Set a Great Table

Posted on June 7, 2021 by Penny Haren

Carolina Moore has created two Cut Loose Press™ patterns that feature Creative Grids® tools and Gypsy Quilter® Pre-Cut Battings – with stunning results!

Are you ready for all the summer BBQs and picnics? Your hot dish will take center stage when presented in this Americana Casserole Hot Pad!

This stars-and-stripes motif is created using the Creative Grids® Strippy Stars tool (CGRDH2) by Deb Heatherly. This pattern uses the Casserole Dish Hot Pad Pre-Cut Batting and Insulating material (TGQ104), which has two layers of batting and polyester and metalized layer to help keep your hot dish hot. It perfectly fits a standard 9 by 13 inch casserole dish. With just three fabrics, this pattern would be simple to kit with a red, white, and blue fabric from your shop’s color wall. But, why not kit it in Fall and Winter holiday colors as well? After all, stars are always in season and these would make great hostess gifts. A great class option. Students can learn how to use the Strippy Star Tool and actually finish the project in class!

Creative Grids Strippy Stars Tool 5in x 7-1/2in Quilt Ruler

Casserole Dish Hot Pad Pre Cut Batting 3ct

These 2 for 1 plate cozies are darling and simple to make! They feature the Pre-Cut Plate Cozy batting from The Gypsy Quilter® (TGQ102) which is microwave safe, with fun piecing using the Creative Grids® Kitty Cornered Ruler (CGRDH5) by Deb Heatherly.

The pattern is written so that two plate cozies can be made with two contrasting half-yard-cuts of fabric. Since you can make four plate cozies from one package of pre-cut batting, you may want to double your fun, or in this case quadruple the fun , by buying four half yard cuts of fabric. Students could easily finish a set of these in class AND learn how to use the Kitty Cornered Tool. We all love instant gratification.

Everything is in stock, so why not get your order placed today???

Diagonal Seam Tape

Posted on March 24, 2021 by Penny Haren

This notion created by Cluck Cluck Sew is flying off the shelves and we just got in another order so it is in stock!!!

I was teaching a class on Saturday and someone thought that you put this on the diagonal of the fabric – not true! It sticks to your sewing machine – right in front of the feed dogs. The red line aligns with your needle, the blue lines are the sewing lines – 1/4″ away from the red line.

A roll is 10 yards – and since you just need a small piece – it lasts a good long time! When you are ready to remove it, it comes right off – no pesky residue!

Half-square triangles have never been easier – no more drawing lines. But remember, this works just as well when sewing snowball blocks! I can’t wait to try it when I am making my Geese in the Cabin blocks – a Cut Loose Press™ Plus pattern (#CLPPLUS001)!

Adding those triangles to the corners just got a whole lot easier! This pattern showcases the Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool for 10-inch blocks (#CGRJAW10).

Geese in the Cabin

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Penny Haren

Meet Cut Loose Press™ Plus. This pattern has six full pages – when a pattern is just too good to fit on one page – even if it is front and back!

This Cut Loose Press™ Plus pattern features a technique for making Geese in the Cabin blocks from the log cabin blocks created with the Creative Grids® 10-inch Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo by Jean Ann Wright (CGRJAW10).

We have even filmed a video showing how easy it is to transform a Courthouse Block style log cabin created with the Creative Grids® 10-Inch Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo into an entirely new block. AND, you are welcome to share the video!

Once you have created the blocks, twist and turn them in a multitude of ways to create your own masterpiece. The pattern includes suggestions but there are many more possibilities.

Since all 36 blocks are exactly the same – and the magic happens when you twist and turn them – the yardage requirements are the same for every version!

The ruler and patterns are in stock so order them now and let your customers know. We have already gotten requests from consumers who want to know where to buy!

A Fitted Mask

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Penny Haren

This mask pattern from Cut Loose Press™ #CLKAL013 includes three sizes: small for a child or petite adult; medium for most women; and large for most men and will even accommodate their beard.

The angled nose and chin pieces are cut with the Creative Grids® Spider Web Quilt Ruler #CGRKA6 to ensure a form fit. And wait until you see how she sews the pleat – pure genius! Pattern includes instructions on how to add an additional filter and a mask bar. Be sure to visit the Checker YouTube channel and watch the video before you start.

Many of you already have the Creative Grids® Spiderweb Quilt Ruler since Karla Alexander used it in the Cut Loose Press™ Crazy Christmas Tree, Crazy Hearts, and Coffee Break patterns.

