learning opportunity. Over 200 pictures show how to sew 24 blocks quickly, easily, and perfectly! 

Learn to create perfect blocks by combining piecing with layered appliqués that make it possible to sew perfect points and curves - by eliminating them!  Don’t let the “A” word intimidate you!  In this freezer paper method, straight sides and gentle curves can be turned by even a beginner after a five minute demonstration! 

No longer avoid blocks that have inset points such as five and eight-pointed stars.  Indiana Puzzle (a form of Drunkard’s Path) and True Lover’s Knot will be a piece of cake - or actually a “piece of four-patch”!   Learn how even a simple four-patch can be pieced - and then appliquéd - to create stunning results!  Just wait until you see what happens to a nine-patch…. a half-square triangle…a pinwheel…the possibilities are truly endless!

And, don’t think that appliqué means handwork.  Many of my students chose to appliqué these pieces by machine using a tiny zigzag stitch and invisible thread.  When we were getting out our magnifying glasses to see the stitches, I knew they were hooked.  Most of these blocks can be appliquéd by machine in less than ten minutes!

The Creative Grid “Square It Up and Fussy Cut Ruler” was designed for this quilt.  It is printed with solid squares every inch and drilled holes at 1/2″ increments. 

The horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines make it quick and simple to square up any block.  You never have to look for the center of the ruler - and the seam allowance is clearly marked around the entire perimeter of the ruler so you don’t accidentally trim off points!  

These 24 blocks include “fudge factors” - tricks that make it possible for even a true beginner to create heirloom quality quilts with no frustration!  Every block is set with a sashing that is larger than needed.  After sewing, the blocks are then trimmed down to size.

In most cases, triangles and squares are appliquéd on the foundation blocks to create intricate designs.  When these appliqués are fussy cut, you can achieve spectacular results. 

Center a fabric design within a square, mark the fabric through the holes at the 1/2″ increments to add the seam allowance, and cut.  The design will be centered perfectly when incorporated into your quilt!  You will be shocked at the results - and the possibilities are endless.  Wait until you see what happens when you start playing with stripes and plaids!  Look at the fussy cutting in this quilt - even the borders are fussy cut!

Pieced by Jeanie Downey, Quilted by Cheryl Lorence

Close ups of each block are shown in three different color ways: a traditional Civil War reproduction line by Wyndham; LaBelle Rose by Lakehouse in yellows, pinks and blacks; and Full Sun by Maywood in deep, rich country colors.  Many times, you won’t recognize them as the same block.   

Once you start creating blocks using these techniques, you will never quilt the same way again!  In fact, my friends at Landauer are already working on books two and three!  A book with instructions for twenty-four more blocks will be out this fall, and book three will follow as fast as I can sew!  They are already designed - in fact, there is a picture of all 72 blocks in the first book so you can see the versatility of these techniques!  Make a block in a half-hour or less - you won’t believe how easy it is! 

 

Want to hone your machine quilting skills before you tackel that project?  RGA Designs has come out with Skillbuilder 3.

RGA506 Retail $12.00 per panel 

The new Skillbuilder 3 practice fabric panel has blocks, triangles, and borders printed with 46 different designs. The color panel patterns are more intricuate than those on Skillbuilder 1 & 2 and offer fun ideas and challenges. The panel comes on a bolt with 15 panels

This new one has color to the fabric and artistry to the book.  The fabric is suitable to bind and give as a gift once the quilting is finished.  The book is a wonderful mind expander for the eternal question, “How do I quilt THIS block?” 

 

Skillbuilder Mastery CD-ROM contains new printable designs in multiple sizes from Skillbuilder Mastery and Skillbuilder panel. Also includes designs from Skillbuilder 1 & 2 and many more. CD has a conversion calculator for enlarging and reducing patterns. Requires no additional software to run

 

RGA508 $14.50

 

Skillbuilder Mastery adds to the learning process by helping the novice select, transfer and create designs. Along with tips and suggestions, it contains templates and continuous line designs for squre triangle, star and octagon shapes. Three colorful quilt samplers issutrate quilted designs.

