Spot on Dots

Posted on February 22, 2020 by Penny Haren

This is such a brilliant idea! I can’t wait to use them on my Creative Grids Trim Tools! Cutting fabric accurately is the first step in creating quilts that lay flat, points that line up, and pieces that fit just right. The Gyspy Quilter Spot on Dots allows you to see exactly where you’ve lined up your fabric on your ruler by giving you magnified visibility at the point that matters most. For precision-perfect accuracy, Spot on Dots is the perfect tool for you!

The small dot is 1 inch in diameter. The large dot is 2 inches in diameter. At the center, magnification is 3x.

Place Spot on Dot adhesive side down onto your favorite ruler at the spot you want to magnify. The reusable adhesive ring will prevent the Spot on Dot from shifting while you make precise cuts. The Spot on Dot stays in place until you remove it. Store in its case after use. You can reactivate the grip on the Spot On Dot by simply washing with mild soap and water.

The Gypsy Quilter Magnified

Posted on December 30, 2019 by Penny Haren

Cutting fabric accurately is the first step in creating quilts that lay flat, points that line up, and pieces that fit just right. Spot On Dot Magnifying Lens Set allows you to see exactly where you’ve lined up your fabric on your ruler by giving you magnified visibility at the point that matters most. For precision-perfect accuracy, Spot on Dots is the perfect tool for you! 3X Magnification

Place Spot on Dot adhesive side down onto your favorite ruler at the spot you want to magnify.

The reusable adhesive ring will prevent the Spot on Dot from shifting while you make precise cuts. The Spot on Dot stays in place until you remove it. Store in its case after use. You can reactivate the grip on the Spot On Dot by simply washing with mild soap and water.

These are coming out in February. I can’t wait to use them on my Creative Grids® specialty tools!

Jelly Roll Rugs are not just for the Floor.

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Penny Haren

Roma of RJ Designs has added a new pattern to her popular jelly roll rug series – Pillows, Placemats, Coasters and Trivet Too!

What a fun and easy Make It/Take It class for the holidays! Roma has endorsed the new Gypsy Quilter Jelly Roll Tube Maker that removes the tedious folding step.

I don’t want to miss anything so I am quoting the description:

To make the Fabric & Batting Tube, place a thin batting strip on the wrong side of a 2 1/2″ fabric strip. Feed the layered (fabric & thin batting) strip, batting side up, into the wide end of the Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker. If needed, place a sewing awl in the slot on the tool to pull the layered strip through. Then fold the now magically folded, layered strip in half as it comes out the other end & place under the sewing machine presser foot ready to stitch. Keep the Jelly Roll Tube Maker close to the sewing machine & slide along as you sew.
The metal Jelly Roll Tube Maker may be used with or without an iron (with caution) for other similar technique projects.

Endorsement:
“As the creator of the original Jelly Roll Rug & subsequent patterns, I have dreamt of the production of this amazing, helpful notion. The strong, sturdy & durable Jelly Roll(tm)Tube Maker will ease the sometimes tedious & painful folding process of creating the fabric & batting tubes. The Jelly Roll ™ Tube Maker will save time, produce consistent width tubes & help to provide amazing results.”

You won’t be able to make just one!

Rotary Blade Guards

Posted on November 1, 2019 by Penny Haren

These were a big hit at Market! These guards protect your fingers from the blade! They come in packs of four – and should be a must have for every rotary cutter in every shop and class!

They are specifically designed to work with the OLFA ergonomic cutter.

They are also available for the 60mm size:

What a great stocking stuffer! They will be available very soon!

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!

Wool Mats to Fit your Needs

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Penny Haren

For all of you who already own a wool mat from The Gypsy Quilter and LOVE it, two new sizes are now available. I travel and teach most of the year and see you with your tray tables next to you for an ironing station. Now there is a mat to fit the most common size of table: 13 x 19-1/2 inches!

Please remember: These pressing mats can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.

