Bowl Cozy Template Set

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Penny Haren

Creative Grids® has joined forces with The Gypsy Quilter® to make it even easier to mass-produce one of their all-time favorite products, the bowl cozies. This nested set includes both sizes of bowls. The small bowl cozy template works with the precut bowl cozy batting (TGQ036), and the other template with the large (TGQ103). If you prefer to cut your own batting, we recommend The Gypsy Quilter® cotton batting (TGQHECB12 or TGQHECB18) which is microwave safe.

Just two squares of batting and two squares of fabric make one cozy. Simply fold the fabric in quarters and rotary cut around the template. It doesn’t get any easier than that! A complete set of instructions is included with the templates.

A visual learner? Scan the QR code on each template to watch a video demonstration or click this link to view it now: Video tutorial

Note: Since the finished product is intended to be used in a microwave, you MUST use 100% cotton thread, batting and non-metallic fabric.

This 100% cotton batting is great for other projects as well. Tired of leftover batting scraps when working on smaller projects? This 100% cotton batting is designed just for you! It is the perfect choice for quilt-as-you-go projects, placemats and table runners. There are 10 yards on a roll, so you can complete multiple projects with just one roll. Since it is needle punched, it can be quilted a maximum of eight inches between quilting lines. Weighing 4-oz. per square yard, it has just enough body to add dimension to your project. This batting is microwave-safe in 2-minute increments, up to 6 minutes, when you use 100% cotton thread and fabric.

The Gypsy Quilter Cotton Batting 12in x 10yds

The large bowl cozy required an 18-inch width.

The Gypsy Quilter Cotton Batting 18in x 10yds

This Color-Blocked Bowl Cozy from Cut Loose Press™ is created with the Gypsy Quilter® Large Bowl Cozy Pre-Cut Batting which is microwave safe. All you need is 1/3-yard of two coordinating fabrics and a few hours of your time. Both sides of the cozy are cut from an over-sized quarter-square triangle block, the perfect choice to accent the quarters of the bowl.

The pattern is written for one cozy, but since the pre-cuts include enough batting to make four, you may want to make them all for gifts! To make all four, you need just 1 yard of two coordinating fabrics. Invite friends or teach a class. They will love going home with a finished project.

Or buy the batting that is already cut.

With wedding season starting, these would be great shower gifts!

Bucket Buddies

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Penny Haren

Don’t you just love these guys??? Whole Country Caboodle has outdone themselves with cuteness!

The pattern includes instructions for all 6 projects. But each project is also available as a kit which includes fabric and laser cut appliques.

January Jack Frost Gnome Bucket Buddy Kit

While your browsing, don’t forget to check out the feet! Bunny slippers??? Who could resist???

December St. Nick Gnome Bucket Buddy Kit

The buckets are created with the Bosal Fusible Foam so be sure to order that as well. It is available in individual 1/2 yard packages as well as by the roll.

In-R-Form Single Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer Off White 58in x 18in

In-R-Form Single Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer Off White 58in x 15yds

My grandchildren are definitely going to need a few of these! Order now. The patterns are due to arrive any day!

The Gypsy Quilter® Cozies

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Penny Haren

With the popularity of The Gypsy Quilter® Cozies, we instantly got requests for other sizes. You ask, we listen!

The bowl cozy is available in pre-cut batting packs or as a template to trace and cut your own.

The large bowl cozy and plate cozy pre-cut batting packs make four of each size. The batting is microwave safe. Be sure to use 100% cotton thread when sewing.

The Casserole Dish Hot Pad includes pre-cut insulating material. The package makes one heat resistant – not heat proof Hot Pad.

Casserole Dish Hot Pad Pre Cut Batting 3ct

Any or all of these projects are great make it/take it projects.

What’s New from by Annie

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Penny Haren

Annie designed Bosom Buddy specifically for their #SewPink Initiative, their annual event to promote breast cancer awareness. Get your friends and guild members started with this low-priced printed version of the pattern. Each package includes 10 individual patterns* for easy sharing. The patterns are printed in full color on glossy letter stock.

If you, or someone you love, have had surgery for breast cancer — or other treatments that affect the chest or stomach area — this soft, comfortable cushion will be so appreciated. This simple project makes wearing a seat belt more comfortable: Design spreads pressure of the belt over a larger area and can be worn on shoulder or lap portion of the seat belt. It features double layers of foam padding. The sleeve wraps around the belt and is easily adjusted.

This Face Mask pattern has elastic (or fabric) ties on top and bottom to help keep the mask snug against the face and can be adjusted for comfortable wearing.

It has pleats on each side for expansion. A flexible wire inserted at the top of the mask allows the wearer to shape the mask to fit more closely around the nose. Their are instructions for three sizes.

For more information about protection from the novel coronavirus, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.

