New from GE Designs

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Penny Haren

Gudrun Erla has released four new patterns this season. The hardest decision is going to be which one to make first!

Taylor is an easy pattern you can make from fat quarters or a mix of 10″ squares, 2-1/2″ and 1-1/2″ strips. It is a part of the Stripology Mixer series of patterns. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs. You can tailor the layout to your liking, more uniform or go very abstract. The pattern comes with 5 different size options: crib, lap, full, queen, king.

This striking pattern is so versatile and much easier to make than it looks. The pattern has 4 different layout options and endless variations. Make it with assorted 10″ squares or just 2 fabrics, using the Stripology Squared or the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs and be successful every time. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 5 different size options: crib, lap, twin/full, queen, king.

Gudrun featured this pattern in a “quarantine sew along”. 16,000 quilters participated in this all day event so many shop owners already have their sample made! We think that must be a record!

Elvira is a fun and fast to make quilt from fat quarters. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL ruler by GE Designs and the GEasy point trimmers. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 4 different size options: crib, lap, full, queen.

Hope was also featured in an all day sew along and over 6,000 quilters participated from all over the world. So, once again, many shops have samples completed. For this sew along, Gudrun donated over $35,000 to local charities – quilters could make a donation in lieu of purchasing the pattern for this event. Doesn’t it give you goosebumps??? What an amazing story and what an amazing event!

Hope is a fun and easy pattern you can make from fat quarters or 10″ squares and 2-1/2″ strips. Construction is very easy with the Stripology XL or the Stripology Squared ruler by GE Designs. Instructions for using regular rulers are included. The pattern comes with 4 different size options: crib, lap, full, king.

These blocks can be laid out in a multitude of ways to create dynamic quilts!

I love these stickers – and use them all of the time on my rulers and cutting mats. They now come in three “Fruity Fiesta” colors.

G-Easy Ruler Stickers - Fruity Fiesta Palette

Everything is due to arrive June 20th so place your orders now!

Sew Organized

Posted on May 30, 2020 by Penny Haren

The latest pattern by Fat Quarter Gypsy just arrived and is so darn cute, everyone is going to want one!

I don’t want to leave anything out so here is what JoAnn says:

Sew Cute! Sew Efficient! Sew Organized! Store your sewing and crafting essentials within easy reach. Eight pockets and a pincushion slide onto a sturdy steel frame.Kit includes: Instructions, Frame, Elastic and Label. Uses 2 fat quarters or large scraps and stabilizer. Size: 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” x 2-1/2″. Goes together quickly! This would make a great class or online sew-a-long.

Many of you have paid your rent on her other products with the metal frames so your customers are comfortable with her techniques! This one is a no-brainer – and sew easy to kit and mail!

Fast, easy Holiday Project

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor of Poorhouse Quilt Designs has the best ideas! She is genius at creating projects that can actually be completed in a class. Santa Socks is a perfect example of that!

These stockings are a nice size – 11″ x 17″ – which also means they can be cut from fat quarters! Christmas fabric is arriving soon so lets be prepared! Kris has worked with Bosal so that the fusible batting is the exact size you need – no need to trim!

That is always the frustrating part since the shape is larger than traditional paper! These patterns and pre-cut batting packages are due to arrive the first week in June so order now!

A Girl with Many Talents

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Penny Haren

Did you know that Krista Moser, the designer of the Creative Grids 60 Degree Diamond (CGR60DIA) and Mini Diamond Tools is also an expert in machine quilting. She has been machine quilting for over 20 years! So when Landauer was looking for someone to write the batting book for their popular pocket guide series, they knew who to call!

Know Your Battings: Carry-along Reference Guide for Quilters and Sewers

This pocket guide is available in July and includes everything you need to know about cotton, silk, fusibles – you name it! Since so many customers are finishing projects, now is the perfect time to offer a lecture on how to prep a quilt for machine quilting, how to choose a back and batting, and how to bind the finished project!

In her free time, Krista also designed some new patterns using her diamond rulers:

Two scoops has yardage requirements for two sizes – baby and throw an is a great class since it showcases several different techniques. This quilt features the Min Diamond but can be made with the original Diamond as well. It is just easier to manipulate the mini!

Biggie the Bee uses the original diaond ruler and goes together sooooo fast! Need a baby quilt? We’ve got you covered! Both of these patterns are due to arrive next month.

