Zhuzh ‘em Up!

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Connie Buick

Not everybody is familiar with the term ‘Zhuzh’ so let me explain. To zhuzh it up is to make it more attractive, interesting, or stylish. It is always fun to see the most zhuzhed up quilter in the class, or at the retreat. Who doesn’t want a little style added to their quilting stockpile?

So let me introduce you to the newest counter displays of MATCHING pincushions, scissors, pattern weights, and tape measures. They are the bee’s knees! By the way, if you want to hang with the cool kids, use zhuzh and NOT bee’s knees.

First, these amazing Fabric Pincushions with Wood Base from HTL. I love those beautiful fabric tops, and those bees?!!! I would buy them all. So, grab the one you like best and then notice (in a sing songy voice) the scissors!

To have a pair of matching Embroidery Scissors from HTL to use with your pincushion sitting right there next to them will make you a BOSS for sure. You’re already the envy of the group and then you show up with a Retractable Tape Measure from HTL that also matches! I mean, who IS this woman? She is so zhuzhy.

And just to throw them over the edge, you bring out your Cotton Fabric Weights from HTL. Not because you’re cutting out a fabulous dress (heck you’ve never even made a dress), but because you need them to hold your fabric pieces down to keep them from blowing away when everyone walks by and blows a heavy sigh because they aren’t as zhuzhy as you are!

Have I convinced you yet that you MUST have these on your counter?! Come on- show them your zhuzh.

Extra! Extra! Sewing Machine Feet Revealed!

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Connie Buick

Finally! A book that we can all use. Who doesn’t have a box of feet that came with their sewing machine, and you have no idea what to do with them?

Well, lookie lookie! Bernie Tobisch (who might be a genius) came up with a book that explains ALL THOSE FEET! Learn how to do more than you ever imagined with sewing machine feet you probably already own! This 160-page book from C & T Publishing will get you sewing fantastic things because now you know how.

So, get those feet out from that ugly brown box you’ve been storing them in, and put them in a new, pretty one like this Tote Trivet from Gypsy Quilter.

or these Lori Holt Baked With Love Enamel Tins.

There, now don’t you feel inspired? Pretty AND useful. Start experimenting TODAY!

Hand Lotion for Quilters

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Penny Haren

Originally designed for the quilting market, Made By Hand soothes swollen, sore hands without leaving a greasy residue! Made by Hand is a quick-drying gel that gives your hands immediate relief and lets you get back to work!

Made by Hand contains White Willow Bark which has been used for thousands of years in Europe and China by people who chewed on it to reduce fever and inflammation. It is still used today for the treatment of pain, headache, and inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis because it contains salicin, which is a compound similar to aspirin. Even if you’re not a quilter, you’ll appreciate the comfort of Made By Hand.

We all know working with fabric dries out your hands. Now relief is available.

Sewing Room Makeover

Posted on January 1, 2021 by Penny Haren

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?

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?

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

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!!!

My ‘Go To’ Creative Grids®

Posted on April 29, 2017 by Penny Haren

I am demonstrating in Paducah this week and have been asked several times for a list of my favorite rulers. What do I have in my ruler rack besides the Stripology and the CGR24 – 6 1/2″ x 24 1/2″ rectangle?

The CGR48 is my favorite ruler when I am sub-cutting blocks or trimming a few half-square triangles. I work with five-inch squares a lot so this ruler is the perfect companion. The white line down the center of the ruler is at 2 1/4″. I use it to square up four-patches and is the width I like to cut my bindings. I use the angled lines to trim half-square triangles made from five-inch squares and sewn with a scant quarter inch seam.

The CGR312 is 3 1/2″ x 12 1/2″. I just finished a bow tie quilt with over 500 three-inch finished bow ties. I used the centering line on this ruler to square up the blocks instead of a 3 1/2″ square. The length was easier to hold onto and protected my hands from the rotary cutter blade. The centering line at 1 3/4″ is also the width of strips if you are making the eight-inch log cabin blocks with the Log Cabin Trim Tool – an added bonus!

And then there is the CGR212 – the 2 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ ruler. Once again I like the added length to protect my fingers when squaring up blocks to 2 1/2″. But my favorite feature? The centering line at 1 1/4″. I use that line to cut 2 1/2″ strips in half when making four-inch log cabins with the CGRJAWMN4 or mini pineapples with the CGRJAW3MINI.

What rulers are your go to rulers – and why?

Holsters Aren’t Just for Cowboys

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Penny Haren

These “holsters” are designed to organize your sewing, office or craft area. They are made from a patented silicone. The flap sticks to any smooth, clean an dry surface. Once positioned, simply spray with water to secure in place. Drainage holes are included so objects such as paintbrushes can drain and dry. The Lil’ Holster is 3.25 x 5.25 inches and is dishwasher safe – which makes them the perfect organizers for your kitchen sink as well! They are so easy to place, move and clean!

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The Hobby Holster is heat resistant up to 400 degrees so it can actually hold a glue gun. The flap can double as a work mat. Any glue will peal right off- or anything else you want.

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The Lil’ Holster mini measures 2.5 x 4 inches and has all of the great features of the original.

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These are the perfect gift for every quilter who dreams of being organized! Visit the website to see the entire range of colors: Holsters

It is G-Easy!

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Penny Haren

I love, love, love, this new product because it has a wealth of uses! These stickers by Gudrun Erla of GE Designs are reusable, repositionable, and stick to rulers, mats, fabric, and sewing machines!

Each package contains one sheet of each color – turquoise, pink and lime green. There are 64 arrow stickers per sheet – for a total of 192 stickers for just $7.95!

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They are easily removable and don’t leave any residue. Mark the cutting lines on your mat for fast, accurate and consistent cutting. And, if need be, write on them with a permanent marker or wet erase pens.

And, since this lovely lady also developed the Stripology and Stripology Squared rulers with Creative Grids®, they are the perfect companion for that tool as well.

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These are the perfect register sale! Who can resist?

Notions Revisited or Improved!

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Penny Haren

When I travel and teach, I receive multiple requests from applique enthusiasts for a sandpaper board. Sue Daley delivers! The sandpaper stops the fabric from slipping when tracing templates and is mounted to a sturdy board so it is the perfect work surface.

We once again carry Klutz Gloves in a medium and large size. Wear these gloves when rotary cutting to protect your fingers from those sharp blades!

The new kid on the block is this new endurance blade by Olfa. I can’t wait to try one! For just a few dollars more, this blade is supposed to last twice as long as the current blades on the market! Let’s face it everyone, we NEVER replace our blade as often as we should so this puppy is a godsend!

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