Category Archives: What’s New

Darn It! I Need More Time!

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If you’ve never knitted a pair of socks, you’re missing out. Yes, it can take awhile. Yes, I have many single socks laying here and there. BUT, to wear a pair is like heaven on your feet. They are cushier, prettier, and so satisfying. There are so many options in socks that it’s hard to stop.

I can’t wait to get my hands on this new book from Landauer called “The Little Sock Knitting Book” by Christopher Verlag. I need no other reason than the yellow ones on the cover.

Inside, the author uses the simple, everyday pair of socks as the footstools for understanding how knitting works, showing how it’s possible to work from cuff to toe or toe to cuff. Learn cast-on stitches, shaft patterns, and more – each packaged with careful step-by-step photos. This book will get you started on your journey to the comfort of sock knitting. If you can’t wait until July when the book is released, Checker has you covered.

“Love To Knit Socks” is from Annie’s. It will be just as satisfying, and maybe more, because it is available now!

This extensive pattern book features 14 beautiful sock patterns showcasing a variety of techniques and methods. From top-down to toe-up and even unique spiraling socks, readers can master multiple ways to knit socks while also trying different cuffs, heels and toes. Socks with different textures, techniques and leg lengths are included. Oh the joy!

One of the other great things about knitting is the amazing options in needles and accessories. KnitPro has some beautiful, fun to knit with, needles that are a perfect accompaniment to these books. Symfonie Dreamz Fixed Circular Needles.

Made of laminated birchwood, these needles are smooth with metal connectors and a nylon cable. They come in many beautiful colors adding to the treat you can experience when knitting. KnitPro has an entire range of needle types and sizes for you to try at a very reasonable price point. They are brand new and definitely worth a try.

If there is one downside to sock knitting, it would be that the completed pair don’t last forever. The urge is to wear them every day but we know (from experience) that isn’t a good idea. All of a sudden your big toe pokes through or your heel gets very thin. It can be the most depressing day of the year because you have no more of the yarn you knitted them with. Alas, there is a solution! Clover is releasing some Darning Yarn in May!

This is just one of the amazing color groups being offered. AND, the yarn is 50% wool and 50% acrylic. Each card has three shades /colors of darning yarn and each color is 17-1/2 yards.There will be no sock that I can’t color match. I feel like I need them all. You might even have a favorite pair of store bought socks that have a hole. Now you can darn them, darn it!

Decorate in Style with Poorhouse Designs

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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

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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!

Store It in Style!

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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!

Home Sweet Home in a Nutshell

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Home Sweet Home is Bonnie Sullivan’s new block of the month combining wool appliques on a flannel background. Who doesn’t love this combination??? This is a 10 month program. And, check out the names – they are as cute as the designs!

Pattern 2519 includes the complete yardage requirements for the entire quilt. The finishing directions are included with each pattern. The complete quilt is shown on the back of the pattern.

Bonnie chose this subtle stripe as the background for this project. Our buyer is ordering more bolts as we speak!

The patterns for this Block Of the Month will be shipping to stores next month so if you want in on the fun, let your quilt shop know so they can order the patterns! They will arrive just in time for some summer stitchin’!

Add a Little Sparkle…

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Who doesn’t love Valdani? And now they are releasing an assortment of 8 or 12 weight threads with a strand of silver thread entwined with stunning colors. Just look at that sparkle!

When I was a child, I loved the variegated yarns by Red Heart. This collection makes my heart flutter just like those golden days.

They are available in collections or individual spools.

8 WEIGHT

12 WEIGHT

These will be shipping next month and may be just the ticket to entice a child into handwork. Or buy a ball or collection to satisfy that child that still loves those Red Heart yarns…

Quilt Superblooms this Summer

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I love the way these latest projects by Robin Pickens combines stunning large floral prints with pieced flowers and quilt blocks. The pieced blocks and flowers pop next to the beautiful prints and makes the whole project manageable. An entire quilt of all of these mini blocks would be a little intimidating, even for those like me who like to work in mini.

Gathering Wildflowers uses a large width-of-fabric print as a colorful accent to sweet floral quilt blocks. This pattern makes a 53″ x 57″ wall/lap sized quilt. Traditional patchwork piecing is used with HST, flying geese and snowball corners. The dark blue is stunning. The white screams Spring and Summer.


