New from Cut Loose Press

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Penny Haren

While it looks like these blocks are set on point, it is an illusion. Susan Nelson makes this oh sew simple! Then, it is all about color placement to create the secondary pattern. What a fun way to use her Creative Grids® Folded Corner Clipper XL. The pattern includes fabric requirements and cutting instructions for two sizes.

Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper Tool XL

5 Stack by Leigh Headington is a charming beginner quilt. Sewing strips together and then sub-cutting makes this quilt fun and easy project. These units are then alternated with large rectangles, the perfect place to show off your favorite fabrics.

Create the center star points with the Creative Grids® Ultimate Flying Geese Tool or insert your favorite four-inch block. Then add two rounds of logs with the Log Cabin Trim Tool. The corner triangles are trimmed evenly thanks to the diagonal line that is printed on the Folded Corner Clipped XL. Each round is trimmed after the oversized triangles are added so they are perfect every time!

Don’t you love the secondary block design that is created when corner posts are added to the sashings? What a great way to learn new techniques with your favorite rulers.

Creative Grids® Ultimate Flying Geese Tool by Deb Heatherly

Creative Grids® 8″ Log Cabin Trim Tool by Jean Ann Wright

Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool for 8in Finished Blocks Quilt Ruler

Or Creative Grids® 10″ Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo also b Jean Ann Wright

Creative Grids 10in Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo

Creative Grids® Folded Corner Clipper XL by Susan Nelson

And, since they are Cut Loose Press™ and printed on demand, they are all available and in stock now!

The Folded Corner Clipper XL

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Penny Haren

Twice the size of the original Creative Grids® Folded Corner Clipper, the Folded Corner Clipper XL can span a 10-inch block and cut wide, mitered borders.

No need to draw pencil lines when prepping your favorite blocks such as snowballs, flying geese, diamonds in a square and cornered rectangles! Since you have to trim the corner anyway, why not trim it first, and use the raw edge as your seam guide? AND… since the corner was trimmed with a straight edge, your bonus triangle is ready to sew into a Half-Square-Triangle block! Or, use the 45 degree angle to create binding or mitered corners.

Use the additional printed angle line to square up and trim the corners from any pieced block. Adding triangles to the corners of a pieced log cabin block, for instance, is now easy and accurate!

Cut Loose Press Reflections

Use the Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper XL to make large half-square triangles from 10-inch squares and sub-cut them to make this stunning table runner. Then make the leftover triangles into slightly smaller half-square triangles for the placemats. Combine them on your table to add that awe factor to any décor. Note that there are two different layouts for the placemats. I like the light center since it will be covered by a plate and the prints will show!

Cut Loose Press Barn Raising Lite

This modern take on a traditional log cabin barn raising quilt goes together very quickly since there are only 48 blocks. The asymmetrical layout adds that awe factor. Since the units are cut with the Folded Corner Clipper XL before sewing, there is no need to draw diagonal lines or trim tails!

Cut Loose Press Bauble Chain Quilt

Doesn’t this remind you of the beaded chains we all loved in the 70’s? The baubles are cut with the Folded Corner Clipper XL after the strips are sewn into sets so it goes together very quickly. The cutaway corner triangles are then sewn into the smaller units so there is no waste of fabric. The background is the perfect place to showcase some dramatic quilting!

Everything is in stock now, so place your orders!

Angela Walters Goes Low Shank

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Penny Haren

Want to try machine quilting but not sure where to start? Angela Walter’s Creative Grids® machine quilting tools are available for both high and low shank machines. Not sure which ones you need? Watch one of Angela’s videos for the most in-depth explanation I have ever seen (or heard).

Meet Slim, your new machine quilting best friend:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Shorty

Shorty video.

Slim is the most versatile tool:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Slim

Quilt symmetrical arches with Archie:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Archie

Meet Elvira, your new favorite curvy tool:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Elvira

Chevy is a little pointy, a little curvy, and very versatile:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Chevy

Sid is a little bit straight, a little curvy, and completely devoted to helping you create
some amazing designs:

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Sid

Go to the Checker YouTube channel or the Creative Grids® USA website for videos that you can share with your customers. All are in stock now.

The Jellies Have It!

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

All you need is ONE jelly roll along with background and accent fabric to create this stunning oversized throw. The pattern Jelly Roll Log Cabins #CLPCAM022 from Cut Loose Press™ includes cutting instructions for the logs so every inch of fabric is utilized. Since the log cabin blocks finish to 12 inches, you only need to make 16 blocks so you can finish the entire project in an afternoon.