Perfect for that quilter on the go! But what about when you are in your sewing room? We have the answer for that as well! There is now one big enough to fit your Big Board – a whopping 22 x 59 inches! This 3/8″ wool mat is the perfect choice for pressing entire quilt tops.

If you haven’t tried these yet, here are the details and why you should:

Press any pieced or embroidered block with ease. The density of this high-quality 100% felted wool mat absorbs seams and stitches, effectively pressing both sides at once. Block knitted projects as well by pinning them directly to the mat. An added bonus? The texture of the wool stops fabrics from shifting so there is no distortion when pressing.

Tips and Tricks
The pressing mat can be used with a dry iron on any surface. If using steam, place the mat on a protected surface since moisture does go through the mat and can harm the surface below.

Never place the mat on a rotary cutting mat when pressing. The heat could warp the cutting mat.

If mat feels damp after use, hang to air-dry before storing. Wash the mat occasionally by rinsing it in cold water and hanging the mat until dry – especially if using spray starch.

Safe surfaces include Formica, Corian, stone, and metal (an ironing board). Wood and painted surfaces should be avoided.

A wool mat is a handy tool for quick pressing when kept next to your sewing machine.

Twelve Days of Christmas – Part One

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Penny Haren

Not only were all of these items hot at Market, but I also worked Festival and the Novi show in Michigan – and the consumers agree!

The Creative Grids® Stripology Squared Mini is a definite hit. Everyone loves the size and maneuverability of this baby! Designed to square up blocks up to 6 1/2″, I immediately learned that it is my go-to tool when sub-cutting strip sets. (The acrylic raises over the seams so there is no teeter-tottering like your experience with a traditional ruler.) Plus there are five patterns that support it. Offer it for Christmas and offer classes or demos featuring the patterns the first of the year.

Stripology Mixology is the perfect companion to ALL of the Creative Grids® stripology rulers. The book features 13 quilts made from pre-cuts – and tells you how to cut your own. And who doesn’t want a cocktail over the holidays – recipes included!

The portable Reliable Iron is amazing! It is not only an iron, but it is also a steamer. It gets to a temperature of over 300 degrees in a short amount of time. The bag is insulated so you can leave class before the iron is entirely cool – just leave the long cord on the outside of the bag. Another feature – the outside of the bag has a silicone side to use as a rest when in use. This one is a winner!

What good is an iron without a great ironing mat? These Gypsy Quilter mats come in a variety of sizes. The 13 1/2″ mat is one of the most popular sizes since it is big enough to press a 12 1/2″ block!

Stay Tuned for Part Two….

Tools for the Aging Quilter – Part One

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Penny Haren

Think how much joy we get from quilting. It is not just a hobby. Quilting becomes a way to show friends and family that we love them. Classes, quilt shops and guilds provide a social aspect. And many quilters use it as a way to pay it forward by donating quilts. What can you do as a shop owner? Provide them with the tools that they need to quilt as long as they possibly can!

As we age, hand strength becomes an issue. Many women have mentioned that cutting the entire length of the ruler is an issue. They tend to slip and move away from the edge of the tool as they extend their arm. The perfect solution? The Creative Grids® Stripoology rulers. The weight of this ruler is enough to hold it in place without slipping so those with carpal tunnel issues won’t have to apply pressure to their thumbs to hold the ruler in place. And since the rotary cutter is placed in slots, every strip will be the same width.

Be sure to share the Creative Grids® Stripology Squared ruler as well. It is smaller and may be easier for an aging quilter to manipulate.

An added bonus? Since you don’t have to re position the ruler with each cut, you can cut 75% faster than with a traditional ruler. For those who can only rotary cut for limited periods of time due to arthritis, cutting 15 minutes instead of an hour is huge!

But sometimes, another ruler is required. That is when The Gypsy Quilter Gripper comes into play. The Gypsy Gripper is designed with two suction cups that attach to any smooth ruler surface. The Gripper ensures that even pressure is applied to the cutting surface so you can relax and rest your hand comfortably over the handle. Since no death grip is required, this tool is recommended for anyone with hand issues such as arthritis and carpal tunnel. Your hand is always away from the rotary cutter so your fingers are out of harm’s way.

