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!

Store It in Style!

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Penny Haren

I am in the process of organizing my sewing room. Aren’t we all??? These new baskets from Around the Bobbin are just the ticket.

The back of the pattern has an image showing the baskets when they are folded flat. I can’t imagine a time when they won’t be filled with everything imaginable, but one can dream – and store them efficiently.

The pattern includes three sizes. The smallest size can be made with fat eighths. The other two sizes can be made with coordinating fat quarters – and who doesn’t have a stash of those???

The baskets maintain their shape because they are stabilized with a fusible foam. This package by Bosal is 18″ x 58″ wide, enough to make at least 2 of each basket. (You already know you will be making more than one!)

The pattern will begin shipping in May. This would be a great craft day for you and a group of friends! Why not make a set for your next barbecue? Napkins, plastic silverware, and condiments will never look this good!

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?

Perfect Family Craft Day Projects

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Penny Haren

Summer means quality time with family and friends and the perfect time to introduce them to your favorite hobby! All of these projects can easily be “kitted” and the perfect activity for a rainy day at the beach.

FABRIC PUMPKINS

This beginner-friendly fabric pumpkin adds a charming handmade touch to your home! The pattern includes four sizes, and you can easily create more by enlarging the templates.
These eco-friendly pumpkins bring cozy, seasonal vibes and can be enjoyed year-round—creating your own fabric pumpkin patch at home! Warning: Once you make one, you won’t be able to stop—you’ll want to make more for your loved ones ( or teach them how to make their own!

CRISS CROSS POUCH SET

Store your favorite essentials in style with this versatile bag, available in FOUR sizes!

This patchwork lover friendly project is a great way to use up your favorite fabric scraps and can be finished in an evening. The pattern includes clear instructions, full-color step-by-step photos, and a bag template. Plus, a YouTube video QR code is included for extra guidance!

WEEKEND SLING BAG

You can never have too many sling bags, and this Flying Geese Sling Bag will be your perfect companion wherever you go! Learn Minki Kim’s Quilt As You Go flying geese method or use your favorite technique to make it your own. And, yes, there is a YouTube video to make it oh sew easy!

Check out these and other patterns by Minki Kim. Her newest releases will be arriving in shops the beginning of June, just in time for Summer fun!

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.

Triangles for All Seasons

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Penny Haren

Susan Marth never ceases to amaze me! She uses her Dresden Plate Templates (available in multiple sizes) in a variety of ways to create quilts and wall hangings that are simply stunning.

Summer Memories, part of a seasonal series, uses two of these templates (Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286 & Tiny Dresden Plate Template SUZ216) to create….BOATS and the pieced border.

This pattern is sewn with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage which will make kitting a breeze. Buttons are a cute bonus! The finished quilt size is 16.5 in. x 21.5 in.

Not all trees are trees; some are actually baskets! Make this quilt with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage. Buttons are a cute bonus! Start by sewing pairs of charm squares and cut using the Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286 used in the pattern above.

This beautiful farmhouse style table runner is 50.5″ long but can easily be lengthened or shortened by adding more or fewer houses & Dresden plates. This one uses the Mini Dresden Plate SUZ186 template. The striped border fabric adds extra interest to the entire project.

Recreate those warm childhood Christmas memories by sewing the cute Christmas Memories quilt! This cute little quilt is perfect for Christmas decorating or perhaps the perfect gift for a little doll! It’s sewn with 5″ charm squares & just a bit of yardage which will make kitting a breeze. Buttons are a cute bonus! The Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286 makes for quicker & more accurate cutting.

Autumn Memories is made quickly & easily by starting with 5″ charm squares which will make kitting a breeze. And, as always, buttons are a cute bonus! This pattern also uses the Tiny Tree Template Set SUZ286. Don’t you love it when a template will make multiple patterns?

Echoing Pines features her signature trees. Offsetting the trees and using a variety of green and red make this a stunning wall hanging or throw.The Mini Tree SUZ486 template set makes for quicker & more accurate cutting.

All of these patterns will be arriving in your favorite quilt shop soon. They may already have the templates in stock. Why not give them a call and ask them to order them for you.

New Christmas Patterns by Edyta Sitar

Posted on January 28, 2025 by Penny Haren

This traditional quilt pattern is perfect for bringing holiday spirit into your home. The trees, house, and Santa Claus are made from the Laundry Basket Quilts Joy fabric collection, using traditional piecing and a touch of applique to place the heart on top of your tree! There is plenty of room on the background for beautiful quilting. To help you cut, use the Creative Grids ALASKA Ruler for your trees! Finished Quilt Size is: 61″ x 78.5″ Finished Santa Claus is 12″ x 36″.

What a fun small project to decorate your home for the holidays! Great as a Table Runner or a Wall Hanging. Finished Table Runner Size is: 40″ x 16½” Finished Santa Claus is 8″ x 24″.

This is such a simple and easy project to spruce up your home for the holidays! Great as a Table Runner or a Wall Hanging. Finished Table Runner Size is: 40″ x 12″.

Creative Grids Alaska Ruler

The patterns are due to arrive early next month so place your orders now.

New Seasonal Wool Projects

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Penny Haren

These latest applique patterns from Sew Cherished are simply adorable! With one for every season and then some, these are great projects for all year long. Not only will this be the perfect accent for your February decor, but it will also make a beautiful gift for someone special. Created with 100% hand-dyed wool, these are quality materials. The finished size measures 8.25″ x 11.25″ and fits right in the small antique tray. Check out all nine of them today!

These will all fit inside the Handmade Decor Antique Metal Tray with Handles from Kraft Klub. Perfect for displaying stitchery. Outside dimensions with handle: 12″ L x 9″ W x 1.25″ H; inside dimensions 11” L x 8.25” W x 1.25” H

The patterns are due to arrive next month, so place your orders now! The trays are due to arrive in April.

No-Sew Ornaments

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Penny Haren

These patterns won’t be available until Spring, but since many of you are already planning bus trips, retreats, and make it/take its, I wanted you to know these were coming.

The Peekaboo Pumpkin Ornament by The Ornament Girl is a no-sew pattern embellished with trim. Finished size is approximately 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. It would also be adorable in other holiday fabrics.