All You Need is a Tea Towel

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Cindy Abdoo

We hope this newsletter finds you well, as we bring you two exciting projects from Cut Loose Press® by Merry May. This month, Merry has come up with a fantastic idea for a quick and easy gift bag using tea towels!

The Tea Towel Wine Bag from Cut Loose Press® is a simple project that can be completed in just a matter of minutes. This is perfect for those who need to create a last-minute gift bag but don’t have the time to spend hours on a complicated project.

To get started on this project, you will need just a few supplies, including:

Two coordinating tea towels
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Ruler
Rotary cutter or scissors
Cutting mat

Once you have your supplies ready, simply follow the easy-to-follow instructions provided in the Cut Loose Press® pattern to create your tea towel wine bag. This project is perfect for beginners, as it requires only basic sewing skills and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Not only is the Tea Towel Wine Bag a great way to wrap a bottle of wine or other beverage, but it can also be used as a reusable gift bag for other items. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly option as it reduces waste from disposable gift bags.

Next, this project is another fantastic creation from Cut Loose Press® by Merry May, which uses tea towels to make a stylish and functional tote bag. With this pattern, you can easily create a tote bag that is perfect for carrying your essentials, whether it’s for a trip to the beach or a quick run to the store.

To make this project, you will need two coordinating tea towels, a sewing machine, a coordinating thread, and basic sewing supplies such as a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, and a ruler. This project is perfect for beginners and can be completed in just a few hours.

The Tea Towel Tote Bag is not only practical, but it’s also an eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags. You can also customize the tote bag by using different tea towel designs or adding embellishments such as embroidery or applique.

So why not give the Tea Towel Tote Bag a try and make your own stylish and practical tote bag today?

Finally, this pattern, #CLPRAN001 from Cut Loose Press®, is a great way to turn your favorite tea towel into a fun and functional apron.

With just one tea towel, some coordinating fabric for the waistband and ties, and basic sewing supplies, you can create a stylish and practical apron in no time. This project is perfect for beginners and can be completed in just a few hours.

The Tea Towel Apron from Cut loose Press® is not only a great addition to your own kitchen but also makes a wonderful gift for any foodie or cooking enthusiast in your life. You can personalize the apron by choosing a tea towel with a design or pattern that matches the recipient’s style or interests.

We hope you give the Tea Towel Apron a try and discover how easy and fun it is to create your own unique and functional apron.

Since these are Cut Loose Press patterns, they are always in stock. Visit our website www.checkerdist.com to see hundreds of towel options!

Piece Together Your Own Patchwork Masterpiece with SunsOut’s Quilt-Themed Puzzles

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Cindy Abdoo

If you’re a fan of quilting or just love a good puzzle, SunsOut’s quilt-themed puzzles are sure to delight you. These puzzles feature licensed art and are made with the highest quality puzzle board and soy-based inks, ensuring that they are both visually stunning and environmentally friendly.

The SunsOut quilt-themed puzzle collection includes a variety of designs, each with its own unique charm. For those who love quaint country scenes, the “Afternoon Chores” puzzle (#42352) is a must-try. This 1000-piece puzzle depicts a group of women working together to quilt a colorful patchwork quilt in a picturesque outdoor setting.

For those who love the charm of small-town shops, the “Lamp Shop” puzzle (#44366) is a great option. This 1000-piece puzzle features a quaint storefront selling lamps and other household goods, with a beautiful quilt hanging in the window as a colorful accent.

If you’re looking for something a bit more grandiose, the “Exhibition Hall” puzzle (#65229) features a stunning display of intricate quilts in a spacious exhibition hall. With its vibrant colors and attention to detail, this puzzle is sure to impress.

For those who love the process of selecting fabric for a new project, the “Buying Cloth” puzzle (#71434) is a great choice. This 1000-piece puzzle depicts a group of women selecting fabrics in a bustling fabric store, with bolts of colorful fabric lining the shelves.

If you prefer puzzles with larger pieces, SunsOut also offers the “Dockside Quilts” puzzle (#19271), which features 500 large pieces for easy handling. This puzzle depicts a serene waterfront scene with a group of women quilting together on a dock.

Finally, for cat lovers, the “Kitty Reflections” puzzle (#35256) is a charming option. This 500-piece puzzle features a group of cats playing in a sun-dappled room, with a colorful patchwork quilt providing the backdrop.

The “Wash Day Quilts” puzzle (#35263) is a 500-piece puzzle that depicts a group of women gathering around a wash line on a sunny day. Hanging on the line are several colorful quilts, providing a lovely contrast to the blue sky and green grass in the background. The image captures a sense of community and camaraderie that is often associated with quilting, as the women work together to hang and fold their laundry while enjoying each other’s company.

For those who prefer puzzles with fewer pieces, the “Welcome to the Quilt Barn” puzzle (#60330) is a 300-piece puzzle that offers a cozy and welcoming scene. The puzzle depicts a red barn with a large quilt block painted on the side, inviting visitors to come in and explore. A friendly dog greets visitors at the door, while colorful flowers and quilts hang on the fence and the barn itself. This puzzle is perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying puzzle experience without sacrificing on the beauty and charm of quilt-themed designs.