 

 

RGA507  Retail $13.00

Margaret Miller has done it again!  Her new book “Stunning Angleplay Quilts” takes long triangles to a whole new level!  From the very first page, you know this is a woman who teaches extensively and has explored every nuance of this shape.

  
Item #10561 $20.95

The quality is there - from beginning to end.  She has designed 42 blocks that use rectangles pieced from two “long triangles” and combines them with more traditional shapes such as half-square triangles and squares. 

Margaret shows every block in black and white drawings, gray scale, AND fabrics.  Look at the drawings and gray scale versions first - then compare the colors you envision to the fabric blocks.  Your own creativity may surprise you!

She also plays with fabrics.  Stripes, variegated, and gradations of fabrics add depth and movement to the quilts.  It’s like breaking the seal on the biggest box of Crayola Crayons - and looking at it in a whole new way.  Margaret teaches you how to color through her eyes!  Remember when magenta was your favorite crayon?  It can be again…..let her show you how to incorporate these bright, vibrant fabrics into your quilts with breathtaking results.

Electric Quilt Program

Wouldn’t it be fun to print these blocks out and actually be able to color them, combine different blocks, and see what secondary designs are created?  Margaret thought of that too.  She designed a program with Electric Quilt that allows you to do just that!  The book lists it as an EQ5 program, but it works with my version of EQ6 too.  This may be just what you need to start thinking outside of the box and designing your own quilts.

Item #A-MMAPL Retail $19.95

Angle Play Templates

These shapes were difficult to piece in the past because of the elongated points created when adding the seam allowance.  This is no longer a problem since Margaret created her templates.  The templates have blunt tips so when two triangles are placed right sides together, the blunt tip lines up with the straight edge of the other triangle.  They fit perfectly every time.  And each block lists the appropriate template required so there is no guess work involved.  How could she make it any easier for you to create magnificent quilts with stellar results the very first time?

 
Item #mqt202 Retail $30.00

If you would like Margaret to come and teach for your group, please write to her at P.O. Box 4039, Bremerton, Washington 98312.  You’ll be glad you did! 

 

Item #10401 Retail $19.95

Last week I told you about the Magna-Hoop that has changed the capabilities of machine quilting forever.  This week, we will focus on the companion book written by the hoop’s designer, Eileen Roche.

Item #Z0762 Retail $29.99

Her new book, “Contemporary Machine-Embroidered Accessories” shows you how to add a special touch to belts, shoes, slippers, belt buckles - and the designs are included.  These contemporary patterns are simple and elegant without a touch of “cutesy”.  Although she incorporates the designs into clothing accessories, consider them as additions to your next home dec project.  Embroidered draperies, tie backs, pillows and towels would add a classic touch to any room.

It is the ultimate instruction book.  Eileen shows you how to utilize all of the bells and whistles of the Magna Hoop.  She will be demonstrating the hoop and signing copies of her new book at the Checker booth at Quilt Market.  She will show you how easy it is to achieve amazing results - enjoy!

        

For those of us who love miniatures, Liz Lois has created a new quilt in the style of Nearly Insane.  In her first book, Liz recreated a quilt and produced diagrams of ninety-eight blocks that were originally designed by Salinda Rupp in the 1870’s.  These six-inch blocks are in vibrant colors and everyone is different!  The variety is amazing - one block has seven pieces, another has 229!  If that isn’t enough to drive you crazy, nothing is!

Item #LLNI           Retail $25.00

In her new book, Just Plain Nuts, Liz designed 49 new blocks and set them together in a whole new way.  Pieced together, it is a breathtaking heirloom.  Individually, each block is a miniature quilt and is beautiful on its own!  Again, they are six inch blocks so they are truly possible!

I love to work in miniature.  You get to play with color, try new techniques, experiment and perfect your skills.  And the only investment is a fat quarter or two of fabric.  Actually, as a rule of thumb, a fat quarter will make two miniature blocks. 

