Checker Newsletter

Checker is sponsoring several book signings during Market.  Come visit with these talented artists who will share their incredible talents!

Friday

11:30

Kay Whitt will be sharing and signing her new book – Sewing with Serendipity!

Item #V7974  Retail $22.95

12:30 p.m.

Nancy Halvorsen will showcase Ho Ho Ho, Let It Snow Here

Item #ATH548B  Retail $19.00

1:30

Room A103/1043

3:10 – 3:40

We have developed a wide variety of templates and rulers to spark the creativity in everyone. Whether you love crazy quilting, machine embroidery, piecing circles, kaleidoscopes or piecing pineapples – we have you covered – and more!

We have the most outstanding line up of new rulers that we have had in years – and we have pattern and/or book support for every one of them!!!  Everything is in stock and ready to ship so feel free to feature them in your after-Market events!  (Feel free to copy and paste these banners to advertise the event!)

Karla Alexander has created a Spider Web ruler that will have your customers coming back for more!

Item #CGRKA6  Retail $20.95

Carolyn Griffin has designed the Single Strip Tumbler for those who love to work with 2 1/2″ strips!

Item #CGRSRTUMB  Retail $24.45

Jean Ann Wright expanded on the same concept that made her Log Cabin rulers so popular to create pineapples:

Item #CGRJAW3  Retail $22.95

Karen Montgomery shares her three template set that will have you “Crazy” about Creative Grids:

Item #CGRMT4  Retail $22.95

The new 30 degree triangle by Swirly Girls Design is  so new that we don’t yet have a banner – but it is in stock with pattern and book support!

Item #CGRSG1  Retail $25.95

And, see the real deal – all of the quilts and projects that support them!

A Pattern Series Designed to Sell Notions!

Room A103/104

3:45 – 4:15

Item #CLPRFI006

Key Lime Star by yours truly:

The Creative Grids Booth – within the Checker booth – is the place to be this Market!

Experience Creative Grids is our mantra – and you will be able to actually cut out a block with many of the new rulers!  That’s right – the designers will not only show you how to use them and share their expertise – you will take home a fabric sample!

The most diverse ruler line in the world has many features that will have you coming back for more:

• They are only available through Independents like you!  They will never be sold in chains!
• The gripper embedded on the back of every ruler holds the fabric in place while cutting – so accuracy is ensured!
• The Black and White markings are easy to read.
• An MS Tag is printed directly on the acrylic so a video tutorial of every ruler is right at your fingertips.
• Lost the instructions?  No problem – downloadable versions are available at: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/

Friday, May 17, 2013

10:00 – 11:30
Karla Alexander demonstrating the CGRKA6 Spider Web ruler

Item #CGRKA6  Retail $22.95

11:30 – 1:00
Kathy Brown demonstrating the Fat Quarter Cutter (CGRY1) and Double Strip 90 (CGRDBS90) rulers

Item #CGRY1  Retail $25.95

Item #CGEDSB90  Retail $26.95

1:00 – 2:30
Karen Montgomery demonstrating her new Scrap Crazy Template (CGRMT4)  and the Triangle series (CGRT45; CGRT90; CGRTKAL45; CGRMT2; and CGRMT3)

Item ECGRMT4  Retail $22.95

2:30 – 3:30
Jean Ann and Carolyn Griffin have plans, so I am demonstrating the Pineapple Ruler (CGRJAW3) and the Single Strip Tumbler Ruler (CGRSRTUMB)

Item #CGRJAW3  Retail $22.95

Item #CGRSRTUMB  Retail $24.45

3:30 – 4:30

Swirly Girls Design demonstrating the new 30 degree triangle (CGRSG1) and how to combine it with the Circle Savvy ruler (CGRSAV1)

Item #CGRSG1  Retail $25.95

4:30 – 5:30

Janice Pope demonstrating her Bias Binding Tool (CGRABB1) and the Log Cabin templates by Jean Ann Wright (CGRJAW1 & CGRJAW2)