IMPORTANT: These are non-medical masks for non-medical personnel. Homemade masks are not guaranteed nor intended to protect you from specific contagious diseases, fine particles, or other contaminants. Always check with appropriate authorities for your intended use.

We are aware that healthcare facilities have requested homemade masks during the COVID-19 crisis. This pattern may not meet their specifications. Please review their requirements before making masks for their use.

Want to add a filtering material to the mask? Annie has you covered:

Lightweight and breathable, this top-quality filtering material is perfect for face masks. Here are the specs:

Non-woven spun-bond polypropylene
1.25 ounce per square yard (on par with most surgical masks)
20 inches wide
Washing: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry

This material has a melting point of approximately 320 degrees. Do NOT use iron directly on the mask filter material. If you must iron your project, be sure to use a low heat setting and a pressing sheet or other heat barrier.

Annie recommends using this filter material in conjunction with tightly-woven quilting cottons for a stylish design and good quality filtration. It is also available in five yard cuts.

Lightweight and breathable, this top-quality filtering material is perfect for face masks.

Non-woven spun-bond polypropylene
1.25 ounce per square yard (on par with most surgical masks)
20 inches wide
Washing: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry

We recommend using this filter material in conjunction with tightly-woven quilting cottons for a stylish design and good quality filtration.

This material has a melting point of approximately 320¿. Do NOT use iron directly on the mask filter material. If you must iron your project, be sure to use a low heat setting and a pressing sheet or other heat barrier.

Everything is due to arrive the first week in November.

A Girl with Many Talents

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Penny Haren

Did you know that Krista Moser, the designer of the Creative Grids 60 Degree Diamond (CGR60DIA) and Mini Diamond Tools is also an expert in machine quilting. She has been machine quilting for over 20 years! So when Landauer was looking for someone to write the batting book for their popular pocket guide series, they knew who to call!

Know Your Battings: Carry-along Reference Guide for Quilters and Sewers

This pocket guide is available in July and includes everything you need to know about cotton, silk, fusibles – you name it! Since so many customers are finishing projects, now is the perfect time to offer a lecture on how to prep a quilt for machine quilting, how to choose a back and batting, and how to bind the finished project!

In her free time, Krista also designed some new patterns using her diamond rulers:

Two scoops has yardage requirements for two sizes – baby and throw an is a great class since it showcases several different techniques. This quilt features the Min Diamond but can be made with the original Diamond as well. It is just easier to manipulate the mini!

Biggie the Bee uses the original diaond ruler and goes together sooooo fast! Need a baby quilt? We’ve got you covered! Both of these patterns are due to arrive next month.

Vintage Pinwheels is in stock now – and is the PERFECT beginner quilt! I did a test block and could not believe how easy it goes together. The pressing instructions are excellent! All of the seams nest and there are no Y-seams.

I am teaching this next month! It is fast, easy and fun!

Hoop Easy Is THAT Easy

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Penny Haren

I do not have an embroidery machine YET so I have deferred to an expert for this post. Nichole Schneider is a Checker buyer and knows everything there is to know about the subject!

Hoop Easy Cotton Batting from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Do you ever have a need for just a little bit of batting? This easy to use roll of 100% natural cotton batting is perfect for all your quilt-as-you-go or in-the-hoop projects. I love it for small projects or for use in limited spaces. The convenient roll is super easy to use and space-saving to store. The 10 or 12-inch roll is a great thing to have on hand for small projects!

When combined with 100% cotton thread and fabric, batting is microwave safe for up to 6 minutes- in 2-minute intervals.

Pro tip: Hoop your preferred stabilizer and float batting in the hoop. Use this batting to give a little extra loft to in the hoop projects- especially the arms and legs of stuffed animals.

Hoop Easy Embroidery Batting – Cotton Poly Batting with Scrim from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Finally! Batting that supports your stitches WITHOUT additional stabilizer. Hoop the embroidery batting and off you go! Supports up to 8,000 stitches per layer. 11% Scrim for added strength and stability, this batting will not shift.

Hoop Easy Embroidery Batting 10in x 10yds

Hoop Easy Embroidery Batting 12in x 10yds

I love this batting for fully enclosed in the hoop projects. The batting IS the stabilizer! Nothing to remove. Simply trim when finished. This is a GREAT stabilizer to use for stuffed animals, pouches and more. Your project is soft after embroidery and has a really nice loft to it as well.

Pro tip: if you need more stitch count support, simply float a piece of tear away under the hooped batting.

Hoop Easy Stick & Wash Away from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Perfect for hard to hoop items -simply hoop with release paper side up. Once hooped, score release paper with a T-pin and gently peel the paper up. Stick your hard to hoop fabric or item to the adhesive side and embroider. When finished, un-hoop and remove the stabilizer with water. Wash Away stabilizer is great for sheer fabrics and those with an open weave, also excellent for applique. Supports 8,000 stitches per layer.