All you need is TWO jelly rolls along with background and accent fabric to create this stunning full/queen-sized quilt. The pattern Jelly Roll Blues #CLPCAM023 from Cut Loose Press™ includes cutting instructions for the logs to best utilize the fabric. The center square is pieced from 2-1/2 inch strips as well to add to the courthouse steps effect. Since the log cabin blocks finish to 12 inches, you only need to make 42 blocks so you can finish the entire project in a weekend.

Make either quilt with the Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool Two Quilt Ruler #CGRJAW2 designed by Jean Ann Wright.

Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool Two 6in & 12in Blocks Quilt Ruler

Angela Walters Low Shank Tools

Posted on November 4, 2020 by Penny Haren

Creative Grids® now offers three of Angela Walters’ most popular machine quilting templates in low shank 1/8″ acrylic. These templates have all of the great features of the originals but are 1/8″ acrylic instead of 1/4″ acrylic.

Squiggy is the go-to tool for machine quilting serpentine lines and wavy designs. Use Squiggy for quilting: serpentine lines in both directions in 2 and 3 inch borders and sashings; overlapping serpentine lines; varied serpentine lines; allover ribbons; ogees; clamshells and more!

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Squiggy

This tool does double duty! Inspired by the dome of the Taj Mahal, Taj is perfect for quilting curvy, pointed arcs on your quilts. This versatile tool can be used in all areas of your quilt, including borders, blocks and backgrounds.

Quilt along the outside to create: pointed arches in borders; overlapping arcs or rotate to quilt complex looking motifs. Work along the inside of the tool to create: a leafy allover design; leaves in a row for thinner borders or rotate to quilt flower-like motifs for blocks. By combining the inside and outside, or alternating directions, there are endless quilting possibilities.

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Taj

This tool will become your new quilting best friend. Efficient and beautiful quilting is her specialty! Use Shelley to quilt clamshell designs from either side of the tool – no need to rotate the quilt since you can quilt from any side of the quilting foot. The Clamshell design can be classically quilted for an open traditional feel, or given a modern update by flipping it around to create orange peels. But that’s not all she does! Use Shelly for: quilting clamshells or orange peels; rotate to create beautiful flower motifs, arcs, and leaves.

Creative Grids Low Shank Machine Quilting Tool Shelly

These machine quilting gloves by The Gypsy Quilter® are the perfect companion for these templates. Gain extra precision control where you need it most with grip dots on the fingertips. Or flip the glove around for maximum control with grip dots all over the palm and fingers. Hold Steady Machine Quilting gloves are breathable and comfortable.

Gypsy Quilter Hold Steady Machine Gloves One Size

Everything is in stock, so order yours today!

The Perfect Technique Class

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Penny Haren

I am so excited to introduce my newest booklet – Dresden Plate Quilts from Cut Loose Press™! Here is what makes this book different!

There are three different quilts in one book – all made with the same Creative Grids® ruler (Item #CGRTKAL45), one 40 pack of 2-1/2 inch strips, and your choice of background, accent, and binding fabric!

Dresden Plate Quilts includes three different variations of the Dresden plate block: one pointed, one round and a split. You have the opportunity to learn three different techniques – and three different ways to use the ruler for three times the fun!

And just look at the quality! The photography is stunning!

This 16-page full-color booklet gives step by step instructions to make all three. And it is affordable! What a great choice for a demo day! Order the booklets, rulers, and an assortment of (40) 2-1/2″ strip bundles. Don’t forget to have some coordinates displayed for the backgrounds and accent fabrics! I can’t wait to hear what YOU do to make it your own!

Browse the pages with Penny.

//www.checkerdist.com/products/CLPBOOK001?openproduct

The Ultimate Log Cabin Tool

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Penny Haren

The 10″ Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo truly is the ultimate tool! This tool features two sets of squares. Use the standard markings to create 1″ finished width logs. Use the skinny squares to create 1/2″ finished width logs. Or combine the two in one block! Talk about unlimited options! Stop at any time to make four through ten-inch blocks!

The Cut Loose Press™ Rick Rack Table Runner combines traditional log cabin blocks with mini pieced blocks that are “logged out” for that awe factor.

Rick Rack Table Runner

Just look at these Cut Loose Press™ patterns – all created with the same tool!

Fly Away Log Cabin

This Way and That

Ring Around the Rosies Tote

Floating Cabin

Inside Out

Express Yourself

City Stars

Star of Valor

My House

Combining the log cabins with other Creative Grids® tools such as the Strippy Star, Kitty Cornered Tool, and the Ultimate Flying Geese? You get the picture! This is a must-have tool!

New Arrivals from Cut Loose Press™ Patterns

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Penny Haren

Peppermint Twist (#CLPSCH002) is a darling table runner by Sheila Christensen that features the Creative Grids® Half Sixty ruler. Since you cut a multitude of shapes to create the candies, it is a great choice for a class!