It is a great way to use up your stash.  These blocks have a lot of seams - and seams eat up fabric.  And, many of the blocks just beg you to fussy cut.  So, go through your stash - use those scraps of your favorite fabrics and bring them back to life!

Liz is the queen of piecing and loves the traditional methods.  But, half of the fun is figuring out the best way for YOU to complete them!  Each block is a mystery to be solved - and a challenge to be met!  Start out small.  If you love paper-piecing, many of them can be adapted.  Hand-piecing?  Give it a try.  For anyone who loves math, this is a labor of love!  Each one is a new equation that needs to be solved….and there is a solution to every problem. 

And perfection is not the goal - the original quilt has flaws.  But those flaws give it personality - and warmth - and style.  It also removed the intimidation factor.  This quilt has survived 140 years and we are still fascinated by it and respect the talents of the maker. 

So, take a deep breath and take the plunge.  Isn’t it time you challenged yourself as a quilter?  Just take it one block at a time……

It is a perfect quilt to make in a class or group setting.  By the time you finish this heirloom, you will have earned your Masters in Quilting.  Perfect your piecing skills one block at a time…..

Just Plain Nuts - Item #LLJPN - Retail $18.00

Liz also designs fabric for Red Rooster with her friend, Terry Atkinson.  Their new line - Paisley Party will premier at Quilt Market in Portland.  She will be signing her fabric AND her books at the Checker booth.  But, for those of you who can’t make it to Portland, Liz is lending us some wall hangings for our Open House in May.  I can’t wait to see both! 

Liz is the Checker rep in Wisconsin…she designs in her spare time!

We are thrilled to be hosting several book signings and demonstrations once again at the Checker booth at Quilt Market.  These ladies are so talented and the subjects are so varied, that there is something to interest everyone.  Run a copy of this schedule and take it with you.  You don’t want to miss a thing!

Friday, May 16

10:00 - 11:20    

Maxine Rosenthal & Joy Petzmann
Book Signing - “One Block Wonder Encore

Eileen Roche
Book Signing - Contemporary Machine-Embroidered Accessories
Demonstration - Magna-Hoop

11:30 - 12:50    

Debbie Homer                                    
RNK Distributing - 
Demonstration of Jenny Haskins Quilting Products”

1:00 - 2:20                 

Sharon Pederson
Book Signing - “Machine Appliqué for the Terrified Quilter”

2:30 - 3:50                 

Melinda Bula
Book Signing - “Cutting Garden Quilts”

4:00 - 5:20                 

Patsy Thompson
DVD Signing - “Fast & Free Volume 5″

Saturday, May 17

10:00 - 11:20

Karen Snyder
Book Signing - “Quilts from My Garden”

11:30 - 12:50

Marguerita McManus & Sarah Raffuse
Book Signing - Crazy Shortcut Quilts

1:00 - 2:20                 

Rayna Gillman
Book Signing - “Create Your Own Hand Printed Cloth”

2:30 - 3:50                 

Penny Haren
Make It/Take It from her book “Penny Haren’s Pieced Applique”

4:00 - 5:20                 

Liz Lois
Book Signing - “Just Plain Nuts”

4:00 - 5:20                 

Pat Sloan
Book Signing - “I Can’t Believe I’m Quilting Beyond the Basics”

Sunday, May 18

9:30 - 10:50               

Margaret Miller
Book Signing - “Angle Play Quilts”

11:00 - 12:20             

Patricia Pepe
Demonstration of the “X Blocks”

12:30 - 1:50               

Darlene Zimmerman
Book Signing - Quilts from Lavendar Hill Farm
                                  

Creative Grid Rulers Demonstration Table

Creative Grids has nine new rulers out and Rita Fishel is ready to demonstrate them all!  Rita designed the Charming Stashbuster Ruler.  I designed four new Square It Up and Fussy Cut Rulers.  And, we’ve added a new feature to two others.  The 3 x12 and 8 x 12 rulers now have a vertical white line through the center of the ruler so you can fussy cut rectangles, sashings, and strips. 

