Sixty-degree Angles Just Got a WHOLE Lot Easier!

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Penny Haren

Designing quilts with sixty-degree angles just got a WHOLE lot easier with the introduction of Sheila Christensen’s Creative Grids® Half Sixty ruler.

Creative Grids Half Sixty Triangle Ruler

This tool is the perfect companion to the Creative Grids® 80-degree rulers. Since it is 12-1/2″, it works with both. Sew the straight side to create pieced 60-degree units; sew the angles side to create pieced rectangles. It is really that easy!

Just look at the possibilities! This Cut Loose Press™ pattern – Pinwheel Hexagons #CLPSCH001- is a great beginner class. Sixty-degree triangles are pieced from two half sixties and then squared up to create blocks with half sixties. How simple and easy is that!

But this is NOT a one-trick pony! Look at just some of the possibilities! Who would ever think that they were all created with the same tool!

And don’t you love her vibrant choice of colors? The sixty-degree triangle is our number one selling triangle of all time – and now it has a friend! Your customers will love it!

Christmas All Year Round

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Penny Haren

I just love this guy! Noggin #CLPLDB003 is a Cut Loose Press™ pattern made with two different Creative Grids® rulers. I already have mine cut out!

Most of the strips are cut to 1 1/4″ – half the width of a jelly roll so it is a great stash buster as well.

You need the four-inch Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool…

Creative Grids 4in Log Cabin Trim Tool Quilt Ruler

and the four-inch Creative Grids® Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool.

Creative Grids 4in Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool

The pattern features three different versions of log cabins – log cabins, courthouse steps, and curvy log cabins. What a great series of classes.

Quilt Cadets

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Penny Haren

This is such a brilliant idea that I wish I would have thought of it! For those retired Girl Scouts among us, this will make you smile!

Why not start your own Quilt Cadet program? There are twelve badges – each supporting a different skill. There are even age-appropriate patterns! Some are beginner level but as their skills grow, the projects include more techniques.

Why not start a group in your shop next year???

Coffee for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Coffee Break from Cut Loose Press™ by Karla Alexander is so much fun to make! I got out my Fiestaware and started throwing out fabrics that coordinated. It turns out, I couldn’t stop at a table runner. They are just way too much fun – and I am a little OCD…

So what is a gal to do? Make 35 more and turn them into mug rugs for gifts for coaches, teachers, principals….you get the picture. And, if you have a good relationship with your machine quilter, she may even add their names.

But, I live in Ohio – and they are #1 so…..

These individual cups measure approximately 8″ so I cut an 8″ square of fabric, folded it in half, and used it as a pocket on the back. I’ll put coffee gift cards in the pocket as a homage to Karla. After all, she lives in the Pacific Northwest and KNOWS good coffee!

You still have time to finish six or six dozen by Christmas so get started!

Quick and Easy Gifts

Posted on November 23, 2019 by Penny Haren

I worked a show over the weekend and this was one of the top sellers.

Inventory is due to arrive next week. These projects use a quilt as you go technique. The package includes batting printed with Sew by the Numbers – sew in the order shown to complete a project in a number of minutes. Make three wine bottle holders for less than $5.00 a piece. The pattern uses strips so it would be a great make it/take it for a Christmas open house. Once they learn the technique, they will want other options:

Quilt As You Go Tote Bag Alexandra Design

Quilt As You Go Table Runner Venice Pattern

Check out our website for all of the possibilities. There is still time to make gifts for this holiday season.

Pillow Talk with Edyta Sitar

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Penny Haren

Your interior style is ready for a makeover with Edyta Sitar’s next book with It’s Sew Emma, Pillow Talk! 25 dazzling pillows cover different holidays, seasons, styles and sentiments. Sample different techniques, including paper piecing and applique, in these quick projects with tips from Edyta.

Why not do a series of classes teaching a different technique each month? Kit the “pillow of the month” in different colorways so they can choose a kit to match their decor. Many of these designs are quick and easy designs – instant gratification!

Jelly Roll Rugs are not just for the Floor.

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Roma of RJ Designs has added a new pattern to her popular jelly roll rug series – Pillows, Placemats, Coasters and Trivet Too!

What a fun and easy Make It/Take It class for the holidays! Roma has endorsed the new Gypsy Quilter Jelly Roll Tube Maker that removes the tedious folding step.

I don’t want to miss anything so I am quoting the description:

To make the Fabric & Batting Tube, place a thin batting strip on the wrong side of a 2 1/2″ fabric strip. Feed the layered (fabric & thin batting) strip, batting side up, into the wide end of the Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker. If needed, place a sewing awl in the slot on the tool to pull the layered strip through. Then fold the now magically folded, layered strip in half as it comes out the other end & place under the sewing machine presser foot ready to stitch. Keep the Jelly Roll Tube Maker close to the sewing machine & slide along as you sew.
The metal Jelly Roll Tube Maker may be used with or without an iron (with caution) for other similar technique projects.

Endorsement:
“As the creator of the original Jelly Roll Rug & subsequent patterns, I have dreamt of the production of this amazing, helpful notion. The strong, sturdy & durable Jelly Roll(tm)Tube Maker will ease the sometimes tedious & painful folding process of creating the fabric & batting tubes. The Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker will save time, produce consistent width tubes & help to provide amazing results.”

You won’t be able to make just one!

Conversation Starters

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Penny Haren

Looking for something totally new and creative? Offer these tote kits – made of seat belt material! This material can be easily sewn on a domestic machine. The kits include the pattern, belting material and hardware. You just need to provide the interfacing, fabric, and zippers.

There are two different styles to choose from – each available in two different colorways.

Roundabout Seat Belt Bag Kit in Steel Blue

Market Tote Seat Belt Bag Kit in Black and White

Market Tote Seat Belt Bag Kit in Red and White

They are easy to clean and virtually indestructible. Refill kits are available for each tote. After all, who could make just one???

Collage is King!

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Penny Haren

These tiny collage patterns by Laura Heine are always top sellers – and this one is the perfect combination! All of these minis measure 16 x 20 inches. Who wouldn’t want these charmers decorating their studio???

This series #5 is arriving this month and is sure to be a winner! Why not create a display of all five and let your customers choose their favorites?

They are all top sellers – and a great basis for classes!

Grids Girls Take Note

Posted on September 1, 2019 by Penny Haren

This new book by Deb Heatherly is flying off the shelves but don’t worry – more are on the way! Her newest book – Creatively Yours – features 10 quilts in a multitude of sizes and four table runners.

This book is a must-have for all of you gadget gurus! These quilts combine several different Creative Grids® tools with stunning results.

This book is a perfect companion to any Creative Grids® or Grids Girl program. Demonstrate a different ruler each month and build as they learn to show how they all work together to create the quilts of your dreams!

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