Decorate in Style with Poorhouse Designs

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Penny Haren

Why not start a ‘Christmas in July’ project so it will actually be done for the holidays! Any or all of these projects would be perfect choices.

These table projects are perfect for any season, any reason! They involve just a bit of paper piecing for accuracy, as well as traditional piecing. The projects include an 18½” x 52″ table runner, a set of four 16″ placemats, and a 20” table mat. The table mat alone would be a great gift topped with a candle or vase.

Once you see how easy these blocks are, why not make an entire quilt?

Or, choose a project designed as a block of the month. The Jingle Bell Pines Block of the Month includes 9 festive blocks with 2 setting blocks. Designed by Kate Colleran and Kris Poor, this holiday-themed quilt is suitable for advanced beginners to intermediates, and with determination, great for beginners who want to step up their game. It uses traditional piecing techniques – half square triangles, quarter square triangles, flying geese, and stitch n’ flip. The pattern is available as one complete package, but you can break it down by block. Includes a bonus pillow pattern!

These ornaments (or package tags) from the ‘Holiday Hugs’ pattern are the perfect project to use up scraps from the projects above! Turn those scraps into handmade ornaments with a festive surprise – a pocket for gift cards, money, or candy!

The Fat Quarter Shuffle Mats pattern features quick to sew mix-and-match placemats. It’s a beginner-friendly pattern that suits any color or style preference, making 2 or 4 placemats at a time. Two fat quarters = two placemats, four fat quarters = four placemats! Just add the backing and binding.

All of her newest patterns will be arriving in stores the end of May, just in time to combine with the new Christmas fabrics that arrive around the same time!

New from Creative Grids

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Penny Haren

This 1-1/2in x 2-1/2in rectangle ruler from Creative Grids® is the perfect ruler for anyone who loves to work with tiny little blocks. Our exclusive grip is perfect for safely and accurately trimming those smaller pieces.

Creative Grids® Rulers are made in the USA and sold through independent quilt shops as well as select online retailers.

Want to keep that ruler right at your fingertips? This new ruler s the perfect size to check a seam allowance or the widths of strips. Why not make this pincushion that includes a strap to hold the ruler? Or do you need a quick, fun gift that can be completed in just a few hours and learn some new techniques along the way? Hold My Ruler is the perfect choice! With a minimal investment in time and fabric, you can learn how to make flying geese by using the angled lines on the ruler that is handy right in your pincushion.

Both are shipping now so contact your local quilt shop!

T-Shirt Quilt-O-Rama!

Posted on May 2, 2025 by Connie Buick

You heard it. It is the busiest season for T-shirt quilts. They are comfy, cozy, and so meaningful for the recipient. If you have had some requests, let us help make it easy for you. We have the goods!

Penny Haren has written a simple pattern for Cut Loose Press™ called T-Shirt Quilt CLPPHA009.

This pattern makes it easy enough for beginners by using a few simple tools. Each T-shirt MUST be stabilized to prevent stretch when sewing. The Gypsy Quilter® makes that easy with Quilt-Tee Fusible.

Pick up a package and start fusing. When that is done, you will need to decide where to cut your T-shirt image. Creative Grids® 14-1/2″ Square-It-Up Ruler (CGRSQ14) by Penny Haren, or 12-1/2″ Square-It-Up Ruler (CGRSQ12), also by Penny Haren, are both perfect to use because you can see through the ruler to center the image however you would like. Then just cut around the ruler and, Voila!, you have a quilt block.

To add a little interest to your quilt, you might want to try EQ Printables Inkjet Fabric Sheets.

These fabric sheets go right through your printer! Pull up an image on your computer, or set it on the copier bed, and print as usual by running one of these sheets right through it. Amazing! Peel off the paper backing and now you have a personalized image to add to your quilt. How about a baby picture on one corner and a graduation picture on another? There are so many creative ways to make a T-Shirt Quilt a lasting memory. Look through our website www.Checkerdist.com to find many more crafty ideas to add to your quilts.

Take Your Quilting to the Barn!

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Penny Haren

Summer is the perfect time for making barn quilts. Outdoor painting, where there’s lots of room, can turn this into a family project!

The Barn Quilt Manual by Sheila Sinclair Snyder of License to Quilt is a 100 page instruction manual with complete instructions on “how to” make a Barn Quilt. Gather the supplies from the thorough list which describes each item with detailed pictures. Choose from over 75 full color quilt block patterns. The patterns are all designed to fit a square board, 2 foot x 2 foot, and can easily be transposed to other square dimensions. Have fun choosing a color scheme, then hang your Barn Quilt outdoors for many years of enjoyment.

