Checker Newsletter

What can I say – the name says it all!  If you were around a hundred years ago – like me – when this technique was first explored, it is time for an update!  I always loved the look of these quilts, but was not happy with the bulky seams and cutting wide strip-pieced segments into narrow widths – some only an inch wide!  It was like rotary cutting over speed bumps!

Item #Z1629; Retail $24.99

Enter Maggie Ball!  Bargello is  fun again!  This smart woman has broken down these quilts into blocks!  There is still SOME strip sewing – but you are working in manageable sizes! 

The blocks measure either 7″ or 9 1/2″ and consist of sixteen pieces!  Even in the smaller block, the strips are cut 1 1/4″ – 3 1/2″.  I can handle that!  This also means that you are never cutting strip sets that are wider than 10″!  Now you see why I love her techniques!

These blocks can be laid out in a multitude of ways to create completely different effects!  This would be so much fun to teach at a quilting retreat or in a class – and have everyone choose different fabrics.  Show and tell  would be amazing!  And, since everything is strip pieced, they go together quickly and easily!

Maggie eliminates the bulk in the seams by pressing all of the seams open!  She has tricks and helpful hints sprinkled throughout the book so read every word – you don’t want to miss anything.  And, the photo gallery is so impressive – you are sure to find one that is a “must have”.

If you like this book, check out her first book – Traditional Quilts with a Twist.

Item #TQWT; Retail $22.99

To learn more about this technique, visit the Checker Booth at Market.  Maggie is signing copies of her book and demonstrating on Saturday, October 25th from 11:30 – 12:50.