Sewing Room Makeover

Everyone I know has cleaning and organizing their sewing room on their list of New Year’s resolutions. And that is the perfect time to take stock of what you really have, what you need – and what needs replaced!

Check out the top 100 notions on our website: //www.checkerdist.com/top/notions

This will give you an idea of what other quilters value and brands that have stood the test of time. Now look at your basic quilting supplies – the ones you use EVERY day! Is it time to replace your rotary cutter blades? Why not buy a multipack so you actually cut instead of “saw” in 2021?

Rotary Blade 45mm 5ct

Check out your stash of needles and buy your most popular sizes.

Schmetz Universal Machine Needle Size 12/80

Are your pins all bent or is your pin cushion bare? Why not replace them with these extra long, sharp, heat-resistant Cool Pins by The Gypsy Quilter?

Cool Pins Gypsy Purple  50pc

Has your mat seen better days? Maybe it is time to replace it – and upgrade to a larger size:

Creative Grids Cutting Mat 24in x 36in

Have you dropped your ruler so many times that there is not a corner left in sight?

Creative Grids Quilt Ruler 6-1/2in x 24-1/2in

If you got a small wool mat to try it, it may be time to admit that it is the greatest notion of the last decade!

Wool Pressing Mat 14-1/3in Wide x 18-7/8in Long x 1/2in Thick

Refresh the notions you use every day and make sewing a pleasure again – just don’t cut your finger with that new blade!!!

New Non-Stick Sewing Needles

I love this idea – and can’t wait to try them! Schmetz will be releasing these needles this month. They have several features that you will love. The non-stick finish means that the needles won’t “gum up” when sewing through fusibles, Velcro, and other materials with adhesives.

But my favorite part? The eye is equal to a needle that is two sizes larger. For instance, the 70/10 eye is equivalent to a 90/14 eye. That means I can actually thread the needle and use a variety of embroidery threads – no problem! The point of the needle is designed to easily penetrate all fabrics including denim and eliminate skipped stitches.

They are availalbe in four sizes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Order them now!

Tools for the Aging Quilter – Part Two

Threading needles becomes a problem but there are several solutions. For those who love handwork, try the Tulip self-threading needles. They come in a package of assorted sizes.

 

 

 

 

Or invest in a quality needle threader such as my favorite – this Clover version.  The mechanism is enclosed so breakage is not a problem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider the scissors as well. Some of them look cute but do they really meet your needs? Larger handholds and cushioned grip make everyone’s life easier.  Throw in serrated edges that stop the fabric from slipping and you have a winner.  Karen Kay Buckley’s scissors are the most popular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many of us prefer to hand stitch our bindings. But using your thumb to hold that fabric in place to create a nice, full binding edge can cause aches and pains. Clover Wonder Clips are the perfect solution. Move them as you sew or buy a large package that will hold the edges of an entire quilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have trouble threading your sewing machine? Try Jeans needles. They have a larger eye because jeans threads are thicker and the points are very sharp to penetrate the thicker fabric. These same characteristics are great for all quilters as well.

 

 

 

 

 

What is causing you frustration when quilting?  Why not ask your shop owner on possible solutions?

Industrial Quality Needles just for You

Everyone loves Schmetz needles – and their new chrome needle line has been incredibly successful.  To keep it simple, these are the highest quality needles made – and are only available in quilt shops!

This new display includes 16 best selling SCHMETZ Chrome Professional Grade Needles. The display holds 10 cards – 1 box per peg.  Give your customers the variety they need.  The display includes two sizes of embroidery; microtex; topstitch; quilting; and stretch as well as denim and three different sizes of universal.

These displays are due this month.  Why not switch your needles to the best quality needle on the market and stop competing with the chains!