Checker Newsletter

The Great Lakes Show is a regional wholesale show that will be held in Maumee, Ohio on March 4, 2010.  This is one of several regional shows that are held around the country.  Regional shows offer several advantages for quilt shop owners.  Sales reps from several different companies set up shop in the same place so that you can have one stop shopping.  But, in the case of the Great Lakes Show, let’s make that “two stop shopping” – because, this time, the Checker warehouse is two blocks away!

That means that not only can you see all of the latest fabrics from the best designers in the world, you can also see the most diverse collection of notions, books and patterns in one place!  I will also be demonstrating and playing with a host of new notions – and you can play with them too!

Clover Oval Yo-Yo Maker #8709CV – Retail $8.75

Stop by and see this newest addition to the ever popular Yo-Yo family.

Clover Heart Shaped Pom-Pom Maker #3171C – Retail $11.95

See an actual sample so you can see the size and proportion of this new addition.  It might be just what you need for a children’s class.

Simplicity Bias Binding Ruler #8829420 – Retail $19.99

Check out how much bias binding you can make out of a half yard of fabric – a great demo tool.  Choose a fabric that coordinates with one of your kits – and “sell” the demo sample!

Rag Quilting Snips #00588 – Retail $14.95

These quilting snips are a bargain compared to the other brands – and the quality is great!

Dritz Grommets #44368DH – Retail $10.69

See how easy it is to incorporate these grommets into your latest project.  It is simpler than you think!

Creative Grids Strip and Double Strip Ruler

Look what happens when you combine 1 1/2″; 2 1/2″ and 4 1/2″ strips – and then cut them with these rulers.  Once I started playing, I made dozens of blocks with these combinations.  Come and see what happens when you “cut” outside of the block!

Snag Free Velcro #90666V – Retail $3.49

Feel the difference between this new addition to the velcro line – and our old favorites.

Wash Away Applique Paper #20122 – Retail $15.95

See if this alternative to freezer paper is for you!

So, how do you shop?  Stop by the warehouse first and look at any sale merchandise.  Many of these fabrics may be just the coordinates you need to blend with the focal fabric of a new line.  While they are checking out your order, stop by and play with the notions.  Check out the books and patterns while you are there so you can look for fabric lines that will complete a project that you already have in mind – instead of buying fabric that you don’t know what you are going to do with!

Then, go to the show with a game plan.  A little bit of prep work will make your day a success.  Stop by the warehouse on the way home to pick up or order anything else you need!  Placing more than one order is not a problem!!!  To register for this show, contact Janis Plomaritis at 1.800.537.1060 orjplomaritis@checkerdist.co. Registering isn’t required, but it gives us some idea of how many registers and sales reps to have available (and how many cookies to buy!)

To put these regional shows on your calendar, check out the events and shows tab on our website.