Creative Grids Half Sixty Triangle Ruler

Hearts on the Half Square (#CLPPHA015) was designed by yours truly so I am a little prejudice! It is made with 80 layer cakes. My family calls this the wedding quilt because I have made so many of them for wedding gifts. The hearts are the perfect size for signatures and messages for the honored couple. At 75 x 91 inches, it is the perfect size for cuddling. It also works great as a memory quilt for any event: graduations, anniversaries, babies…

Since this quilt is made with half-square triangles created from ten-inch squares, I used the 15-inch Creative Grids® Seam Guide Tool (#CGRSMN15) to mark the sewing lines. It is specifically designed to span the diagonal of a 10″ square!

Putting the top together is a breeze when all of the half-square triangles are trimmed to the exact same size!

Creative Grids Half-Square 4-in-1 Triangle Quilt Ruler

Charmed Hearts (#CLPPHA014) is made with 80 charm squares pieced into offset four-patches. Or, if you make Hearts on the Half-Square – and carefully trim the excess fabric out behind the hearts, you get a twofer!

Since this is made with five inch squares, the 2 1/2″ width of the I love my Quilting Friends ruler (#CGRQF26 )works great to cut the four-patches.

Creative Grids I Love My Quilt Friends Mini Quilt Ruler 2-1/2in x 6in

If you like to do handwork, the hearts for both quilts can be appliqued. The Gypsy Quilter Freezer Paper (#TGQFP811H) is recommended. It comes in 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheets so you can trace one page of hearts and run it through a home printer to save tracing time.

But, if you prefer machine embroidery, use Print-N-Fuse (#PNF25). It is also available in 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheets so the hearts can be copied on a home printer. Follow the package instructions to fuse the stabilizer on the back and fuse in place.

Deb Heatherly designed this Hexagon Pillow (#CLPDHE039 )to showcase a favorite print or photo transfer. What a cute, easy project – and a great gift.

A friend of Deb’s made this Hogwarts version – I have some grandchildren who would love this version!

Since Cut Loose Press™ patterns are printed on demand, they are always in stock!

The Perfect Retreat Bag

Posted on August 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

ToteOlogy from The Gypsy Quilter is the smart and safe way to carry your favorite rulers and notions! The multiple pockets are designed to hold a wide variety of tools. And, since the pockets are clear, you can find exactly what you need instantly! The inner pocket is large enough to hold an 18 x 24-inch cutting mat as well as other personal items.

Look how easy it is to keep everything in its place!

The other side is the perfect size to hold a cutting mat AND the Creative Grids® Stripology ruler.

The bag will be available next month and comes in purple dot, turquoise, red and black.

Why not display them with the Creative Grids® Stripology series of rulers and mats?

Creative Grids Stripology Squared Quilt Ruler

Creative Grids Stripology Mini Quilt Ruler

We are gearing up for the holiday season. Wouldn’t this be a great 12 days of Christmas buy?

Creative Grids® Sales Tools

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Penny Haren

We just released the Creative Grids® Kitty Cornered Tool by Deb Heatherly and they have been flying off the shelves. Many of you are doing online demos so I thought I would share some marketing material available to make it easier for you!

Visit the Creative Grids website www.creativegridsusa.com to see information on all of our products and encourage your customers to do the same. When you choose a product, all of the patterns that support that tool are shown at the bottom of the page. You can also watch the video demonstrating how to use the tool and download a set of instructions. Yes, the instructions come with the tool, but if you accidentally threw them away, we’ve got you covered!

You can also download an interactive Wishlist that shows all of our rulers so you can keep track of your personal inventory. This list is updated every time we release a new item!

If you are a shop wanting to demonstrate this ruler, we have done a lot of the legwork for you! Click the LogIn button in the top right corner of the Creative Grids USA homepage. Use your Checker Distributors account number and password to log in.

Go to the Storyboard link to download a Block Set of this tool. The block set includes all 11 sizes of this block in actual size! The marketing department literally takes our test blocks and scans them into the computer. You no longer have to sew samples of every size to see the diversity of the tool! Send the file to your favorite print shop and have them print them on card stock. What a silent salesman!

We also have prepared a Storyboard for you. This includes step-by-step instructions on how to use the tool – blown up so it is easy to view. Basically, these boards are the highlights of the instructions that are included with the tool – but in poster size!

Under the Free Graphics tab, you can use the banner created for the tool to advertise that you have it in stock.

While you are visiting the Toolbox, check out all of the other free resources provided for you! Just make sure you have enough product available when the orders fly in!

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Checker Distributors