Vintage Pinwheels is in stock now – and is the PERFECT beginner quilt! I did a test block and could not believe how easy it goes together. The pressing instructions are excellent! All of the seams nest and there are no Y-seams.

I am teaching this next month! It is fast, easy and fun!

Tabletastic

Posted on May 16, 2020 by Penny Haren

This book is the PERFECT basis for a monthly class! The spiral-bound book includes 20 brand new designs by Doug Leko for Antler a Quilt Design. Each design is shown in two different colorways so your students will feel comfortable choosing different fabrics.

Have each staff member choose their favorite, make a sample and teach that class. You will have all of your samples done in no time and your customers will get a chance to meet your entire staff! Now that is a win/win for everyone! Change the fabrics with the seasons and feature different techniques each month. After all, every month has to be a learning opportunity to keep them coming back!

Have them kitted each month in several fabrics so they can choose their favorites – and get to see the topper in other colorways as well. They may end up buying additional kits since these make great gifts!

A follow up machine quilting class would be a plus so they could finish each topper as they go. These books will be arriving this month so order your copies now!

Dry Ideas

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Penny Haren

This quarantine has brought back so many memories of my grandma! (Who knew that house dresses would be back in style!) She always had a half-filled sink of soapy water and a towel on the counter with a rack on top to dry the dishes. So when Kristine Poor of Poorhouse Designs submitted this pattern, I was all in! So many teachable moments!!!

It uses pre-cut sheets of In-R-Form to make it even easier to have a class – and they will go home with a finished project! Or do a little video and sell the kits on-line!

Dry Ideas Drying Mat In-R-Form Sew in Foam

After this quarantine, you should have a lot of new customers who dug out their old sewing machines to make masks – and now want new projects. This is the perfect beginner project! Teach them strip-piecing, paper-piecing, (yes, those wine glasses are paper-pieced) top-stitching with micro-tec needles… Remember – these new sewers probably came from clothing and are used to 5/8″ seams so there will be a learning curve!

Kristine has also written a pocket guide to Interfacings. Many of your customers have not worked with this product before so it is another educational opportunity!

They are due to arrive this month so order now!

Biggie the Bee is Buzzing

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Penny Haren

This newest quilt by Krista Moser was just shown for the first time May 3rd – and the response has been crazy! Everybody is “buzzing” about it so order plenty now!

This 42 x 48-inch baby size quilt – or an adorable wall hanging – is made with the original Creative Grids® Diamond ruler. That means the pieces are big, beautiful, and oh sew easy to piece. There are no “Y” seams so it is beginner-friendly.

Don’t you love the way she uses stripes and buffalo plaids in unexpected ways? She also used some Essex cotton – which has the feel and texture of linen – to add to the tactile vibe. Here is the back as well so you can start getting fabrics together.

I can’t wait to dive into my black and white and gray and honey fabrics……I might even throw in a few polka dots….

Sew Cherished in the Round

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Penny Haren

I LOVE this new round the year series by Sew Cherished! All of her designs have that awe factor that you just can’t resist! These 10″ wool circles are the perfect handwork project and would be a great wool Round of the Month!

We already have pics on the website for the first three. The next three are entered – but we don’t have the pics yet! Don’t you love a surprise – especially when they are this cute???

I love the stand because it is 22″ high so it adds height to any display. Smaller things can be showcased around the base to create a charming vignette! The designer used sew-in magnets to attach the wool design!

The patterns and stand are all due to arrive later this month.

A Few of My Favorite New Patterns

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Penny Haren

For the wine enthusiasts among us, Laura Heine’s new pattern “Vino” is due to arrive later this month and is sure to be a HUGE hit!

Whistlepig Creed has a new pattern – Loved Beyond Measure – that can be used as a growth chart. She suggests “writing” their names in alphabet beads on a safety pin and attaching the pins to the quilt. What a great conversation piece!

My family are math geeks so I am always drawn to Ruth Ann Berry’s quilts. They are all made from 60 degree triangles with no inset seams!

All of these patterns – with more being entered every day – will arrive later this month.

New from Elizabeth Hartman

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Penny Haren

You already know who will want them – and they have very good taste! Who could resist either one???

Puppies comes in two sizes – I have included the back of the pattern so you can check out her fabric choices as well.

Dinosaurs comes in two sizes as well.

Both of these would make great accessory accents as well – pillows, pictures, the side of a diaper bag….let your imagination take flight! Visit our website to see everything by Elizabeth Hartman. These patterns are expected in th end of May so order them now because you know everyone is going to want them!

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