Category Archives: Class Ideas

GE Designs Made GEasy

Posted on by
Reply

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!

We Have The Fleece!

Posted on by
Reply

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

T-Shirt Quilt-O-Rama!

Posted on by
Reply

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.

To add a little interest to your quilt, you might want to try EQ Printables Inkjet Fabric Sheets.

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.com to find many more crafty ideas to add to your quilts.

Store It in Style!

Posted on by
Reply

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!

Take Your Quilting to the Barn!

Posted on by
8

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?

Summertime and the Stitchin’ is Easy

Posted on by
Reply

Handwork and summer go hand in hand! And these new kits by Jennifer Heynen Creative Co. are the perfect grab and go project for summer. Stitch a flower a day in this 30 day sampler kit. Spending quality time with grandchildren this summer? What a great way to introduce them to needlework one flower at a time!

The kit includes printed fabric, access to a class blog with videos of all of the stitches as well as illustrations. There is a full color stitch guide included in the kit as well. Fabric is 16″ x 16″ and the printed area is a 12″ diameter round circle. It can be displayed in a 12″ hoop when finished.

This is also available in a rectangular version. Fabric is 9″ x 14″ and the printed area is a 7″ x 12″ rectangle.

These newest selections should be arriving in stores in April so why not ask your local shop to order them for you? Can’t wait? Check out our website to see the current selections of ones available now: JENNIFER HEYNEN CREATIVE CO.

New Purse Kits from Sallie Tomato

Posted on by
Reply

This lined wallet pattern offers several card pockets, two zipper pockets, and an interior slip pocket. RFID fabric is an ideal lining, protecting any readable cards inside the wallet. Add your favorite wallet closure and optional chain strap for more style! Our pattern is inspired by the meaning of the name Tracy: brave, more powerful, superior.

Finished size: 7-1/2″” wide, 4-1/2″” high, and 1/2″” deep.
Included in Kit:
Tracy Pattern
12” x 25” Darling Dahlias Cork Main Fabric
9” x 42” Radio Frequency ID Lining Fabric
15” #3 Zipper
Hardware
Designer Flip Lock
47” Strap Chain
#3 Zipper Pull

It is also available in this colorway:


Renée Kapitanski designed this classic shoulder bag, picturing Elizabeth Lane, the main character in the movie Christmas in Connecticut, walking to her publishing office in New York City. Ms. Lane loved fashion, and you’ll look amazing as you carry your own Lane, perfectly sized to hold all your daily essentials.

Finished size: 8″” wide, 10″” high, and 4″” deep.
Included in Kit:
Lane Paper Pattern LST202
12″” x 25” Denim Backed Palms Main Fabric
8” x 27” Surface Natural Cork Contrast Fabric
12” x 42” Grey Turtle Tex Lining Fabric
24″” x 19” Fusible Woven Interfacing
12″” x 45” Fleece
Hardware
3/4″” Rectangle Rings
Small Classic Turnlock
1/2″” Bucket Bag Feet
Small Chicago Screws

It is also available in this colorway:

These are due to arrive later this month. Why not add them to your class schedule?

Rope Baskets

Posted on by
Reply

Zigzag Rope Sewing Projects is a complete craft guide to making stylish bowls, bags, trivets, baskets, and more by coiling rope and joining it together with a simple zigzag stitch! An easy and fun craft to quickly master, this exciting guide features 17 sewing projects and rope crafts with clear, step-by-step instructions, coordinating photography, and expert tips throughout that will ensure success and build your rope sewing skills. Also included are introductory overviews on the basics of sewing with rope, instructions for more advanced shaping, and tons of finishing ideas. 

Leisure Arts Quilting & Sewing Learn to Make Rope Baskets Book- Wrap up your miscellaneous items in home made rope baskets with these 8 projects designed to keep your home fashionable and organized.

Each project can be made by machine sewing cotton clothesline into patterns and shapes with endless possibilities. Includes step-by-step project instructions with full color photos showing each step, general instructions and tips and tricks. This book is designed to teach you to create projects using cotton rope at a beginner level, but requires intermediate knowledge of machine sewing. Projects include: rope dishes, lidded pot, one-handled hanging basket, coasters, painted pot, dip-dyed basket, fringed basket and rope tote bag.

100% Cotton Clothesline from The Gypsy Quilter® is the perfect ingredient for the rope sewing enthusiast. Create unique rope projects like baskets, trivets, coasters, table runners, rugs, and more with a sewing machine, thread, and a coil of rope. Wrap the 100% cotton rope with fabric strips as you sew, or keep it plain for a natural look.

The 100% cotton rope is stretch resistant, giving you a beautiful finish to your projects. Comes in a protective plastic bag.

This Cut Loose Press® pattern is chock full of hints for those who have never made a clothesline bowl. The silk adds a touch of elegance and is easy to work with. Each bowl required approximately two bobbins of 30-weight thread, hence the name! One skein of Sari Ribbon and one package of clothesline will make three lovely bowls.

This Cut Loose Press® pattern is chock full of hints for those of you who have never made a clothesline bowl. All you need is thirteen 10-squares to make all three bowls.

The narrow strips are cut with the Creative Grids Stripology­ XL ruler so cutting it is a piece of cake. A jean or topstitch needle is recommended. Small: 3″ x 6″; Medium: 4″ x 7″; Large: 5″ x 9″.

Why not learn a new craft to start the New Year?

New from Sassafras Lane

Posted on by
Reply

The Quick Boxy Pouch pattern is a fun classic with a Sass touch! These unlined, two-toned boxed pouches look great sewn out of cork, faux leather, clear vinyl and jelly vinyl. The 5 sizes included guarantee there is a size to meet your needs – the smallest will keep your AirPods case secure in your bag and the biggest can store all your toiletries for your next vacation!


All the hardware you need to complete three fun Quick Zippy Pouches! Hardware kit includes three D-rings and three swivel hooks.


They are also releasing two mini vrsions of popular patterns:

Mini Kingston Court finishes 12.5in x 16in.


Mini Bourbon Street finishes 13in x 13in.

and a couple of fun miniature fusible appliqué pattern:


Why not add a couple of enamel pins to your collection?

Everything is due to arrive next month so place your orders now.


No-Sew Ornaments

Posted on by
Reply

These patterns won’t be available until Spring, but since many of you are already planning bus trips, retreats, and make it/take its, I wanted you to know these were coming.


The Peekaboo Pumpkin Ornament by The Ornament Girl is a no-sew pattern embellished with trim. Finished size is approximately 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. It would also be adorable in other holiday fabrics.

The Basic Star Ornament by The Ornament Girl is a no-sew pattern embellished with trim. Finished size is approximately 3″ x 3″.

It is also adorable in Halloween fabrics.


The Prairie Point Pinwheel Ornament by The Ornament Girl is a no-sew pattern embellished with trim. Finished size is approximately 6″ x 6″.

Once again, it is gorgeous when using other fabrics.

We also have the stands in 7″ and 11″ sizes from Ackfeld Manufacturing:

These would be great choices for a mother/daughter class as well. Place your orders now so you don’t forget!