Hoop Easy Stick & Wash Away Stabilizer 10in x 10yds

Hoop Easy Stick & Wash Away Stabilizer 12in x 10yds

Pro tip: For easy removal- spray backside of the project with water from a mist bottle. Then gently peel off the stabilizer. You can also immerse in water, and the stabilizer will dissolve completely.

Hoop Easy Stick and Tear Away from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Perfect for hard to hoop items. Simply hoop with release paper side up. Once hooped, score release paper with a T-pin and gently peel the paper up. Stick your hard to hoop fabric or item to the adhesive side and embroider. When finished, un-hoop and tear away stabilizer from the project. Supports 8,000 stitches per layer.

Hoop Easy Stick & Tear Away Stabilizer 10in x 10yds

Hoop Easy Stick & Tear Away Stabilizer 12in x 10yds

Pro tip: After embroidering, gently tear off the stabilizer.

Hoop Easy Sew-In Mesh from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Sew-in Mesh adds stability while retaining the softness of the fabric. This product works great with knits, loose weave fabric, and fleece. It supports up to 8,000 stitches per layer.

Hoop Easy Sew-In Mesh Stabilizer 12in x10yds

Pro tip: Leave this stabilizer in after embroidering. If you need more stabilization- float tear away stabilizer under the hoop.

Hoop Easy Tear Away from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

This is the cleanest tear away you’ve ever used. The stabilizer is perforated for a precise tear and easy removal. This works best with woven fabrics and other fabrics that do not stretch. Supports 8,000 stitches per layer.

Hoop Easy Tear Away Stabilizer 10in x 10yds

Hoop Easy Tear Away Stabilizer 12in x 10yds

Pro tip: If you need more stability, layer up the stabilizer.

Hoop Easy Topper from The Gypsy Quilter® Stitcher Series

Use this topper to prevent stitches from sinking into your fabric. After embroidering, tear topper away, then remove any excess with water.

Pro tip: use topper when embroidering toweling or “furry” fabrics- and the stitching will sit nicely on top!

Microwave Bowl Cozy

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Penny Haren

These bowls are great gifts – and now have never been easier. The Gypsy Quilter™ has chosen 100% cotton batting that is microwave safe – and even cut it to shape. The darts are even cut out!

Just place pre-cut batting on the wrong side of a 10.5 inch square of cotton fabric. Using 100% cotton thread, fold and stitch darts 1/4 inch away from the batting cut edge. Trim out fabric excess. Repeat with the second square of cotton and pre-cut batting. Put right sides together and stitch around the outer edge. Leave an opening for turning. Turn and stitch the opening closed. That’s all there is to it! OR sew five 2 1/2″ strips together to equal 10 1/2″ and make two bowls from a strip set!

One package is enough to make four bowls.

Aunties Two Katahdin Tote

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Penny Haren

This newest release by Aunties Two is named after the highest mountain in Main.

The bag is 11 inches tall; 12 inches wide; and 6 inches deep – a perfect size for a travel tote! Make the bag with 28 – 2 1/2″ fabric strips and a yard of fabric for the lining and pockets.

For those – like me – who can’t make just one, the metal stays are available separately as well.

The wide zippers are available in nineteen colors.

Batting strips make the body of the bag.

Katahdin 100% Cotton Summer 3oz 2-1/2in x 25yds

The base and handles are created with In-R-Form.

In-R-Form Plus Double Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer 18in x 58in

Everything will be in stock next month!

Guide to Interfacings

Posted on August 15, 2019 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor has written the absolute BEST pocket Guide to Interfacings! This is a must have for every shop; sales rep; and sewing enthusiast! And, should be a must read for every shop employee…

Let’s face it – the world of interfacings has gotten a lot more complicated over the years. And, to add to the confusion, each manufacturer calls similar products by different names!

In the beginning she explains the difference between wovens; non-wovens; and knits – and the advantages of each.Should you use a fusible or sew-in variety? Kristine will help you choose!

This 64 page pocket guide retails for just $8.50 and lists the type of interfacings, common uses, and the popular name brands of each. Over twenty categories are represented in an easy to follow format.

I love these pocket guides by Landauer – and this is an excellent addition!

Get Organized with Poorhouse Designs

Posted on April 26, 2019 by Penny Haren

Kristine Poor is one of my favorite designers. She knows how to use all of those specialty interfacings, etc. that tend to intimidate me. But her instructions are so well done that she eliminates the intimidation factor so truly anyone can do it!

Her Scalloped Baskets pattern is made with pre-cut Bosal. The pattern includes instructions to make three different scalloped bins using Bosal’s pre-cut Scalloped Placemats or Scalloped Squares. They are reversible, can be pieced or made from a solid piece of fabric, and can even be quilted!

What a great shower gift – filled with everything the new mother will need, of course! They are due to arrive this month so don’t forget to order the foundations as well.

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Category Archives: Interfacing