Rita’s favorite ruler, the Side Setting Triangle Ruler allows you to cut side setting triangles from strips of fabric instead of squares.  This ruler was designed for 6″ - 12″ blocks.  But, since I work in miniature, I am thrilled that they came out with a mini version!  The Mini Side Setting Triangle Ruler is designed for 1″ - 6″ blocks. 

Then there is the new 4 x 8 ruler that is the perfect size for measuring, trimming, and traveling! 

Friday, May 16

9:30 - 12:00 and 2:00 - 6:00 

Saturday, May 17

9:30 - 12:00 and 2:00 - 6:00

Sunday, May 18

9:30 - 11:45 and 2:00 - 4:00

Stop by and visit with all of these talented ladies. 

 

 

 

Patsy Thompson has created a series of videos to show even the most hesitant student how to machine quilt.  But don’t think that they are just for the newbies among us - even an award winning machine quilter will be inspired by her creative designs.  Her free motion styles may be just the ticket for your next quilt!

   
Item #FAFV1                               Item #FAFV2
Retail $29.95                                Retail $29.95

She is one of those people who is ageless!  Patsy is passionate about every step in the process - she loves it all.  Each DVD includes how-to instructions and patterns for several quilting designs.  But, that is not what will draw you to these videos!  And, it isn’t even that the quality is the best that I have ever seen.  It is her enthusiasm for learning! 

When Patsy wasn’t happy with the quality of their first attempts, she and her husband researched every aspect of the business - and became experts in the field.

Patsy says that she is so comfortable in front of the camera because her husband - and best friend - is behind it.  But, I suspect that her love of the topic shows through, too.  She is a true teacher!  Patsy truly wants you to love machine quilting as much as she does - and within five minutes can convince anyone that they have the ability - all they need is some patience.

 
Beautiful feathers!!!                                                                      
      
Item #FMFVF 
Retail $29.95

To be honest, machine quilting is not my fortay.  I have taken classes and tried to master the joys of perfect feathers, meandering,  stippling, etc. - with less than stellar results!  I was always sitting next to someone who zoomed right through with perfectly round curves - in perfectly proportioned sizes - and felt that you either had it or you didn’t!  And, I didn’t!

But, then I talked to Patsy!  Her encouragement is contagious.  She said that she couldn’t draw either - and hit a wall at one point.  The trick is to “just do it” - and you WILL get better - and get through that “quilter’s block”.  It is a technique that can be taught - and learned - you just need the right teacher!  And Patsy is definitely it.  

 
Item #FMFWVL                           Item #FMFVL2
Retail $29.95                                Retail $29.95

She knows her stuff - and teaches it in a matter of fact, conversational tone that draws you right in!  Her voice and manner are very easy to live with!  That’s important because you will want to view it over and over again.  And that’s important because there is just way too much information to take in in one setting - which means you definitely get your money’s worth!

You will want the whole collection so you can view them again and again.  Once you have mastered the techniques, you’ll want to revisit them to be inspired when you are planning the quilt designs for your next project.   Look at the detailing in this example - what is NOT to love!

Patsy is signing copies of her new video - Fast and Free Volume 5 (Item #FAFV5) at International Quilt Market in Portland next month.  But, if you aren’t going to Market, come to the Checker Open House on May 30th.  Patsy is sharing some of her quilts with us - and is even providing everyone who attends with a sample of her DVD!  Give it a try you’ll be glad you did!

Tuesday April 22nd was Earth Day, the 38th one since it was started in 1970.  Quilt/sewing stores can be part of the solution.  There are a number of products on the market that make this possible. 