Item #CGRABB1  Retail $18.95

Saturday

10:00 – 11:00
Karla Alexander demonstrating the CGRKA6 Spider Web ruler

11:00 – 12:00
Jean Ann and Carolyn Griffin have plans, so I am demonstrating the Pineapple Ruler (CGRJAW3) and the Single Strip Tumbler Ruler (CGRSRTUMB)

Simply Fat Quarters by Its Sew Emma features 10 quilts that are ALL made with fat quarters.  They add their own sense of style to some traditional blocks that are almost unrecognizable in their hands!  To me, that is a true artist.  Taking patterns and designs that have been around for 100 years – and creating an entirely new look is a talent that can’t be ignored.  These gals are here to stay!  But in their case a picture is worth a thousand sales, so lets get started….

Item #ISE901  Retail $19.95

We are thrilled that they are also designing for Cut Loose Press.  Since all of their patterns are pre-cut friendly, they are your perfect choice for kits.  Reasonably priced patterns make them affordable.

Charm Pack Stones

The name says it all – this is all cut from 5″ squares….

Item #CLPISE001

Go Bananas

This quilt is darling – but the pattern is actually a setting for ANY panel!  Once your customers understand the concept – and make one – you won’t be able to keep panels in stock!

Item #CLPISE002

Moon & Stars Crib Quilt

How cute is this?  For those of us who grew up on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star….

Item #CLPISE003

Walk in the Park

What a great way to showcase a gorgeous print!  The flying geese border is a great way to use those coordinates in the line – you know the ones that are left after the main print is gone!!!!!

Item #CLPISE004

They also are releasing new patterns – and they are stunning!

Item #ISE142  Retail $9.00

I love the setting on this Heirloom Kansas Troubles Block of the month….

Item #ISE144  Retail $29.99

I love these Little P patterns.  At just $5.99, they are charming AND reasonable!

Item #ISE505  Retail $5.99

Item #ISE506  Retail $5.99

Item #ISE507  Retail $5.99

Item #ISE508  Retail $5.99

Item #ISE509  Retail $5.99

To see the complete line of their books and patterns, check out our website:  http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?v=I940

They will be arriving any day…….

Then there are quilts!   I love these quilts – and even better – so does my daughter!  Terry designs projects that appeal to both audiences without forcing either one of us outside of our comfort zones.

Stash Stars

This quilt incorporates a technique that makes this the perfect beginner quilt.  The flying geese star points “float” – so all of them are perfect.  The blocks are all trimmed to 10 1/2″ after they are sewn.  As long as the seam allowances are consistent, the quilter will be successful – and come back for more!!!

Item #ATK174  Retail $9.50

The blocks are all trimmed to 10 1/2″ – simple with the Creative Grids 10 1/2″ square.

Item #CGR10  Retail $19.95

Morning Noon & Night

You have to love the name as well….I want to make this one in king size.  Look closely and you’ll see that it gives you the feel of a bargello quilt – but the seams don’t match from row to row.  There are two different layouts for this quilt – but Terry says the block is the same!  I can’t wait to get the pattern because I can’t figure out what the block is!!!!

Item #ATK173  Retail $9.50

These blocks are trimmed to 12 1/2″, so once again it is the perfect beginning quilt – but everyone will love it!

Item #CGR12  Retail $23.95

Hexie Garden

Hexies are everywhere – but this one has it’s own sense of style!  Terry uses the EZ International #882670181A which cuts hexagons in sizes from 1 1/2″ – 5 1/2″.  She also uses a 60 degree angle – and since we are the home of Creative Grids, the CGRT60 is our ruler of choice!

Item #ATK172  Retail $9.50

Merry-Go-Round

But when just a little splash of color is needed – especially for a round table – why not make this simple table runner.  The instructions show how to cut the hexies with a 60 degree ruler (CGRT60) – yes, another teaching opportunity or demo.  It is easy to kit – four fat quarters are all you need for the hexies, binding AND backing!