There are also smaller sizes. Check our website for other options.

Thanks for the Memories – Open House in Pictures – Part Three

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Penny Haren

The vendors went above and beyond to make our customers feel welcome. They are the heart of the event…

Kathleen and Pat are the ladies behind the scenes that make Cut Loose Press a reality…

Terry – the creator of Terial Magic shared all of the uses for this “super starch” that totally washes out – amazing….

Debra from Zebra Patterns shared many of her block of the month programs – as well as the new shop program, Post Card Party….

Janet Lutz – the shop owner who developed and launched the Row by Row Experience – single-handedly made shops profitable this summer…

Jessi from Lumi shared her sun activated dyes – the first dyes that are truly user friendly….

I spent way too much time in the Mettler booth talking to Phil Newton – who is an expert on thread….

Susan Cleveland of Pieces be with You accents her pieces with exquisite piping and shared the technique with our customers….

Lanette Edens demonstrated a host of notions as well as the Gypsy Quilter products….

Diane and Dotti of Graphic Impressions hosted a Toy Shop for those impulse sales at the register…

Deborah and Adam of Plum Easy shared their pin cushion and hot pad patterns that are always int he top 20, along with walnut shells….

Stephanie Prescott of Quilter’s Dream has an amazing sense of color – and it shines through in her fabrics and patterns….

Everything is bigger in Texas – except Kay Whitt of Serendipity! This diminuative lady has a dramatic sense of style and showed shop owners how to incorporate garment sewing into their business…

F & W Media shared the details of a new magazine program geared for shops….

Learning opportunities were everywhere!

Why Wait Until Market? Open House Part Three

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Penny Haren

We are always thrilled when we can offer you an exclusive! We strive to provide independent quilt shops with quality products that are not available in the chains – and the education to sell them. In the Patch Designs is a case in point. They hand-dye beautiful wools that are only available in quilt shops. The packaging is adorable, the quality is superb, and they will be at the Open House to answer all of your questions about wool! The wool now comes in 5″ square assortments as well as Chubbies – 16″ squares.

Item #CP4926

We know you don’t just want to buy wool, you want to use it! So we have invited Stacy West of Buttermilk Basin to participate. She has several block of the month programs in wool and embroidery that would be great kits. And, now that Checker carries Valdani pearl cotton, why not offer it for the embroidery???

Item #BMB1084 Retail $9.00

Penny Sturgis will be sharing her techniques that make her purses so special. Learn what products make her purses look like the designer originals. After all, they ARE designer originals – that can be made in classes in your store!

Item #PS008 Retail $9.00

Liesl Gibson will be sharing her book and patterns for your favorite child – and share the finishing techniques that add that professional touch.

Item #STC9910-8 Retail $27.50

Mary Pierson of Transfer-Eze will show you how to transfer designs for your favorite embroidery patterns. What a great addition to your kits…your customers will love it and come back for more.

Item #TE814 Retail $18.95

Lanette Edens of The Gypsy Quilter will be demonstrating a host of products. Let Lanette teach you how! She is one of the best demonstrators I have ever seen and will share her tricks with you!

Item #TGQ002 Retail $17.00

Karen Montgomery of The Quilt Company is doing a school house on Monday as well as demonstrating in her booth throughout the show.

Item #TQC272 Retail $8.50

Cathy Wierzbicki will be sharing her two latest members of The Quilter’s Boot notion family.

Item #TTQBOOT Retail $8.00

And to top off the event, Sue Hausmann will be demonstrating all of her favorite notions – and teaching you how to do it!

Contact Janis Plomaritis at jplomaritis@www.checkernewsletter.comcheckerdist.com or call her at 419-893-3636 ext. 624 to register.

Checker News Blog

Resource for Independent Quilt, Sewing, and Needlearts Retailers

Tag Archives: The Gypsy Quilter