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.

Kim Diehl in Pieces

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Penny Haren

I love everything this gal does! And I can’t wait to get my hands on her latest – due the first week in February. Simple Patchwork is just that – all patchwork and no applique. Put the pedal to the metal and sew to your heart’s content.

Check out what we have to look forward to:

I love minis – and this one is so darn cute, I would love to make a full size quilt out of these babies!

This twist on a log cabin is striking – and the split star is just the icing on the cake!

One big block makes a stunning quilt. It has such a modern feel.

Simple piecing makes quick work of this stunning quilt!

Half-square triangles have never looked so good!

Don’t you love the way this entire quilt is framed in a giant churn dash block???

Place your order today!

The Newest by Cluck, Cluck Sew

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Penny Haren

Cluck, Cluck Sew is releasing three new patterns at the beginning of next month. Think happy!

Jelly Weave is made out of jelly roll strips and has instructions in five different sizes.

Brightly is a 60 x 72 inch quilt that can be made with layer cakes or fat quarters.

Clover is a fat eighth or layer cake friendly project in four different sizes.

These bright, happy quilts are the perfect look for Spring!

Making Horizontal Panels Into Bed-size Quilts

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Penny Haren

I love the new digitized panels which doesn’t limit the size of the panel. BUT beds and throws are generally longer than they are wide, so what do you do to turn them into a usable size?

This Villa Rosa Designs pattern “Gathering” provides a striking top and bottom border that highlights the panel without distracting from the panel. This pattern already is in the top 100. More are arriving this month.

What a great class! They could actually go home with a finished top! Why not offer them a deal on the machine quilting, backing and binding as well?

Love is Just Around the Corner

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Penny Haren

Quilt shops always have to be one holiday ahead of their customers! After all, they have to have time to sew and quilt that project! These patterns by J Michelle Watts Designs may be just the ticket.

A Scrappy Kind of Love includes two size options. The smaller size can be made with 1 1/2″ strips, the larger twin size can be made with 2 1/2″ strips. Alternate cutting instructions for 10″ squares is also provided so this makes a great stash busting quilt!

Cross My Heart also gives two size options:

And then there is my favorite – Have a Heart:

Four of Hearts could be the perfect gift for that family of four!

Pull out your red and blue fabrics and make a display. And remember, some of those Christmas lines can be used year round so add those to the display as well.

Vintage Vibe

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Penny Haren

With a title like that, who could resist??? Stacy West’s newest book – due out in February – is sure to be a winner!

The book includes 25 patterns with a vintage feel. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is just a sampling of what you have to look forward to:

Martingale - Buttermilk Basin's Vintage Vibe

Each one is cuter than the next! But, since they are smaller projects, why not treat yourself to one a month?

New Villa Rosa Designs

Posted on December 21, 2019 by Penny Haren

These post card sized patterns are affordable, easy and fun. Here are the latest additions due to arrive early next month.

If you haven’t carried them yet, you should! Have a display of these at the register and they will fly out the door. At this price, no one can buy just one!

Collage is King

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Penny Haren

And Laura Heine has created his prince – and it couldn’t be cuter! “Whatevers” are eight in blocks that can be turned in to WHATEVER you want! Let your creative juices flow!

And, then there is Burt! These are numbers seven and eight in an ongoing series. Wouldn’t they be darling on the wall of a nursery?

Christmas is next week but we still have at least three more months of winter weather. This snow globe inspired project is just the ticket for a class!

All of these patterns are due to arrive this month so order now!

Yoko Saito’s Houses

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Penny Haren

The title says it all! Yoko Saito loves houses in every shape and size. Some are pieced, some are appliqued – but all of them are stunning and will make you smile.

The book includes twenty projects, all featuring her whimsical style in all kinds of ways. Here is just a sampling:

Why not use this as inspiration to design your own village? Shouldn’t one have your quilt shops name on it???

The Little Things

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Penny Haren

Sometimes it is the little things that make me happy – and this one is brilliant!

Thread Cutterz Ceramic Blade Zipper Pull Cutter

In their words: This Thread Cutterz Zipper Pull is convenient, safe and efficient. Attach it to a lanyard, purse, backpack, keychain or any zipper and it will always be there when you need it. Its double-sided blade quickly and efficiently cuts from either side and is recessed to prevent accidental cuts. Use this unique tool to easily slice through thread, yarn and embroidery floss cleanly with no fray. Note the zipper pull’s sleek, ergonomic design includes a non-slip finger grip for increased stability and control. It is durable, machine washable, and has no moveable parts to wear out. Enjoy this handy tool for years to come.

I can’t wait to teach a bag class – the Clam Up bag would be perfect.

The students can choose their ideal size. Personally, I want a small one that I can take on a plane with needle and threads and my latest applique project! With this zipper pull, I don’t need to worry about anyone confiscating my favorite scissors!

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Patterns