Item #ATK169  Retail $6.50

These will be arriving any day so place your orders NOW to make sure that you get yours from the first order!  Be a good “scout” and be prepared!  You know they are going to be hot so order all of the companions as well.  Your customers will be glad you did!!

As I write this, I am smiling because Yellow Brick Road is #3 on the Checker website’s top 20 patterns!  And with that pattern, a legend was born!!!  Sewers learned to quilt with that simple pattern – and then looked for other patterns by her because they are so easy to read and understand.  After all, the cover catches your eye – but it is the content that keeps us coming back.  And, Terry has the whole package!

Bucket Brigade

These buckets are simple to sew, have optional handles, and offer teachable moments!

Item #ATK170  Retail $9.50

Stabilizers and interfacings matter!  In this case, Terry used several products that give these buckets their shape – and keeps their shape – and they can even be washed!  Sew Lazy Face-It ad Sew Lazy Stiff Stuff add body to the buckets and is easy to sew.

Sew Lazy Face It

Item #SLG103  Retail $5.79

Sew Lazy Stiff Stuff

Item #SLG107  Retail $5.29

We all love Steam a Seam – and Terry prefers their quarter inch version for this project, but unfortunately the manufacturer is having paper issues so it is not available right now.  So, until that product is available, she suggests Stitch Witchery.

Item #227  Retail $2.29

And who would have thought that boning would stage a comeback???  Thank God it isn’t for its original use!!!  This time, Terry uses it to create the bucket rim.  And, it is so reasonably priced, one package makes tons!!!  And you know, once they make one, they are not going to be able to stop!

Item #572-9  Retail $2.99

Knit, Purl, and Roll

Quilters are creative – and have more than one hobby.  In fact, many “quilt” shops are yarn shops as well.  If we don’t knit, we certainly know people who do!  And, this is the trendiest case I’ve seen!  And look at her fabric choices!  Grey is the new black – and zig zags are hot!!!

Item #ATK171  Retail $6.50

She uses Sew Lazy Fusible Fleece in this project to give it body…

Item #SLG106  Retail $8.59

Printed Treasures is used to make tabs for needle sizes.

Item #PT-100  Retail $24.62

These are both fun projects that can be made in an afternoon – and offers lots of opportunities for teachable moments.  They will come to make the projects – learning about interfacings and photo transfer will have them coming back for other classes!  Add these to your shop hop samples and demos!  You will be glad you did…..

Item #ATK169  Retail $6.50

882670181A

Come and join some of our favorite Creative Grids designers during Take and Teach sessions at Spring Market!  Meet the ladies who created your favorite rulers and learn how to use their creations to the max!  We have two sessions every day so come join in the fun!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Swirly Girls Design
30 Degrees of Fun!

8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Join your favorite Swirly Girls as they launch their new book and ruler.  The 30 degree triangle ruler stands alone.  12 segments create a complete circle.  This baby is so new that we haven’t released the images yet but it will be available by Market!  There will also be a couple of CLP patterns to support it.  The ruler can be combined with the ever popular Circle Savvy ruler.  You may have noticed that the Circle Savvy has 30 degree markings on it – now they will show you what to do with them!  Just picture piecing segments – and then cutting them into arcs!  Need I say more???

Item #SGDSA01  Retail $21.95

Item #CGRSAV1  Retail $35.95

Karen Montgomery
Get to the Point!

Start your morning with Karen Montgomery as she shares how to use the Triangle Series by Creative Grids.  Following the success of the popular 60 degree triangle, there are now five new angles to choose from!

Karen designed “To the Point”  as a row of the month program so you can teach all of your customers how to use them too.

Item #TQC331  $14.00

The 8 1/2″ – 45 Degree Triangle…..

