The Newest from Your Favorite Lazy Girl

Zoey Zips from Lazy Girl Designs are adorable zip pouches with basket-style handles created from leftover zipper lengths. The pattern features two sizes: Small: 7 1/2in L x 2 1/2in H x 2in D, uses one 14in zipper. Large: 9 1/2in L x 3 1/2in H x 2in D, uses one 16in or longer zipper.

Perfect for sewing notions, pencil case, and all of your little treasures! Grab your favorite fabrics and cut a little, sew a little, zip a little – and done! Joan recommends using Lazy Girl Designs Face-It Soft fusible interfacing and fusible fleece.

The Lexi Carryall is the perfect choice for a class! It combines several of Joan’s signature techniques so learning opportunities abound!

This crossbody bag with an adjustable one-inch wide strap has numerous pockets to organize everything you need in style!

Lexi features:
– A zippered main compartment loaded with pockets to keep your essentials organized and easily at hand.
– A roomy main compartment that easily holds a 16oz water bottle.
– A front zip pocket for quick access to secure storage.
– And a back slip pocket for your phone.

Teach your customers Joan’s innovative zipper installation that allows the top zipper to open fully from edge to edge for easy access to everything inside. Then show how to divide and use a double pull zipper. She includes numerous pressing and finishing tips that give all of her projects a professional quality look.

At 9 x 9 x 2 1/2 inches, this baby packs a punch and is big enough to carry an iPad Mini, Kindle, or your favorite small table. With over 100 full-color step-by-step instructions, you will be successful the very first time! These patterns are due to arrive later this month so order them now!

Christmas Throughout the Year – Part One

I know that the holidays are now a warm memory, but lets take a moment to reflect and do what we can to minimize stress for 2017.  Sounds crazy – but hear me out!  Make a list, or review the list, of everyone you gave gifts to this year.  Then modify – who did you wish you would have thanked with a little something?

Over half of the top 100 patterns are not quilts!  They are smaller projects that can be made in an afternoon, are easy to mass produce, and would make great little gifts or add that awe factor to others.  Why not start a series of classes to help your customers prepare for the season?

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Gift cards and tickets to events are always a favorite.  Why not make a collection of Gifty Card Holders?  You can make a dozen in an afternoon out of 10″ squares.  An added bonus?  You know the recipient will reuse them as well – Go Green!  Sell sergers?  Show that edging as a quick and easy alternative.

 

 

 

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This Open Wide! bag designed by Annie Unrein is easy to make and comes in three sizes.  A set of all three would be a great gift or split them up and fill them with a little something.  The zipper has never been simpler – it is bound on each side and then attached so anyone can do it – and is a great demo.

 

 

 

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These ornaments also come in three sizes and are the perfect package tag for those special gifts.  Instructions include a six petal or eight petal version.  Date and sign the back for a lasting memory.  These would be great favors for a party.  Picture your table with a star i the center of each plate…..

 

 

 

 

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Everyone loves candles.  Why not add that awe factor by including a holder with the gift?  This is also a great opportunity to play with those decorative stitches on your machine….

 

 

 

 

 

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Have some quilting friends?  Wouldn’t they love this arm chair pin cushion and organizer? Fill it with sewing essentials – the perfect gift for those who are just getting started or need a travel kit.

Many of these are great gifts to make with friends and family as well.  Why not plan family craft days so the kids can help make gifts for their teachers?

“Quilt Shop” is a Misnomer

If you truly are just a “quilt shop”, you are missing a wealth of business!  Over 80% of the top 100 patterns on the Checker website are NOT quilts.  Creating a quilt is an amazing experience but everyone wants instant gratification.  Why not offer a series of classes that can actually be completed in class?  And, as a bonus, choose projects that make great gifts as well.  Make one in class, and then send them home with the supplies to make them for all of their friends!

Here are my top six choices to get you started:

This apron pattern is one of my favorites.  It comes in two sizes so kids can have fun in the kitchen as well….

ATK176

Item #ATK176  Retail $9.50

These Sweetpea Pods can be made with 10″ squares.  Talk about easy to kit!

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Item #LGD135  Retail $10.00

The hardware is included in the pattern:

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Item #LGD137  Retail $13.50

It just takes a fat quarter – and the hardware is included in the pattern!  How easy is that???

FQG120

Item #FQG120  Retail $13.00

This is the new version of he classic Diva Wallet.  Choose a different option – with the same great clasp.

SMC824

Item #SMC824  Retail $10.00

This placemat or table runner has a classic look and is quilt as you go!

TLP1234

Item #TLP1234  Retail $9.50

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Why not help your customers have a stockpile of gifts for the coming year?  These would all be great Valentine’s Day; birthday; Mother’s Day gifts…

You can make ALL of these samples in the amount of time it would take to make ONE quilt sample!  Use your time wisely.  Don’t forget to take the time to display all of the companions with the projects and include pre-cuts!