Checker Newsletter

Remember that childhood toy that let you draw spirals – and then color them in with every crayon in that box of 64?  Spirographs have come of age!  RaNae Merrill not only shows you how to create them on paper, she teaches you how to sew them into amazing quilts!

Item #Z2049 – Retail $29.99

But, RaNae knows that the whole design process can be intimidating for “newbies”, so she has included patterns and designs to get you started.  Once the techniques are mastered, you can follow her step by step instructions – complete with illustrations – to draft your own! 

The book features four different types of spirals – nesting, baravelle, pinwheel, and a point-to-point.  Incorporating just one into a quilt can add a striking focal point to make the entire quilt pop!  I love applique, so I was immediately drawn to a flower quilt.  The petals were appliqued from 3″ nesting spirals.  The petals were over-lapped to create a three-D effect and a favorite rhinestone pin was added to the center – what a great way to showcase a keepsake!   

A CD-Rom with templates is included in the book.  The templates are available as a PDF or in an Electric Quilt version so you can start playing immediately!  There is also a “quilt show” of projects completed by spiromaniacs.  You can even visit http//spiromaniacs.wordpress.com  to follow a quiltmaker’s process as she developed the design and completed the quilt.  Simply fascinating!

RaNae Merrill will be sharing her quilts and signing books at the Checker Booth in Houston on Saturday, October 25 from 4:00 – 5:20.  Stop by and see her – you’ll be glad you did!