No matter which puzzle you choose, SunsOut’s quilt-themed collection is sure to delight and challenge puzzle enthusiasts of all ages. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and start piecing together your own colorful patchwork masterpiece. These are due to arrive this month so place your orders now!

Cut Crackle and Sew

Posted on January 17, 2023 by Penny Haren

Cut Crackle and Sew Sensory Material from The Gypsy Quilter #TGQ137 can be used in making soft children’s books, rattles, stuffed toys, pet toys, sensory toys, art projects, doll making, crafts, pet beds, play mats, and more. The distinctive crackle sound this material produces will keep your little ones or pets entertained for hours. This is a great choice for fabric baby books to add sound to sensory play.

This product is pre-packaged in 36 x 51 inch units.

Friendship Bracelets

Posted on November 15, 2022 by Penny Haren

Friendship bracelets are popular with a whole new generation. Clover has just made the process easier. Check out this frame:

The frame is adjustable and can do bracelets up to a length of 10 inches.

The frame includes instructions for multiple styles. They are inn stock so order now. I already ordered one for my granddaughter for Christmas!

Oliso’s Smartest Iron Yet

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Penny Haren

Oliso’s iconic SmartIron ® just got smarter! The new TG1600 Pro Plus still features Oliso’s most-loved patented iTouch® technology. Simply touch the handle and the iron lowers, ready to work. Take your hand off and the patented scorch guards lift the iron off the board preventing scorches, burns, and tipping. It’s not only safer, but it also saves time as well as your wrists!

In their own words since they know all of the technical jargon: Other classic features include 1800 watts of power and horizontal or vertical bursts of steam. The TG1600 Pro Plus features a 30-minute extended auto-shut off for sewers and quilters, a 12.7 oz side fill tank, flat pressing surface, detailer tip, and a 12-foot cord for full range of motion.
The new TG1600 Pro Plus ups its IQ with a new diamond ceramic-flow™ soleplate glides effortlessly over all fabrics types, further enhances its even heat distribution and provides quick and easy clean up when using fusibles. Rapid response™ triple play® steam system makes the TG1600 Pro Plus steamier and hotter than ever! A new anti-scale system keeps the TG1600 Pro Plus working stronger and longer. And since customers asked: Oliso delivered even more ergonomic weight distribution and an enhanced auto-lift responsiveness system to complete the update!

Features designed for Quilters and Sewists:
– NEW enhanced iTouch® never-lift technology: lifts and lowers with the touch of your hand, preventing burns, saving your wrists, and saving time.
– NEW Diamond ceramic-flow™ soleplate with pro-press™ core: superior heat, durability, and non-stick, easy-clean even in the stickiest of situations.
– Smart sensor™ extended auto shut-off: Extended 30 min standby while working for your convenience, 30 second safety auto shut-off if tipped over.
– 2-inch Detailer Tip: Perfect for seams, bias tape + tight corners. Press under and over pleats, pockets, cuffs and collars with ease.
– Longest cord in class: 12’ with a 360° pivot
– Largest water tank in class: (12.7 oz/375ml) for heavy steam usage with easy side fill and fill cup included.
– Built-in spray: Stubborn wrinkles? No problem. My built-in spray is a powerful wrinkle buster.
– Take me away: I’m compatible with Oliso accessories for storage and travel.
– 3 year warranty: You’re part of the family with Oliso’s friendly customer service.

Enhanced quality features:
– Anti-drip system: Prevents spitting and leaking while the iron is hot
– NEW Anti-Calc Technology: The new anti-calc cartridge prevents hard water buildup and keeps your iron working longer and stronger.
– Auto-Clean System

Powerful pressing:
– Quick Heating: 1800 watts of power
– NEW Rapid-response™ Triple play® steam: powerful vertical and horizontal steam removes the toughest wrinkles

This iron is available in four different colors. All are in stock so check our website for availability. These would make great gifts!

Stocking Stuffers

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Penny Haren

It is getting to be that time of year when quilters will be asking for just a little something for their friends. Why not set up a display of useful items that may be just the ticket?

This wool mat cleaning tool is due to arrive later this month. If you are like me and have the wool pressing mats and can’t believe you ever survived without them, this would be a great gift.

This mat cleaner removes all of those fibers that bury themselves in the cuts on your mat.

The Gypsy Quilter Mat Cleaning Pad Heart Shaped 3-1/4in x 1in

The GEasy stickers are made to stick on Wonder Clips so you can organize your next project. The pack includes numbers, letters, 1/4″ markings, and even blanks so you can keep track of the pieces you are cutting for a project.

These flexible little tools will clean all of the lint out of your sewing machine and make it run like a charm!

Clean the base of your iron with these handy cleaning cloths.

These short handled screwdrivers work great with your machines.

The Gypsy Quilter Sewing Machine Screwdriver Set

If you are like me, and want a maintenance kit on hand with everything, why not display these items with a lunchbox? This is a darling one from Lori Holt and should hold everything!

Lori Holt Cookbook Vintage Metal Lunch Box

Or teach or demo a simple bag that they could make as part of the gift!

Cats, Cats and More Cats!

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Penny Haren

These cat inspired coasters from Graphic Impressions are sure to make the cat lover in your life smile. And, at this price, they are great gifts! Each design comes 6 to a package or buy an assortment of 72 (6 of 12 different designs).