Fiona’s Daisy Chain is an Irish chain quilt with added large focal print in the spaces between the chain piecing. Play with variations of backgrounds in the chain to get the rows of daisy flowers to pop out. The fabrics chosen for the nine-patches gives the look of daisies.

Centerpieced is a pattern for a quilted table runner. Once again, Robin showcases miniature blocks made with a charm pack of 5″ squares that run down the center of this table runner. Sides of the runner use large width-of-fabric print for the borders. Robin is also known for stunning cross-stitch designs. I think I would like to cross-stitch the mini blocks. The different textures would be amazing!

Turn Signal uses a Jelly Roll of 2 1/2″ x width-of-fabric strips with large florals from her Superbloom line. The “turn” of lines makes for a dynamic and striking quilt and a chance to highlight your favorite big prints on the ends.

These patterns will start shipping next month so check with your local quilt shop to see if they can order them for you!

Plastic – Not Just Bad for Birds

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Plastic is bad for your quilts! When it comes to storage, so many put their quilt overflow in plastic bins or bags. It sure looks organized and safe, doesn’t it? Let me tell you why that may not be true.

Plastic doesn’t breathe. Because of this, if there is ANY moisture left on your quilt when you store it in plastic, or if moisture gets in, your quilt could mold. To be safe, here are some GOOD storage ideas from your favorite distributor- Checker. (notice the subliminal message I gave you there?)

This Quilt Storage Bag from Modern Sew is a good idea. It easily fits 2 double size quilts, and they feature a transparent front panel for easy identification, strong double-zippers, heavy-duty handles, and high-quality breathable material. Additionally, they can be folded away when not in use, making them an ideal space-saving storage solution for closets and shelves.

Remember when you took your wedding dress to a special place that put it in a special box to ensure that it wouldn’t get damaged while in storage? Remember how you thought you better preserve it so that your daughters could wear it on their wedding day because it obviously is a way better dress than what they will find 20 or more years in the future? Remember the day that you realized you were delusional? I digress. My point here is that now you can buy that special box without going to the special place to get it. Although Checker, your favorite distributor, is a pretty special place.

Here it is! That box! The Prop-It Acid Free Quilt/Textile Storage Box from S.A. Richards Inc. It comes in 4 sizes and is the perfect solution to quilt storage. It also includes 24 sheets of 20 x 30 acid-free tissue to pad the folds of stored items, preventing creasing. Another Bonus… Now you can store your daughter’s wedding dress so her daughter can wear it on her wedding day!

Take Your Quilting to the Barn!

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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?

Quilt Jackets! Need I Say More?

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I have been making quilt jackets for over a year now and they are ALWAYS noticed by people everywhere I go. Even my kids requested and received them. They are in their 20’s. There are so many different patterns and styles out there- a couple of Instagrammers have been selling them for $1000! Even if you have never sewn garments, most of the jackets are ‘sew’ easy to make and they are usually oversized so that fit isn’t a huge issue. Remember that you can go to Instagram and #hashtag the pattern you are considering, and you will likely see a lot of pictures of that jacket made in many different ways. It will give you a good idea of whether you like it or not. One of my favorites is the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studio. There are sizes from 0-30 so you will surely find your size.

This one fits a little closer than others, so you might want to size up. Although it’s shown here in a solid quilted fabric, it can be made using a quilt- just cut the pieces, sew,  and bind. No need for a separate lining because your quilt is already lined!

I haven’t made the Laura Jacket by Melly and Me yet, but I sure like the simple design. It is similar to the ones I have made, but mine are closer to waist length, and they have a hood. Both are easy adjustments to this jacket.

To make comfy, fashionable living even more fun, make a mommy and me match for a little one. Melly and Me has also designed this Tic Tac Toe pattern for children in sizes from 3-8.

You must have a quilt or two that you don’t use, or don’t love, that you could turn into a jacket. Make it useful. You’ll be surprised at how much you love it.

You might think that we could leave the men out of this discussion, BUT NO! I am here to tell you that I have gotten more compliments from stylish young men (20 something’s) than anyone. Weird right? The more colorful the better. So why not make a man in your life the Beachcomber Jacket from Friday Pattern Company? You would have to make some adjustments to this one if using an already finished quilt but MAN! You would be a superstar. I’m pretty sure this will be my next make.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 In the meantime, here are some examples of Men’s Quilted Jackets. It takes a special man.