Every Spring I get a hankering to brighten things up. Re-painting every year isn’t practical. Nor is changing rugs or carpeting. But Pillows! There is an idea that is quick, easy, and very rewarding. I ALWAYS quilt and bind my pillows just as you would a quilt. I find that it makes them heftier and adds a bit of flair when the binding has that special pattern, like a stripe. Here are a few NEW pillow patterns that you might find are just the thing to adorn your home or shop.
And there’s nothing wrong with an ‘oldie but goodie’ pattern either. Here are a few of my favorites.
Be sure to check out all of Checker Distributors Pillow forms also. They come in all sorts of sizes and sure beat stuffing. No lumps!
I have just “inherited” a third dog. It is as though the livestock have taken over. We are not only outnumbered in my house, but we are out of arms and hands too. The new one is 3 months old while the others are 1-1/2 and 15. It’s a constant wrangling match what with a blind and deaf girl and an untrained baby. Sooooo, what better topic for this newsletter than DOGS.
One of the things that I look forward to doing is coordinating my animals. This would be a cute display idea for shops also. How about a leash, collar, dog bed, water bowl, and waste bag holder?
So…the leash and collar.
Sallie Tomato has given us a pattern and all the accessories needed to make them. Toto directs us to the most professional looking home sewn set I’ve seen. Picture these (made to match all the other doggy things I’m going to show you) using this ah-maze-ing fabric coming in January ’26. It is called Rrrr Ruffed Up from StudioE.
My girls will get a collar out of the black floral and my boy, the green. Leashes will be the same. Then I’ll make the waste bag holder. This pattern, Bitsy Box, from Bodobo Bags is the cutest! It also fits those rolls of bags perfectly. I will add a small grommet to one side for easy feeding-through of the bags.
Add a swivel hook to the Bitsy Box and a D-ring on the leash, and you’ll never be without your bags. Lookin’ stylish all the time.
Lastly, our dog bed and water dish. Water dish you say? Out of fabric?
A little vinyl goes a long way in keeping these dishes full of water when needed. All supplies to make everything you’ve seen here are available at Checker. Make them up in some great coordinating fabric and be the envy of all. I can’t wait to see what you do!
With the store that shall not be named closing, I hear people constantly crying “but where will I buy my fleece”? Fleece was a top seller there and it was often cheap. Well guess what? Checker has the fleece. Although it isn’t cheap, you can be confident that it is a superior quality that people will notice. Paying more for something that is better will become the norm. Give it a try. Start small. Gather a few bolts and see how it goes. Make sure your customer knows that you have it and that it comes from great brands like these from Windham Fabrics.
Lots of solids and lots of prints to choose from. Don’t worry if the one you want is not in stock, Checker will get it for you. Make a few tie blankets, maybe even kit them up.
Here is another great use for fleece. I have made this poncho many times and it’s a great class.
It is so easy and makes a perfect gift. Hang one in the shop and illustrate how great it is for camping or after a swim on a cool night. Not to mention how perfect it is for fall. It’s like being wrapped in a blanket!
Things are changing, attract those ‘other store’ customers and give them the service that they didn’t know they could get. Who knows, fleece might become your top seller.
P.S. Look for the REAL TREE FLEECE PROMO coming up this week on the website
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.comto find many more crafty ideas to add to your quilts.
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!
Quilts for children and babies are something that most quilters LOVE to make for their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Well, we’ve got an entire display idea, for shops, of a great gift suggestion that many might find ‘fairy’ appealing. How about quilts, dress-up clothes, and even a jacket?! All for children and all about fairies.
Riley Blake’s ‘Thimblelina and the Sewing Fairies’ line makes easy work of finding the perfect fabric for ‘all the things’. Although not released until October, it gives you plenty of time to plan.
This vibrant fabric showcases a delightful patchwork design inspired by the whimsical world of Thimbelina and the Sewing Fairies. It is a good representation of the fabrics in the line, but in one great piece. The pattern features a variety of squares, each adorned with charming illustrations of fairies, sewing tools, and floral motifs.
Imagine the darling piece above in a quilted jacket or twirly skirt. No need for patchwork because it is all done for you. Just quilt the whole cloth for the jacket and sew the tiers together for the skirt.
That’s just a start. With the entire line, Thimbelina and The Sewing Fairies, or at least a few more pieces, you can make these simple dress-up costumes that will surely make you Queen of the Forest.
Thoughtfully sized, the crown, wings, and wand are easy to craft, while the adjustable skirt ensures a great fit for growing kids. The pattern includes detailed instructions for using Peltex stabilizer, fusible fleece, and ribbon, ensuring a sturdy and polished finish.
The hat, designed for comfort and structure, incorporates fusible fleece and offers endless customization possibilities.
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’!
