Checker Newsletter

If David Letterman was doing a top ten list of resolutions for quilters it would be to finish those UFO’s – hands down!  Every quilter I talk to wants to finish up the projects they started before thinking about anything new!

Why not help them along?  Now is the time to replenish your supply of backing fabrics and battings.  When they finish those UFO’s, they are going to need them!  Checker has a great selection of both!  Check out our website – we currently have 322 different 108″ backings to choose from!  http://www.checkerdist.com/products/fabrics?c=34203 And, that doesn’t include the fleece and “Minkee” type fabrics that are 60″ wide!

The Batting by the Bolt has arrived so this is a perfect opportunity to share the advantages of this product with them!  Who doesn’t love a cost saving alternative – with no waste!

Item #6715WNCH – Bleached
Item #6720WNCH – Unbleached

But, why not use this as an opportunity to put a dent in their stashes too?  Offer some UFO classes where they can bring any of their unfinished projects to work on – and you will help them if they need it!  Have them bring coordinating fabric and fat quarters that could be pieced for possible backings.

Use these classes as learning opportunities…..and stash busting opportunities!   Did you know you can cut a 16 1/2″ square and a 2 1/2″ x 18″ binding strip  out of a fat quarter?  These squares can be pieced together quickly for a backing.  The binding strips can be pieced to make a scrappy binding.  20 fat quarters will piece the back of a quilt that is approximately 60″ x 74″.  And, remember that binding strip?  Those can be pieced together with more than enough to bind the whole quilt!

Item #CGRSQ16  Retail $36.00

This is a perfect time to show them the advantages of those big squares that are on your ruler rack!  Iron six to eight fat quarters and stack them on your cutting mat.  Then, place the square so it is as far down in the corner as possible – and whack away – just don’t forget to leave the edge intact for the binding strip.

In less than fifteen minutes, they can have a backing and binding cut out – and it won’t take much longer to piece it!  They now have a reversible quilt!

Now do a binding demo.  Everyone can always use tips on binding – and you not only know
how, you have the perfect tools to make that happen!  Alicia’s Attic has a great assortment of laminated cards that are great “cheat sheets” for any quilter – and the binding one is my favorite.  She illustrates – step by step – how to to turn corners and sew the ends together so it is impossible to tell where you start and stop!  And at just $5.95, everyone will want one!

Item #KBE-005  Retail $5.95

Don’t forget those binding clips.  They aren’t going to buy them unless they see you using them – and then they will see how these clips make short work of the sewing!

Item #136C  $6.29 per pack

But many times, your customers have just finished a block of the month program or have blocks that they need to put together, but have no idea how to finish it off!  There just happens to be some books out there that will help them decide!  These books have lots of ideas to help you show off their quilts to their best advantage – and tips on how to bind those curves and odd angles.

Item #L10989 Retail $24.95

Item #10343  Retail $27.95

My favorite demo and binding method is “Piping Hot”!  By covering and inserting this little bit of cording into the seam when you are attaching your binding, you have that awe factor that everyone loves!  This is a demo waiting to happen!  Show them just how easy it is!

Item #SKPHB  Retail $19.99

Piping Hot Cord – Available on 100 Yard Spools
Item #PHB-CORD

Remember, these UFO classes not only create good will in your shop and provide teaching opportunities, they also provide class samples!  Every project that is finished is a walking advertisement for your shop!  These women take it to work, show it to friends, and tell everyone how much fun they had at your shop!  They are your goodwill ambassadors.  Who doesn’t love a good show and tell!