In December and January we ran a 3 part series on Green Batting, pillow forms and stuffing.  If you missed them the first time you can read them by scrolling down until you see Green Alternatives on the right, click on it and it will bring up the articles. Or you can click here

Carry All Bags

One of the easiest ways to promote Green is to promote the making of bags to carry home groceries, and other purchases.   Did you know that over 1 million plastic bags are used globally every minute. I know you can buy ready made bags, every major chain has  them with their logo emblazon on them, but why not encourage your customers to make their own?  The oohs and ahhs received while carrying a personally crafted bag will more than make up for the time spent at the sewing machine.

Here are a few you can promote to your customers to make to help eliminate the need for plastic bags, that I feel fit the bill.  You can find more by visiting www.checkerdist.com, clicking on the pattern tab, then click on Bags, Purses, Totes, and once there, click on Bags, Purses, Totes-Others.  There are 285 for you to browse to find one you might like. 

     

FT078 $14.00                      FTQ114  $8.50          FC2504 $8.50

   

     48DD  $7.50                         IJ768  $8.99                    TKQ14 $12.00

Promote your sale fabric, who doesn’t love a bargain when trying something new. Or to be truly green, use Marcus Brothers Oasis Canvas.  It comes in 13 colors, and is 100% certified organic cotton.  To see the colors click here

Self Handles are nice, but I prefer the handles by Exclusively You, or EmmaCreation.  These handles can be viewed by visiting here. They are faux leather and not only are more comfortable on my hands when my bag is full of groceries, it gives a nice upscale look to my bag.

Lunch Bags

Making Lunch Bags are another way to be kind to our environment, plus a sure way to get notice.   We featured an article last July by Shannon Mullen, called “Lets Do Lunch” to see the post click here Here are a few that you can promote in your store.

  

 FT 077 $14.00        PS018 $9.00                 TAD502 $9.00

Veggie Bags

Another nice project is veggie bags made with tulle, or nylon netting.

Visit  http://www.instructables.com/id/SVFGOA1F5HVPB3X/veggie bag instructions for step by step instructions.  To view the 27 colors Checker carries, visit here.

And to stitch it all how about using YLI’s Fiberactive Organic Thread 24 wt 400 yds Natural, item number 22605-001.  This 100% organic cotton thread is 3 ply and a Tex 60.

Attending a bridal show this Spring or Summer? Why not make a few carry all bags with veggie bags inside and the book “Green Up Your Clean Up”.  This book is due out first part of May and has techniques and recipes that will save time, save money, and save the earth.

 277838 $16.95.

Until next time,

Jenny

This is a must read for every quilter!  Rayna Gillman demonstrates how to stamp, stencil, screen, and paint plain fabric to make it a work of art.  But, it is so entertaining - you’ll want to get down and dirty immediately!

Item #10555           Retail $27.95

After all, Rayna is the queen of green!  She takes simple, everyday items and teaches you to look at them in a whole new way.  Plastic construction fencing? Checks!  Bubble wrap?  Polka dots!  Recycling has never been more fun. 

But for those of us who are novices, she explains it all - every step of the way.  Along the way, you’ll also learn how batiks are made, how fabrics are printed, and how to make your newly created fabric permanent.

The most important lesson in this book, however, is to not take yourself too seriously!  Enjoy the process.  Give yourself permission to play!  When is the last time you put on your grungiest jeans and experimented with dyes and techniques just to see what would happen.  “What if” is Rayna’s mantra! 

Host an Arts and Crafts Camp for adults!  This book is the basis for the perfect class.    Have everyone read the book and bring an array of dyes and possible items for stamping, rubbing and screening.  You may even decide to share the finished fabric.  Everyone could go home with original fabrics and a host of memories!

For beginners, Preferred for Dying fabric is recommended.  It has a tight weave and does not have an applied finish so it absorbs the dyes better.  Kaufman makes a cotton/linen fabric (Item #E014-PFDWHT) that works great with dyes.

Stop by the Checker booth at Market and meet Rayna.  You’ll want her to come to your shop for “Day Camp”!  See examples of her work and ask questions!  She has a wealth of experience to share - take advantage of this opportunity!