Add an optional mask bar from The Gypsy Quilter.

And, the adjustable elastics also from The Gypsy Quilter come in a variety of colors – and ensure a perfect fit.

Let’s face it – pun intended – masks are going to be a part of life for a long time so find the best fit for your family and friends!

The Jellies Have It!

Posted on December 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

All you need is ONE jelly roll along with background and accent fabric to create this stunning oversized throw. The pattern Jelly Roll Log Cabins #CLPCAM022 from Cut Loose Press™ includes cutting instructions for the logs so every inch of fabric is utilized. Since the log cabin blocks finish to 12 inches, you only need to make 16 blocks so you can finish the entire project in an afternoon.

All you need is TWO jelly rolls along with background and accent fabric to create this stunning full/queen-sized quilt. The pattern Jelly Roll Blues #CLPCAM023 from Cut Loose Press™ includes cutting instructions for the logs to best utilize the fabric. The center square is pieced from 2-1/2 inch strips as well to add to the courthouse steps effect. Since the log cabin blocks finish to 12 inches, you only need to make 42 blocks so you can finish the entire project in a weekend.

Make either quilt with the Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool Two Quilt Ruler #CGRJAW2 designed by Jean Ann Wright.

Creative Grids Log Cabin Trim Tool Two 6in & 12in Blocks Quilt Ruler

Grids Girls Unite

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Penny Haren

Many of you know Deb Heatherly from her Grids Girls program. Almost 7,000 women sew along with her as she designs projects using Creative Grids® rulers. She is responsible for the design of many of my favorite tools: the Cat’s Cradle and Cat’s Cradle XL; the Ultimate Flying Geese Tool; Strippy Star, Kitty Cornered Tool, and Turbo 4-Patch.

She also loves to play with Creative Grids® tools by other designers. All of these designs were inspired when she was testing and playing with other tools:

Both of these Cut Loose Press™ quilts were made with the Creative Grids® Folded Corner Clipper – one of our most versatile tools!

Creative Grids Folded Corner Clipper Tool

These Cut Loose Press™ patterns feature the Creative Grids® Seam Guide – the fastest way to mark half-square triangles:

And, this table topper and table runner feature the Creative Grids® Diamond Mini by Krista Moser.

Creative Grids 60 Degree Mini Diamond Ruler

For those of you who love handwork, she also created this hexie pillow to highlight a favorite photo or block.

Deb is using this quarantine time to her best advantage – designing, creating, and playing in her studio! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

The Perfect Technique Class

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Penny Haren

I am so excited to introduce my newest booklet – Dresden Plate Quilts from Cut Loose Press™! Here is what makes this book different!

There are three different quilts in one book – all made with the same Creative Grids® ruler (Item #CGRTKAL45), one 40 pack of 2-1/2 inch strips, and your choice of background, accent, and binding fabric!

Dresden Plate Quilts includes three different variations of the Dresden plate block: one pointed, one round and a split. You have the opportunity to learn three different techniques – and three different ways to use the ruler for three times the fun!

And just look at the quality! The photography is stunning!

This 16-page full-color booklet gives step by step instructions to make all three. And it is affordable! What a great choice for a demo day! Order the booklets, rulers, and an assortment of (40) 2-1/2″ strip bundles. Don’t forget to have some coordinates displayed for the backgrounds and accent fabrics! I can’t wait to hear what YOU do to make it your own!

Browse the pages with Penny.

//www.checkerdist.com/products/CLPBOOK001?openproduct

The Ultimate Log Cabin Tool

Posted on October 4, 2020 by Penny Haren

The 10″ Creative Grids® Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo truly is the ultimate tool! This tool features two sets of squares. Use the standard markings to create 1″ finished width logs. Use the skinny squares to create 1/2″ finished width logs. Or combine the two in one block! Talk about unlimited options! Stop at any time to make four through ten-inch blocks!

Creative Grids 10in Log Cabin Trim Tool Duo

The Cut Loose Press™ Rick Rack Table Runner combines traditional log cabin blocks with mini pieced blocks that are “logged out” for that awe factor.

Rick Rack Table Runner

Just look at these Cut Loose Press™ patterns – all created with the same tool!

Fly Away Log Cabin

This Way and That

Ring Around the Rosies Tote

Floating Cabin

Inside Out

Express Yourself

City Stars

Star of Valor

My House

Combining the log cabins with other Creative Grids® tools such as the Strippy Star, Kitty Cornered Tool, and the Ultimate Flying Geese? You get the picture! This is a must-have tool!