Make one for yourself, and once you see how fun it is, why not host a party? Or get the entire family involved and make several for Christmas gifts. With 75 blocks to choose from, it will be easy to choose the perfect block for each recipient. The book will be shipping in June, in plenty time for summer fun. Why not ask your local quilt shop to order you a copy today?

Be Hoppy this Easter

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Connie Buick

Definition of Hoppy: To jump with joy, to bounce excitedly.

Easter is more than easter eggs, bunnies, and candy. It is a time to remember why we are all here. A time for joy and renewal and love. It is a time to be ‘Hoppy’! So, let’s be hoppy together with this collection of joyful Easter Bunny patterns that will renew your homes décor and fill your friends and family with love.

First, you will need some table runners to adorn your table or one of someone you love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to gift one of these to the hostess of your Easter dinner? Bunny Trail Table Runner by The Tipsy Needle and Easter Bunnies Runner by Patchabilities, Inc. What joy and hoppiness you will bring.

Next, think of how dying Easter eggs with your children or grandchildren might renew your spirit and fill them with so much hoppiness. Make them an apron to wear to avoid getting dye on their clothes, and you will make mom and dad hoppy too. This one, ‘Fun Friends’ by Cotton Ginnys is perfect!

For the younger kids, how about a stuffy? ‘Easter Bunny Buddies’ by Funky Friends Factory is so much fun. Make it in polka dots or their favorite color. They will surely feel the love and demonstrate their hoppiness.

Lastly, imagine your home filled with smiling, hoppy faces enjoying all that Easter brings. You want to hang on to those feelings. So, make yourself a quilt. An ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ quilt by Laugh yourself into stitches. In Easter traditions, eggs symbolize new life, rebirth, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What better way to remind yourself of the JOY, RENEWAL, and LOVE that Easter brings.

Hippity, Hoppity, Easters on its way! Better hurry and get started on these great patterns.

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.

Easter Basket Pop-Ups

Posted on January 9, 2025 by Penny Haren

Make an adorable Easter basket with a spring inside! Collapses for easy storage. The package includes instructions from Sew Organized Designs, one medium spring, and Craf-tex heavyweight strips for handles. Just add stabilizer and fabric! 8.5″ diameter x 4.25″ high, not including the handles.

And since you will never be able to make just one, The spring is also sold separately.

The pattern is due to arrive later this month – in plenty of time for Easter.

New from Sewn Wyoming

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Penny Haren

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these newest patterns are in stock and sure to make you smile. Create your own “love”-ly drawstring bags, perfect for Valentine’s Day treats! They also work great for birthday gifts, travel, kids, and even small projects. The drawstring closure is very secure and will keep all your treasures safe and sound. A great scrap project! Finished Size: 8″h x 7”w x 2½”d.

Make a statement with our modern drawstring bag, featuring the word “LOVE”. This bold and graphic design radiates positivity and style! Use it as an eco-friendly gift bag, a project bag, a travel bag, and more. Finished Size: 17″h x 14″w x 3¼”d

This fast and easy drawstring bag is made from just (5) 10″ charm squares. It is a terrific way to use up squares left over from other projects. Beginner friendly and makes a great gift! Finished Size: 8″h x 9”w x 2½”d.

Set your creativity to buzzin’ with these darling drawstring bag patterns! These delightful designs feature bee and ladybug motifs, perfect for nature lovers, kids, and anyone who wants to add a touch of whimsy to their lives. Use them as eco-friendly gift bags, treat bags, toy bags, a project bag, travel bags, and more. The pattern comes with instructions for both the bee and the ladybug bag. Finished Size: Bee 10½”h x 7¼”w; Ladybug 9″h x 7¼”w.

This cute, little bag is just perfect for the children in your life. Use it as an eco-friendly gift bag, a project bag, a travel bag, and more. It’s beginner-friendly and a great stash/scrap buster. It’s also a terrific way to use pretty, small-scale prints that you really want to show off.
Finished Size: 10″h x 8″w.

Experience the charm of tradition with our Japanese Rice Bag Pattern. Inspired by the timeless design of traditional Japanese rice bags, this EASY TO SEW pattern allows you to create a beautiful and functional accessory that pays homage to a rich cultural heritage. No set in seams! Finished Size: 11″h x 8″w x 8″d.

Add a little botanical interest to your next project! This drawstring bag pattern features simple backstitch embroidery, and vintage buttons, and looks simply amazing. Use it as an eco-friendly gift bag, a project bag, a travel bag, and more. Finished Size: 12½”h x 8½”w x 2 ¾”d.

Meet your new go-to accessory: The Bucket Bag! This precut-friendly design (mini charm pack) combines functionality and quilty goodness, making it perfect for quilters, sewists, knitters, and crafters. With its spacious interior and unique bucket shape, it easily holds all of your on-the-go project supplies. Finished Size: 10″ x 8″.