Everything is Going to the Dogs

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Connie Buick

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!

Store It in Style!

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Penny Haren

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!

A ‘Fairy’ Good Idea

Posted on April 28, 2025 by Connie Buick

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.

*Thimbelina & the Sewing Fairies Handsewn Patchwork Multi*

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.

*Available in October- order now

Even my adult self kinda wants this one!

Zhuzh ‘em Up!

Posted on March 23, 2025 by Connie Buick

Not everybody is familiar with the term ‘Zhuzh’ so let me explain. To zhuzh it up is to make it more attractive, interesting, or stylish. It is always fun to see the most zhuzhed up quilter in the class, or at the retreat. Who doesn’t want a little style added to their quilting stockpile?

So let me introduce you to the newest counter displays of MATCHING pincushions, scissors, pattern weights, and tape measures. They are the bee’s knees! By the way, if you want to hang with the cool kids, use zhuzh and NOT bee’s knees.

First, these amazing Fabric Pincushions with Wood Base from HTL. I love those beautiful fabric tops, and those bees?!!! I would buy them all. So, grab the one you like best and then notice (in a sing songy voice) the scissors!

To have a pair of matching Embroidery Scissors from HTL to use with your pincushion sitting right there next to them will make you a BOSS for sure. You’re already the envy of the group and then you show up with a Retractable Tape Measure from HTL that also matches! I mean, who IS this woman? She is so zhuzhy.

And just to throw them over the edge, you bring out your Cotton Fabric Weights from HTL. Not because you’re cutting out a fabulous dress (heck you’ve never even made a dress), but because you need them to hold your fabric pieces down to keep them from blowing away when everyone walks by and blows a heavy sigh because they aren’t as zhuzhy as you are!

Have I convinced you yet that you MUST have these on your counter?! Come on- show them your zhuzh.

Thread Displays from Aurifil

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Penny Haren

Aurifil has introduced the new ALTO displays—sleek, modern fixtures designed to
showcase the best-selling 50wt thread. For a limited time, enjoy special pricing on these
ALTO displays for both small and large spools of 50wt thread.

The display contains 10 spools each, of 49 different colors. Thread rack and thread spools are drop shipped to the customer separately. Contains thread article A2005010 (50wt spool, 220 yards) Includes color strips. Size: 13.5” deep x 26.5” wide x 28.25 tall; includes Display and 490 spools of Thread.

The display contains 6 spools each, of 49 different colors. Thread rack and thread spools are drop shipped to the customer separately. Contains thread article A1050 (50wt spool,1,422 yards) Includes color strips. Size: 13.5” deep x 26.5” wide x 28.25 tall; Includes Display and 294 spools of Thread.

Wound on the iconic orange spool, Aurifil 50wt 100% long-stable Egyptian cotton
offers unmatched performance with minimal investment and high turnover. Its thin,
virtually lint-free strong fibers make it the top choice for piecing and quilting,
delivering precise definition and a smooth finish that enhances every project. It is
also ideal for Machine Piecing, Paper Piecing, Appliqué, and Machine Quilting.

WHY CHOOSE ALTO DISPLAY?

Organization and Presentation
ALTO displays are designed to keep stores organized and showcase vibrant thread
collections. Their compact, modern design ensures threads are beautifully displayed
and easy for customers to browse and select.

Enhances Customer Experience
A well-presented display creates a seamless shopping journey, helping customers
easily find the perfect hue for their projects.

Boosts Sales
A visually appealing and organized display encourages impulse purchases,
increasing revenue while maintaining a professional look.

Simplifies Inventory Management
ALTO displays provide a clear view of stock, making inventory management efficient
and straightforward. Restocking becomes faster and more streamlined, saving
valuable time.

Builds Brand Recognition
With a polished, modern design, ALTO displays support a premium shopping
experience, reinforcing trust and loyalty with customers.

Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection: The Perfect Choice for Self-Expression

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Cindy Abdoo

Are you someone who loves to write, draw, or simply express yourself through art? If so, you know the importance of having high-quality tools that allow you to bring your creativity to life. One such tool is the Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection, which is a set of three pens that offer an incredible range of colors and a smooth, creamy ink flow.

The Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection is reasonably priced, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to create without breaking the bank. The combination of shades of color in each pack also makes them the perfect choice for displaying by the register. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or someone who simply enjoys doodling and jotting down notes, these pens are sure to delight you.

One of the standout features of the Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection is its archival-quality ink. This means that the ink is designed to resist fading and deterioration over time, ensuring that your artwork or writing will look just as vibrant years down the line. The consistent ink flow of these pens also ensures that you can write or draw with ease and confidence, knowing that each stroke will be just as smooth and consistent as the last.

Another great feature of the Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection is its resistance to smearing and feathering when dry. This is particularly important if you’re someone who likes to work quickly or tends to apply a lot of pressure when writing or drawing. The waterproof and chemical-proof properties of these pens also make them a great choice for anyone who needs to use them in a variety of settings.

The Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection is also designed to be fade-resistant, ensuring that your artwork or writing will maintain its vibrancy even in direct sunlight or other harsh conditions. Additionally, these pens are designed not to bleed through most papers, which is important if you’re working on delicate or thin material.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality set of pens that will allow you to express yourself with ease and confidence, look no further than the Sakura Gelly Roll Moods Collection. With their archival-quality ink, consistent flow, and resistance to smearing, feathering, and fading, these pens are sure to become a staple in your art or writing arsenal. So why wait? Get your hands on a set today and start creating! These are due to arrive in early summer so place your orders now.

Cool Pins!

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Penny Haren

Cool pins are just that – COOL! They are heat resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so you can iron over them without melting the tip of the pin or burning your finger. The large pinheads are easy to grasp and manipulate – perfect for all ages. And since the tips of the Cool Pins are colorful, they are easy to spot and remove – no pins left behind. Cool pins are sharp and fine. At just .5 mm, they will not leave holes in your finished project. 50 pins come in a reusable storage box. Available in 3 colors: Gypsy Purple, Bohemian Blue and Fortune Fuchsia

Why not open a case and display them by the register so everyone can see how sharp they are? Or use them in your next class. Just make sure you have plenty on hand because everyone will want them!

Register Notions

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Penny Haren

The Gypsy Quilter is releasing several new notions next month – all would be a great register display. They are reasonably priced and functional – a great combination!

These Heat-Resistant Thimbles protect fingers when pressing. The nubbed surface also works perfectly when pressing seams open. Each container holds 16 of three different sizes. The large one fits my thumb (which I use to fingerpress seams open).

The Gypsy Quilter Heat Resistant Thimbles

These Silicone Iron Rests come in three different colors: red; green; and purple. Raising and lowering an iron as often as we do when quilting can cause carpal tunnel.
Do your wrists a favor and rest your hot iron on this silicon rest.

The Gypsy Quilter Silicone Iron Rest Green

No-Slip Grip Dots can be applied to the wrong side of templates and rulers to stop slipping.

These are the type of notions people don’t know they need until they see them – and then can’t live without!

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Display ideas