Item #CGRT45  Retail $17.95

There are also individual patterns and Cut Loose Press to support them! I like to use these eight to nine inch triangles   to cut strip pieced units.  Complicated blocks can be made in a matter of minutes!  I sewed four 2 1/2″ strips together and then cut them all at once to piece this table runner in just a few hours!  And since it is a Cut Loose Press pattern, it is soooo affordable!

Ring Around the Ruler

Item #CLPPHA002

The 8 1/2″ – 90 Degree Triangle….

Item #CGRT90  Retail $18.95

In this case I sewed together 1 1/2″ and 2 1/2″ strips before I cut the units to create 16″ quarter square triangle blocks!  Nine blocks make the entire 56″ quilt!!!  Once again, it’s a CLP….

Key Lime Star

Item #CLPPHA001

Kathy Seal designed Sherbert Punch.  What a great strip pieced setting block for this quilt!

Item #CLPKSE004

Rita Fishel Designed Ojo de Dios for a totally different look – and don’t ask me what it means….but setting the blocks on point and using solids adds a dramatic touch!

Item #CLPRFI006

Renae Allen features great places for her signature machine quilting in this quilt…

Item #CLPRAL001

The 9 1/2″ Triangle Squared….

Item #CGRTMT2  Retail $19.95

Karen has developed several patterns that feature this ruler…

This Triangle in a Square Baby Quilt is absolutely adorable and goes together very quickly.  Don’t you love the mitered borders???

Item #CLPKMO001

The 9 1/2″ Perfect Rectangle…

Item #CGRTMT3  Retail $17.95

“Any 12 Will Do Runner” is a setting for any 12″ block – but the star that is shown is included in the pattern just in case you don’t have any orphan blocks in your stash!

Item #CLPKMO003

Stars on Checks combines four-patches and perfect rectangles to make a quilt that is quick and easy!

Item #TQC330  Retail $8.50

These patterns use the CGRTMT2 and CGRTMT3. Keystone is available in a table runner size as a Cut Loose Press pattern or in a quilt size from The Quilt Company…

Item #CLPKMO002

Item #TQC329  Retail $8.50

The 8 1/2″ Dresden Plate and Kaleidoscope Ruler ….

Item #CGRTKAL45  Retail $17.95

I love to use this ruler to create eight petal Dresden Plates.  Surf and Sand goes together very quickly with strip pieced sashings and borders.

Item #CLPPHA003

Several patterns in my new book also feature this ruler…It will be shown at Market – and available June 15th!

Item #L113008  Retail $24.95

These school house sessions do not include sewing machines so they will be lecture only.  You don’t have to bring anything – just show up with a smile and be prepared to have a good time!

Her unique style crosses all generations and appeals to everyone.  She has created her own signature in every piece she designs.  When you can instantly look at a project and know it is a Nancy Halvorsen design, you know you have just met a legend!  But with every fabric line and every boo that showcases it, she continues to grow and keeps her finger on the pulse of what is trending.

Ho Ho Ho Let It Snow is no exception.  I noticed a few weeks ago that round pillows were turning up in patterns and home dec magazines.  What is on the cover of Nancy’s new book????  Round pillows with the most adorable snowflake designs.

Item #ATH548B  Retail $19.00

Geometrics and quilts with no defined block patterns are the rage – and look at this feature quilt!  How does she constantly stay ahead of the trends???

Fonts are cutting edge….and look at the lettering on these pillows!

And what adorable ornaments that are showcased on a wire tree!

These little quilts make the perfect gifts – whether you choose to hang them or use them as mug rugs…..

And this is the panel from the fabric line that is featured in the book:  http://www.checkerdist.com/products/fabrics?l=8423

We posted the book on our website as soon as we got pictures because we just couldn’t wait to share!  Our buyers are working frantically to get in all of the buttons, hangers, and other notions that you will need to finish all of the projects in the book.  But pre-order the book now so you will have plenty in stock when the fabric arrives.

And, Nancy, thank you for making us smile once again!