Monthly Archives: May 2025

Enjoy Pennyberry Farms by Kim Diehl

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This piece is dedicated to all stitchers aiming to cross every x-just Bust A Moove! Kim Diehl’s latest creation from the Pennyberry Farms series will have you singing and dancing as you stitch an adorable cow standing beneath a garland adorned with buttons. So get out the floss and Bust a Moove!

Bust A Moove is the third in the Pennyberry Farms Cross Stitch series by Kim Diehl and features the Its Sew Emma Berry Mad for Plaid Project Bag.


‘Feeling Sheepish’ is the second in the series. This delightful design features a playful sheep surrounded by a rustic fence, set against a backdrop of green grass and a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of pastoral tranquility. Ideal for crafters looking to add a touch of whimsy to their projects, this pattern is suitable for all skill levels. The kit includes a detailed pattern chart, ensuring your stitching experience is both enjoyable and precise. Whether you’re creating a gift or enhancing your home decor, this cross stitch pattern promises hours of creative fun.

Kim stitched this design on an Olive Mad for Plaid Project Bag.

Henny Penny is the first in the Pennyberry Farms Cross Stitch series. This Henny Penny hasn’t a care in the world. She is safely enjoying herself in a bower of leaves and blossoms-no worries about falling acorns in her garden. Should a petal fall on her head, our Henny Penny will be reminded to stop and smell the roses she gathers to weave into her feathers.

Henny Penny features the Jade Mad for Plaid Project Bag.

The newest pattern in the series should be arriving in stores in June. The pther items are available now so ask your local shop to order them for you!

The Newest Heirlooms from the Niemeyer Family

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I love this latest pattern called Pinwheel Patch by Judy and Brad Niemeyer. Just nine paper-pieced blocks are needed to make this adorable baby/child’s quilt. Or, at 48 inches square, it would be a perfect summertime table topper. Change the color scheme to red, white and blue, and it would look like fireworks! As usual, Judel’s photography adds that awe factor and is the perfect finishing touch.

Unicorn Gallery includes several different elements surrounded by a stunning border that accentuates the center design.

Imperial Crown features a stunning medallion design. Once again, the border is stunning. I love the fact that they put just as much thought and effort into framing the quilt, always adding that awe factor!

Monument Valley features a and eight pointed star set on point. The pieced side-setting triangles make this an heirloom quality quilt. But lets face it, ALL of her patterns are destined to be heirlooms.

These patterns will be shipping the middle of June so ask your local shop to order them for you. There are also additional foundation papers available for the three largest quilts when all of your friends want you to make THEM one!

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Summer Hens

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Huh?…Being a bit beyond the mid-point of the aging scale, I am no longer a Spring Chicken. But I make a mean Summer Hen when I’m wearing these luxurious linens from Robert Kaufman. There’s nothing better than having lots of lightweight linen dresses that flow and move easily during hot summer months. Sure, spring chickens might be wearing shorts and minis, but this old hen needs those pale white and blue (vericose veins) legs covered up comfortably. There are lots of easy dress patterns out there with no zippers or buttons, but we can offer lots of help in the way of reading material to get you through a pattern that is a bit more involved. First take a look at these beautiful Brussels Washer Linen fabrics from Robert Kaufman that are a combination of linen and rayon for excellent drape and breathability.

There are many colors to choose from and can be ordered regardless of stock levels shown on the website. This is a heavenly linen that you must try. I wash mine in cold water and lay flat to dry. And don’t worry about wrinkles! It used to be a thing to avoid but it now adds to our casually worn appearance. Natural, effortless, and undeniably modern. Think summer hen grunge. I think I just coined a great new term!

If sewing garments is not something you do, or you don’t do often, we have a couple books I’d like to recommend. This one is available now.

The Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes is a must-have resource on everything you need to know on how to sew clothes. Filled with valuable insight on sewing, tailoring, and making alterations, you’ll learn how to get a good fit for every body type out of any sewing pattern, install a zipper, use notions, and more. Whether you’re new to sewing or have experience, expand your skill set and build confidence so you can sew like a pro!

I am looking forward to this next book which is coming in August. A bit late for summer sewing, but a good one to have in your arsenal.


Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing is an essential reference guide for aspiring fashion designers, fashion design students, and sewing and fabric enthusiasts who want to develop their eye for fashion. Packaged with easy-to-follow diagrams and QR codes for exclusive video tutorials from the author, Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing covers 11 essential subjects, from creating basic slopers to building perfect-fitting garments on the first try. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist looking to level up your skills or a beginner in the world of fashion design, author Suzy Ferrer’s Ultimate Guide to Designing Patterns for Clothing is the definitive resource for professional pattern making instruction.

I’m not looking to become a fashion designer but I sure look forward to those QR tutorials! If I can avoid Amazon shopping and make my own clothes, I’ll be the loudest clucker in the hen house. Join me!

Wedding Ring Quilts Should Be Easy Because the Marriage Probably Won’t Be

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A wedding ring quilt, particularly the double wedding ring pattern, symbolizes love, commitment and the intertwining of two lives. The interlocking rings in the pattern represent marriage. Those interlocking rings shouldn’t be as hard to manage as marriage can be!

I’m just being honest. I don’t care how great your marriage is, it hasn’t always been easy. Two different people raised in two different homes working to create their own symbiosis. That is a challenge. So lets make their wedding ring quilt a simple and beautiful symbol of peace and enjoyment, shall we? Let me show you a few different methods and you can decide which looks easier for you.

This one from Quiltworx by Judy and Brad Niemeyer is foundation paper pieced. You wouldn’t have to add the flowers to the corners, although they are beautiful. You can also keep building it out if you need more size. As a bonus, Creative Grids® has a template (CGRDWR) that perfectly trims each arc and center after they have been pieced. I love the idea of the scrappy arcs in this ombre affect.

This pattern by Eunsoo Kang is a modern take on the traditional double wedding ring. In the traditional version, there are many different colored rings on one background color. This version has a variety of colors for the background and the rings are all the same color, making it easy to see the shapes of both the rings and the squares. Instead of using curved piecing to create the wedding rings, this pattern uses the technique of machine applique’. thus making it easier for cutting and sewing.

Double Rings by Sew Kind of Wonderful is another wonderfully modern pattern. Color choices and placement are all it takes to make a traditional quilt look more mod. This one utilizes a ruler (Quick Curve Ruler- SKW100) that cuts the curves after strips have been sewn together. It makes the sewing quick and the cutting easy.

If you’ve never used a Quiltsmart pre-printed interfacing, you’re missing out. I LOVE this method. You iron your fabric onto the fusible interfacing in the order you want, and then sew the seams. It comes out perfectly just about every time. It’s great if you want to use scraps and even if you choose one fabric for each arc. The interfacing keeps the curves from stretching out of place.

There is one last method that I can think of. Paper templates. Edyta Sitar and Laundry Basket Quilts has a beautiful pattern that comes with paper templates that you can trace onto template plastic, or use as is.

I find this to be the most difficult method, but some of you like the challenge. The slow, steady cutting, and the mindful piecing are relaxing for some. I’ve seen such amazing work by the Laundry Basket Quilt followers.

I hope I have helped you out a little if you have a wedding to attend and you need a gift. Check one of these patterns out and put all of your love and support into the making of it for a special couple. Make sure they know the prayers for them that have gone into each stitch and that they will be wrapped in peace, joy, and comfort each time they end the day. They will undoubtedly need it on occasion.

GE Designs Made GEasy

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Gudrun is simply brilliant! I received an email from her company today explaining this new product. Read this and you will understand why everyone is so excited:

Quilt As You Go isn’t just a technique, it’s the heart of Gudrun’s quilting journey. Her first pattern was QAYG, and she’s been hooked ever since. That love for easy, beautiful finishes inspired these new QAYG Printed Batting Kits, designed to give you that same satisfying “I made this” feeling. They spent over two years developing these kits to make sure they’re not only fun and foolproof, but top quality too. They’re easy to use, printed for precision, and proudly printed and assembled right here in the USA.

Designed for quilters who love quick finishes and clear guidance, these kits include everything needed to complete a small project with ease, just add fabric. Each kit includes single-sided fusible, printed batting and a full-color pattern, guiding makers through a “sew-by-number” process that eliminates all the guesswork. With access to a detailed video class, quilters of all levels can complete these great projects quickly and confidently. Perfect for kitting or class projects

Take It Easy finishes at a generous 17″ x 40″.

The Braid Runner Midi finishes at 13″ x 40″.