Hootie in Log Cabins

Posted on July 18, 2020 by Penny Haren

Hootie #CLPLDB007 is the latest in a series of wall hangings designed by Lisa DeBord for Cut Loose Press™ that incorporates log cabin and curvy log cabin blocks. What else can I say when you have this level of cuteness!

Wilmington Prints has a complete line of Essential Gems that come in a multitude of colors – which are the perfect pre-cuts to display with these patterns. Most of the blocks are made with 1 1/4″ strips so these 2 1/2″ strips can be cut in half – a great way to get a variety of fabrics in a colorway!

2-1/2in Strips Essential Gems Coffee Cafe 6 bundles per package

This series uses the Creative Grids® 4″ Log Cabin Trim Tool #CGRJAWMN4 and 4″ Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool #CGRJAW6MINI.

Creative Grids 4in Log Cabin Trim Tool Quilt Ruler

Creative Grids 4in Curvy Log Cabin Trim Tool

Norbert #CLPLDB006 just came out last month. You still have time to make him for the holidays.

Oliver #CLPLDB005 the koala was inspired by the wild fired in Australia.

Waddles #CLPLDB004 and Noggins #CLPLDB003 are so adorable, I had to make them both! They are totally done so I can’t wait to hang them this holiday season!

Why not do a class? Demonstrate and teach the traditional courthouse steps and log cabin blocks (if needed) in one class. Follow up with a class on the curvy log cabin. Need a shop sample? Divide the blocks up between your employees. Since they are all done with the trim tools, all of the blocks will be the same size and the finished blocks will go together beautifully. An added bonus – everyone will know how to use the tools!

Newest Release From Creative Grids

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Penny Haren

The newest Creative Grids® tool, Kitty Cornered, developed by Deb Heatherly is simply brilliant! It is one of those blocks that I always paper-pieced in the past because I just couldn’t sew those odd angles accurately. Well, not anymore!

Make eleven different sizes of the Kitty Cornered block – two at a time! Cut the odd angles with the tool, then trim them down to size after sewing. Fast, easy and accurate! Make two Kitty Cornered blocks at one time – the printed cutting chart is right on the tool! Create eleven sizes from 1 to 6 inches – and every half inch in between. The ruler comes with fully illustrated step by step instructions or watch the YouTube video to see a demonstration.

And, of course, there are sooo many companions. Daddy’s Ties is a Cut Loose Press™ pattern and is the perfect choice for a memory quilt. I am making this one with a friend who lost her husband a few years ago. We are using his ties – and oxford cloth shirts for the background squares. What an heirloom!

Combining four of the blocks – and sewing them together like a nine-patch creates this stunning quilt – Kitty Cornered Chained. Don’t you love the larger units as accents in the middle border?

Evergreen Runner is a fast, easy project combining half-square triangles and Kitty Cornered blocks.

By reversing the lights and darks in the block, a whole new design is created in Happy N Blessed.

Nostalgia combined Kitty Cornered blocks with three inch log cabins – created with the four inch log cabin trim tool.

Need a patriotic table runner this summer? Liberty Runner is just the ticket and you can finish it in an afternoon!

I love this Maple Leaf table runner that is cut from 10 – 10″ squares so it is easy to kit for classes! I cut kits for this yesterday and am using a gray background – can’t wait to start sewing!

Aptitude is a full pattern that includes instructions for a lap as well as a queen sized quilt. This pattern uses the Creative Grids® CGRDH2 Strippy Stars Tool and the CGRDH5 Kitty Cornered Tool. Fabric selection is easy! Just choose a background and two additional contrasting colors.

Catagonia also features lap and queen sizes and combines the Cat’s Cradle tool by Deb with the Kitty Cornered tool. The pattern calls for a variety of fabrics in the cat’s cradle units so pull out your scraps!

Sassafras combines the Ultimate Flying Geese tool with the Kitty Cornered Tool for maximum effect. With just three colors, it is oh so simple to choose fabrics.

Pick out 9 Fat Quarters and a background fabric, and use the Creative Grids® CGRDH5 Kitty Cornered tool to make this fun 55″ x 70″ quilt designed by Christine Van Buskirk. Don’t you love the dark background???

Flurry is a 64″ x 80″ Fat Quarter friendly quilt is stunning in blues. Using CGRFCC (6″ Folded Corner Clipper) is also featured in the instructions as an optional tool for the diamond in a square assembly.

The tool and Cut Loose Press™ patterns are in stock. The full-sized patterns are due in any day so place your orders now!

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