Checker Newsletter

Cuddling is not just for babies any more!  The latest line of Cuddle fabrics has sophistication and style that everyone will love – no matter how old you are!  Check out our website to see the wide variety of colors and textures – and when they will be available.  The selection continues to grow:  http://www.checkerdist.com/products/search?v=D500

This textured pine needles design would take center stage in any log cabin or rustic quilt.

Item #EMBOPINE-OLV

Paisleys are always popular.  Your customers will love this embossed design.

Item #PC-BBLU

And look at the fashion colors…

Item #VINECD-BRN

There are classic prints as well…

Item #MBMADCD-MARI

These lush fabrics come in a variety of pre-cut kits as well.  Make any child smile…

Item #CCKIT-CLARA

There are adult versions too…

Item #CQ6072-BRNAN

You and your customers love these fabrics – now come to the Open House and learn the tricks that make sewing these fabrics a piece of cake!

Machine Quilting on a Longaram Machine

They are actually very easy to machine quilt if you know the basics.

These fabrics are all 60″ wide so they are great backings for throws.  The fabric stretches from selvage to selvage but doesn’t stretch at all parallel to the selvage.  So to machine quilt these fabrics, pin the selvages to the bars so that you can control the stretch.  Simply don’t put tension on the fabric.

This is a polyester fabric so it does not shrink.  Therefore, if you have not pre-shrunk the cotton fabric and batting quilted to this backing, they will shrink slightly when washed – and the backing will not.  This doesn’t bother me at all – in fact, I think it adds interest and texture to the quilt so I never pre-wash.

Machine Quilting on a Domestic Machine

If you would like to machine quilt on a domestic machine, use a basting spray such as 505.  This will stabilize the stretch.  Be sure to support the quilt while machine piecing – that helps too!

Item #505  Retail $12.99

Use a 90 Stretch needle.

Item #1713  Retail $4.99

Appliques

This product does not fray so you can use it for three dimensional appliques without turning the outside edges.  This is easy if you stabilize the fabric with a product such as Easy Knit (EK130PWHT).  That stops the fabric from stretching or curling when appliqueing it in place.

Combining Cuddle with other Fabrics

Tactile quilts are all the rage.  They add a shabby chic look to an adult decor and provide endless entertainment to the younger set.  You can either stabilize the entire fabric with Easy Knit and cut it up or use one of my favorite products – Heat Press Batting Together.

Item #HP1574  Retail $7.99

It comes on a 15 yard roll and is 1 1/2″ wide.  I draw the cutting lines on the wrong side of the fabric and press this tape over the lines.  Then when I cut it, the edges are entirely stable and there is absolutely no stretch!  You can use this product to sew together the strips in kits as well.  I butted the strips next to each other on my ironing board – wrong side up – and pressed this on both.  Then I folded the strips right sides together and sewed.  There was absolutely no distortion or stretch!  The fabric is stabilized 3/4″ on each strip.  I sew with 1/2″ seams because of the thickness of the fabric so this is perfect.

If you are sewing pillow cases and backings together, this works beautifully!

Just remember – use a light touch when pressing.  Many of these designs are heat embossed so aggressive pressing can remove the design.  And, these fabrics have a nap so you sew it like you would velvet or corduroy.  Piece it so the fabric nap is going in the same direction.

When I lectured at a recent quilt show on this product, it was standing room only!  Your customers want it, they just don’t know how to use it.  That is where you come in.  Offer a class or lecture, teaching them the basics, and you won’t be able to keep it in stock!

Come to the Open House and see the entire collection.  Talk to the folks from Shannon Fabrics, who have created the next big profit center for your store!