Quilters are obsessed with these kits because printed guidelines show exactly where to sew. It feels like paint-by-number, but for fabric. The fusible printed batting is soft, durable, and 100% polyester so there is no shifting or stretching – just smooth, accurate sewing. And, don’t forget – there is a video tutorial to guide you every step of the way!

She has also released two new patterns which have been tested in GE sponsored sew alongs or retreats.

Jolee is made with half yards or fat quarters. It comes in 6 sizes, Crib, Lap, Twin, Full, Queen, King. Helpful tools recommended: Stripology XL or Squared Rulers, GEasy Ruler Stickers. Instructions for regular rulers are included.

Felicity is made with half yards or fat quarters. It comes in 5 sizes, Throw, Lap, Twin, Queen, King. The helpful tools are listed above.

The kits are due to arrive in stores in July. The patterns should be available next month so ask your local shop to order them for you!

They Have the Ruler. Get Them the Book!

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In the world of quilting, there are some assumptions that can be made. One: Most quilters own the Stripology Rulers® from Creative Grids®. Two: Most quilters own the Add-A-Quarter Rulers from CM Designs.

Since we know this to be true, it might also be true that these same quilters would enjoy some NEW books to compliment said rulers. We can deliver! Well, not until November, but…it’ll be delivered!

Inspired by Gudrun Erla’s Icelandic roots, Echoes of Iceland is a 10-part Block of the Month book designed for confident beginners and experienced quilters alike. The book includes full instructions for a 74” x 82” quilt and an optional pieced backing. The instructions use the time-saving and accuracy improving techniques of the Stripology® rulers. As you work your way through the pattern, you learn and practice features of the rulers. With beautifully illustrated patterns, linked video content, and themed storytelling, this BOM is ideal for in-store programs, club series, or instructional classes.

The second equally inspiring book is this one by Carolyn Cullinan McCormick. It delivers a bit sooner in June.

Carolyn has turned 17 difficult Feathered Star patterns into manageable paper piecing patterns for quilters who have shied away from making these exquisite blocks. She has added a sweet border block as the perfect finishing touch. As you know, your Add-A-Quarter Ruler will help with any foundation paper-piecing project. You might actually get me to try a feathered star with this one! Anything to avoid those bitty half-square triangles.

Two Steppin’ in Style from Sassafras Lane

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These new patterns by Sassafras Lane will sell like hotcakes!

Cowboy boots never looked so good. Saddle up for some stitching fun with the Boot Tapping Boulevard quilt! This energetic design features a parade of bold, appliquéd cowboy boots — each one uniquely styled with playful patterns, stars, hearts, and wild west flair. The boots march across the quilt in rows or dance between vibrant checkerboard blocks that add movement and contrast. This pattern is fat-quarter friendly and includes three quilt sizes — Wall/Crib 40in x 54in, Throw 60in x 72 and Bed 80in x 90in.


I blew up the pic for Karma Court so you could see the detail in each row of blocks. This newest Block (or Row) of the Month pattern features 12 unique quilt blocks that create rows of cascading color. Each month you create 5 paper-pieced blocks that become a row. The pattern book includes full size foundations, simple construction, step-by-step foundation paper-piecing instructions, designs options and more! The finished quilt measures 70in x 84in.

Tulip Terrace is a sweet and cheerful quilt featuring Dutch-inspired tulip appliqué blocks. The bold, blooming tulips are easy to make with your favorite fabrics—perfect for solids, prints, or a mix of both. This pattern includes three sizes: Wall Hanging, Throw, and a Table Runner / Placemat set. It’s great for confident beginners and up, with instructions for fusible appliqué. Whether you go bright and modern or soft and traditional, Tulip Terrace brings fresh floral charm to any space.


Perpetual Plaza is a bright, cheerful quilt made with fun patchwork blocks arranged in a playful grid. Inspired by colorful city plazas, this pattern is full of energy and movement—perfect for showing off your favorite prints and bold colors. It’s fat-quarter friendly, so it’s easy to dive into your stash or pick up a bundle you love. With four size options (Baby, Throw, Twin, and Queen), it’s great for any project—from gifts to full-size bed quilts. Simple shapes and clear instructions make this pattern beginner-friendly, but still fun for experienced quilters looking to play with color.

These patterns are due to arrive in stores next month. Ask your local shop to order your favorites.

Pillows! An Easy Spring Refresh For the Home

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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!

Everything is Going to the Dogs

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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!

We Have The Fleece!

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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